The Worship of God

at Myers Park Baptist Church

Charlotte, North Carolina

The Third Sunday of

Advent
9 December 2018
 The Worship of God
The Third Sunday of Advent
9 December 2018 at Eleven o’clock in the morning

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS BEFORE GOD

Inspired by the bold and boundless hospitality of Jesus, we are “open to all,” which means we welcome and
accept all people into the life of our Church without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, age, economic
status, political affiliation, physical or mental capacity, or religious belief. We believe that God’s call is given
to all people, and we embrace the Spirit that continues to cross boundaries in order to unite the world.

The Silent Meditation

I think the most terrifying human experience is joy. It's as if we believe that by truly feeling happiness,
we're setting ourselves up for a sucker punch. We simply cannot know joy without embracing
vulnerability - and the way to do that is to focus on gratitude, not fear. The good news is that joy,
collected over time, fuels resilience - ensuring we'll have reservoirs of emotional strength when hard
things do happen. - Brene Brown

Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find
space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh, green leaves can
grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath have room to grow.
Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place. - Rumi

Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God. - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
- Thich Nhat Hanh
The Ringing of the Angelus Bell

The Prelude
“From Heaven Above” Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706)

The Call to Worship

Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.

Childcare is available for children ages birth through five years – please see a greeter for
more information. Worship kits for children are available in the Narthex.

*The Opening Sentences Based on Hannah’s Song - 1 Samuel 2

Leader Our hearts sing with the joy of the Lord who is our power.
People There is no one like you Lord; no rock like our God.
Leader For you are a God of knowledge by whom all actions are weighed.
People The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble take on strength.
Leader You care for poor and for rich. You bring low and you exalt.
People You raise the poor from the dust and the needy from the ashes.
Leader The lowly sit with princes and the poor inherit a seat of honor.
People For the pillars of the earth are yours, for on them you set the world.

*The Procession and Opening of the Bible Number 110

“Joy to the World” Antioch

* Please stand in body or in spirit.

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*The Lighting of the Candle of Joy Claudette, Morris and Devin Green
Leader: “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst,” says the
Lord. “Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord, and shall be my people; and I will dwell
in your midst. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.”
All: “Go, eat the fat and drink sweet wine. Send portions to those for whom nothing is
prepared, and do not be grieved. For this day is holy and the joy of the Lord is our
strength.”

(lighting the Candle of Joy)

*Singing:

THE PEOPLE CONFESS AND RECEIVE FORGIVENESS

The Kyrie Eleison

The Invitation to Silent Confession

The Prayer of Confession

Tenderhearted God, we come to you admitting that we are not like Mary
who joyfully welcomed your Spirit, and was willing to answer your call.
We are too focused on our own needs, our own egos, and our own desires.
We are not mindful of our words, our actions, our thoughts.
We ignore those who need the necessities of life and instead accumulate more for ourselves.
We fail to repair the broken relationship, thinking that the other should reach out first.
Forgive us in this moment as you have forgiven us in so many moments before.
Remind us of who you desire us to be. Fill us with joy and guide us back to the path
that leads us to walk in mercy, love, and kindness.
Amen.

The Assurance of Pardon

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*The Canticle (Glory to God in the highest.)

*The Passing of the Peace

If you are our guest today, please text “guest” to 474747 or fill out a guest card located
in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate during worship as your gift to us.

Children ages 3, 4 and TK/K will leave with their adult teachers;
st th
1 -5 Graders will leave for Children’s Worship with their adult teachers.
Following worship, 3's and 4's may be picked up in Room 107; TK/K may be picked up in Room 108;
1st - 5th graders may be picked up in Room 3 beneath the sanctuary.

The Welcome of Our Guests

THE WORD OF GOD IS PROCLAIMED AND HEARD

The Anthem The Chancel Choir

“Deposuit Potentes” Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736)
The Lord has brought down the powerful Francesco Durante (1684-1755)
from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.

The Gospel Reading Luke 1:46-55 (NRSV adapted)

And Mary said, “My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my heart rejoices in you
my Savior, for you have looked with favor on the lowliness of your servant. Surely, from
now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for
me, and holy is your name. Your mercy is for those who fear you from generation to
generation. You have shown strength with your arm; you have scattered the proud in the
thoughts of their hearts. You have brought down the powerful from their thrones, and
lifted up the lowly; you have filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away
empty. You have helped your servant Israel, in remembrance of your mercy, according to
the promise you made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to all of their descendants
forever.”

