*THE GLORIA PATRI (Hymn 579)

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 30, 2008 Is your cell phone on?

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) 9:40 a.m. VOLUNTARY Fugue for Advent (1965) Partita on “Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern Prelude on Fugue and C Major (WTC Book 1)

Anthony Milner Gerhard Krapf J.S. Bach

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from the Song of Hope) Our only hope is Jesus Christ. After we refused to live in the image of God, He was born of the virgin Mary, sharing our genes and instincts, entering our culture, speaking our language, fulfilling the law of our God. Being united to Christ’s humanity, we know ourselves when we rest in Him. *PASSING THE PEACE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM PRESENTATION AND PROMISES OF THE PARENTS

10:00 a.m. *PROMISE OF THE CONGREGATION + + + The Approach to God + + + GREETING Daniel Carlson The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you. And also with you.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND BAPTISMAL COVENANT

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WORSHIP ORIENTATION

*BLESSING AND WELCOME

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE CALL TO WORSHIP INTROIT

Prepare the Way of the Lord

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN #447 Lead On, O King Eternal

Hal Hopson

Welcome our brother and sister in Christ. Joyfully we receive you. Join with us as we give witness in the world to the good news, for we are all one in Christ Jesus. Alleluia!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER Lancashire

*OUR NEED FOR GOD (unison) God of the future: you are coming to bring all powers and principalities into your domain. We confess that we have not expected your arrival. We have lived casual lives and ignored your precepts. Help us, O God, for we have been slow to serve you. Forgive us through your son, whose triumph we desire and eagerly await. *GOD’S FORGIVING LOVE

Do you promise to love, encourage, and support this brother and sister by teaching the gospel of God’s love, by being an example of faith and character, and by giving the strong support of God’s family in fellowship, prayer, and service? We do.

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.

ANTHEM What’s a Savior Like You Doin’ in a Place Like This? Dennis Allen They thought He was a King ‘cause heaven was His home. They thought He had a kingdom, that He’d be sittin’ on a thone. But there He was in a stable, lying in the straw. So Jesus was the strangest king anybody ever saw.

Chorus: What’s a Savior like You doin’ in a place like this? A manger for a cradle, you know it just don’t seem fit For a king to come in such low, lowliness What’s a Savior like You doin’ in a place like this?

OFFERTORY People Look East

French Folk Melody arr. Hal Hopson

People look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. People, look east and sing today: Love the guest is on the way. Furrows be glad. Though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there. Give up your strength the seed to nourish, that in course the flow'r may flourish. People, look east and sing today: Love the rose is on the way.

They came from far and wide to bow before the King. They found a perfect Savior, the Messiah of their dreams. But there He was in a stable, lying in the straw. So Jesus was the strangest king anybody ever saw.

Birds, though you long have ceased to build, guard the nest that must be filled. Even the hour when wings are frozen, God for fledging time has chosen. People, look east and sing today: Love the bird is on the way.

Chorus: Away in a manger, no crib for a bed. The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay. The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay

Stars keep the watch. When night is dim one more light the bowl shall brim, Shining beyond the frosty weather, bright as sun and moon together. People, look east and sing today: Love the star is on the way. Angels announce with shouts of mirth Christ who brings new life to earth. Set ev'ry peak and valley humming with the word, the Lord is coming. People, look east and sing today: Love the Lord is on the way.

Chorus:

+ + + The Word of God + + +

Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965)

FIRST LESSON 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 (page 166) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

*DOXOLOGY (Hymn 592) AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION *RECESSIONAL HYMN #453 O Holy City, Seen of John

Morning Song

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION SECOND LESSON Mark 13:24-37 (page50) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE #583 *POSTLUDE

SERMON

Amen

Toccata-Prelude on “Wachet auf”

Francis Jackson

Bill Levering

The End is Near

*The congregation may stand. + + + The Response to the Word + + + *HYMN #449

My Lord! What a Morning

MINUTE FOR MISSION OFFERING

Irregular

Alternative Mission Fair

Welcome If you are a first time visitor, please fill out a little white card and place it in the offering plate. If you are interested in becoming a member, please speak with one of the ministers after the service. We are eager to know and serve you. Everyone is invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments after the service in Assembly Hall.

Need Help? Large print bulletins and audio receivers are available to assist you. Please ask an usher. Special bulletins for children are also available. Restrooms are located out the front right doorway of the sanctuary.

