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“People, Look East”3rd Sunday of Advent

December 17, 2017

Westminster At Worship

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Prelude: When The Savior Jesus Christ Jean-Francois Dandrieu arr. Diane Bish

Time of Welcome

*Sharing of the Peace of Christ Leader: The Angels of the Advent story repeated the message over and over, as they said “Peace be with you”. May the peace of this promised child be with you all.People: And also with you.

Call to Worship Leader: People, look East. The time is nearPeople: of the crowning of the year. Leader: Make your house fair as you are able;People: trim the hearth and set the table.Leader: People, look East and sing today:People: Love, the Guest, is on the way!

*Processional Hymn: #97 Watchman, Tell Us of the Night Aberystwyth +(Verses 1 & 3)

Time of Confession Invitation to Confession Prayer of Confession

Gracious God, we confess that we see Christmas more as a Holiday than a Holy day. Forgive us when our lives are inconsistent with our celebrations. Forgive us, O Lord, for claiming to love you, then ignoring the needs of your children; for calling you our Parent, then denying our kinship with others of the human family; for singing the hymns of grace, and not being gracious with others, for making the claims of faith and not keeping faith with one another. Forgive us, too, O Lord, when we seek justice and mercy without your wisdom and strength. On this Third Sunday of Advent, restore us to you, O Lord, and to one another. Lord, hear our confession and those we offer in the silence, ….. (a silence is kept) Amen.

Assurance of ForgivenessLeader: Friends, believe the good news of God’s grace. People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

*Response to Forgiveness: Advent Gloria Besançon arranged by Richard ShephardGlory to God in highest Heav’n, peace to all your people given, Almighty God, your grace abounding, we give you glory,

our praise resounding; we worship you, and sing today, Christ, our Hope, is on the way.

Prayer for Illumination

Reading from the Old Testament Numbers 24:15-17a, p. 112

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.People: Thanks be to God.

++Children’s Moment: #85 Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah Tif In Veldele As the children come forward, the congregation shall sing verse 3. As the children return to their seats, the congregation shall sing verse 3.

Lighting of the Advent CandleLeader: And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Children: People, look East. The time is near. Leader: Watch and wait for the coming of Christ.People: Love, the Star, is on the way.

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Westminster At WorshipReading from the New Testament II Peter 1:12-19, p. 185

Response: #105 People, Look East (Verse 4) BesançonStars, keep the watch. When night is dim one more light the bowl shall brim, shining beyond the frosty weather,

bright as sun and moon together. People look east and sing today: Love, the Star, is on the way.

Sermon: “LOVE, THE STAR” Rev. Dr. Paul J. Kirbas

*Hymn of Discipleship: #152 What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright Puer Nobis Nascitur

*Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed (Traditional) Hymnal p. 35

++Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional) Hymnal p. 35 Invitation to Offering Offertory: ++There Shall a Star from Jacob Shine Forth from Christus Felix Mendelssohn

There shall a Star from Jacob come forth, and a Sceptre from Israel rise up, and dash in pieces princes and nations. As bright the star of morning gleams, so Jesus sheddeth glorious beams of light and consolation!

Thy Word, O LORD, radiance darting, truth imparting, gives salvation; Thine be praise and adoration!Chancel Choir; Steve Thompson, Organ

*Advent Doxology Lasst Uns Erfreuen All praise, eternal Son to thee, whose advent doth thy people free, alleluia, alleluia;

whom with the Father we adore and Holy Spirit evermore. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

++*Prayer of Thanksgiving

+The Sacrament of Holy Communion *Recessional Hymn: #86 The People Who Walked in Darkness Isaiah 9+(Verses 1 & 5)

*Benediction

Postlude: In dulci jubilo BMV 729 J.S. Bach

Hymn and scripture text printed with permission granted by CCLI License #2337964.

*This sign is an invitation, to all who are able, to stand as they offer God thanks and praise.+This sign indicates Chapel Worship Service only. ++This sign indicates Sanctuary Worship Service only.

