“We are all the work of your hand”Isaiah 64:8b NRSV

Advent 2017

5300 Poplar Tent RoadConcord, North Carolina 28027

704.788.1180www.mcgillbaptist.org

Church StaffDr. Steve Ayers, Pastor

Rev. Steve Harrill, Minister of MusicMs. Lindsay Megill, Asst. Director Youth/Children Music

Rev. Paul Haywood, Minister of Youth/Children MinistriesMrs. Tappy McMillan, CDC Director

Mrs. Doris Rogers, OrganistMrs. Kim Lyda, Pianist

Mrs. Patsy Lawing, Office ManagerMrs. Tracy Eudy, Parish Nurse

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Contents

Chrismon Tree......................................................................Page 4

Foreign Mission Emphasis....................................................Page 5

December Events at McGill...................................................Page 6

First Sunday in Advent..........................................................Page 8

Moravian Lovefeast.............................................................Page 13

Second Sunday in Advent...................................................Page 15

Third Sunday in Advent.......................................................Page 20

Longest Night Service.........................................................Page 23

Fourth Sunday in Advent.....................................................Page 25

Christmas Eve.....................................................................Page 30

Acknowledgement...............................................................Page 32

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CHRISMON TREE

This year we have eight new Chrismons:

Shields of the Disciples

Pearl Shield – The Old Testament frequently refers to God as a shield, as he actively protects his people. “For you bless the godly man, O Lord; you protect him with your shield of love.” (Psalms 5:12)

Creators of “Shields of the Disciples” are Jody Edwards, Joyce Kluttz, Brenda McMath, Donna Smith and Barbara Stevens. In addition, many older Chrismons were refurbished by Jody Edwards, Joyce Kluttz, Debbie Mullis, Donna Smith and Barbara Stevens.

A grateful “thank you” to Karen Smart for providing materials for our new Advent symbols

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Advent – Christmas Eventsat

McGill Baptist Church

December 3 1st Sunday in AdventMoravian Candlelight Lovefeast6 pm

December 3– Receiving of ChristmasDecember 31 Offering for Missions

December 10 2nd Sunday in AdventChildren’s Christmas Musical6 pm

December 17 3rd Sunday in Advent

December 20 Longest Night Service

December 24 4th Sunday in Advent

December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion 6 pm & 11 pmPokes will be given outfollowing the services.

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Shield of James the Elder

James, the brother of John, lived as a fisherman by the Sea of Galilee where Jesus called upon them to follow him. After Christ was crucified, James traveled a great deal to preach the Gospel. He proclaimed the good news, healed the sick and casted out demons. (John 21:11)

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THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENTTHE LORD’S DAY

DECEMBER 3,2017GATHERING

GREETING AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES Dr. Steve Ayers*GREETING HYMN NO. 82 Emmanuel McGEE

PROCESSIONAL O Come, O Come Emmanuel PlainsongSanctuary Choir and Handbells

PRELUDE Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming arr. Hayes

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

L: During Advent, we wait for the one promised in scripture. P: And he will be called Wonderful Counselor. L: We wait for the one who will bring answers to a world filled with questions.P: And he will be called Wonderful Counselor. L: We wait for the one who can heal what has been wounded and mend what has been broken. P: And he will be called Wonderful Counselor.L: We wait for the one who can renew our weary spirits and ignite our hearts with hope.P: And he will be called Wonderful Counselor.

CANDLE LIGHTING

PRAYER Dr. Ayers

*HYMN NO. 85 The First Nowell THE FIRST NOWELL

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 64:1-9 Mrs. Loree Anderson

PRAYER Mrs. Anderson

CHILDREN’S TIME Rev. Paul Haywood & Ms. Lindsay Megill

*HYMN NO. 83 Arise, Your Light Has Come FESTAL SONG

LIGHTING OF THE CHRISMON TREE

MISSION MOMENT

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OFFERTORY PRAYER

OFFERTORY Oh Come, Little Children Arr. DeanYouth Bells

*DOXOLOGY

ANTHEM What Child is This Traditional Sanctuary Choir

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Mark 13:24-37 Dr. Ayers

PASTORAL PRAYER

SERMON The Work of the Potter Dr. Ayers

*HYMN NO. 121 Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne MARGARET *BENEDICTION Dr. Ayers

