SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020 / EPIPHANY / GREEN ORDER OF Worship 11 AM
PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD "SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO SING" LUKE 2:22-40 Declaration of Principles and Ideals, 1928
Peachtree Christian Church offers itself to the people of Atlanta in a spirit of unselfish service. It is a Cathedral for the City. It is an Atlanta Institution.
We have built here a “House of Prayer for all people.” No unkind word will ever be said here of anybody’s race or religion. No uncharitable judgment will ever be passed here upon any fellow human being.
The Church’s ministers are ready to serve you at any time, day or night. Its members wish to be your friends. Here is really an Open Door of Fellowship. We should love to have you a member of this Church. But above all things we want you to feel that this Church belongs to you, whether or not you definitely belong" to it. Nowhere else in all the world you could be more welcome than you are here.
How do I become a part of the Peachtree Christian community? It would be our joy to welcome you into our congregation. Please complete a “Commitment Card” and bring it to one of our ministers at the end of the service. Welcome to Peachtree Christian Church: a Cathedral for the City of Atlanta.
We are glad and grateful you gathered to worship with us. Your presence is meaningful. If this is your first time with us, here is some information we hope will help you fully, consciously, and actively participate in the liturgy.
What is ‘liturgy’? Liturgy comes from a Greek word meaning “work of the people.” When we gather to worship, we are collaborating together with God in restoring and reconciling all things through his Son and Spirit. Today’s service is approximately 65 minutes.
How do I participate? When you see words in bold typeface, speak them aloud. Otherwise, simply be attentive. Engage all your senses. Listen to the sacred stories. Gaze at the windows. Touch and taste the bread and cup. Sing along. Open yourself to receive whatever God wants to give.
Do I have to identify as a Christian to participate? No. Many of those who are here do, but these liturgies are for anyone who wants to join in. More than anything this is a community, so make an effort to meet the people worshipping with you.
What about children? Throughout the church, there are carefully crafted symbols of our value and appreciation for children, and we welcome them as full participants in worship. We encourage families to worship together and parents to guide their children in what is happening. If you prefer, there is childcare available and children's programming during the 11 am service on the second floor, to your right off the elevator.
What is ‘Epiphany’? Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day, is the 12th day of Christmas and marks the end of the festive Christmas season. The word 'Epiphany' comes from the Greek and means manifestation. It celebrates the revelation of God in the personhood of Jesus Christ.
ARTWORK Cover Simeon in the Temple
ARTIST Artwork Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn Om Nationalmuseum, Stockholm Order of Worship
CALLED TO WORSHIP Please stand if you are able
Welcome Ms. Sarah Brasington Please sign and pass the welcome pad at the end of your pew to help us get to know you and help you get to know one another.
Prelude "Cantilene" Flor Peeters Dr. Bill Welch, guest organist
Choral Introit "Psalm 8" Ellie Cook, composer and director CAST
Call to Worship Parker Maloney, Tenderfoot Scout, Troop 730 Leader: Our souls long for your courts, O Lord of hosts; People: My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Leader: Our hearts and our flesh rejoice in the living God; People: Happy are we who dwell in your house and rejoice in you! Leader: We have found a home in your presence, Our King and Our God; People: Happy are we who dwell in your house and rejoice in you!
Hymn of Praise #56 "For the Beauty of the Earth" (stanzas 1, 2, & 3 only) Dix
CALLED TO PRAYER
Invocation and Lord's Prayer Graham Macdonald, Star Scout, Quartermaster, Troop 463 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.
Special Music "Bergamasca" Girolamo Frescobaldi Dr. Welch, harpsichord Order of Worship This morning we are using our beautiful, two manual Flemish harpsichord by Richard Kingston, one of America's foremost builders of harpsichords. The sound board is illuminated with symbols of our faith. Please feel free to come and view it following worship.
Prayer of Penitence Ms. Brasington Most merciful God, † we confess that we have sinned against you † in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, † and by what we have left undone. † We have not loved you with our whole heart; † we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. † We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. † For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, † have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, † and walk in your ways, † to the glory of your name. Amen.
Words of Assurance Ms. Brasington Leader: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! People: Thanks be to God!