✿Worship Flowers today are dedicated to the glory of God and given in loving memory of Sandy H. Singleton, by Amy, Sandy, Tim and Lila.

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Leading in Worship Pastor/Head of Staff: Rev. Dr. Paul J. Kirbas

Associate Pastor for Congregational Care: Rev. Michelle JunkinAssociate Pastor for Youth and Education: Rev. Abbey Walker

Elder Liturgist: Dave Thompson

Director of Worship and Music: Josh PhelpsOrgan: Steve Thompson, Principal Organist

Carillon: Lisa HartAcolyte: Thomas Harbison

At A Glance4400 North Shartel Avenue

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118

Sunday Schedule 8:30 AM - Chapel Worship9:30 AM - Christian Education10:30 AM - Sanctuary Worship Office HoursMonday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PMPhone (405) 524-2224Online www.wpcokc.orgService Broadcast Sundays - • 5 AM on KOKH (check local listings)• 11 AM on KOCO (check local listings) • online via our LiveStream at:

http://www.wpcokc.com/live-streaming

I would like to speak with a pastor or ministry leader...

Rev. Dr. Paul KirbasPastor / Head of Staff(405) 524-2224 ext 275pkirbas@wpcokc.org

Rev. Michelle JunkinAssociate Pastor for Congregational Care(405) 524-2224 ext 222mjunkin@wpcokc.org

Rev. Abbey WalkerAssociate Pastor for Youth & Education(405) 524-2224 ext 233awalker@wpcokc.org

Josh PhelpsDirector of Worship & Music(405) 524-2224 ext 240jphelps@wpcokc.org

Darci McKinnonDirector of Children’s Ministry405.524.2224 ext. 244dmckinnon@wpcokc.org

Glenn DunnCommissioned Lay Pastor405.524.2224 ext. 2227 gdunn@wpcokc.org

Laurel HallPastoral Intern405.524.224 ext. 232lhall@wpcokc.org

Heather SelementNursery & KKA Director405.524.2224 ext. 248 hselement@wpcokc.org

Dear Congregation,

As we gather for this third Sunday of Advent, Christmas Eve is quickly approaching. Since Christmas Eve is on a Sunday this year, it offers some challenges and changes to our usual Christmas Eve schedule. On Sunday morning of Christmas Eve, we will have one morning service at 10:30 AM. This will be a service that combines the Fourth Sunday of Advent with Christmas Eve and will be our family and children’s service. Later that day, we will hold a 7 PM Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, and an 11 PM Candlelight and Communion Christmas Eve Service. At 1 PM Christmas Eve, KOCO will offer a full hour broadcast of our Christmas at Westminster program. Westminster will be humming all day long!

Looking ahead into 2018, I want to invite you to join us for the first Kirbas Institute Dinner program, to be held at the Oklahoma History Center on Thursday, January 25. The evening will begin with a 6 PM reception with hors-d’oeuvres, a full dinner, and a presentation from CNN journalist John Sutter, who has received two Emmy nominations for his

environmental series “2 Degrees”. His talk title is interesting: “Forget Al Gore. The Five Things You Really Need to Know about Climate Change”. For more information and tickets to the event, please visit www.kirbasinstitute.org.

Please also be reminded that a deadline is approaching for registration for the September 2018 Acts Tour as we follow the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. You can find the brochure in the Garden Court, and all the information, including the registration process, is on our website.

Let us now proceed into the Third Sunday of Advent, and we will lift up the verse of People, Look East that states that “Love, the Star, is on the way.” Let’s see how the image of a star reveals the promise of the Christ Child, and see how it reveals a real challenge to us as His followers today.

