ARDMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10:30 A.M., NOVEMBER 21, 2021 - Christ the King Sunday
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“Transforming Lives Through the Good News of Jesus Christ” ARDMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Ardmore, Pennsylvania 10:30 A.M., NOVEMBER 21, 2021 Christ the King Sunday Worship Service
Welcome to Ardmore Presbyterian Church Welcome to worship at Ardmore Presbyterian Church! We are delighted you are joining us for worship this morning—whether you are physically present with us here in the sanctuary, or whether you’re livestreaming the service from home! The people of God are resilient because Jesus was, is, and will continue to be Lord of the Church. The Holy Spirit gifts Jesus-followers with praise, song, and prayer either in a sanctuary or at home on the computer. Over the centuries, Christians have worshipped in catacombs, homes, prison cells, desert monasteries, gothic cathedrals, country churches, and now, via the Internet. This virus will one day pass, but until that day arrives, let us be encouraged in Christ’s reign. Please find ways to remain connected with each other, your faith, and church. Like those who have gathered for 2000 years in unusual places, let us worship God! A message from Pastor Jason We welcome you warmly to Ardmore Presbyterian Church where we strive to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. We are especially thankful for visitors. If you have a prayer request, please email it to Rev. Jason Grimes at jgrimes@ardmorepres.org or call 610-642-6650x100. A recording or live streaming of Sunday’s service will be posted online at www.ardmorepres.org. Please spread the word to those who are interested in viewing our virtual worship. SESSION Class of 2021 Class of 2022 Class of 2023 Cathie Calkins Dick Corl Jody Brumbach Chip Cobb, Jr. Barry Jeffries Anne Conroy John DiNome Jeff Michaelson Elaine Giese Robie Lawlace Ben Yurchak Donald Poorman, Clerk of Session BOARD OF DEACONS Class of 2021 Class of 2022 Class of 2023 Eliza Brooks Katherine Anne Matt, Kristy Cobb Dan del Duca Moderator Graham Fuller Holly Frank Jessie DiNome Isla Grant Viola Terwiesch Howard Donahue Anne Toal McComiskie Maria Helena Fernandez 2
*Standing for those who are able. People’s response in bold type. Order of Service GATHERING THE PEOPLE OF GOD PRELUDE Two Preludes on Timothy Albrecht (1987) “Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor” William Haller (1993) The grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you. LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH Rev. Schaunel Steinnagel OPENING PRAYER *CALL TO WORSHIP (from Psalm 8) Kathy Toal O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is the human creature that you are mindful of us, and the children of humanity that you care for us? Yet you have made us a little lower than heavenly beings and crowned us with glory and honor. You have given us dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under our feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! REFLECTION O Worship the King LYONS CALL TO CONFESSION (from Colossians 1:20) “Through God’s Son, God is pleased to reconcile all things, making peace through the blood of the cross.” Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin. PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Book of Common Worship) Righteous God, you have crowned Jesus Christ as Lord of all. We confess that we have not bowed before him, and we are slow to acknowledge his rule. We give allegiance to the powers of this world, and fail to be governed by justice and love. In your mercy, forgive us. Raise us to acclaim him as ruler of all, that we may be loyal ambassadors, obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ. ASSURANCE OF PARDON (from Colossians 1:13-14) “God has rescued us from the power of evil and transferred us into the kingdom of the beloved Son, in whom we have redemption.” In the name of Jesus Christ, we are 3
forgiven! Thanks be to God! *PASSING OF THE PEACE (Colossians 3:15) “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.” The peace of Christ be with you. Peace be with you. RESPONSE, Quartet The Strife Is O’er VICTORY (Palestrina, 1591) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! The victory of life is won; The strife is o’er, the battle done, The song of triumph has begun. CHILDREN’S MESSAGE THE WORD PROCLAIMED PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Book of Common Worship) Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives, until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FIRST READING, Daniel 7:9-14 As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne, his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and flowed out from his presence. A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him. The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. I watched then because of the noise of the arrogant words that the horn was speaking. And as I watched, the beast was put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. As I watched in the night visions, I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed. 4
