RIDGE ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH Advent...

RIDGE ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH

Advent 2017

...and on earth

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PRAYING FOR PEACE IN ADVENT

Changing the Way We Pray for Peace All of us, at one time or another, have felt heart-sick about the war in the Middle East. Apart from all the politics, we know that war is a failure of peace. No matter how evil the enemy, or how critically necessary it might be to remove him, war is simply tragic and results in the death of thousands of innocent people, and scars thousands more - if not all of us in some way. Most of the time, if we turn to God and beg for peace, it is difficult to know how to pray it. It can seem "futile." Can God really change the hearts of enough people to give peace a chance? A PART OF OUR ADVENT LONGING Part of our Advent longing will be to grow in our desire for peace - a hunger and thirst for it. On Christmas eve, we will hear the angels say to the shepherds:

"Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people." Let's let a desire for the Good News of Christmas grow in our hearts each day now. Let's feel the pain of "hostility" and fear and anxiety of all those who are in the middle of the terror of war - civilians, soldiers, and all of us. And as we feel this tremendous longing and hope, let's turn to God and ask for peace in our own hearts. In these precious days of preparation, we can all be peace-makers at home, with our friends and relatives, in our churches and faith communities and where we work. As we make our own efforts at peace around us, let's look to two of the women that scripture gives us. TWO WOMEN OF FAITH Whether we are a man or a woman, a little child, a teen, an adult, or aging, we can look to Elizabeth and Mary in our longing for peace - in our hearts and in the world. This photo of an Afghani mother

can help us bring together our longing for peace and our glimpse of Elizabeth in the Bible. Elizabeth suffered doubly. She was growing old and people judged her. People would have assumed that her "curse" of being child-less was a punishment from God. She deserved this suffering, because she was a sinner, they would have thought. When Elizabeth could not bear a child, she bore her suffering with faith. She had trust that God loved her and that, if it was God's desire, her marriage with Zachary would be fruitful with a child. In the meantime, her life and her marriage were fruitful with

hope. Oh, how she must have prayed for her husband's faith and consolation. She knew his pain. He would have no son to continue his priestly work. When God's message came to Zachary, inspiring him to hope that he would have a son, he was unable to speak, to say the child's name, because part of him still could not believe God could be that faithful. When he saw his child, Zachary's mouth could finally proclaim, what Elizabeth had longed for him to know: "His name is John." In Hebrew, "John" means, "God is a gracious giver." Could they ever imagine the child their trust in God gave birth to? How could they have dreamed of how John would prepare the way for a peace the world could not give?

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What is that place in my life that is like a barren desert? What seems dry and incapable of growth and life? Where am I guilty of the critical eye that presumes to judge the soul of another? Where can I grow in trust of God's desires for me - to place my life, as it is now, in God's hands? How can my heart and my mouth proclaim that God is faithfully gracious? How can I place my trust in - dream of - the barely imaginable?

This photo of an Iraqi mother can help us look toward Mary in our understanding of peace. Mary was innocent in every way. Yet, her very fidelity to God would cost her the understanding of others. They could never understand her pregnancy. How could she tell them that "the holy Spirit of God has overshadowed me"? But, Joseph knew. And, together, they formed a community of incredible faith in God's way. They would be at God's service - suffering, as all servants do. Mary's trust in God was so deep that she gave birth to the Prince of Peace. The intimacy between this

mother and her child was so profound, that the lance that pierced his heart on the cross, would pass through her heart first. This humble mother trusted that nothing would be impossible with God. Mary hurried to visit Elizabeth, to help and support her, but also to be strengthened herself with Elizabeth's faith. Oh, how we need each other to be in service of Jesus' mission! In what places in my life do I ask, "How can this be"? There are impossible barriers to peace. How do I say that I just can't see how it is possible to believe in the power of God - here in my heart, in my home, among my family and friends, at work, among these peoples? How am I being invited to respond, "May it be done to me according to your word"? How can I be faithful to being in God's service - and not be so worried about what people think of me? And in my growing desire to be more intimate with Jesus in my everyday life, in what concrete ways, with what particular persons, can I let the pattern of his life transform my life? How can I hurry to support others, while finding the community of faith I need to be a faithful servant in Jesus' own mission?

Let there be Peace on Earth!