In God’s Love,

Dr. Paul J. KirbasPastor/Head of Staff

A Note From Rev. Dr. Paul J. Kirbas

STEWARDSHIP 2017As we enter the last quarter of 2017, please note the remaining amount needed to make our goal for the 2017 Annual Stewardship Campaign is $236,748. As construction begins on our 2020 Capital Campaign, it presents the need to make large disbursements of funds to pay for the renovations. We thank everyone who pledged and supported the 2020 capital campaign. In order to stay on schedule, if you are able to do so, please prayerfully consider making your commitment earlier. Our thanks to everyone who has made, and can make, this possible!

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN 2018During the weeks ahead, through special mailings, special events, and presentations in worship, you will be invited to offer a pledge of financial support for the work of the church in the year ahead. Be in prayer now as you seek to discern what God is calling you to do. It is an exciting time in the life of our church. Together, let’s imagine what God could do through our giving! As of today, 240 families have turned in their pledge cards for the 2018 Stewardship Campaign totaling $1,342,153.00 . Baskets are at the church entrances and front desk, giving you the opportunity to turn in your 2018 Stewardship Pledge Card.

A NEW PASTOR’S CLASS / STARTING SUNDAY, JANUARY 14THE SANCTIFIED BODY: HOW HOLY LIVING CAN CHANGE US FROM THE INSIDE OUTThroughout history, there has been a constant debate about the relationships of determinism and free will, of DNA and free choice, and of Nature vs. Nurture. Recent discoveries about how our genes work offer startling new insight into the real relationship between our internal DNA and our external lives and experience. In this Pastor’s Class, Dr. Kirbas will share these discoveries, and look at the implications they offer for our lives and our faith. Is it possible to sanctify our bodies as well as our spirits? Join us for The Sanctified Body, beginning Sunday, January 14, at 9:30 AM in the Social Hall.

Westminster OfferingsFAMILY MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

2ND ANNUAL SKI TRIPWho: Middle and High School Youth (grades 5-12) When: Jan 12-15, 2018Where: Winter Park, ColoradoWhy: To build up the body of Christ through relationships and have a little fun!How: We’ll take a charter bus from WPC to Winter Park, ski for two days, stay for two nights, and head back.Theme: Equipped

CHILDREN’S MOMENT / 10:30 AM WORSHIPAll children are invited to come forward for a special message. Afterwards your children are welcome to stay in worship, or a nursery is provided in room 106 and 109 (children 4 and under). Children (5 years – 2nd grade) may be sent with Children’s Ministry Director Darci McKinnon, to attend Full Circle (10:30 service only). Parents may pick children up after worship from the Children’s Worship space to the right of the stairs on the 2nd floor.

DOES YOUR CHILD WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP?Since Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, our Family Service will be at 10:30 AM in the Sanctuary. This will be an exceptional service that will feature the youngest members of our church family. We hope you and your loved ones will join us! If your child is interested in participating in this unique service, the children will be preparing and practicing special music during the Sunday School hours (9:30 AM – 10:15 AM) today. For additional information, contact Darci McKinnon at: dmckinnon@wpcokc.org or 405-524-2204 ext. 244.

DINNER WITH LOVEVolunteers Needed For Dinner with Love. Sign-up in the Garden Court. Volunteers are needed to help in a variety of ways. Some help cook, others box up meals, and drivers receive a box with the name and address of a family and deliver the meals personally. To date DWL has provided over 36,000 meals since 2008. This is one way you can share with a family in need. Questions? Contact Rev. Junkin at michelle@wpcokc.org.

WESTMINSTER HOLY YOGAWestminster’s Holy Yoga will be led by our own pastoral intern Laurel Hall, starting Tuesday, January 16, from 10 AM – 11 AM in the Youth Room. This free class is for all people, no experience necessary. Come and try a new spiritual practice of Yoga, Prayer, & Meditation in the New Year!

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEEDS A FEW GOOD MEN & WOMEN!Come and help us spruce up our new Children’s Worship Space. The Classroom that we are using for Full Circle needs a face-lift - we will be painting, cleaning and re-purposing our new and improved Children’s Worship Space on Saturday, January 6, 2018, 9 AM – 1 PM, Childcare can be provided if requested. Contact Darci McKinnon at dmckinnon@wpcokc.org (405)524-2204 ext. 244 to RSVP. Thank you in advance for your willingness to help us in this way!

