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Worship ServicesDecember 18, 2016

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

Fourth Sunday of Advent

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

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 Day 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.

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 one of our pastors. Our church elders are also available to speak with you. An Elder and his wife will be standing next to the pastor following the service to talk or pray with you.

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. Kiosks are available outside St. Andrew’s Hall. The process is quick and easy, and volunteers are available to assist you.

Children’s WorshipWe offer a specially designed program for children in pre-k through fourth grade during the morning services. Leaders will escort children from the sanctuary to their classrooms before 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 (room 109) located in the wing behind the sanctuary and to the left, 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.

Additional Seating Additional seating for morning and evening worship services is available each week in St. Andrew’s Hall.

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The Morning Services

The Meditation—The First Noel ...........................................................Sandra Eithun

Theme: The Advent of Jesus

The Prelude—Gesu Bambino ......................................................................Pietro Yon

The Little Drummer Boy ..................................... arr. Tammy Waldrup

*Welcome and Announcements........................................................ Dr. Mike Phillips

†The Call to Worship ...............................................................................Luke 2:10-14The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

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

The first Noel, the angel did say,Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east, beyond them far,And to the earth it gave great light,And so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same starThree wise men came from country far,To seek for a king was their intent,And to follow the star wherever it went.

Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,That hath made heaven and earth of naught,And with his blood mankind hath bought.

Charles Smith, baritone horn

Handbell Choir

Handbell Choir

Words and Music: Traditional English Carol arr. Sandra Eithun | ©2013 SoundForth/Lorenz Corporation

* Ushers may seat worshipers at this time. † Indicates the congregation standing.

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*†The Hymn of Praise—Angels We Have Heard on High ......................................Gloria

Traditional French Carol | Arranged: Edward S. Barnes, 1937

(All Verses)

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The Lighting of the Advent Candle—Joy

8:30 a.m. ......................................................................The Martin FamilyTrina and Scott; Luke, Jordan, Nathan, Sarah

11 a.m. ....................................................................... The Hobson FamilyLeigh and Jamie; Gabriel, Noah, Eli, Anna

†The Invocation (Please lift hands)

*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 plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

§The Personal Confession of Sin

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The Corporate Confession of SinHeavenly Father, we humbly confess that we are an anxious, fearful people. We do not trust you as we should and often try to control our circumstances to prevent hardship and pain. We are slow to seek you in prayer, weak in perseverance, and quick to forget the faithfulness of your power and providence. We try to manipulate and scheme instead of resting in your promises and remembering your love.

Forgive us for the folly of self-preservation and self-trust. Forgive us for doubting your goodness. Forgive us for being conformed to this world and for placing our trust in possessions, power, and the wisdom of man.

Renew our minds and hearts that we might walk by faith and not by sight. By your mercy, keep us steadfastly devoted to Christ and cause us to endure to the end, that we might receive your great salvation. Through Christ Jesus we pray, Amen.

†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.

† Indicates the congregation standing. § Please kneel if able to do so.

Response—O Little Town of Bethlehem .....................................................St. Louis(Sung by all)O holy child of Bethlehem,Descend to us, we pray.Cast out our sin and enter in;Be born in us today.We hear the Christmas angelsThe great glad tidings tell;O come to us, abide with us,Our Lord Emmanuel.

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Words and Music by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene arr. Paul Langford | ©1991 Word Music

The Offertory—Mary, Did You Know? .......................arr. Paul Langford (Pentatonix)

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

Mary, did you know that your baby boy Would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy Would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy Has come to make you new? This child whom you delivered Will soon deliver you! Mary, did you know?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy Will give sight to the blind man? Mary, did you know that your baby boy Would calm a storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy Has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby You have kissed the face of God? Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear; The dead will live again! The lame will leap, the dumb will speak The praises of the Lamb!

Mary, did you know that your baby boy Is Lord of all creation? Mary, did you know that your baby boy Will one day rule the nations? Did you know that your baby boy Was heaven’s perfect Lamb? And the sleeping child you’re holding Is the great I AM!

Quintet: Emily Aceves, Scott Carter, Mike Murphy, Colin Fuller, Jonathan Davis

*‡The Peace

The 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.

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†The Hymn of Preparation—While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks ..... Christmas(Verses 1, 2, 3, 6)

Nahum Tata, 1700 | From George Frederick Handel, Siroe, 1728 | Arranged: Lowell Mason, 1821

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1. Advent of Jesus

2. Antidote for Fear

Sermon—The Advent of Jesus Is the Antidote for Fear .................... Rev. John Franks

The Scripture Lesson ............................................................................... Luke 2:8-11page 1591 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/2016Sermons.

