FULLY ALIVE WITH THE PASSION OF CHRIST

The Visitation by Rafael Sanzio “All at once I was overcome by a sensation that is difficult to describe: all at once I seemed to rise above all the coordinates of my momentary existence in the world into a kind of state outside time in which all the beautiful things I had ever seen and experienced existed in a total ‘co-present’; I felt a sense of reconciliation, indeed of an almost gentle assent to the inevitable course of events as revealed to me now, and this combined with a carefree determination to face what had to be faced. A profound amazement at the sovereignty of Being became a dizzying sensation of tumbling endlessly into the abyss of its mystery; an unbounded joy at being alive, at having been given the chance to live through all I have lived through, and at the fact that everything has a deep and obvious meaning – this joy formed a strange alliance in me with a vague horror at the inapprehensibility and unattainability of everything I was so close to in that moment, standing at the very ‘edge of the infinite’; I was flooded with a sense of ultimate happiness and harmony with the world and with myself, I would even say that I was somehow ‘struck by love,’ ” Vaclav Havel, writing from a communist prison in Czechoslovakia, before later becoming the nation’s President in 1989 SOUTH HIGHLAND

132 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CELEBRATING OUR 132ND YEAR OF FAITHFUL SERVICE NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE FROM, WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE OUR NEIGHBOR. ALL ARE WELCOME IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST! 2035 Highland Ave S • Birmingham, Alabama 35205 www.southhighland.org • (205) 933-0790 CELEBRATION FOR THE LORD’S DAY 8:30AM & 11:00 AM • Internet - southhighland.org/radio AM 850 and FM 101.1

December 13, 2020 THIRD SUNDAY OF

Dr. Jim Dorroh, organ PRELUDE “Come Now, Savior of Mankind”

Abby Gatliff WELCOME

Psalm 126 *CALL TO WORSHIP Words in bold text are spoken When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those in unison by the congregation. who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. Let us worship the God of wonder, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who fillls us with joy!

†*PROCESSIONAL Chancel Ensemble: “Rejoice! Rejoice, Believers” Llangloffan Heather Batey, Kirsten Heiser, Mary Margaret Yielding, Entrance of the Word and the Light Tyra Shelley, Rick Atkerson, Brad Diamond, Garland Stansell, and Leland Keller.

String Quintet: Alicia Garrison, Whitney Garrison, Meredith Treaster, Zak Enikeev, and Hellen Weberpal from Glory to God Hymnal

*PRAYER OF ADORATION Abby Gatliff

8:30 - Matt & Grace Graffeo LIGHTING OF THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE 11:00 - John, Fran, Burns & We light these Advent candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Parker Morris The Advent wreath is a circle with no beginning and no end. It is a symbol of God’s unending love and faithfulness. Isaiah the prophet calls us to prepare for the coming of Jesus by making straight all that is crooked: A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Let us prepare for Jesus, the Christ, who is anointed by God to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners. For as a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Lord God will cause Isaiah 40:3, 5; 61:1, 11 righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. Let us walk in the light of the Lord, Let us pray: Almighty God, you have made us and all things to serve you, now prepare the world for your rule. Come quickly to save us, so that wars and violence shall end, and your children may live in peace, honoring one another with justice and love; through Jesus Christ, who lives in power with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Choral Masterworks OVERTURE “Nun komm der Heiden Heiland” J.S. Bach (Come now, God’s chosen saviour) Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, Now come, Savior of the Gentiles, Der Jungfrauen Kind erkannt, Known as the Virgin’s child, Des sich wundert alle Welt, Of whom the whole world marvels, Gott solch Geburt ihm bestellt. that God had ordained such a birth for him.

Rev. Dr. Larry Michael CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION O promised Christ: We are a world at war. Our peace depends on your coming. We are a sinful people. Our pardon depends on your coming. We are full of good intentions but weak at keeping prom- ises; our only hope of doing God’s will is that you should come and help us do it. Lord Christ, Word made flesh, our world waits for your peace, for your pardon, and for your grace. Even so: come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

*DECLARATION OF GRACE & FORGIVENESS based on Isaiah 40:1-2 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Your sins are pardoned. The penalty is paid. Thanks be to God.

†RECITATIVO “Der Heiland ist gekommen” J.S. Bach Dr. Brad Diamond, tenor (The Lord has come from heaven) Der Heiland ist gekommen, hat unser armes Fleisch und Blut an sich genommen und nimmet uns zu Blutsverwandten an. O allerhöchstes Gut, was hast du nicht an uns getan? Was tust du nicht noch täglich an den Deinen? Du kömmst und lässt dein Licht mit vollem Segen scheinen.