Christmas Eve ChildcareChildcare is available for ages 3 years and under during the 10:30 AM & 7 PM worship.

There will be NO childcare during the 11 PM worship.

Connecting Point At Worship

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Prelude

*Welcome and Gathering Hymn: #610 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing Azmon

Greeting & Announcements

Call to Worship (Responsive) Leader: Prepare the way of the Lord!People: Let us prepare our hearts and minds this Season of Advent that we might be faithful and alert for signs of Christ’s coming.Leader: Come, and be joyful! People: Let us worship God.

Prayer of the Day

*Hymn: #439 O My Soul, Bless Your Redeemer Stuttgart

Call to Confession Prayer of Confession (unison) Almighty God, Light of the World, you caused light to shine out of the darkness in the advent of Jesus our Christ. We ask that the Spirit of Christ be born anew within us, that our hearts may be stirred in such ways that we might respond this Advent Season with joy that only you can inspire. Forgive us for seeking happiness in vain pursuits. Forgive us for failing to find joy in the blessings you so bountifully give. Forgive us for our insatiable appetites and our failure to rejoice in others’ blessings out of envy. Make these crooked paths in our hearts straight so that we may fully rejoice in your abiding presence and generous provision. It is in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Declaration of Forgiveness (Responsive)Leader: Alleluia! Glory be to the Holy One who can make all things new! People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Alleluia!

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Prayer for Illumination

Scripture Readings Old Testament: Psalm 126 Gospel: Luke 1:46-55

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.People: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Sermon

*Hymn: #92 While We Are Waiting, Come Waiting

Sermon: “From Generation to Generation” Laurel Hall

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s PrayerLeader: Loving God, we lift our hearts to you as we share our joys and concerns with you and one another. Petitioner: (shares a joy or concern) I lift up my heart.People: Lord, hear our prayer. Leader: And now hear our voices as we join together in the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray saying, People: Our Father...

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Invitation to Give as We Have Been Blessed

Offering and Musical Offering

*Doxology: #606 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

Old Hundredth

*Prayer of Dedication

*Closing Hymn: #90 Wait for the Lord Wait for the Lord

*Charge & Benediction

*Postlude: #600 Amen Amen

Hymn and scripture text printed with permission granted by CCLI License #2337964.

*This sign is an invitation, to all who are able, to stand as they offer God thanks and praise.

Leading in WorshipPastoral Intern: Laurel Hall

Director of Worship and Music: Josh PhelpsWorship Music Coordinator: Tyler Eckert

Worship Music Team: Abbey Ahern, Jessie Eckert, Kyle Elliott, Opal Jane McDermitt, Angela Michael, Elisa Thompson

Melody Kruger and Children’s Sunday School

ConnectingPoint14501 N Rockwell Ave, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142ourconnectingpoint.org / 405.509.9368

IMPORTANT INFORMATION • A BIG thank you to Melody Kruger

for sharing her time, her talent, her enthusiasm, and her delightful music with our children and with us during worship today.

• We’re in need of volunteers to teach adult Sunday School for the fall / spring term. No experience required. Sign-up is in the back of the sanctuary.

LOOKING AHEAD EVERY SUNDAYSunday School / 9:30 - 10:30 AMCoffee & Fellowship / 10:30 - 11 AMWorship / 11 AM

DECEMBER18 Holiday Holy Yoga noon20 Holiday Holy Yoga noon24 Christmas Eve Lessons, Carols, and Lord’s Supper Service / 7 PM25 NO Holy Yoga

CAROLING & HOLIDAY PARTY TODAYOur Annual Caroling & Holiday Party will be on December 17. You’re encouraged to bring a snack to share. We will meet at 3 PM at Marilyn Laughbaum’s house to drop off snacks, then carpool to our ‘shut-ins’ to carol for them, then come back and celebrate the holiday season in fellowship. Marilyn’s address is 12205 Greystone Terrace Oklahoma City, OK 73120. All are welcome!