CALLED TO THE LORD'S TABLE
Passing of the Peace Ms. Brasington
Please take a moment to share the peace of Christ with your neighbors, saying “Peace be with you.”
Hymn of Preparation #384 "Here at Thy Table, Lord" Bread of Life
Invitation and Sharing of Holy Communion Rev. Nick Chambers Minister: The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
People: In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
All: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (I Cor. 11:23-26)
Minister: Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Prayer of Consecration | The Breaking of the Bread
Minister: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Minister: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
The Lord’s Supper is for all Christians of every church. Please partake as the communion trays are passed to you.
Meditations in Music "Fugue on BACH" Robert Schumann Dr. Welch, organ
Tithes and Gifts for God Rev. Jared Wortman Our witness is advanced by the voluntary offering of all who worship here. Tithes and gifts can also be contributed at peachtree.org/give or by texting the amount to 678.509.6476.
Offertory Music "I Have Longed for Thy Saving Health" William Byrd The Sanctuary Choir
I have longed for Thy saving health, O Lord. Thy law is my delight, O Lord. O let my soul live and it shall praise Thee, and Thy judgments shall help me.
Doxology #46 Old Hundredth
Children under 12 may assemble in the Narthex for children's activies.
CALLED TO GOD'S WORD
Scripture Reading Luke 2:22-40 p. 59 of the New Testament Barrett Maloney, Second Class Scout, Troop 730
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 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, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Sermon "Sometimes You Just Have to Sing" Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons
CALLED TO RESPOND
Hymn of Response #56 "For the Beauty of the Earth" (stanzas 4 & 5 only) Dix
Benediction Norah McCullough, Girl Scout
Postlude "Ricercar" (1658) Johann Jakob Froberger Dr. Welch, organ LECTIONARY READINGS
Malachi 3:1-4 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 Psalm 84 Psalm 24:7-10
NOTES
KEMPER SCOTT HIGGINS EVA CAMPBELL JOHNSON PHILLIP SPENCER JOHNSON
REID ROBERT SCHULZ SERVING IN WORSHIP 11 am Director: Katie Bond Elders: Joe Miller, Louise Miller, Robert Youngblood (Narthex) Serving: Renee Bellavia, Mavis Benton, Tonya Biyad, Jeff Bond, Catherine Corser, Janet Moody, Linda Newton, Jim Savage, Kathy Savage, Lynn Soylemez, Carol Steiner, Lauren Taylor, Stephanie Tinley, Evis Weizenecker, Stephen Weizenecker, Margaret Woods Acolytes: Eve Weizenecker and Erin Weizenecker
FLOWERS The flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God by Elizabeth Holcombe in loving memory of her husband, James N. Holcombe, and her mother, Ruth Walker.
LAST WEEK BY THE NUMBERS Offering: $20,682.78 | Attendance: 357 | Streaming: 54
2020 BUDGET UPDATE
5% Received
WELCOME TO PEACHTREE FoundedWELCOME in 1925, Peachtree TO PEACHTREE Christian Church (DisciplesFounded inof 1925, Christ) Peachtree stands as Christian a witness Church to the glory(Disciples of God of and Christ) for the stands service as of ahis witness kingdom. to Asthe partglory of of the God Stone-Campbell and for the servicetradition, of hiswe makekingdom. no claim As topart be theof onlythe Christians,Stone-Campbell but we tradition, we make no claim to be the only seek to be Christians only by following the Bible Christians, but we seek to be Christians only only.by following Desiring the that Bible our termsonly. Desiringof communion that our be asterms simple, of communion as broad, and be as as biblical simple, as as possible, broad, whenand as we biblical gather as for possible, the Lord’s when Supper we gather each week,for the we Lord's welcome Supper any eachChristian week, who we desireswelcome to communeany Christian with who Christ desires to join to us commune at his table. with Christ to join us at his table. SNOW BALL FATHER–DAUGHTER DANCE & DESSERTS Saturday, February 8 | 7 – 9 pm | Stew Wood Hall | $10 per dad and $5 per daughter The Family Life Ministry invites fathers and their daughters out for a magical evening of dancing! All generations are invited to this special event which will include a rose for the daughters and an assortment of delicious desserts! Contact: Robin Schulz | [email protected] | 404.876.5535 x318