The angels announce to the shepherds:

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Let us all continue to pray for peace in our world. Let's pray that hearts might be transformed, to find the path of peace together. But, as we pray, let's let peace have a chance in our own hearts, in our own world, close at home. The peace-making begins with God's work in us. This is truly Advent longing.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me!

Taken from: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/peace.html

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Every morning we wake up and start our day with a routine. It could be we make our bed, brush our teeth, eat breakfast, or walk our dog. We come home from school, or work, or maybe we've been at home all day, and we start our evening routine. Homework, cooking dinner, watching TV, and then go to sleep only to get up and complete the routine again. Where in the routine of our lives are we seeking Christ? It is easy, day after day, to live our lives and not even think about him. We are busy people with busy lives. Now is the time, during the Advent season, to slow down and think about Jesus. Maybe we do that by waking up five minutes earlier than normal to pray or read our Bible. Maybe it means we stop watching TV ten minutes before we go to bed so we can read and reflect on our day. The point is to make time in our daily routine for Christ. What will that look like for you? Our challenge to you this Advent season is to pause, reflect, and find Christ in the routine of your daily lives. by Liz Harder, Samson Wah, Gideon Wah

First Sunday of Advent

“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.”

- Matthew 1:23

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Hope

First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 11:00 a.m.

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Prelude Angel of Hope David Lanz Choral Call to Worship The Birthday of a King NEIDLINGER Invocation and Lord’s Prayer Mrs. Jo Thomas, Deacon Our 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen *Hymn 247 Come, Thou Almighty King ITALIAN HYMN Welcome and Opportunities Mr. Kerry Johnson Missions Moment Ms. Ashlee Kirk Lighting of the Advent Candle HOPE Sharon & David Donnald

Prepare the way of the Lord. We light this candle in hope, the hope of our coming Savior, Jesus.

Prepare, then, the way of the Lord. The Placing of the Poinsettias & Chrismons The Lighting of the Tree (Hymn #82, Emmanuel) Responsive Reading Dr. Randy Sherron

That you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.

And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things, and in Him all things hold together.

For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.

And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.

Poinsettias This shrub, native to Mexico, is at the heart of legend about a poor girl who wanted to bring Baby Jesus a gift one Christmas Eve. As she walked to church, she gathered a bouquet of weeds — which Jesus miraculously transformed into lovely red flowers. Thus the poinsettia (named for Joel Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico who first brought the plant to America) is known in Mexico as la flor de la Nochebuena (flower of the Holy Night). The poinsettia is also an ideal Christmas symbol because its leaves turn red when deprived of sunlight and its flowers (the red inner buds) bloom in December. Chrismons During Advent, many churches display Christmas trees decorated with Christian symbols called “chrismons.” The name comes from the Latin phrase Christi Monogramma, which means monogram of Christ. Most Chrismons are made of wood or Styrofoam, and they can be handmade or purchased. The symbols, which represent aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry, include stars, angels, keys, doves, boats and various types of crosses.

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Special Music O Come, O Come, Emmanuel VENI EMMANUEL Terry Kemp, Glenn Harder, Kerry Johnson

Morning Prayer Dr. Sherron *Hymn 77 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus HYFRYDOL *Offertory Prayer Mrs. Thomas Offertory The First Noel arr. by Marilyn White *Dedication of Our Gifts Doxology LASST UNSERFREUEN

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; O praise Him! Alleluia! Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Sermon Text Mark 13:24-37 Dr. Sherron Anthem Prepare the Way Lloyd Larson Sermon Get Ready Dr. Sherron *Hymn of Commitment 446 Take Time to Be Holy HOLINESS

At this time you are invited to come forward to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, become a member of Ridge Road Baptist Church, or share with this community of faith what Christ is doing in your life.

*Pastoral Benediction Dr. Sherron *Choral Response In the Name of the Lord Sandi Patty Postlude O Christ, Our Hope, Our Heart’s Desire MANOAH *Please stand as you are able

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“My peace is sufficient,” reminds me of a

time when God consoled my family when

my father-in-law passed. The peace and

love of God surpassed every thought,

struggle, disappointment, pain and

sadness. As we continue to do good in our

daily lives may peace and forgiveness serve

as a foundation towards inner healing.

by Tonya Kangkolo

Second Sunday of Advent

“Prepare the way for the Lord!” calls John the Baptist. Indeed, prepare a way in my heart, Lord God.