Leader: For the Word of God in scripture,

for the Word of God among us,
for the Word of God within us.
People: Thanks be to God.

*The Sermon Hymn Number 72

“For Ages Women Hoped and Prayed” Shepherds’ Pipes

The Sermon The Reverend W. Benjamin Boswell

“The Embodiment of Joy”

The Time for Silent Reflection

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 THE CONGREGATION RESPONDS TO GOD’S WORD

The Church at Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our God, 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 trespasses as
we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

The Offering
Mobile giving is available – see page 7.
Gifts of loose cash in December benefit Med Assist, a nonprofit pharmacy program
providing access to life-saving prescription medications, patient support, advocacy and
related services to poor, vulnerable, and uninsured North Carolina residents.

The Anthem The Chancel Choir

“Bogoroditse Devo #6” from Vespers Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
for thou hast borne the Savior of our souls.

*The Presentation of Gifts

As the Deacons bring the offering forward, the congregation is asked to stand.
This presentation enacts our self-offering and gratitude to God.

*The Doxology Old Hundredth

O Glorious God, to you we bring
All that we are as offering;
Spirit of joy, within us dwell;
Come, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Amen. (Text: Paula Meador Testerman)

*The Prayer of Dedication

THE COMMUNITY IS SENT INTO THE WORLD FOR MINISTRY

*The Procession into the World and Closing of the Bible

“My Soul Proclaims with Wonder” Ellacombe
My soul proclaims with wonder the greatness of the Lord;
Rejoicing in God’s goodness, my spirit is restored.
To me has God shown favor, to one the world thought frail,
and every age will echo the angel’s first “All hail!”

God’s mercy shields the faithful and saves them from defeat
with strength that turns to scatter the proud in their conceit.
The mighty have been vanquished, the lowly lifted up.
The hungry find abundance, the rich, an empty cup.

To Abraham’s descendants the Lord will steadfast prove,

for God has made with Israel a covenant of love.
My soul proclaims with wonder the greatness of the Lord;
rejoicing in God’s goodness, my spirit is restored.
Text: Carl P. Daw, Jr, 1989
Reprinted under ONE LICENSE #A-729324

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The Benediction

The Postlude
“Michau qui causoit ce grand bruit” Jean-François Dandrieu (1682-1738)

Following worship, all are invited

to coffee fellowship in Heaton Hall Foyer.

Following worship, 3's and 4's may be picked up in Room 107;

TK/K may be picked up in Room 108;
1st - 5th graders may be picked up in Room 3 beneath the sanctuary.

Leading worship today with The Reverend W. Benjamin Boswell, Senior Minister,
are The Reverend Carrie Veal, Minister of Children and Community Life,
Allen Davis, Director of Youth Ministry,
and Deb Steiner, Member of the Congregation.

The Chancel Choir leads worship through music

with Frances L. Morrison, Minister of Music,
and John Richardson, Organist.

The acolytes are Lauren Wood, Jake Wood, and Adam Cranford.

The sound technician is Spencer Rackley with Anna Judge.

The webcast technician is Van Wilson.

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 THEOLOGY OF WORSHIP

Why do we worship?
Worship at Myers Park Baptist is the gathering of a diverse, intergenerational, ecumenical
community of faith, celebrating God’s active and timeless presence in the world. In worship,
God re-forms our hearts, minds and bodies, and ignites our imaginations with sacred
stories—stories that invite us to question, explore mystery, express joy and grief, and
deepen our faith. We worship to learn how to develop caring, empowering relationships
with each other, and to stay centered in God as the world swirls around us. We worship to
be inspired and prepared to exemplify the compassion and justice of Jesus in our church
family and in the world. Through worship, God frees and transforms us in heart, mind and
body, so we can make a difference within ourselves, in our relationships and in our
community.
How do we worship?
Focusing on God, worship at Myers Park Baptist unfolds consistently with the Isaiah 6
scriptural model: praise, confession, pardon, calling to respond, commitment and sending
out. All our worship services are built on this ancient structural form, regardless of worship
style, venue or theme. Communal practices within worship — radical hospitality, confession
and assurance of pardon, passing the peace, silence and listening, spirited hymn singing,
presentations of gifts, and active participation in Communion—transform worshipers into
newness with God and one another. Themes for services, based on lectionary scriptures,
annually portray the narrative arc of God’s redeeming love for humankind.