WEDDING BELLS Sunday, February 9 | After 11 am Service | Stew Wood Hall / Sanctuary All married couples are invited to renew their marriage vows at Wedding Bells, our vow renewal ceremony. The reception and ceremony will take place after 11 am Worship Service. Childcare will be available. Contact: Sylvie Lansdowne | [email protected] | 404.876.5535 x307
TRAVELOGUE Sunday, February 9 | 12:30 pm | 3rd Floor Library Come and join us for lunch and a preview of our October trip to Croatia, Slovenia, and the Adriatic Coast. The trip will take place October 12 – 23, 2020. Consider this wonderful trip to one of the most scenically engaging places in the world and see firsthand the beauty and romance of old Europe. You will be amazed. RSVP: Julia Hill | [email protected] | 404.876.5535 x300
NEW CLASS: IN THE BEGINNING, GOD Begins Sunday, February 16 | 10 am | 213 God created order and life out of a primordial chaos. Yet, no sooner did God create humanity, than humanity began repeatedly choosing chaos over God’s gracious will. How will God respond to the chaos we create? Join us as we read the first five stories in Genesis to find out. Contact: Mary-Elizabeth Ellard | [email protected]
C.A.S.T. PRESENTS CORNER KIDS February 16 | Burns Hall Luncheon Matinee: 12:15 pm | $12 adults/ $6 children & students Dessert Theatre: 7 pm | $10 adults/$5 children & students Join our youth “Christian Acting and Singing Troupe” as they perform an original musical that addresses mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, and as they learn ways to cope and support one another. Everyone is welcome, however, the subject matter is mature and may not be appropriate for young children. These performances are fundraisers for CAST’s 46th tour this June, so please come and support our youth! Tickets are available at the door. Contact: Sarah Brasington | [email protected] | 404.876.5535 x313 FOR THE LOVE OF HANDBELLS: THE ATLANTA CONCERT RINGERS Sunday, February 16 | 3 pm | Sanctuary | Free The Atlanta Concert Ringers present For the Love of Handbells at Peachtree Christian Church – Alice Myers, director and Kevin McChesney, artistic advisor. Join them, Sunday, February 16 at 3 pm. For more information, visit TheAtlantaConcertRingers.org. Contact: Jim Bell | [email protected] | 404.876.5535 x302
2020 SACRE LEADERSHIP RETREAT Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7 | Brasstown Valley Resort Elders and deacons be sure to secure your reservations for our 2020 Sacre Leadership Retreat. Rev. Dr. Don E. Saliers, the Theologian-in-Residence at Candler School of Theology, will be joining us. Contact Brasstown Valley Resort at www.Brasstownvalley.com or by phone: 706.379.9900/800.201.3205. Mention Peachtree Christian Church to receive our group rate. Contact: Scott Thurmond | [email protected] | 770.944.6566
YOUTH SPRING RETREAT March 20 – 22 | Fort Mountain State Park | Early Bird (by March 1): $50 Students grades 6 – 12th will get away for a fun weekend where they will experience adventure, fellowship, Bible study, prayer, encouragement, and lots of food! We will leave Friday evening at 6:30 pm to retreat at Fort Mountain State Park cabins. We will return on Sunday after lunch. Contact: Sarah Brasington | [email protected] | 404.876.5535 x313
2020 PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND June 9-20, 2020 | Israel | Cost: $3,800-$4,100 Join us this summer on a special pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons and Dr. Mark Ziese, archaeologist and professor of Old Testament. Once you experience Nazareth, Galilee, Jordan River, Mount of Olives, and dozens of other locations, the Bible and stories of Jesus’ life will forever resonate deeply and uniquely within you. Bonus: we will visit the cathedral in Jerusalem that houses a stained glass window gifted by Peachtree Christian Church. Contact: Julia Hill | [email protected] | 404.876.5535 x300 PEACHTREE.ORG 1580 Peachtree St. NW WE ARE Atlanta, Georgia 30309 SOCIAL! 404.876.5535