- Mark 1:3

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Peace

Second Sunday of Advent December 10, 2017 11:00 a.m.

Prelude Christmas Prelude arr. By Sam Ellson Mrs. Teresa Wheeler, Organist

Christmas Music presented by Midtown Kids Choral Call to Worship Still, Still, Still Austrian Carol Invocation and Lord’s Prayer Mr. Corey Mocka, Deacon Our 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen *Hymn 98 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day WALTHAM Welcome and Opportunities Dr. Randy Sherron Missions Ingathering Lighting of the Advent Candle PEACE Andrew & Kevin Parker

Prepare the way of the Lord. We light this candle in peace, the peace that Jesus, our Savior, gives to the world.

Prepare, then, the way of the Lord. Responsive Reading Mr. Parker

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance. Morning Prayer Mr. Phil Kirk Special Music Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming ES IST EIN ROS’

Amy Kemp & Kerry Johnson *Offertory Prayer Mr. Mocka Offertory I Saw the Path of Angels David Lanz *Dedication of Our Gifts Doxology LASST UNSERFREUEN


O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Sermon Text Mark 1:1-8 Dr. Sherron Anthem Noel Festival Arr. By Lloyd Larson Sermon John the Baptist Meet Ebenezer Scrooge Dr. Sherron *Hymn of Commitment 305 I Have Decided to Follow Jesus ASSAM


*Pastoral Benediction Dr. Sherron *Choral Response Peace to You STEARNS Postlude Angels from the Realms of Glory arr. By Sam Ellson *Please stand as you are able

Missions Ingathering Today following the Welcome and Opportunities you are invited to bring your offering or pledge card for our 2018 Mission Budget to the front of the church. This will fund our entire mission ministry for the whole year. Green pledge cards are located in the pew racks. We appreciate your generosity in making this effort a success. Remember that you can pledge your amount now and pay it later in the new year. We ask that all offerings be given by March 31, 2018. You may give now during the service. Please clearly mark all checks and envelopes with “2018 Mission Offering.” Donations and pledges may also be given online using our secure giving portal at www.rrbch.com.

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What happened to the three gifts of the wise men? We all have heard the story of the wise men who sought out the Christ child and presented him with three gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These are lavish gifts and I could not help but wonder how the simple, humble, Holy family might have used such grand offerings. The scriptures are silent on the fate of the wise men's gifts so I have taken the liberty to use my imagination to construct a possible history of the gifts after their presentation to the Christ child and to his guardian parents, Mary and Joseph. These are personal musings and are not meant to be dogmatic. Since the speculations that I shall make have given me some pleasure and comfort I can hope that you, the reader, will be stimulated to use your imagination to derive similar benefits. Gift #1: Gold- The Holy family was one of modest means, so they could have chosen to use the gold to expand Joseph's carpenters shop, purchase new robes for Mary and obtain housing in a better part of Nazareth. I would like to think instead that the gold was used to purchase the freedom of several slaves. Freedom was to become an important factor in Jesus’ teachings as we find in John.

... and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

Here Jesus was talking of freedom from self or from selfishness- the breeder of many sins. So gold, gift# 1, may have been unselfishly spent in the cause of freedom. Gift #2: Frankincense- Frankincense was a luxury incense that was used in worship services. One can image that the Holy family might have kept the frankincense gift for a special worship event. Such an event may have occurred as described in Luke 2:

... Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation.”

So frankincense, gift#2, may have participated in the temple ceremony where Jesus was recognized as the author of our salvation. Gift #3: Myrrh- In biblical times Myrrh was used as a balm and as a burial ointment. Could it be that Mary decided to hoard the myrrh given at Jesus’ birth and use it at his death as a burial ointment? So when we read in the scriptures about the women who came to anoint Jesus’ body in the tomb, they may have carried this myrrh with them. However, when they found the tomb empty they did not have to use the myrrh as burial ointment but could have used it as a comforting balm for outcasts to whom Jesus had ministered while on earth. So gift #3, myrrh, reminds us of the resurrection. Whether or not these speculations are factual, they are three valid conclusions we can draw. They can be viewed as three divine gifts: Jesus gives us freedom from selfishness, Jesus gives us salvation and Jesus gives us resurrection. We started with three earthly gifts from the wise men and concluded with three divine gifts from the Prince of Peace. by Carl Bumgardner

Third Sunday of Advent

“May my offerings of praise and worship — as well as of money and time — be pleasing to you, Lord.”

