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Worship ServicesDecember 20, 2015

8:30 and 11 a.m.6:30 p.m.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

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To Our Guests,We especially welcome you today! More information about our church is available on our website at firstpresaugusta.org.

Spiritual CareIf you would like to speak to someone about what it means to know Jesus Christ or you have any spiritual need or question, please use one of the prayer cards in the pew rack to contact our pastors. Our church elders are also available to speak with you. An elder will be standing next to the pastor following the service.

Children’s Check-inWe are committed to the highest level of protection possible for the children placed in our care on Sundays and at all church events. For this reason, we require parents of newborns through fifth grade children to check in their children before they go to the nursery, Sunday School, Catechism, Children’s Church or any other children’s activity. Several kiosks are available in the Welcome Center.

Children’s WorshipWe offer a specially designed program for children in pre-k through fourth grade during the morning services. A leader will escort children from the sanctuary to their classrooms during the hymn of preparation. Parents are welcome to accompany them to observe where to pick them up after the service. Parents of children in pre-k through second grade are asked to pick up their children following Sunday School or the 11 a.m. worship service.

Nursery Nurseries are provided for infants and toddlers during the worship services and Sunday School. We provide a Mother/Infant Room located beside Nursery 1, and the Geneva Room is designated as a Cry Room for parents with fussy children, equipped with live video feed of the worship services. Ushers are available to direct you.

WelcomeWe are very glad to have you worshiping our gracious God with us today.

As stewards of God’s resources, we try not to print an excess of bulletins.We invite you to bring this bulletin with you when you return for the evening service.

Flowers The sanctuary flowers are given today to the glory of God

from the wedding of Megan Clark and Wyatt Mobley.

The Advent Wreath CelebrationEach Sunday during the Advent season we light a candle in our morning services and read the corresponding Scripture to focus our attention on Jesus and glorify him. We use three purple candles representing Hope, Love and Peace, and a pink candle representing the Joy that is ours because of Christ’s coming into the world and into our hearts and lives. The white candle in the center of the wreath is lit on Christmas Eve and represents the birth of Jesus. This tradition, dating back to A.D. 600, reminds us that the center of the Church and the center of our Christmas celebration is Christ Jesus.

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The Morning Services

The Meditation—I Wonder as I Wander .............Appalachian Carol, arr. John J. Niles

Theme: Mighty God

The Prelude—O Come, All Ye Faithful .............................................. arr. Dan Marvin(† Indicates the congregation standing)(*Ushers may seat worshipers at this time)

*Welcome and Announcements......................................................... Rev. John Franks

†The Call to Worship .................................................. from Isaiah 9 and Revelation 11To us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders.

He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

And he will reign for ever and ever.

The Lord be with you.And with your spirit.Let us worship God!

I wonder as I wander out under the sky, How Jesus the Savior did come for to dieFor poor, on’ry people like you and like I;I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus, ’twas in a cow’s stall,With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all;But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall,And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,A star in the sky or a bird on the wing,Or all of God’s angels in heaven for to sing,He surely could have it,’Cause he was the King!

John Wojick, trumpet

Kirsten Newlin, solo

Words and Music: Early Appalachian Carol | Arranged: John Jacob Niles | ©1934 G. Schirmer, Inc.

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*†The Hymn of Praise—Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus ................................Hyfrydol

Charles Wesley, 1744 | Mark E. Hunt, 1978 | Rowland Hugh Pritchard, 1855

(Verses 1, 3, 4)

†The Invocation (Please lift hands)

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The Sacrament of Baptism (8:30 a.m.) .........................................Clyde Erycson Cheelyson of Kendall and Lance Cheely

Edwin Clifford Eckles, IVson of Lindsey and Clifford Eckles

Ezra Rodriguezson of Rebecca and Adam Rodriguez

The Lighting of the Advent Candle—Joy

8:30 a.m. ..................................................................... The Weaver FamilyClaire and John; Emily, Charlotte, Perry Catherine, Caroline, Mary Margaret

11 a.m. .........................................................................The Farmer FamilyJakell and John

The Advent Response—Joy to the World .................................................... Antioch

(Sung by all)Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns: let all their songs employ,while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plainsrepeat the sounding joy,repeat the sounding joy,repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

The Sacrament of Baptism (11 a.m.) .................................................Collier Mae Lopezdaughter of McKenzie and William Lopez

David Michael Drakeson of Jennifer and Jeff Drake

Edith Ann Lacherdaughter of Virginia and Rob Lacher

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The Corporate Confession of Sin