The Savior has come, has our poor flesh and blood taken upon Himself, and accepts us as blood-relations. O, greatest of all good, what have you not done for us? What do you not do daily for those who are yours? You come and let your light with full blessing shine.

ARIA “Komm, Jesu, komm” J.S. Bach Dr. Brad Diamond, tenor (Come, Jesus, come) Komm, Jesu, komm zu deiner Kirche Come, Jesus, come to this thy church Und gib ein selig neues Jahr! And grant a blessed new year!

Befördre deines Namens Ehre, Advance your name’s honor, Erhalte die gesunde Lehre Preserve the healthy teaching, Und segne Kanzel und Altar! And bless the pulpit and the altar!

Greet your family and friends and †*PEACE OF CHRIST The peace of Christ be with you! check in Online to let us know And also with you! who all is present and watching with you!

CELEBRATIONS, JOYS, CONCERNS Rev. Dr. Ed Hurley

All children please get your favor- TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES (11:00) ite stuffed animal and let’s worship together - Katya O’Leary

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION 8:30 - Gary Harden 11:00 - Josh Vick OLD TESTAMENT LESSON (11:00) Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 1 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prison- ers; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion—to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities,the devastations of many generations. 8 For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faith- fully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. 10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Rick Atkerson, tenor RECITATIVO “Siehe, siehe, ich stehe vor der Tür” J.S. Bach Tyra Shelley, (Now behold me! I stand before the door) Music Ministry Intern Siehe, ich stehe vor der Tür und klopfe an. So jemand meine Stimme hören wird und die Tür auftun, zu dem werde ich eingehen und das Abendmahl mit ihm halten und er mit mir.

Behold, I stand before the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, To him I will enter and keep with him the evening supper, and he with me.

*GOSPEL LESSON Luke 1:39-56 8:30 - Gary Harden 11:00 - Rev. Dr. Ed Hurley 39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

SERMON “Wondering” 3 - A Season of Grace Rev. Dr. Ed Hurley “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all,” Titus 2:11

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Scots Confession Cort Gatliff When the fullness of time came God sent his Son, his eternal wis- dom, the substance of his own glory, into this world, who took the nature of humanity from the substance of a woman, a virgin, by means of the Holy Ghost. And so was born the “just seed of David,” the “Angel of the great counsel of God,” the very promised, whom we confess and acknowledge to be Emmanuel, true God and true man, two pertect natures united and joined in one person.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE/THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy king- dom 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.

OFFERING OF OURSELVES & OUR GIFTS TO GOD ARIA “Öffne dich, mein ganzes Herze” J.S. Bach Heather Batey, soprano (Open now my heart to Jesus) Please remember to continue to give your tithes and offerings to the Öffne dich, mein ganzes Herze, Open wide, my whole heart, church so our ministries may remain Jesus kömmt und ziehet ein. Jesus comes and enters in. strong. You can mail your checks to South Highland Presbyterian Church, P O Box Bin ich gleich nur Staub und Erde, Though I am but dust and earth, 55933, Birmingham, AL 35255 or Will er mich doch nicht verschmähn, He will not reject me, can give online at Seine Lust an mir zu sehn, His joy in seeing, www.southhighland.org/giving/ Dass ich seine Wohnung werde. That I become his dwelling. electronic-giving O wie selig werd ich sein! Oh, how happy will I be!

*HYMN AT THE PRESENTATION “In the Bleak Midwinter” Cranham In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago. What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give Him: Give my heart.

Rev. Dr. Larry Michael *PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*HYMN “Joy to the World!” Antioch

from Glory to God Hymnal *BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Ed Hurley Recession of the Word and the Light

CHORAL “Amen! Komm, du schöne Freudenkrone” J.S. Bach (Amen! Come, you joyful crown of glory) Amen, amen! Komm, du schöne Freudenkrone, bleib nicht lange! Deiner wart ich mit Verlangen. Amen, amen! Come, you beautiful crown of joy, do not tarry. I await you with longing.

POSTLUDE “From Heaven Above To Earth I Come” Dr. Jim Dorroh, organist

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH’S Nun komm der Heiden Heiland (Come now, God’s chosen saviour), BWV 61 was commissioned in , for the first Sunday in Advent, the Sunday which begins the liturgical year. It was first performed on December 2, 1714. This cantata is a setting of a libretto by . The work is framed by ’s Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, the Advent hymn which was derived from the old plainsong hymn Veni redemptor gentium, as well as ’s Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern. With the excep- tion of the bass recitative No. 4, whose words are taken directly from the Bible (Revelation 3, 20), all of the other movements are expressions on the idea of the coming Savior. What’s Happening At South Highland! Sunday, December 13, 2020 WE WELCOME ALL WHO WORSHIP WITH US most warmly, and we invite you to deepen your life of faith in Jesus Christ! We invite you to consider membership in this faith community and to attend our Discovery Group class. If you’re interested in beginning or continuing your personal faith journey with us, please contact Polly Edwards (205-213-4870, [email protected]) or Laura Chapman (205-910-7689, [email protected]). HEARTFELT PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY are extended to Jane and Billy French, and Janie Fahey, and the entire family at the death of her husband and their father, Bill French on Thursday, December 10, 2020.