Caring for Children During Worship We love kids. Childcare for babies through age four is available between 10:00 and 12:00 a.m. at the Kinderwyk building at 10 North Church Street. Those in Kindergarten through eighth grade, are invited to take part in Church School today after the Children’s Message. Follow the teacher upstairs to the classrooms. In Memoriam The chancel flowers today are placed in the sanctuary to the glory of God and in loving memory of our daughter, Laurel Davis Jeffers by Peter and Diane Ontkush. We are grateful that these flowers, which represent our prayers and praise, will be taken to church family members to recognize a special need or celebration. Memorial Flowers If you would like to order celebratory or memorial flowers for the chancel, please call the church office. Music Notes John Norton will be presenting Preludes and Fugues of J.S. Bach as part of our Advent voluntaries. Nancy Wainright, Marie Pletenik, and Harlene Bachorik are accompanying today’s Offertory with handbells. Tom D’Andrea is the percussionist. The Anthem this morning is being sung by the FRC Players. They will be presenting their Christmas musical, “It All Happened in the Country” at the Advent Festival on December 13th and after the regular church service on December 14th. Ya’ll come on down! + + +

Sacrament of Baptism This morning Lucas Bradley Emken and Genevieve Ruth Emken will receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Lucas and Genevieve are the children of Dawn and George Emken. Adult Bible Study After the service, grab a cup of coffee and join us for Bible Study in the Poling Conference Room. This is a drop-in study. No preparation is necessary.

Mishkan T’Filah: a Reform Siddur. This is a Jewish prayer book. The text is provided in English and in Hebrew notation with pronunciation. Just inside the library door is a book sale table. Proceeds to benefit the Damien Center. If you are discarding books you think are saleable and in good condition, you may bring them to the library for this good cause. Vespers Every Week, 5 p.m.

At the New Faith Bookshop Today: a new collection of the popular Peruvian ceramics; many pieces relating to the Christmas season, makes a nice gift, and purchases benefit native artisans. Coming soon: The greeting card, "Portrait of FRC," with an appropriate scripture and Merry Christmas printed inside. First Forum The First Forum meets in the Poling Chapel following the fellowship time on Sunday mornings. It is over at noon. Dec. 7 Executive Director, William P. Spolyar, of the Schenectady Free Health Clinic. Dec. 21 Coffee and Connections Good Reading One of the Johnson Library’s display tables features books for teenagers. Two novels can be found on the adult table: The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon. Open the next one from the back and read it from back to front!

Today –– Home Brew Vespers The folk vespers on November 30 will feature our own talented musicians: "Saint Abigail" Norton Levering, Jumping Johnny Willis, Amping Andy Chestnut, and the Amazing Stacey Midge. Dec. 7 – Jazz Vespers Nat Phipps, piano, Pete Toigo, bass; Tom D’Andrea Drums. Dec. 14 – Chamber Vespers Leah Kidwell-Fernandes, harp; Jean Hayes, flute. Dec. 21 – Jazz Vespers Rennie Crain, piano; Tom Shields, bass; Tom D’Andrea, drums. Dec. 28 – Celtic Vespers Larry Meyerhoff plays a wide variety of instruments, including hammered dulcimer, guitar, Irish flute, penny whistle, and bagpipes. Youth News The Junior High Youth Group will meet on December 7th at 5 pm in Assembly Hall. We will be eating, playing games, and practicing for the Christmas Eve family service.

The Senior High Youth Group will meet on December 7th at 7 pm in the Mezzanine. We will have snacks and prepare for the Living Nativity and the Christmas Eve family service. Last Call for Teachers There are still vacancies for the K-1, 2-3 and 4-5 classes. Please consider giving an hour these Sundays to our children – December 14, 21, January 11, 18, 25, February 8 & 22. Call Jamie Ipsen if you are interested at 399-6848. Reminder Next Sunday, December 7, is communion Sunday. Children in grades K-1 will meet Mrs. Ipsen at the church school stairs and they will venture to Poling Chapel for a special “Welcome Advent” program. Parents can pick up them up in the Children & Worship room following the church service at 11:00. Children in grades 2-12 will remain in the sanctuary to celebrate communion with the congregation. Your Thanksgiving Leftovers The soup kitchen cooks will make good use of your turkey carcasses and ham bones or any leftovers. Please place these items in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer at church. The location of our freezer is behind Friendship kitchen in the back stairway. If this is a difficulty for you, the staff will assist. We plan to make our soup December 1st or 2nd. Please join us; Inge-Lise Pangburn (399-1027) and Connie Young (393-7061).