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The Postlude—He Is Born ....................................................... arr. Cynthia DobrinskiHandbell Choir

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

English Carol, 18th century | English melody, 18th century

†The Hymn of Response—God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen ...God Rest You Merry(Verses 1 & 3 before the Lord’s Supper, Verse 4 after the Lord’s Supper)

The Lord’s SupperThe Prayer of Great Thanksgiving

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The Shorter Catechism, Question 13:

Q. Did our first parents remain as they were created?

A. Left to the freedom of their own wills, our first parents sinned against God and fell from their original condition.

Theme: Undercover King

The Evening Service

The Jazz Prelude—Rejoice, Rejoice, Ye Christians

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Mike Murphy, Worship Leader†Song—Hark, the Herald Angels Sing

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†Song—Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Words: Henry van Dyke, 1907 | Music: Ludwig van Beethoven | Adapted: Edward Hodges, 1824

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†Song—O Come, O Come Emmanuel

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Evening Prayers

Offering

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.

Of the Father’s love begottenEre the worlds began to be,He is Alpha and Omega—He the source, the ending he,Of the things that are, that have been,And that future years shall seeEvermore and evermore.

O that birth forever blessed,When the virgin, full of grace,By the Holy Ghost conceiving,Bare the Savior of our race;And the babe, the world’s Redeemer,First revealed his sacred face,Evermore and evermore.

O ye heights of heav’n adore him;Angel hosts, his praises sing:Pow’rs, dominions, bow before himAnd extol our God and King;Let no tongue on earth be silent,Ev’ry voice in concert ringEvermore and evermore.

This is he whom seers and sagesSang of old with one accord,Whom the writings of the prophetsPromised in their faithful word;Now he shines, the long-expected;Let creation praise its LordEvermore and evermore.

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†Song—Rejoice, Rejoice, Ye Christians

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2. Angels

Luke 2:8-20

1. Shepherds

3. Response

page 1591 in the pew Bible

Sermon—Undercover King .............................................................. Dr. Mike Phillips

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†Song—Angels from the Realms of Glory

†The Benediction (Please lift hands)

CCLI License Number 425646

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

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

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

Stephen PittmanDirector of Hope for Augustastephen@hopeforaugusta.org,

Rick KeuroglianDirector of Young ProfessionalsExecutive Director of City Hope Alliancerkeuroglian@firstpresaugusta.org, 706.664.8228

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

George LazariDirector of Medical Campus Outreach Augustageorge@mcoaugusta.org, ext. 8841

Louise ColemanDirector of Children’s Ministrylcoleman@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8832

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

Mike MurphyAssistant Director of Music and Artsmmurphy@firstpresaugusta.org

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

Pastoral Staff

Ministry Directors

Cameron Anderson, Youth Interncanderson@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8849

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

Julie Brashear, Hope for AugustaDevelopment Coordinatorjulie@hopeforaugusta.org, 803.480.1479

Beth Carson, Main Office/Discipleship Asst.bcarson@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8827

Beth Cave, Children’s Ministry Preschool Coordinatorbcave@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8832

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, Assistant Youth Directorcmachemehl@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8849

J.T. Martin, CO Accountingjt.martin@campusoutreach.org, ext. 8848

Ellen McGaha, CO Office Managerellen.mcgaha@campusoutreach.org, ext. 8848

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

Mary-Clayton Murphy, Youth Internmcmurphy@firstpresaugusta.org, 8849

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

Meghann Robinson, Hope for AugustaDirector of Arts, Arrow Institute of Artmeghann@hopeforaugusta.org

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

Mike Rosser, Hope for AugustaWalton Oaks Coordinatormrosser@hopeforaugusta.org, 706.715.9932

Mallory Sides, Canterbury Choir Directormsides@firstpresaugusta.org

Michael Stephens, IT Directormstephens@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8838

Kelly Tabb, Children’s Ministry Nursery Coordinatorktabb@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8832

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

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

Candyn Turman, Hope for AugustaAssociate Directorcandyn@hopeforaugusta.org, 404.630.0523

Hannah Westfall, CO Events Coordinatorhannah.westfall@campusoutreach.org

Krissy Wilkins, Children’s MinistryElementary Coordinatorkwilkins@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8832

Ministry Staff

George RobertsonSenior Pastorofficeofsrpastor@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8855

John FranksAssociate Pastor, Family Nurture and Worshipjfranks@firstpresaugusta.org, ext. 8849

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

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

Mike PhillipsAssociate Pastormphillips@firstpresaugusta.org

Jim KnightPastoral Associate, Pastoral Carejknight@firstpresaugusta.org

Robert Vasholz Pastoral Certificationbvasholz@firstpresaugusta.org, 706.691.1414

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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. Matt Willis, Dan Boone, Gary Beaudreau, David Haburchak, Cliff Eckles11 a.m. Sean Lynch, Jim Bodden, Jim Scarbrough, Dale Martin, Matt Aitken6:30 p.m. Sean Lynch, Dan Boone, Gary Beaudreau, David Haburchak, Cliff Eckles