IN MEMORIAM V William (Bill) W. French, III December 10, 2020 “Christ is the Resurrection and the Life”

CONGRATULATIONS TO Jeff & Cathie Bonner on the birth of their grandson, Dallas Huey Bonner born to Austin & Shelby Bonner on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.

ADVENT CONCERT. Join us on Wednesday, December 16 at 6:30pm live streaming from the Sanctuary. Visit southhighland.org/tv to tune-in to hear the UAB Jazz Ensemble.

ADVENT SCHEDULE Sermon Series ~ “A Season of Grace The Grace of God Has Appeared” Sunday, December 20 ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent ~ Lessons and Carols “Wandering and Woke and Welcomed” ~ Rev. Dr. Ed Hurley ~ Luke 2:1-7 Thursday, December 24 ~ Eve ~ Carols, Candles, Holy Communion “You Are Greatly Loved” ~ Rev. Dr. Ed Hurley ~ Luke 2:1-20 Sunday, December 27 ~ First Sunday after Christmas “That’s Our Boy!” ~ Daniel Killilea ~ Luke 2:22-40

THE REOPENING TASK FORCE has tentatively decided to hold just two, in-person Christmas Eve Services, a child-friendly one at 2:00pm and another, that will also to be zoomed at 6:00pm. Both will have Carols, Candles, and Communion. Reservations are required with the maximum of 40 persons per service. When making your reservation please list all names of those wanting a reservation on the email and designate which service you would like to attend. Send your reservations to [email protected] and note they must be in by Wednesday, December 23rd 3:00pm. Face masks and social distancing are required. Thank you. Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 20 at 5:30pm. We will have the world premiere of South Highland Presbyterian Church’s original production of “Do Not Be Afraid”. This is our VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT put on by SHPC families. Watch to see the sheep, the donkey and the angel chorus. The link for viewing will be posted here next week.

YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATE: Check out December’s Youth Ministry schedule at www.southhighland.org/youthblog and look for the link at the top of the page! This week, we will be delivering Exam Goodie Bags around town, so be on the lookout for a text to schedule a time or a bag on your front porch! And don’t forget to have your family participate in the Reverse Advent Calendar and Letters to Homebound Members as this month’s service projects!

THANK YOU TO JANET PERRY for gathering and commissioning these wonderful quilts for Bob Hunter. She would like to say a big “Thank You” to all who have written out and sent in special notes and pictures for the quilt squares. It truly is a lovely tribute to Bob and Carolyn. Since the response has been so great, both Lisa and Wayne will receive a quilt along with extras on a ring to cherish. Please see finished quilts below: LIVE, IN-PERSON, WORSHIP SERVICE at 8:30am on Sunday, December 20 in the Sanctuary. You must have a reservation for everyone in your party to attend. To make your reservation,email them at [email protected]. Please list all names of those wanting a reservation on the email or you can call Brenda Keith in the church office at 205-933-0790 to make your reservation. Reservations must be in by 12:00pm on Saturday, December 19 as space is limited. Face masks and social distancing are required. Limited childcare for preschool children up to 10 children will be available but must make at reservation at [email protected]. This service will not be live streamed.

CHURCH WILL BE CLOSED on Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25 for the Christmas Holiday. Have a Merry Christmas from the Staff!

CELEBRATING SHARING TOGETHER! Thank you for your continued support of South Highland Presbyterian Church in our 2020 Stewardship and its ministries. We currently have 131 pledges for $1,122,000 for our 2021 ministry work. If you have not done so yet, we encourage you to mail your pledge into Gary Harden, Financial Assistant, to P.O. Box 55933, Birmingham, AL 35255, email Gary at [email protected] or send in your pledge on our website at southhighland.org/pledge and take care of it on-line.

END OF YEAR GIVING. Remember for your 2020 tax giving, all contributions must be in by Thursday, December 31, 2020. By mail: Postmarked on or before Thursday, December 31, 2020. Online: Completed by midnight Central Standard Time, Thursday, December 31, 2020. Hand Delivered: Received at the church office no later than 12:00pm Noon on Thursday, December 31, 2020. Any gifts dropped off after that time will be treated as 2021 gifts. If you plan to make a stock donation, please allow extra time for processing.