ANTHEM, Chancel Choir Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart Richard Dirksen (1974) Rejoice, ye pure in heart! In gladness and in woe. Rejoice, give thanks and sing! Hosanna, Hosanna, Your glorious banner wave on high, Rejoice, give thanks and sing! The cross of Christ your King. Still lift your standard high, Hosanna, Hosanna, Still march in firm array, Rejoice, give thanks and sing! As warriors through the darkness toil With all the angel choirs, Till dawns the golden day. With all the saints of earth, Hosanna, Hosanna, Pour out the strains of joy and bliss, Rejoice, give thanks and sing! True rapture, noblest mirth. Then on, ye pure in heart! Hosanna, Hosanna, Rejoice, give thanks and sing! Rejoice, give thanks and sing! Your glorious banner wave on high, Yes, on through life’s long path, The cross of Christ your King. Still chanting as ye go, Hosanna, Hosanna, From youth to age, by night and day, Rejoice, give thanks and sing! Edward H. Plumptre (1865) SECOND READING, Philippians 2:1-11 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. THIRD READING, Luke 9:57-62 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, 5
“Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. SERMON “Christ the King Sunday” Rev. Schaunel Steinnagel RESPONDING TO THE WORD *HYMN 371 Lift High the Cross Click here *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Confession of 1967 9.54-9.55) Biblical visions and images of the rule of Christ, such as a heavenly city, a father’s house, a new heaven and a new earth, a marriage feast, and an unending day culminate in the image of the kingdom. The kingdom represents the triumph of God over all that resists God’s will and disrupts God’s creation. Already God’s reign is present as a ferment in the world, stirring hope in us and preparing the world to receive its ultimate judgment and redemption. With an urgency born of this hope, the church applies itself to present tasks and strives for a better world. It does not identify limited progress with the kingdom of God on earth, nor does it despair in the face of disappointment and defeat. In steadfast hope, the church looks beyond all partial achievement to the final triumph of God. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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. PREPARING TO MAKE OUR OFFERING TO GOD OFFERTORY, Duet Let All the World in Every Corner Sing C. S. Lang (1959) Kaitlyn Waterson, Soprano; Courtney Capriotti, Mezzo-soprano Let all the world in every corner sing, My God and King! The heavens are not too high, His praise may thither fly; 6
The earth is not too low, His praises there may grow. Let all the world in every corner sing, My God and King! The Church with psalms must shout, No door can keep them out; But above all the heart Must bear the longest part. Let all the world in every corner sing, My God and King! (George Herbert, 17th c.) *DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION OF OUR GIFTS *HYMN 151 Crown Him with Many Crowns Click here *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Lift High the Cross Ronald Arnatt (2000) The flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Mr. and Mrs. T. Thompson Patterson by the Patterson Family. Thanksgiving Eve Service This Wednesday Please join us for worship on Wednesday, November 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. We hope you will be with us for a time of quiet reflection and fellowship as we ponder our many blessings and give thanks to God. The service will also be livestreamed. We look forward to seeing you there! 7