- Malachi 3:4

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Joy

Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017 11:00 a.m.

Prelude Joy to The World arr. by David Lanz Choral Call to Worship What Child Is This GREENSLEEVES Invocation and Lord’s Prayer Dr. Luther Smith, Deacon Our 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen *Hymn 108 How Great Our Joy JUNGST Welcome and Opportunities Dr. Randy Sherron Lighting of the Advent Candle JOY Elizabeth & Corey Mocka

Prepare the way of the Lord. We light this candle in joy, the joy that we have in Jesus, our Savior.

Prepare, then, the way of the Lord. Responsive Reading Psalm 95 & Luke 2 Mr. Corey Mocka O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods, in whose hand is the depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for it was He who made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were much afraid. And the angel said unto them, fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. *Hymn 100 Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA *Offertory Prayer Dr. Smith

Offertory Sing We Now of Christmas FRENCH CAROL 13

*Dedication of Our Gifts Doxology LASST UNSERFREUEN Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;

O praise Him! Alleluia! Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

A Noel Celebration Music by Lloyd Larson, Marty Parks, and Jay Rouse

Presented by the Ridge Road Baptist Chancel Choir

Narrated by Members of Ridge Road Baptist

Directed by Kerry Johnson

Sing Noel

Prepare the Way

Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

Manger Carol

Noel Festival

Noel! Christ the Lord Is Born

What Child Is This?

A Noel Celebration

Benediction Dr. Sherron *Congregational Response Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA

Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’re the plains,

And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria in excelcis Deo! Gloria in excelcis Deo!

Postlude Good Christian Men Rejoice IN DULCI JUBILO *Please stand as you are able

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We live in a busy, constantly going world. We barely have any time to sit and quiet our minds. Whenever we turn on the television the most we can observe is violence, hatred and more… It is hard to live at peace. But in this Advent season let us reflect the Peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding. God’s word is alive and true. In Psalms 29:10-11 we read,

“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood, the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people;

the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

So let us rest and live as his disciples resting in the truth by faith. The peace of Christ be with us all. Amen. by Myriam Pierre

Fourth Sunday of Advent

“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.”

— Dale Evans

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Love

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017 11:00 a.m.

Prelude God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen arr. by David Lanz Choral Call to Worship Love Came Down Joel Raney Invocation and Lord’s Prayer Ms. Rhonda Thomas, Deacon Our 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen *Hymn 121 Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne MARGARET Welcome and Opportunities Mr. Kerry Johnson Lighting of the Advent Candle LOVE Samson & Gideon Wah

Prepare the way of the Lord. We light this candle in love, the love that Jesus, our Savior, has for us.

Prepare, then, the way of the Lord. Responsive Reading Ms. Thomas

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Jesus came. Jesus loved. Jesus wept. Jesus touched. Jesus died. Jesus gave. Jesus lives. Let us come to Him because He came to us. Let us love one another because He first loved us. Let us weep with those who weep. Let us touch the untouchables. Let us die to self. Let us give and let us live. Let this mind be in us today, this holy time. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. Special Music The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy West Indian Christmas Carol

Kerry Johnson

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Morning Prayer Dr. Randy Sherron *Hymn 106 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly W ZLOBIE LEZY *Offertory Prayer Ms. Thomas Offertory Gesu Bambino arr. by Marilyn White *Dedication of Our Gifts Doxology LASST UNSERFREUEN


O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Sermon Text Luke 1:26-38 Dr. Sherron Anthem Sing We Now of Christmas FRENCH CAROL Sermon What’s This All About? Dr. Sherron *Hymn of Commitment 542 In Loving-Kindness Jesus Came HE LIFTED ME


*Pastoral Benediction Dr. Sherron *Choral Response In Loving-Kindness Jesus Came HE LIFTED ME

From sinking sand He lifted me, With tender hand He lifted me,

From shades of night to plains of light, O praise His name, He lifted me!

Postlude He Is Born IL EST NE *Please stand as you are able

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Prayer for Peace Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

- St. Francis of Assisi

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Nativity Prayer

Let the just rejoice, For their justifier is born.