Group V Members of Group V will hold their Christmas program on December 1st at 11:30 a.m. at the home of Barbara Landon, 1370 Rowe Road, Niskayuna. Catch-as-Catch-Can Reading Group Members will meet up in the Walton House mezzanine at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 2. The book, Home, by Marilynne Robinson, author of Gilead, will be discussed. Books may be obtained from public libraries, bookstores, or can be ordered through Faith Bookshop. It is not necessary to have read the book to come and enjoy and evening of discussion. Those needing a ride may call Ginny Laumeister at 381-4201. Christmas Memorial Flowers Christmas is just around the corner and it’s time to think about Christmas memorial flowers. Anyone wishing to contribute to the memorial plants used in vesting the church during the holiday season is asked to call the church office (377-2201) or email the office at [email protected]. Your loved ones can be remembered in the Christmas bulletin. Suggested donation is $20. Please send your payment to Chancel Guild, c/o Marlene Risseeuw, 2140 Niskayuna Drive, Schenectady, 12309. Even if you have donated plants in previous years, you must place a new order for Christmas, 2008. Deadline is Wednesday, December 17. Mark the Date! December 7th, 11 am-4 pm The 2nd Annual Alternative Christmas Fair will commence immediately following Sunday worship. There will be opportunities for healing and support worldwide. Fair trade products will include Mango Tree Imports third

world goods, Mayan Hands woven textiles from Guatemala, and Equal Exchange coffee and teas. Haven Grief Counseling Center will bring baked goods to support their program and Lucinda House will offer pins to support local charities. The local horticulture educator Roots and Wisdom will feature shares to support their program and will bring some of their locally produced products. Also featured are handcrafted candles to benefit women and HIV caregivers in South Africa and, closer to home, red ribbons from the Damien Center for their HIV/AIDS support center. Other options are shares for a cow or chicken through Heifer International or shares to enable construction and renovation through Habitat for Humanity. Hope to see you there! Cash or checks will be accepted. Alternative Fair Volunteers Needed Like last year we need volunteers to help with set-up on Saturday December 6th or as shop-keepers for some of the programs. See Carol DeLaMarter or Becky Grande after church to sign-up. You'll have fun and help us make this a successful event again. Flower Delivery Help Needed The Support and Care Committee will be delivering flowers to homebound congregation members on Sunday, December 14. Congregation members are asked to assist in this flower delivery. All assistance will be greatly appreciated. Flowers for delivery will be in the Dirck Romeyn room, following the 10 am service.

Stephen Ministry News The Stephen Ministry Program will hold their annual Christmas get-together on Monday, December 15, at 6 pm at the home of Carol Troost. All Stephen Ministers are invited to attend. Please call Linda Ward (377-2377) or Ruthellen Phillips (346-1791) if you plan to attend and let them know what you want to bring.

items to keep them warm this winter. Your donations are much needed to make this worthwhile project a success. These items may be dropped off in donation boxes available at the Church prior to the Christmas Eve Family Service; or you may bring them to the Service on December 24th. Please help us make the Woolen Mitten Project a success!

Christmas Offering This year’s Christmas offering will benefit the 2,400 uninsured patients who receive free medical care from the Schenectady Free Health Clinic. (A service of the Volunteer Physicians Project of Schenectady, Inc.). The Clinic sees between 150 and 175 patients each week. Volunteers including Linda Ward, Connie Young, and Walter Robb from FRC provide all services. The Clinic’s largest expense is providing free medications for the patients – currently costing $50,000/month. A visit to a physician is not very valuable if the patient is not able to fill his/her prescription. The Clinic is a not-for-profit (501C(3) organization whose tax ID number is 86-1063469. If your contribution is eligible for matching funds from G.E., please notify the Foundation at www.gefoundation.com using the above tax ID number and the name Volunteer Physicians Project of Schenectady, Inc. Thank you for your support of this worthy project.

2009 Offering Envelopes Offering envelopes for next year are now available for pick-up in the Narthex. If you do not see your name and would like offering envelopes for 2009, please call the office and let us know.

Woolen Mitten Project This year for our Children's Christmas Offering, we will once again be participating in the "Woolen Mitten Project" to provide mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves for those children in Schenectady who may not have these

A Note from Heather The best way to reserve a room for your group or activity is to go on line at 1streformed.com and click on the link to Room Reservation Request.