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A WORD ABOUT ADVENTWaiting. That’s the word we celebrate in these weeks we call Advent. Advent is a word that comes from the Latin word “adventus” which means “arrival” so this season is a time we wait for God like our ancestors did. We wait for Immanuel to interrupt our world with the good news of God’s presence here with us, in the everyday chaos of our lives and our world. We wait in hope instead of despair, in peace instead of anxiety, in joy instead of depression, and in love instead of isolation. In these weeks our faith combats all of the negativity that surrounds us by celebrating the journey and not just the destination. Come, Immanuel. We’re waiting.

50 BLESSING BAGSThe Bruton family used the donated hats, gloves, socks, and scarves to make 50 blessing bags for our friends at Exchange Avenue Baptist Church and their ministry to the homeless in our community. This is a perpetual need, so your continued donations are appreciated.

DECEMBER HOLY YOGAWe just couldn’t stand it. By popular demand, we are having noon Holy Yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays in December! We have an offering basket available to anyone who feels called to donate to this growing ministry. Come move, breathe, and worship with your whole body to a special holiday playlist. “Come adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King! Gloria in excelsis Deo!”

NO HOLY YOGA DECEMBER 25!

POINSETTIA DEDICATION• Marilyn Laughbaum - In memory of Kirk and Jeanne Lowrey - in honor of my Lowrey, Hoffman,

and Houston family members • Tyler and Jessie Eckert - in memory of our sweet

church members, Shirley Howard and Mary Burke• Vikki Dearing - In memory of Wendell and Sally

Boaz• Vikki Dearing - in honor of Michael Adee,

Kevin Chase, and Trice Gibbons • The Hensley Family - in memory of Pete

“Pops” Davis• Opal Jane Mcdermitt - In memory of my

boys, Charlie, Jim, and Tom • The Elder Family - In memory of John McDon-

ald• The Elder Family - in memory of Nola Shaffer• Marla Kirkpatrick - In memory of my loved ones

who have gone on• Laurel Hall - In honor of my awesome “pastor’s husband”

Ward Hall• The Ahern - in memory of Pistol Annie Ahern

Remember to silence all cell phones. No food or drinks are allowed in the Chapel or Sanctuary.

WPC CARES: Members in Need of Care. In order to care for our members who are hospitalized, home bound or simply needing prayer, please notify the church by e-mail at wpccares@wpcokc.org or by phone at 524-2224 ext. 222. Doing so helps our ministers and care team members know whom to visit. Without your help our ability to know who is in the hospital or in need is limited.

Deacon of the Week: Nancy Darnell - please contact her for congregational care needs at 550-4238.

Membership: Please send membership announcements (birth, marriage, death of relative) and changes (address, email, phone) to June White, june@wpcokc.org, 524-2224 ext 249.

Children’s Worship Bags can be found at the entrances to the Sanctuary. The bags contain activities that coordinate with the weekly worship theme. There are also some fun quiet games to enhance their worship experience.

If You Are Interested in scheduling a baptism or wedding, or need to notify the church of a death in order to coordinate a funeral or memorial service, please contact Lori Jirousek, Executive Assistant at 524-2224 ext. 228 or lori@wpcokc.org.