Welcome to the Pulpit: Rev. Schaunel Steinnagel Rev. Schaunel Steinnagel, a minister in the Presbytery of Philadelphia, has been attending Ardmore Presbyterian Church with her family since 2002. She has been working since 2013 as the Associate Pastor of The Welcome Church, a congregation under development in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), which is made up predominantly by people who are experiencing chronic street homelessness. She received her M.Div. degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 1996 and her B.A. from Middlebury College in Vermont in 1993, having majored in linguistics. She was ordained in 1999 (then serving at Meeting Ground, a homeless shelter in Cecil County, Maryland), and worked as the Hunger Action Enabler for the Presbytery of Philadelphia from 2002 to 2012. At Ardmore Presbyterian Church, she has taught children’s Sunday School classes, participated in adult Small Groups, and is a member of the Handbell Choir. Poinsettia Dedications Please contact the church office to dedicate a poinsettia ($10 per plant) to a loved one or in commemoration of a special occasion. The deadline for submission is Monday, December 13. Masks Required for Worship Please remember that mask-wearing is currently required for in-person worship. If you are holding a hard copy of this bulletin and reading this announcement, you should have a mask on. Do you? Go ahead and check. I’ll wait. You do? That’s great—thank you! If you aren’t wearing a mask, go ahead and put that on. Forgot your mask today? No problem—please see one of our ushers in the Narthex. We have lots to spare! Thank you for doing your part to stop the spread and keep our community safe here at APC! 8
2022 Stewardship Campaign Update As of November 17th, we have received 60 pledges for our 2022 Stewardship Campaign, totaling $291,428. In addition, 64% of those who’ve already pledged have committed more for 2022 than they did for 2021. Eight of the pledges we’ve received so far are new this year! We’re also really excited to share that 42% of returned pledges have included the Faith Promise Card, through which folks may commit to donating their time and talents to steward our church and community. If you haven't yet returned your pledge, there is still time! The deadline is TODAY, November 21. We can’t thank you enough for supporting the work and ministry of Ardmore Presbyterian Church. Save the Date: Congregational Meeting Our annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2021, immediately following worship to elect church officers and elders to serve as trustees of the Corporation and discuss pastoral housing. The Nominating Committee has met regularly and has prayerfully reviewed the church membership for nominations. Please plan to attend. We are looking forward to it! Collection Plate Due to COVID-19, we are currently not passing the collection plate during worship. For anyone who is called to give in-person, the plate is on the table in the Narthex. If you prefer to give online, please scan the QR code (left) to be directed to the ‘Giving’ page of our website. Thank you for your generosity! 9
Join Us for APC’S Advent Family Afternoon December 12, 2021 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. (or until fellowship around the campfire concludes) Our musical program is Child of My Heart with Cherub, Children’s, and Youth Choirs, as well as Youth Ringers and Adult Handbells. Following the musical program in the Sanctuary, we will move to Fellowship Hall for a craft and activity. At the conclusion of the event, please join us outside for a campfire, something warm to drink, and s’mores. Masks are required. We hope you will join us for this festive event. CDs Needed for Advent Group Project In preparation for a group project for Advent Family Afternoon, we are in need of any old CDs you could contribute for a “Star of Bethlehem” project. Please leave them in the front office before December 12. Thank you! Save the Date for Advent Festivities Cantata and Nativity Tableau: December 19 at 10:30 a.m. (during Sunday morning worship) 10
The Well Update Please consider helping The Well to restock! The following items are needed by the women of The Well (the women’s shelter which is a part of The Welcome Church) at this time! Any of the items below may be dropped off to the Ardmore Presbyterian Church office (labeled for ‘The Well’), or given directly to Schaunel Steinnagel: Wash cloths, Towels, Toothpaste, Pillows Thank you very much! Please contact Schaunel Steinnagel with any questions, rvschaunel@aol.com, 302-463-0542. Sanctuary Village Fundraiser Concert: “Snazzy Jazzy Christmas” Sanctuary Village is hosting a jazz Christmas Concert on Sunday, November 28, at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harleysville. Come out to hear the vocal stylings of opera singer and Sanctuary Village board member, Hazelita Fauntroy (who performed a concert at APC in 2020), accompanied by Rose Coleman. Suggested donation is $15. Masks are required. Please see the flyer for full details. 11