Chancel Flowers Kinderwyk Greeters Head Usher Ushers

Elders

Liturgist Reader Preacher Counting Deacons Flower Delivery Refreshments Faith Bookshop

This Week Daughter, Laurel Davis Jeffers by Peter and Diane Ontkush Brenda & Chris Langdon Cathy & Darryl Wisniewski Rebecca Draffen-Grande Harlene Bachorik Kendra Adams, Samantha Brooks, Emilio Pagan-Yourno

Bill Brooks, Del Pierce, Bob Beadle, Darwin Brudos, Barbara Draffen, Maria Greskovich, Rachel Hewitt, Peggy King Daniel Carlson Leah Kidwell-Fernandes Bill Levering Peggy Anderton, Max Della Pia Del & Rosemarie Pierce Tom & Kim Burgoyne Claire Hughes Carol De La Marter

Next Week Arthur E. Peterson by his daughter, Anne Peterson Joanne Bedell Eric & Jennifer Evans Herb & Harlene Bachorik Fred Daniels, Cathy Lewis, Peggy Anderton, Mike Beals, Rebecca Draffen-Grande, Don Kleiber, Jim Ramsey, Joe Gallagher Carolyn Jones-Assini, Chris Daniels, Eric Evans, Bill Rochelle, Dick Blackmer, Carol De La Marter, Jerry Griggs, Gene Zeltmann

Daniel Carlson Cathy Lewis, Carol Troost

Calendar for the Week of November 30, 2008 Sunday Nov. 30

9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:20 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Monday Dec. 1

9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday Dec. 2

9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.

Back Rx, Dirck Romeyn Room Tuesday Morning Moms, Walton Conference Room Tuesday Morning Prayer, Dykstra Chapel Book Club, Mezzanine

Wednesday Dec. 3

9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Back Rx, Dirck Romeyn Room Kerygma, Poling Conference Room Wednesday Dialogue, Assembly Hall WE@FRC Delicious Dinner, Assembly Hall WEAFRC Stimulating Studies, Various Locations WE@FRC Contemplative Communion, Sanctuary

Jennifer Evans Bill Clock Thursday Dec. 4 Sunday Dec. 7

7:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:20 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Youth Orchestra, Music Room Worship, Sanctuary Church School Adult Bible Study, Poling Conference Room Fellowship and Refreshments, Assembly Hall Christmas Musical Rehearsal, Friendship Hall Folk Vespers, Sanctuary Back Rx, Dirck Romeyn Room Men’s News Group Klokken Ringers, Poling Conference Room

Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room Youth Orchestra, Music Room Worship, Sanctuary Church School Adult Bible Study, Poling Conference Room Fellowship and Refreshments, Assembly Hall Christmas Musical Rehearsal, Friendship Hall Christmas Fair, Assembly Hall & Poling Chapel Jazz Vespers, Sanctuary JHYG, Assembly Hall SHYG, Mezzanine

FIRST

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH

REFORMED CHURCH

Schenectady, New York

SCHENECTADY

THE CONSISTORY Bill Levering, Senior Minister Daniel Carlson, Associate Minister Stacey Midge, Minister of Mission, Outreach, and Youth Delbert Pierce, Bill Rochelle, Senior Elders Fred H. Daniels, Treasurer Mary Jewett, Clerk Elders

Deacons

Carolyn Jones-Assini William Brooks Andrew Chestnut Christine Daniels Eric Evans Delbert Pierce William Rochelle Harvey Schadler Nancy Ellen Swann Linda Ward

Kimberly Burgoyne Fred Daniels Cynthia Gallagher Elsa Hjelmar Adam Kerwin Catherine Lewis Joan Lindsay Greg Matusic David Schweizer Chris Van Oort

CHURCH STAFF Jamie Ipsen, Director of Children’s Ministry Julie Panke, Director of Music Charles Moose, Organist Jamie Ipsen, Director of Children’s Music Eric Bachorik, Director of Klokken Ringers Sarah Bachorik, Director of Kinderwyk Gay Doolittle and Heather Chestnut, Hospitality Coordinators Heather Scribner, Office Administrator Gary Nelson, Facility Supervisor

THE COVENANT OF OUR CONGREGATION Adopted by the Congregation in 1962 We do hereby set forth the principles of the Christian faith as commonly held among us, believing that no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. It shall be our aim to bring joy to little children, instruction and high ideals to youth, inspiration to men and women in the midst of life, and comfort to those in life's later years; and to labor together for the betterment of humankind. Our fellowship shall not be dependent upon identity of theological opinion, or of outward circumstance, or of denominational concern, but shall grow from a common loyalty to Jesus, a common commitment to serve the world we touch, and a common purpose to do justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. Our ideal is a church of the open mind, the warm heart, the hopeful spirit, and the social vision which ever seeks to express, in all walks of life, the mind of Jesus.

November 30, 2008

First Reformed Church 8 North Church Street – Schenectady, New York 12305 (518) 377-2201 www.1stReformed.com Ministers: Daniel Carlson, Bill Levering, Stacey Midge