Worship November 29, 2020 10:00 A.M

Faith Presbyterian Church

Order of Worship November 29, 2020 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary

16000 N. Del Webb Blvd. Sun City, AZ 85351-1604 www.scfaith.org

THE CHURCH AT WORSHIP

November 29, 2020 - First Sunday of Advent

WE GATHER IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

*Please Stand in Body or in Spirit

“I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world."~ Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993), American Protestant religious leader, author.

Prelude “We3” Nicole Pesce, pianist; Suzanne Lansford, violinist; Renee Grant Patrick, vocalist

Welcome and Announcements

(Please fill in the yellow attendance slip enclosed in your bulletin and place it in the offering plate)

*Call to Worship (Responsive) Rev. Sheryl Campbell

As we begin this Advent Season, we come before God to remember the Promised One who came to a people who waited in faith. There are times when we wait in the darkness for God to come. In the darkness a candle is lit and the light comforts our waiting. The light reminds us of the One Who has come and is to come again.

*Hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #9, Blue Hymnal

O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O Come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind All peoples in one heart and mind; Bid envy, strife, and discord cease; Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.

Refrain

Blessing of the Advent Wreath (Responsive) Rev. Mike Campbell

Christ came to bring us salvation and has promised to come again. Let us pray that we may always be ready to welcome Him: That the keeping of Advent may open our hearts to God's love. That the light of Christ may penetrate the darkness of sin. That this wreath may constantly remind us to prepare for the coming of Christ And Who will lead us into the light of God’s glorious Kingdom.

“Christ Be Our Light”

Advent Candle Lighting Ray and Judie Larson

Advent is a time for the human heart to wait, while trusting God’s eternal time. How long, O Lord, how long? For those waiting for answered prayer: Grant your steadfast patience. For those waiting in the face of uncertainty. Grant unshakable confidence in your Sovereign provision. For those waiting for justice and mercy to reign. Grant a glimpse of Your glory in our wounded world. For all of us waiting for God’s Kingdom to come. Grant that we might have the peace of Christ as we wait, the love of Christ as we act, and the grace of Christ as we speak.

This morning we light the FIRST CANDLE which reminds us that throughout history, God’s people have spent time waiting, wandering and wondering about the timing of God’s eternal plan. Like the people of old, we long for God’s presence to illuminate the areas of life where we are called to wait. This morning we echo the words of the Psalmist, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

“Christ Be Our Light”

Closing Prayer

God of all creation, we declare that You are the eternal One. We confess to You, O Lord, that we easily grow impatient, when Your Word to us is to wait. Ignite within us a new and everlasting hope. We pray this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

WE LISTEN TO THE WORD OF GOD

Prayer for Illumination Rev. Sheryl Campbell

We call out to You O God, and listen for Your Word. Your Word is Your very presence among us. We will listen, we will seek, and we will find that You are calling to us as we are calling to You. Amen.

Gospel Reading Mark 13: 24-37 New Testament Page #47

This is The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Special Music “Some Day at Christmas” Renee Grant Patrick

Someday at Christmas men won't be boys playing with bombs like kids play with toys. One warm December our hearts will see a world where men are free. Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars when we have learned what Christmas is for. When we have found what life's really worth there'll be peace on earth. Someday all our dreams will come to be, someday in a world where men are free. Maybe not in time for you and me but someday at Christmastime. Someday at Christmas we'll see a land with no hungry children, no empty hand. One happy morning people will share our world where people care. Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears when all men are equal and no man has fears one shining moment, one prayer away from our world today. Someday at Christmas man will not fail, hate will be gone and love will prevail. Someday a new world that we can start with hope in every heart. (Written by Motown songwriters Ron Miller and Bryan Wells. Stevie Wonder first recorded it in 1966)

Sermon “Expecting the Unexpected” Rev. Mike Campbell

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

Special Music “Go Tell it on the Mountain” John Wesley Work, Jr. Renee Grant Patrick, We3 and others, trad.

Pastoral Prayer Rev. Mike Campbell

The Lord’s Prayer

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 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.

Invitation to Serve God in the Church and the World

God’s love for us is unconditional. We give unconditionally in gratitude and for the privilege of providing for Christ’s mission on earth with our time, talent and treasure.

Offering to the Lord

Offertory

*Doxology (Sung to Old 100th)

“Hope in the God who reigns above, Who holds us all in steadfast love. Whose Spirit blows across the earth, Preparing us for second birth. Amen.”