SHOW YOUR SOUTH HIGHLAND PRESBYTERIAN PRIDE and support the SHPC Youth Group with the purchase of a church sweatshirt! These cold-weather, must-haves are navy blue, Gildan mid weight sweatshirts in a 50/50 blend with a crew-neck style. Each one is $25.00, and all money directly supports the ministry of the church’s youth! To order yours, visit https://forms.gle/qeUV3i4Dx9GwH1mZ9.

STUDY THE OLD TESTAMENT WITH THE GATLIFFS. In 2021, make plans to join Cort and Abby Gatliff as they teach a study covering the major themes of the Old Testament. Together we’ll discover how these individual stories are all telling one big story about God rescuing his people. We’ll explore the covenants, sacrifices, and prophets, and we’ll see how the promises that God made to our fathers in the faith have been passed down to us in Christ. Email Cort at [email protected] to learn more. YOUR STAFF IS AVAILABLE TO YOU! All the staff want to assure you that we are available to serve our congregation and can be contacted any time by email and cell phone. Contact information for all staff is below. Be sure to let us know immediately of any pastoral emergency or special needs. During limited business hours of 9:00am - 4:00pm, Monday - Thursday, some church staff are present in the building. If you need to come to the building please call in advance at 205-933-0790 as the doors remain locked and you will need to be let in. Masks are required at all times. If you need to visit with a staff member please make an appoint- ment in advance. Your church is OPEN for you and for the community, only in a different way. While we must work differently in order to maintain the safety of all, your church is here for you. A listing of the staff on call: Rev. Dr. Ed Hurley [email protected] Cell: 205-873-4729 Rev. Dr. Larry Michael [email protected] Cell: 205-492-9992 Brad Hale [email protected] Cell: 205-908-3534 Cort Gatliff, MDiv [email protected] Cell: 734-788-5887 Abby Gatliff [email protected] Cell: 901-679-5360 Dina Glass [email protected] Cell: 205-616-1940 Brenda Keith [email protected] Cell: 205-383-5972 Gary Harden [email protected] Cell: 205-222-1288 Katya O’Leary [email protected] Cell: 205-873-0039 Daniel Killilea [email protected] Cell: 205-532-1746 Matthew Grauberger [email protected] Cell: 757-848-8496 WE PRAY FOR YOU! If you have a prayer request, please email it to [email protected]. The list will be compiled then given to the staff who will pray for these requests at our scheduled meeting and throughout the week. These will only be seen by the staff unless we are told to add to the official Prayer Sheet for South Highland. As always your Staff cares about you and your family! WORSHIP SERVICES ARE BROADCAST AT 11:00AM FOUR WAYS: 1) click the “Worship with Us Online” button on SHPC’s website (www.southhighland.org); 2) visit SHPC’s Facebook page (facebook.com/southhighlandpresbyterian); 3) visit SHPC’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/southhighland); 4) on the radio at 850AM and 101.1FM. All of this new and ongoing communication is made possible through the generous gifts of the late E. Keith and Maxine Williams. WORSHIP THROUGH GIVING. As we worship, let us not forget that the church’s work continues. May we all honor our pledge and be faithful in presenting our offerings. Contribu- tions can be mailed to P.O. Box 55933, Birmingham, AL 35255 or made on our website at www.southhighland.org/giving/electronic-giving.

THE CHRISTIAN LECTIONARY SERIES Sunday, December 13 Tuesday, December 15 Thursday, December 17 Saturday, December 19 Pss. 24; 150; 25; 110 Pss. 33; 146; 85; 94 Pss. 18:1–20;147:12–20 Pss. 90; 149; 80; 72 Isa. 13:1–13 Isa. 9:2–7 Isa. 9:18—10:4 Isaiah 11:10–16 Heb. 12:18–29 2 Pet. 1:12–21 2 Pet. 2:10b–16 Rev. 20:1–10 John 3:22–30 Luke 22:54–69 Matt. 3:1–12 John 5:30–47

Monday, December 14 Wednesday, December 16 Friday, December 18 Sunday, December 20 Pss. 122; 145; 40; 67 Pss. 50; 147:1–11; 53; 17 Pss. 102; 148; 130; 16 Pss. 24; 150; 25; 110 Isa. 8:16—9:1 Isa. 9:8–17 Isa. 11:1–9 Isa. 28:9–22 2 Peter 1:1–11 2 Pet. 2:1–10a Eph. 6:10–20 Rev. 20:11—21:8 Luke 22:39–53 Mark 1:1–8 John 3:16–21 Luke 1:5–25