Preschool’s Annual Gingerbread Bake a Huge Success! APC has a number of beloved traditions, but the Pre- school’s Annual Gingerbread Bake is one of our favorites! Last week, the children of APWPS baked delicious ginger- bread cookies—using a recipe from our very own Betty Birdsall (see below). The preschool has been baking ginger- bread since 1966, and though covid-19 has made the whole experience a little different in recent years, we were so grateful to have it! Some of us on staff got a chance to . . . test . . . the surplus gingerbread and we can confirm that it was delicious! Thanks so much to all the teachers, students, and parents for their hard work bring- ing the gingerbread bake to life. Read more about APWPS’ Annual Gingerbread Bake here! Nanny’s Gingerbread Recipe (Recipe is from APC Member Betty Birdsall) Bake at 400° degrees for 8 minutes. 1 cup shortening 1 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup molasses (light or dark) 2 tablespoons ginger powder 2 tablespoons cinnamon ½ teaspoon allspice ½ teaspoon nutmeg 5½ cups A.P. flour 1 teaspoon baking soda diluted in ¼ cup of boiling water Thoroughly whisk dry ingredients together and set aside. Beat shortening with mixer at medium speed gradually adding sugar. Next, add eggs one at a time. Alternately add dry ingredients and wet ingredients (molasses and diluted baking soda) and mix only until they are incorporated (avoid overmixing by using a spoon rather than an electric mixer). Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap or store in a Ziplock bag. Refrigerate until you are ready to roll out and cut into desired shapes. 12
Youth Group Tackles Tough Questions Around the Fire From Youth Coordinator, Eliza Brooks: This week at the DOG (Disciples of God) House, our youth learned how to build a fire! It took patience, teamwork, and a lot of matches! We listened to the song, “Pass It On” with lyrics that read, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going . . .” How can you apply these lyrics to your life to spread joy and positivity? Join us today for an indoor movie and discussion, “God’s Not Dead” at 2:00-3:30 p.m. inside the Parish House. Please note there will be no meeting on Sunday, November 28—enjoy time off with your families! Youth Group will reconvene on Sunday, December 5, at 2:00-3:30 p.m. We hope to see you there! If you have any questions about how to get involved, please contact me at ebrooks35@gmail.com. Flower Donations for 2022 At this time, all of our remaining flower dedication slots for 2021 have been filled. Thank you to all who so generously donated beautiful flower arrangements to adorn and brighten our sanctu- ary for worship services this year. In 2022, notices for open weeks will no longer appear in the bulletin. Instead, there will be a sign- up chart in the Narthex. Each Sunday will have 2 available slots. If you’re interested in dedicating a bouquet, simply find a week with an open slot(s) and add your name, along with the number of bouquets you’d like to donate (either 1 or 2, depending on your wishes and/or what’s available). Kaitlyn will reach out to you regarding wording, requests, etc. The chart will go up in Decem- ber, so keep an eye out for it then. If you have a recurring annual donation, Kaitlyn will add it to the chart ahead of time. Thank you so much! 13
What is Christ the King Sunday? (Read this explanation from PCUSA) The festival of Christ the King (or Reign of Christ) ends our marking of Ordinary Time after the Day of Pentecost, and moves us to the threshold of Advent, the season of hope for Christ’s coming again at the end of time. The day centers on the crucified and risen Christ, whom God exalted to rule over the whole universe. The celebration of the lordship of Christ thus looks back to Ascen- sion, Easter, and Transfiguration, and points ahead to the appearing in glory of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Christ reigns supreme. Christ’s truth judges falsehood. As the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, Christ is the center of the uni- verse, the ruler of all history, the judge of all people. In Christ all things began, and in Christ all things will be fulfilled. In the end, Christ will triumph over the forces of evil. Adult Sunday AM Small Group Presents a New 4-Part Advent Study of Timothy Keller’s “Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ” “Christmas is the only Christian holy day that is also a major secular holiday.” While the secular celebration—a time for family, for giving, and for peace—can be enriching and consistent with the Christian celebration, the true roots of Christmas are often hidden. Once a year, during Advent and Christmas, the basic truths of the events of Jesus’ birth become more accessible to us all—and this is what Keller illuminates in Hidden Christmas. Keller begins the first chapters with Matthew’s account of the gifts that God gave us at Christmas and ends in the last chapters of Luke’s description of how we can welcome and receive these gifts. By understanding the gifts of hope and salvation, we may experience the redeeming power of God’s grace in a deeper and more meaningful way. Join us in discussing what this message can mean not only during this season, but throughout the year. We will meet during the 4 weeks of Advent at 9:00 a.m. in the Mill Creek Room (with masks) or via Zoom (link in the bulletin and Friday email). All are welcome—please join us! 14
