WORSHIP OF GOD Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 11 a.m.
PRELUDE
Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow
Betty Roe
Chorale Prelude on In dulci jubilo “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”
D. Buxtehude
REGENT SQUARE
WELCOME & INVOCATION
Rev. Jonathan Hall
LIGHTING OF THE JOY CANDLE
The Perkins Family
Response Hymn | Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love | BAUGH Hope, peace, joy and love! These are gifts You bring from above. Jesus, Emmanuel, come to be light of Your joy, reflected in me. HYMN NO. 122 SCRIPTURE ANTHEM
IN DULCI JUBILO
Luke 1:46–56
Rev. Allie Osborne
Immanuel, God With Us
Sanctuary Choir; Joy Callaway, piano
OFFERTORY PRAYER OFFERTORY
Fettke Tom Lewis
O Holy Night
Gay Sara, handbells; Jack Mitchener, organ
DOXOLOGY (HYMN NO. 706) Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Adam OLD 100TH
Children K–5 may leave during this time for Kids Worship. Parents, please pick up your children in room C-305 of the Children's Building after the service.
PASTORAL PRAYER
WE LOVE MEETING NEW PEOPLE
Alaina: No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. People: And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. SERMON
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (p. 832 in your pew Bible)
Alaina: For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. People: A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP Angels, from the Realms of Glory
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Jack Mitchener, organ
HYMN NO. 126
WORSHIP OF GOD
Rev. John Uldrick
HYMN NO. 110
Away in a Manger
MUELLER
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 35:1–10
Alaina Hubble
Alaina: The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. People: The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Alaina: Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” People: Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
Waiting for Joy
HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 127 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Dr. Hollingsworth MENDELSSOHN
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
Rev. John Uldrick
BENEDICTION
Dr. Hollingsworth
POSTLUDE
Fantasia on In dulci jubilo, (S. 729) Jack Mitchener, organ
J.S. Bach
LIGHTING THE JOY CANDLE Betsy and Lee Perkins joined Second-Ponce as a married couple almost 25 years ago. Betsy, a paralegal who grew up at Second-Ponce, coordinates our Women's Fellowship bi-monthly socials and sings alto in the Sanctuary Choir. Lee, an attorney, was ordained as a Deacon in 2014 and has served as Chair of both the Missions and Stewardship Committees. Betsy and Lee, who enjoy Bible study with the New Covenant Sunday School class, raised their children, Anna and Jay, at Second-Ponce. Anna works as a chemist in New York and Jay is a senior at LSU.
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Welcome to worship at Second-Ponce! We hope you find this hour to be joyful and transformative. Our church has something for everyone, and not just on Sundays. During the week, we have special dinners, small groups and Bible studies. Wednesday evenings, we share Fellowship Supper followed by adult discipleship and ageappropriate activities for children and teens. We hope you'll join us! And now that you know a little about us, help us get to know you better by completing the blue or green card located in the pew rack and hand it to a minister or drop it in the offering plate.
ADDITIONAL SUNDAY INFORMATION CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP We love to see children at Second-Ponce, and we have a Kids’ Club area just for them! It's one floor up from the Sanctuary, and our greeters will be happy to show you the way. In the Kids' Club, there’s a nursery and Kids Worship for babies–5th grade. You may take your children to the Kids' Club before the service or, if you prefer, they can stay with you in the Sanctuary for the entire hour or until the Doxology (when kids leave with children's ministry leaders). After worship, pick them up in the Kids’ Club. SHARING PRAYER REQUESTS At Second-Ponce, you have a church family who welcomes the opportunity to join you in prayer. Let us know your prayer needs by filling out a request card located on the back of the pew rack. You can drop it in the offering plate or give it to a member of the Second-Ponce ministerial staff after worship. GIVING AN OFFERING Your financial support of Second-Ponce allows us to carry out the mission God has for our church. There are Virtual Offering Plate cards in the pew racks that utilize a QR code and Text to Give options for making gifts online. You may also drop your offering in the offering plate. HOW TO JOIN Second-Ponce enthusiastically welcomes you to make a commitment to Christ and our community of faith. At any time during the Hymn of Response, simply walk to the front of the Sanctuary where a member of our ministry team will greet you with warmth and joy. If you're uncomfortable being "in the spotlight," but still want to join– that's ok! Speak with of one our ministers after worship and they'll walk you through an alternate plan.
LEADING OUR OFFERTORY PRAYER Tom Lewis—who was recently named a Life Deacon—spends Sundays at Second-Ponce as a rotational teacher in several adult Sunday School classes. His leadership as an Air Force veteran and retired commercial pilot extended to his service as the former Chair of both our Deacon body and Stewardship Committee. Tom and his wife, Judy, were married at SPdL 62 years ago and they have two adult children and six grandchildren.
SECOND-PONCE WORSHIP STAFF Dr. Dock Hollingsworth, Senior Pastor
Joy Callaway, Pianist Anneliese Depenthal, Music Ministry Intern Bill Gabbard, Minister of Music Rev. Jonathan Hall, Minister of Community and Student Discipleship
Dr. Jack Mitchener, Organist Rev. Allie Osborne, Minister of Missions and Children's Discipleship Richard Rogers, Director of Orchestra Rev. John Uldrick, Associate Pastor
IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH BEADED BIRD ORNAMENT SALE Today | After Worship | By the Library | Cost: $20/each "Birds of Color" ornaments, crafted by Juan, an artisan from Guatemala, will be for sale near the library. 100% of the proceeds go to support the education of Juan and his wife, Maria's, three children. Cash (exact change) and checks accepted. HONOR LOVED ONES THIS SEASON Deadline: Today | $30/each Poinsettias are available for purchase in recognition (honor or memory) of loved ones. Use the hard copy forms (available in the Welcome Center) to pay by cash or check. Visit www.spdl.org/advent to complete the form and payment online. The deadline for purchase is Sunday, December 17. A commemorative list of honorees will be included with the Christmas Eve candlelight service bulletin. Contact Vicki McCaskey with questions (vmccaskey@spdl.org).