Almighty, eternal God and Father, we confess and acknowledge that wewere conceived and born in sin, and are therefore inclined to all evil and slow toall good, that we transgress thy holy commandments without ceasing, and evermore corrupt ourselves. But we are sorry for the same, and seek thy grace andhelp. Wherefore have mercy upon us, most gracious and merciful God andFather, through thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant to us and increase in usthy Holy Spirit, that we may recognize our sin and unrighteousness from thebottom of our hearts, attain true repentance and sorrow for them, die to themwholly, and please thee entirely by a new and godly life. Amen. from Martin Bucer’s Strasburg Liturgy (1539)

†The Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

The Assurance of Pardoning Grace ...................................................... Matthew 1:21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

The Personal Confession of Sin (Please kneel if able to do so)

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The Offertory—Behold That Star! .......................................................arr. Mark Hayes

The Offering* (Please take a moment to sign the attendance register.)

Behold that star up yonder!It is the star of Bethlehem.

There was no room found in the innFor him who was born free from sin.The wise men came on from the EastTo worship him, the Prince of Peace.

A song broke forth upon the nightFrom angel hosts all robes in white.“Glory to God, world without end;Peace on the earth, good will to men”.

**†The PeaceThe peace of the Lord be with you always.

And also with you.

*Online giving is available at firstpresaugusta.org.* *Children in pre-k through fourth grade exit for Catechism classes at this time.

Kirsten Newlin, solo

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†The Hymn of Preparation—See, Amid the Winter’s Snow ....................... Humility(Verses 1, 3, 4)

Edward Caswall, 1851 | John Goss, 1870

1.2.3.4.

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a. “Babylon”

a. Humility

b. Battle

b. Greatness

1. Humbles the Proud

2. Exalts the Humble

Sermon—The Promised Mighty God .......................................Dr. George Robertson

The New Testament Lesson ............................................................... Revelation 14:8 page 1928 in the pew Bible

The Response This is the Word of God,Thanks be to you, O God.

The Silent Prayers of God’s People

For an audio download of today’s sermons, please visit the church website at firstpresaugusta.org/2015Sermons.

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The Postlude—Joy to the World ......................................................... arr. Dan MarvinJohn Wojcik, trumpet

†The Benediction (Please lift hands) (Please be seated following the benediction)

(Verses 1, 2, 3, 4)†The Hymn of Response—As With Gladness Men of Old .....................................Dix

William Chatterton Dix, 1860 | Conrad Kocher, 1838

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The Shorter Catechism, Question 77:

Q. What does the ninth commandment require?

A. The ninth commandment requires us to tell the truth and to maintain and promote it and our own and others’ reputations, especially when testifying.

Theme: God’s Care

The Evening Service

Jazz Prelude—Rejoice, Rejoice, Ye Christians/Comfort, Comfort You My People

Call to Worship ...............................................................................Rev. Mike Hearon

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†Song—Hark, the Herald Angels SingMike Murphy, Worship Leader

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†Song—Comfort, Comfort You My People

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†Song—God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (O Come, O Come)

English Carol, 18th century | English Melody, 18th century

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Evening Prayers

Of the Father’s love begottenEre the worlds began to beHe is Alpha and OmegaHe the source the ending heOf the things that are that have beenAnd that future years shall seeEvermore and evermore

O that birth forever blessedWhen the virgin full of graceBy the Holy Ghost conceivingBare the Savior of our raceAnd the babe the world’s RedeemerFirst revealed his sacred faceEvermore and evermore

O ye heights of heav’n adore himAngel-hosts his praises singPow’rs, dominions bow before himAnd extol our God and KingLet no tongue on earth be silentEv’ry voice in concert ringEvermore and evermore

This is he whom seers and sagesSang of old with one accordWhom the writings of the prophetsPromised in their faithful wordNow he shines the long-expectedLet creation praise its LordEvermore and evermore

Offertory—Of the Father’s Love Begotten ........................... Prudentius, Neale, Baker

Aurelius Prudentius, 5th Century; translated from Latin to English by John M. Neale, 1854, and Henry W. Baker, 1859

Music: Divinum Mysterium, Sanctus trope, 11th Century.