*Prayer of Dedication (Unison)

Accept O God these gifts, the portion You have asked us to give as a sign of our trust in You and our hope in Your promises. Receive these offerings, our free gift of gratitude for all that You have done. Bless them in Your work in which life triumphs over death and light over darkness. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.

“Emmanuel”

“Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called, Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us, His name is called Emmanuel.”

*Benediction

Live your lives this week blessed by the knowledge that you are shaped by the hand of God, enriched by the grace of Jesus Christ and kept alert by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We thank We3: Pianist Nicole Pesce, violinist Suzanne Lansford, and vocalist Renee Grant Patrick. We3 performed their first concert together in October 2016 at the Nash in downtown Phoenix. An undeniable chemistry was recognized, and the group continued to perform sold out shows at the Music Instrument Museum and Phoenix Theatre (New Outdoor Stage) along with recording their first full length CD, “We’ll Meet Again”. They also have a new CD, “A We3 Christmas”. www.we3music.com 7

Welcome to Worship

We have enjoyed worshiping with you today and hope you will join us again soon. Please stop at the Welcome Center in the Narthex to receive information about Faith Church. Your gifts of time, talent Life at Faith. . . Nov 29 and treasure are greatly appreciated. Welcome Visitors! Additional pledge cards and Opportunities for Service brochures TODAY Faith Presbyterian Church are available in the Narthex on a welcomes you to in-person worship table or at the Welcome Center. in our Sanctuary. All are welcome, Submit your pledge cards in the distancing and masks required— offering plate and your Opportunities volunteer-made masks will be for Service brochures in the mail slot available if you don’t have one with by the front door, in the collection plate you. Fellowship afterwards out- or at the front desk. doors—homemade cookies and small Thank you! bottles of water—stay and chat, or take with you! Online worship Men’s Bible Study, led by Henry livestreamed simultaneously, and then Nave - Thursdays at 9:15 am. Men available later as a recording on our who are interested to join in the website: conversation can simply call the www.scfaith.org/media-center church office for details

To All Members: Please remember Presbyterian Women to wear your name badges. Presbyterian Women are tentatively planning on holding Faith Session (our church council their December 17th Christmas leaders) want to keep our church Gathering in Illingworth Hall when new open for worship safely as much officers and moderator will be installed. and as long as possible. There is to be a boxed lunch at tables Thank you for wearing face masks of 4 spread wide apart in order to when you come to church—they DO ensure safety for everyone. Hopefully make a difference, scientifically. We you will be able to attend. Tickets will have agreed to require them. And yes, be on sale next Sunday. the masks must cover both nose and mouth. Nothing is 100%, but that is the only way they are proven remarka- bly helpful.

Knitting and Crocheting Group. Meeting on Mondays 12:30-3 pm in the Iona Room. We’re a small group of women who meet on Mondays to The Wired Word on Wednesdays, have fun, learn new ideas from each by phone conference. Please call other, and do our projects: Or you can the church office for details. work on your own projects. Discussions are led by Betty Wilder using the most recent Wired Word Join us for our Best Library Ever subject materials. Book Club. Social distancing and Everyone who wants may receive masks are required. an advance copy of the materials Monday, December 14 delivered to their email by the 10:30 am in Illingworth. Thursday prior to gathering. Just The library will be open at 10am. email: [email protected] or call the church at 623-974-3611 (M-Thu 8am- In American Dirt, Jeannie 3pm). Cummins unleased a firestorm of criticism. The story centers Bright Pink Prayer Request Cards around Lydia Quixano Pérez are available in the pews. Please fill who lives in the Mexican city out your card for prayer requests and of Acapulco. She runs a bookstore. put it in the offering plate or give the She has a son, Luca, the love of her information to Gerri Crothers. life, and a wonderful husband who is a journalist. And while there are cracks For prayer requests, call or email beginning to show in Acapulco Gerri Crothers or Judi Jensen or because of the drug cartels, her life is, With your permission, these prayer by and large, fairly comfortable. requests and praises will be shared The author, not of Mexican heritage is with the prayer team phone accused of stereotyping. Let’s see conference at 11 am on Saturdays. what we think. Contact Gerri or Judi for information on participating also, if you are interested. (Refer to your directory for numbers).