Let the sick and infirm rejoice, For their Savior is born. Let the captives rejoice,

For their Redeemer is born. Let slaves rejoice,

For their Master is born. Let free men rejoice,

For their Liberator is born. Let All Christians rejoice, For Jesus Christ is born.

—Augustine of Hippo (354–430)

Christmas Eve Candlelight

Service

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Sunday, December 24th 5:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve provides a very special worship opportunity for us to celebrate the birth of our savior, Christ Jesus. This year we will be joining together again with Midtown Community Church to have a joint community service and will worship as one family in Christ. There will not be a nursery provided as we encourage families to worship together on this special night. We hope you will join us as we serve the Lord’s Supper, light the Christ candle, and sing carols by candlelight.

We look forward to worshipping with you this special evening.

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A Morning Wish

The sun is just rising on the morning of another day, the first day of the new year. What can I wish that this day, that this year, may bring to me? Nothing that shall make the world of others poorer, nothing at the expense of others; but just those few things which in their coming do not stop with me but touch me rather, as they pass and gather strength: A few friends who understand me, and yet remain my friends. A work to do which has real value without which the world would feel

the poorer. A return for such work small enough not to tax unduly anyone who pays. A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed. An understanding heart. A vision of the eternal hills and majestic sea, and of something beautiful

the individual hand has made. A sense of humor and the power to laugh. A little leisure with nothing to do. A few moments of quiet, silent meditation. The sense of the presence of God. And the patience to wait for the coming of these things, with the wisdom

to know them when they come.

— W.R. Hunt

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First Sunday After Christmas

“I am making everything new!” says the Lord.

- Revelation 21:5

New Year’s Eve

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First Sunday After Christmas December 31, 2017 11:00 a.m.

Prelude Think About His Love Walt Harrah Choral Call to Worship There Is a Redeemer Melody Green

Myriam Pierre & Amy Kemp *Invocation and Lord’s Prayer Mr. Ellis Wheeler, Deacon Our 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen *Hymn 334 Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine Crosby & Knapp Welcome and Opportunities Dr. Randy Sherron Responsive Reading Dr. Sherron

You are all children of God:

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

You are all God’s handiwork:

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

You are all forgiven:

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

You are all a new creation:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

You all have been reconciled:

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

You are all heirs of eternal life:

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

You are all strong:

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. *Hymn 42 I Sing the Mighty Power of God FOREST GREEN Morning Prayer Mr. David Donnald *Hymn 54 Great is Thy Faithfulness FAITHFULNESS

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*Offertory Prayer Mr. Wheeler Offertory Morning Has Broken BUNESSAN *Dedication of Our Gifts Doxology LASST UNSERFREUEN


O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Sermon Text Mark 1:1-14 Dr. Sherron Special Music In the Bleak Midwinter arr. By Craig Courtney

Amy Kemp, Myriam Pierre & Kerry Johnson Sermon The Morning After Dr. Sherron *Hymn of Commitment Another Year is Dawning AURELIA

Another year is dawning; dear Father, let it be, In working or in waiting, another year with Thee;

Another year of progress, another year of praise, Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace; Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast; Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love; Another year of training for holier work above. Another year is dawning; dear Father, let it be,

On earth or else in heaven, another year for Thee. At this time you are invited to come forward to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, become a member of Ridge

Road Baptist Church, or share with this community of faith what Christ is doing in your life. *Pastoral Benediction Dr. Sherron *Congregational Response All the Way My Savior Leads Me Crosby & Lowry

All the way my Savior leads me; cheers each winding path I tread, Gives me grace for ev’ry trial, feeds me with the living bread; Tho’ my weary steps may falter, and my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me, lo a spring of joy I see; Gushing from the Rock before me, lo a spring of joy I see.