MOBILE GIVING

You can now text your contributions and offerings to MPBC! It is secure, simple, and efficient:
C Start a new text message to phone number 73256.
C In the message of the text, enter 1900Q, a space, and the amount you want to give
(i.e., 1900Q 100).
C The system will return a message to you; click on the link provided and follow
instructions.
C You will then receive a receipt to confirm your gift was received. It is that simple!
C Next time, since your setup is already done – just text “1900Q, a space, then
amount you wish to give” to 73256.

Questions? Contact Rev. Leigh Anne Hagerman, Church Administrator,

at 704.334.7232 x116 or lhagerman@myersparkbaptist.org

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 The Season of Advent and Christmas 2018
Wednesday, December 12
Coping With the Holidays: Hope vs Despair Gathering | 6:30-8:00p in the Cornwell Conference Center

Sunday, December 16 – Advent IV – Love

Festival of Lessons and Carols | 11:00a Worship in the Sanctuary
Farewell Reception for Rev. Chrissy Williamson | Noon in Heaton Hall
Taizé Service to Mark the Changing of the Seasons | 5:00-6:00p in the Chapel

Wednesday, December 19
Service of Lament and Loss with Communion | 6:30pm in the Sanctuary

Sunday, December 23
Christmas Family Worship | 11:00a in the Sanctuary

Monday, December 24 – Christmas Eve

The Music of Christmas with Organ, Harp, and Flute | 5:30pm in the Sanctuary
Candlelight Worship with Communion | 6:00p in the Sanctuary
Nativity Tableau with Communion | 7:30-8:00p “drop in” in the Sanctuary

Sunday, December 30
Jazz in the Round | 11:00a in Heaton Hall

Sunday, January 6, 2019

Epiphany Sunday Worship with Communion | 11:00a in the Sanctuary

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 OUR COVENANT

We, the members of the Myers Park Baptist Church, are a people on a journey of faith. By
God’s grace we are experiencing God’s love through Jesus Christ and in the community of the
faithful. We are discovering in this experience our freedom to become new creatures and our
responsibility to be faithful stewards of our lives and of this world.

We will be open to all new light, strengthened by God and each other in our faith. We will
sustain a critical examination of Scripture, belief and ritual as interpreters of God’s active
presence in the world. We will accept controversy as a reality of life together and an opportunity
for growth toward maturity. We covenant to be a community of God’s new creation and affirm
that we are open to all and closed to none.

We covenant to nurture this Church as a community of faith and as an instrument for

reconciliation in this world: by worship, by Christian education, by the dedication of our personal
and material resources and by all the other ways we express the significance of our lives with
God and one another.

We covenant together to be priests celebrating God’s presence in community and in the

world, believing we are participants in God’s kingdom on earth.

1900 Queens Road | Charlotte, NC 28207 | 704.334.7232

www.myersparkbaptist.org

@MPBaptist

OUR MINISTERS

Rev. W. Benjamin Boswell | Senior Minister | bboswell@myersparkbaptist.org

Frances L. Morrison | Minister of Music | fmorrison@myersparkbaptist.org
Rev. Joseph D. Aldrich | Associate Minister | jaldrich@myersparkbaptist.org
Rev. Chrissy Tatum Williamson | Associate Minister | cwilliamson@myersparkbaptist.org
Rev. Leigh Anne Hagerman | Church Administrator | lhagerman@myersparkbaptist.org
Rev. Carrie Veal | Minister of Children and Community Life | cveal@myersparkbaptist.org
John Richardson | Organist | jrichardson@myersparkbaptist.org
Charlotte C. Judge | Associate Director of Music | cjudge@myersparkbaptist.org
Allen Davis | Director of Youth Ministry | adavis@myersparkbaptist.org
Pamela Handon | Director of the Cornwell Center | phandon@cornwellcenter.org
Belinda Geuss | Director of Through-The-Week School | bgeuss@myersparkbaptist.org

J Printed on recycled paper CCLI License #1864926