Ecumenical Prayer Circle: Together A study group is being planned with other Sun City churches that will focus on the book “The who share the Ecumenical Prayer Time is Now” by Joan Chittister.” Group for Christian Unity, please pray today for the people and ministries Retired pastors Bob of Faith Presbyterian Church. Malsack and Ray Larson will lead the group. The Each week we pray for members number of participants will of Faith Presbyterian Church in be limited to 10. alphabetical order. Bob and JoAnn Ferrier, Bette Finley, Betty Forsberg, If that number is exceeded consider- Herb Freewaldt, Steve Fribley, Helen ation will be given to a second group. Garwood, Bob Geier. The beginning date will be the first week in January. Those interested Thank you for your generous giving may contact the church office for to all good causes as the Spirit of details. God guides you. Faith Church Offerings continue to be received by mail, drop-off at the church office south door mail slot, and at our website by clicking the button on Sunday flowers. Remember the Home Page with your charge card, loved ones and special debit card, or PayPal. moments with a beautiful bou- quet of flowers. Now through all of Prayer Group - SATURDAYS at 11 2020, pay only $20 (it’s a fifty dollar AM by Phone Conference Call the value), we have matching funds for church office for details (Gerri the balance - given expressly for this Crothers, Judi Jensen, Susan purpose! Please call the church Edwards, leaders). office. To include your group or commit- tee on the calendar, we ask the chair or leader to submit the time, PLEASE NOTE: If you are moving, date, location (and whether it is have a change in address, phone in-person, Zoom or Phone Confer- number, or email, please inform ence) to [email protected] by Louise Collins in the church office Wednesday 10am. (By submitting so we can up-date our records. by Wednesday at 10 am it will be In order to serve you better it is included in the Thursday emails IMPORTANT to have your and also printed in the Sunday CORRECT information in our files. bulletin.) Thank you. 10

ACTIVITIES: November 29 - December 5

Sunday, November 29 9:50 a.m .... Special Music 10:00 a.m .... Worship - Sanctuary 11:00 a.m .... Fellowship - Outdoors

Monday, November 30 8:00 a.m .... Collection/Count - Westminster Room 12:30 p.m .... Knit/Crochet Group - Iona Room

Tuesday, December 1 10:00 a.m .... Advent Class - Illingworth Hall/Conference Call/Zoom

Wednesday, December 2 9:00 a.m .... Library Volunteers - Library 10:00 a.m .... HR Personnel - Council Room 9:55 a.m .... Wired Word - Phone Conference 1:00 p.m .... Christian Education - Conference Room

Thursday, December 3 9:00 a.m .... Men’s Bible Study - Phone Conference 4:00 p.m .... Bell Choir Practice - Sanctuary

Friday, December 4 - OFFICE CLOSED

Saturday, December 5 11:00 a.m .... Prayer Group - Phone Conference Call

Please remember Faith Church as Beneficiary in your Will, Trust or IRA.

Welcome to those who have no church home, need strength, have doubt, want to follow Christ, or do not believe. Welcome to those who have worshiped in this place for years! to our first-time guests! to all generations, single Welcome Welcome people, couples, believers, and to questioners, and, of course, to questioning believers!

We hope you find peace and uplift in our worship today.

We are very glad you are here!

PASTORAL STAFF Pastor/Head of Staff ------Rev. Mike Campbell CHURCH OFFICE [email protected] Assoc. Pastor, Director of Music -- Rev. Sheryl Campbell Office Hours [email protected] By phone and email

MINISTERS All Members 8am-3pm Mon-Thurs

WELCOMING TEAM 623-974-3611

GREETERS ------Mike and Sandra Baldwin WELCOME CENTER ------Pastor Mike: 319-240-7639 USHERS Ushers ------Lee and Shirley Engwall ------Bob and Bert Blean Pastor Sheryl:

SOUND AND LIGHTING ----- Paul Willemssen, Bill Hoskins 319-231-9161

PIANIST ------Rev. Sheryl Campbell ------Rev. Mike Campbell GENERAL E-MAIL

STAFF [email protected] Office Administrator ----- Louise Collins - [email protected] Building Super. ------Peter Bugilan - [email protected] Custodians ------David Bergstrom WEBSITE ------Robert Bergstrom www.scfaith.org

FAITH CHURCH — MISSION STATEMENT Faith Presbyterian Church is an inclusive, welcoming, caring community, committed to serving Jesus Christ, who calls us to love God and to love one another. We worship, study and grow in understanding as we work for justice and peace in the world, inspired by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, great things are possible. (From Matthew 17:20) 12