Postlude Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me Thomas Hastings *Please stand as you are able

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This prayer from Billy Graham, written for The Saturday Evening Post in 2008, is just as relevant this year. Our Father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year we confess our need of Your presence and Your guidance as we face the future. We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us—but You alone know what it holds for us, and only You can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges. So help us to humbly put our hands into Your hand, and to trust You and to seek Your will for our lives during this coming year. In the midst of life’s uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us of the certainty of Your unchanging love. In the midst of life’s inevitable disappointments and heartaches, help us to turn to You for the stability and comfort we will need. In the midst of life’s temptations and the pull of our stubborn self-will, help us not to lose our way but to have the courage to do what is right in Your sight, regardless of the cost. And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world, and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need. May our constant prayer be that of the ancient Psalmist: “Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end” (Psalm 119:33). We pray for our nation and its leaders during these difficult times, and for all those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to our dangerous and troubled world. We pray especially for Your protection on all those who serve in our armed forces, and we thank You for their commitment to defend our freedoms, even at the cost of their own lives. Be with their families also, and assure them of Your love and concern for them. Bring our divided nation together, and give us a greater vision of what You would have us to be. Your Word reminds us that “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12). As we look back over this past year we thank You for Your goodness to us—far beyond what we have deserved. May we never presume on Your past goodness or forget all Your mercies to us, but may they instead lead us to repentance, and to a new commitment to make You the foundation and center of our lives this year. And so, our Father, we thank You for the promise and hope of this new year, and we look forward to it with expectancy and faith. This I ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, who by His death and resurrection has given us hope both for this world and the world to come. Amen

https://billygraham.org/story/billy-grahams-prayer-for-the-new-year-4/ © 2008 Saturday Evening Post Society. Reprinted with permission

Prayer for the New Year

Worship Enhancement Committee We extend many thanks to this committee who organized the decorating of our church facility this Advent season. Their hard work includes the Deck the Halls decorating day, Poinsettia orders, Candles for Christmas Eve, Communion, and many other behind the scenes activities and preparation. As you know their work is not over as they will also un-decorate in the New Year. Thank you to all who contributed to this tremendous effort! Missions and Outreach Committee Over the past few months this team has worked hard to provide meaningful mission opportunities that reach our local community and people throughout the world. They have organized the following projects: Collection for the Baptist Children’s Homes Annual Offering, Holiday Magic gift collection for Washington Elementary, RRBC Annual Missions Ingathering & Pledge campaign to support our 2018 mission budget. Without the leadership and organization from these committee members, none of these events would be possible. Ridge Road Chancel Choir After many weeks of rehearsals, we extend our sincere appreciation to Minister of Music, Kerry Johnson, members of our Chancel Choir, narrators, and others who took part in our Christmas Cantata. What a beautiful expression of Christmas through A Noel Celebration. Midtown Community Church We are thankful to share in this Christmas season with the members of Midtown Community Church. We extend thanks for those who participated in the Deck the Halls event, those who purchased poinsettias, and those who contributed to decorating our campus for Advent. We give many thanks to the Midtown Kids who gifted us with special music during worship. We are excited for our joint Christmas Eve service and we extend appreciation to the Minister’s and leaders who will participate in that service as well. As we look ahead to 2018, we pray for fresh opportunities to be in fellowship and worship in the future. Member Contributions of Writing and Artwork

Dr. Marjo Smith- For providing her personal artwork for the cover of this booklet. It is a beautiful addition and we appreciate her using her talents to provide for our publication. Liz Harder, Samson Wah, Gideon Wah, Tonya Kangkolo, Carl Bumgardner, Myriam Pierre– For providing writings about peace and scripture for this Advent season. What a thoughtful addition to our Advent journey this year.

Many Thanks

Publication printed November 30, 2017

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Sunday, December 3 The First Sunday of Advent: HOPE 11:00 a.m. Worship Service with the placing of the Poinsettias and Chrismons

Thursday, December 7 10:00 a.m. Weekday Preschool Christmas Program (in the Sanctuary)

Sunday, December 10 The Second Sunday of Advent: PEACE 11:00 a.m. Worship Service with 2018 Missions Ingathering 2:00 p.m. Christmas Caroling to Homebound/Shut-Ins

Sunday, December 17 The Third Sunday of Advent: JOY 11:00 a.m. Worship Service with Christmas Cantata: A Noel Celebration

Sunday, December 24 The Fourth Sunday of Advent: LOVE 11:00 a.m. Worship Service 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service This will be a joint service of Ridge Road Baptist Church and Midtown Community Church. Everyone is invited!

Sunday, December 31 First Sunday After Christmas 11:00 a.m. Worship Service

Christmas Activities

Ridge Road Baptist Church 2011 Ridge Road

Raleigh, NC 27607 919.787.4423 │ www.rrbch.com

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