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†Song—Rejoice, Rejoice, Ye Christians

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Sermon —Does God Really Care? .....................................................Rev. John FranksIsaiah 40

The Silent Prayers of God’s People

1. God Comforts

2. God Controls

3. God Commissions

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†The Benediction

†Song—Angels, from the Realms of Glory

Chris WhiteDirector of Ministry Operationscwhite@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8837

Drew EptingRegional Director of Campus Outreachdrew.epting@campusoutreach.org, ext. 8847

Emily FreemanDirector of Women’s Discipleshipefreeman@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8831

Rick KeuroglianDirector of Evangelism & Community DevelopmentDirector of City Hope Alliancerkeuroglian@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8843

Clark NewtonDirector of Medical Campus Outreachclark@mcoaugusta.org, ext. 8841

Vonnie EidsonDirector of Communicationveidson@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8822

Jessica TatroDirector of Children’s Ministryjtatro@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8832

Louise ColemanDirector of Nursery Ministrylcoleman@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8849

John L. WilsonDirector of Music and Artsjwilson@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8827

Mike MurphyAssistant Director of Music and Artsmmurphy@firstpresaugusta.org

Michael InghamDirector of COA MobilizationDirector of Vision Pathwaysmingham@visionpathways.org

Pastoral Staff

Ministry Directors

Bonnie Bowles, Bookkeeperbbowles@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8840

Kelly Carelson, CO Resource Staffkelly.carelson@campusoutreach.org, ext. 8844

Beth Carson, Data Coordinator and Main Office Assistantbcarson@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8827

Michael Denney, Hope for AugustaMentor Coordinatormichael@hopeforaugusta.org

Francesca Fontanez, Youth Internffontanez@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8849

Jonathan Harper Pastoral Intern and Missions AssociateJharper@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8860

Lesley Hamm, Discipleship Coordinatorlhamm@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8831

Rachel Hyatt, Communication Associate rhyatt@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8833

Elaine Janik, Children’s Admin Assistantejanik@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8832

David Jones, MCO Resource Directordavid@mcoaugusta.org, ext. 8841

Sandy Lanclos, Event Coordinator and Assistant to Director of Operationsslanclos@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8820

Chandler Machemehl, Youth Interncmachemehl@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8849

J.T. Martin, CO Accountingjtmartin@campusoutreach.org, ext. 8848

Kaitlyn McNair, MCO Women’s Directorkaitlyn@mcoaugusta.org, ext. 8841

Luke Niday, Director of Outreach Operations and CO Global Resource Coordinatorluke.niday@campusoutreach.org, ext. 8845

Stephen Pittman, Hope for AugustaDirector of Educationstephen@hopeforaugusta.org, 678.234.9803

Alissa Preston, Family Nurture and Youthapreston@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8849

Jess Romer, Ministry Assistantjromer@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8855

Mallory SidesCanterbury Choir Directormsides@firstpresaugusta.org

Brandon Terry Pastoral Intern and IT Directorbterry@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8838

Clifton Tippins, Assistant Youth Director ctippins@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8849

Gregory Trent Maintenance Coordinatorgtrent@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8835

Pam TurleyFinance and Accounting Managerpturley@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8821

Meghann Robinson, Hope for AugustaArt Program Coordinatormeghann@hopeforaugusta.org

Ministry Staff

George RobertsonSenior Pastorofficeofsrpastor@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8855

John FranksAssociate Pastor, Family Nurturejfranks@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8849

Mike HearonAssociate Pastor, Outreach and Missionsmhearon@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8860

John BarrettAssociate Pastor, Discipleshipjbarrett@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8852

Mike PhillipsAssistant Pastor, Pastoral Caremphillips@firstpresaugusta.org

Jim KnightPastoral Associate, Pastoral Carejknight@firstpresaugusta.org

Robert Vasholz Pastoral Certificationbvasholz@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8859

Caleb ClickAssistant Pastor, Youth Ministrycclick@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8849

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Adult Sunday School Classes A guide to navigating our campus is available in the Welcome Center, and ushers are available to help direct newcomers and guests.

GreetersThese elders are greeting you during the month of December:

CLass CLass DesCription LoCation

College In college or of college age Murphy HallMCO Health care students Murphy HallYoung Professionals For those in their 20s and 30's, single or married Baker HouseYoung Married Young married couples Eve RoomStudent Families Parents of elementary – high school students Letchford HallCornerstone Parents of college students and older St. Andrew's HallCovenanters “Empty-Nesters” Geneva RoomTrinity Those with grandchildren and older Adult Classroom

8:30 a.m. Jim Carroll, David Haburchak, Matt Willis, Ed Hartmann, Ron Skenes11 a.m. Steve Hubbard, Tom Harley, Billy English, Jim Bodden, Sean Lynch6:30 p.m. Jim Carroll, David Haburchak, Billy English, Ed Hartmann, Sean Lynch