CARING FOR GOD'S PEOPLE KIDS' CLUB CHRISTMAS MISSIONS POST OFFICE Operational through Sunday, December 24 | In the Welcome Center Send Christmas cards to your church family using the Children’s Missions Post Office located in the Welcome Center. The service is free, but we do ask for donations (suggested: 50 cents/card) all of which go to SPdL missions. Simply add your donation and Christmas cards in the corresponding slots. Be sure to stop by on your way out and see if you have a card. BUDGET FOR LIFE Our friends at Buckhead Christian Ministry offer a program called Budget for Life, a 12-month virtual financial education course helping working individuals and families build the skills, knowledge and habits to become financially stable. To help BCM prepare for their 2024 Budget for Life class, we're gathering supplies from their Amazon wish list. Check out their needs at www.spdl.org/missions and, if you're able, add a few to your Amazon cart while you're shopping for holiday gifts.
SPDL CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
O HOLY NIGHT: REJOICING IN A WEARY WORLD Today begins the third week of stories and prayers from the 2023 SPdL Advent Devotional, O Holy Night: Rejoicing in a Weary World. Last week, we heard from Jennifer & John Uldrick, Tiffany Baumstark, Mary Kay Artress, Chris Boltin, Andy Hogans and Jane Hamby. This week, even more members of our church family are sharing wonderful words of Advent joy and anticipation. Don't miss them!
CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE Sunday, December 24 9:30 a.m. Churchwide Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall 10 a.m. Combined Class Adult Discipleship in the Fellowship Hall (the conference call and Zoom link options will open at 9:55 a.m.) 11 a.m. Worship (Sanctuary) 6 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve Service CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR'S EVES | NOTES FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH 12/24 & Children: We will not have children's Sunday School or Kids' Worship on Christmas Eve. 12/31 If you need activities for your child during the Sunday School hour (after breakfast), let Allie know. Children will worship with their families in both the 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. services. 12/24 Youth: After breakfast, youth will have their regular time of Bible study in the Youth Area. They will pass the offering plate in the 11 a.m. worship service, but will not meet for lunch after. 12/31 Youth: We will not have youth Bible study on New Year's Eve. If you need activities for your student during the Sunday School hour (after breakfast), let Jonathan know.
IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH STANDBYS NEEDED If you'll be worshiping with us Sunday, December 31, and would be willing to pass the offering plate if needed, please let Jonathan Hall know (jhall@spdl.org).
LOOKING AHEAD
2024 is packed with amazing opportunities for community, discipleship, missions and worship! Here's a quick look at the January and February calendars. Stay tuned for more! JANUARY 2024 Wednesday, 1/3 Wednesday Nights Are Back! 5 p.m. Fellowship Supper Begins 6 p.m. Community Night for All Ages 7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Sunday, 1/7 9:30 a.m. Welcome Back Potluck Breakfast for Children, Youth & Families Tuesday, 1/9
Noon 7:15 p.m.
Friday, 1/12 Sunday, 1/14 11 a.m. Monday, 1/15 All Day Sunday, 1/21 12:15 p.m. Friday, 1/26 Sunday, 1/28 11 a.m.
Prime Timer's (Senior Adults) Monthly Get-Together Young Adult January Dinner Winter Youth Summit (1/12–1/14) Deacon Ordination in Worship Church Office Closed in Observance of the MLK Holiday Church in Conference Children’s Retreat for 3rd–6th Graders (1/26–1/28) 4th Sunday Youth Pass the Plate and Lunch
SPdLU
Topics for January & February
Adult Discipleship Topical Studies Wednesdays | 6 p.m. | In Person & On Zoom After Fellowship Supper, adults begin a time of discipleship through Bible and topical studies. Session recordings are available online at www.spdl.org/faithresources.
Mid-February–March Hope Found in Crucifixion Rev. John Uldrick will teach on the last words of Christ from the cross
(Second-Ponce de Leon University)
FEBRUARY 2024 Tuesday, 2/6 7:15 p.m. Sunday, 2/11 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, 2/14 6:15 p.m. Thursday, 2/15 Noon Friday, 2/16 5:30 p.m. Sunday, 2/18 All Day Sunday, 2/25 11 a.m.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 8:30 p.m. Parents Connect Zoom FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 All Day Church Office Closed
WELCOME TO WORSHIP
December 17, 2023
January 10–Mid-February The Lord's Prayer
Young Adult February Dinner Youth/Parent Meeting Ash Wednesday Service Prime Timers’ (Senior Adults) Valentine's Lunch Kids’ Club FriYAY (formerly called Parents Night Out) First Sunday of Lent 4th Sunday Youth Pass the Plate and Lunch
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 12:15 p.m. Beaded Bird Ornament Sale End of Day Christmas Poinsettia Decor Deadline
Growing in Christ and community– sharing God's love in the world.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24
CHRISTMAS EVE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
9:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 6 p.m.
Churchwide Breakfast Combined Class Adult Sunday School/Bible Study* Worship* Candlelight Christmas Eve
*This event is available in person and online (via Zoom, Livestream or Facebook; check event details)
Third Sunday of Advent TODAY'S MESSAGE
Waiting for Joy Isaiah 35:1–10
Dr. Dock Hollingsworth Senior Pastor
Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church 2715 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404.266.8111 | www.spdl.org Facebook & Instagram: @secondponce