This Week at APC Sunday, November 21 9:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Adult Small Group Christ the King Sunday https://us02web.zoom.us/j/890918410 9:30 a.m. Youth Ringers Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 10:30 a.m. Lord’s Day Worship, In-Person (& Livestreamed) https://ardmorepres.org/live 11:30 a.m. Lemonade on the Lawn 11:45 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal (Chapel) 2:00 p.m. Youth Group (Parish House) Monday, November 22 1:00 p.m. Prayer Group https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83578496052 7:00 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88421426322 Tuesday, November 23 2:00 p.m. Safety Task Force Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81117187799 Wed., November 24 11:15 a.m. Meditative Walk at Stoneleigh in Villanova 7:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Service (Sanctuary) https://ardmorepres.org/live Thursday, Nov. 25 Happy Thanksgiving! The church office will be closed 11/25 and 11/26. Sunday, November 28 9:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Adult Small Group First Week of Advent https://us02web.zoom.us/j/890918410 10:30 a.m. Lord’s Day Worship, In-Person (& Livestreamed) https://ardmorepres.org/live 11:30 a.m. Lemonade on the Lawn 11:45 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal (Chapel) 7:00 p.m. Sunday Evening Chat https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85940579693 Guest Wi-Fi Password The ‘APC Guest’ Wi-Fi Password is John316-Calvin. 15
Lift your prayers this week for: APC Safety Task Force, Jody Brumbach, Children Suffering from Anxiety, Our Church Family, Gren Foote, Pastor Jason Grimes & Family, Joanne Poorman, World Leaders & Health Care Workers. Prayers for those suffering from Covid-19 and long term effects. Ongoing Prayers for: Kate Brooks, Jessie DiNome, Rosemary Fischer, Sandy Foote, Holly Frank, Twila Garletts, Claire Hammonds, Julie Patterson, Chris Rowe, Mary Schreiber, Kathy Toal. Prayers for those grieving the loss of someone they love. Friends/Family: John Beerbower, Austin Beltante, Jessica Benizio, Brooks Family, Elliott Family, Fischer Family, Dr. David Githii, Joyce Goetsch (Laura’s Mother), Light It Up Green for Pediatric Cancer, Dilshani Grimes’ Mother, Barbara Hayward, Howard Family, Michael James, Massey Family, Patty Mihok, Mary Scattergood, Schreiber Family, Marene Walden (Michelle Butera’s Mother), Gloria Yeboah. Prayer for those in care facilities. Prayer for those in the military. APC mission partners: APC Preschool, Ardmore Food Pantry, Caring Hands Ministry (in India), First Place, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Kuwadzana Presbyterian Church (in Zimbabwe), Maternity Care Coalition, Medical Benevolence Foundation, Pre-Med Hospice Ministry, Teachers’ Teammates, The Welcome Church, Welcoming the Stranger, and West Kensington Ministry. CHURCH DIRECTORY Ministers: Entire Congregation Assisted by: Rev. Jason Grimes, Pastor, jgrimes@ardmorepres.org Gary Garletts, M.M., AAGO, Director of Music/Organist, ggarletts@ardmorepres.org Kaitlyn Waterson, soprano; Courtney Capriotti, mezzo-soprano; Jim Longacre, tenor; Tom Sitzler, baritone Rev. Graham Robinson, D.Min., Parish Associate, gjmtk5@gmail.com Michelle Butera, M.B.A., Director, Weekday Preschool, mbutera@ardmorepres.org Kaitlyn Waterson, Church Administrator, kwaterson@ardmorepres.org Irena Reynolds, M.A., Preschool Administrator, ireynolds@ardmorepres.org Scott Welden, M.B.A., Finance Manager, swelden@ardmorepres.org Bob Peters, A.S., Building Manager, bpeters@ardmorepres.org Eliza Brooks, O.T.D., Youth Ministry Coordinator, ebrooks35@gmail.com 5 W. Montgomery Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003-1599 610.642.6650 | www.ardmorepres.org Online E-Giving — You may now give to APC at any time by going to the church’s website (www.ArdmorePres.org) and click on the green “GIVE NOW” button on the top right corner. Or, you may simply scan the QR code on the left here with your phone. Simply set up a new account and start e-giving today! 16
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