WPC FOUNDATION: Westminster Presbyterian Church Foundation has several designated funds that support different ministries and programs of our church. Is the Foundation already in your estate plan? If you have already included the WPC Foundation in your estate plans, but have not previously notified us, please let us know. We would like to properly thank you for your support. Please contact the Business Office or any of the Foundation Trustees: Paige Bass, Sally Bentley, Michael Brown, Hal Brown, Richard Darnell, Glenn Dunn, Sarah Frank, Susie Graves, Cliff Hudson, Ellen Morgan, Jim Richard, Chris Stephens, Alison Taylor

Happy Birthday! The following Westminster members are celebrating their birthdays this week. Please remember them in your prayers, that they may experience God’s grace in the coming year. December 17: Diana Beeler; Michael Biddinger; Joan M. Green; Becky Weintz December 18: Sandy Kimerer; Sandra Mayfield; Alex Oakley; Pam Smith December 19: Brenda Burkey; Emily Edens; Steph Gourley; Ward Hall; Ann Joullian; Graham Ramsay; Stan Wilson December 20: Mary Deane StreichDecember 21: Bobby Boyer; Brad Schick December 22: Mary Beavers; Peter Delaney; John McMillin; Robert Neville; Rebecca Skarky; Rob Varnum December 23: Adam Bowen; Karen Frederickson; Henry Gowan; Tom Lefmann; Angi Shaffer; Brent Turrentine

COMMUNION* DATESDecember 24, 2017 Christmas Eve, 11pm*served every Sunday in the Chapel service

BAPTISM DATES(2nd Sunday of each month)

MINUTE FOR MISSION(3rd Sunday of each month)

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION / SUNDAYS 9:30 AMAdult Bible Study: The Bible study this winter explores the twofold nature of faith as belief and action. During December, the five sessions reveal what the early church leaders proclaimed about living our faith in Christ and how in living the faith, people are restored to wholeness.

Adventurers Class: Comprised of adults ages 40 and over, the Adventurers meet downstairs in room LL30. Today: An Everyday Life of Faith, Led by John Kenney.December 24 - No ClassDecember 31 - No Class Genesis Class: This 50 and up singles class meets downstairs in LL28. Cornerstone Class: For adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s, LL29, studying the Animate Series on the Bible, led by Richard Zahn.

STEPHEN MINISTRYPressure: A burdensome, distressing, or weighty condition

Are you feeling pressure right now? Is it affecting your health, your attitude, or your relationships with your family and friends? Would you like to have someone to talk to, just to help you get through the next month or two?

Stephen Ministers are trained to assist and support those who are going through transitional life situations.

If you are feeling pressure pertaining to a situation in your life - or know someone who is - and would like to learn more about how Stephen Ministry can support you or a friend, please contact Rev. Michelle Junkin, our Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, or Glenn Dunn, our Commissioned Lay Pastor.

S.P.A.R.K. NEEDS YOUR HELP!Our after-school tutoring program, SPARK, needs volunteers to serve as substitutes for our tutors. SPARK tutors meet with first through third grade Horace Mann elementary school students at the SPARK house on N.W. 43rd, south of the church. We meet Monday through Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Each tutor works individually with three students, assisting with their homework, reading books, and playing educational games. SPARK provides the books and games.

We have a wonderful group of full-time tutors for all sessions, but we need additional volunteers who can be contacted to fill in when a tutor is ill or otherwise unable to attend on his/her regularly scheduled day.Won’t you please consider serving as a substitute? The time commitment is minimal, and the benefits are tremendous. The

Westminster Announcements

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KNIT N’ PURLJoin us as we knit hats for our SPARK kids, prayer shawls for our friends in the hospital and home bound members, drink coffee and enjoy wonderful fellowship. All levels of skill are welcome! Contact Marilyn North - 550-7765 or Sarah Frank - 820-4048. Scheduled meetings: January 30th, 2018 / 10 AM / The Parlor February 28th, 2018 / 10 AM / The Parlor

BLANKETEERSPut your quilting skills to use by making blankets for our new babies. Join us the third Friday of each month at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM in Room 104. Contact Marjorie Frank: 751-1018.

WORSHIP FLOWERSFlowers in the Chapel and Sanctuary may be purchased to honor a loved one or special occasion. The dedications will be mentioned in the bulletin. Please sign up in the book at the reception desk or online at: www.wpcokc.org. Cost is $60 per vase and there are 2 vases each week.