*RESPONSE O Come, O Come Emmanuel Plainsong Sanctuary Choir

POSTLUDE Christians, Awake! Arr. Broughton

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Shield of Jude/Thaddeus

Thaddeus lived in Galilee and was the brother of James, the Lesser, and cousin of Jesus. He went by three different names, one being Lebbaeus, meaning “dear to heart” or “heart child”. The name suggests that he was tender-hearted and had a gentle, compassionate soul. Thaddeus was present in the upper room at Pentecost. The three flames represent the Holy Spirt which empowered him to devote his life to being a foreign missionary.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3

RED POINSETTIAS

In Memory of: Given by:Carl & Ruth McCoy The McCoy Sunday School ClassNancy Jordan Chuck & Becky BroadwayJ.A. Benfield Ann BenfieldIvan Kravaric Lidija KravaricPeggy Davis Fitch Kevin & Summer FitchLewis & Eva Bishop Debra Bedard

In Honor of: Given by:Jesus Christ The Pace FamilySue Davis Motley Kevin & Summer FitchSue Ritchie Bob Ritchie

WHITE POINSETTIASIn Memory of:Michael Porter Peggy, Bill & Susan PorterJoe & Lena Phillips Peggy, Bill & Susan PorterBob & Nell Corzine Peggy, Bill & Susan PorterBetty Jo Huneycutt Peggy, Bill & Susan PorterPolly Fisher Bob FisherAnn Fisher Bob Fisher

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The Shield of Andrew

Andrew was a fisherman by trade, younger brother of Peter and introduced him to Jesus. His undying faith was an inspiration to all Christians. Andrew was crucified on a crux, an X-shaped cross. He felt he was unworthy to be crucified the same way as his Savior.

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Moravian LovefeastDecember 3

6 pm The simple Lovefeast service comes from the Moravian Church. Lovefeasts are celebrated to affirm unity of Christians. For 270 years the Moravian Lovefeast has maintained its dignity and grace and is used by quite a few other denominations. The Christmas Lovefeast celebrates the birth of Christ through scripture readings and prayer, the singing of hymns, the lighting of candles and the serving of a sweetened bun and special coffee. You and your family will not want to miss this unique service as we celebrate a Moravian Lovefeast.

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Shield of Simon Peter

Simon was the brother of Andrew and also a fisherman by trade. He was later renamed “Petrua”, or Peter, the Rock, when he recognized Jesus as the Son of God. “Upon this rock I will build my church and I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 16:13-19)

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THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENTTHE LORD’S DAY

DECEMBER 10, 2017

GATHERING

GREETING AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES Dr. Steve Ayers

*GREETING HYMN NO. 82 Emmanuel McGEE

PRELUDE Away in a Manger Arr. MartinKim Lyda, Piano & Doris Rogers, Organ

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

L: During Advent, we wait for the one promised in scripture. P: And he will be called Mighty God. L: We wait for the one whose power has no limits and whose strength knows no end. P: And he will be called Mighty God. L: We wait for the one whose everlasting light can illuminate the darkest night. P: And he will be called Mighty God. L: We wait for the one whose mercy never ends and whose faithfulness endures forever.P: And he will be called Mighty God.

CANDLE LIGHTING

PRAYER Dr. Ayers

*HYMN NO. 94 Angels, from the Realms of Glory REGENT SQUARE

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 40:1-11 Mr. Bruce Arrowood

PRAYER Mr. Arrowood

CHILDREN’S TIME Rev. Paul Haywood & Ms. Lindsay Megill

*HYMN NO. 103 Away in a Manger MULLER

MISSION MOMENT

OFFERTORY PRAYER

OFFERTORY Still, Still, Still Arr. Anderson

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Glenita Riley, Solo Handbells & Kim Lyda, Piano

*DOXOLOGY

ANTHEM In Bethlehem arr. GrahamSanctuary Choir

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Mark 1:1-8 Dr. Ayers

PASTORAL PRAYER

SERMON Get Ready Dr. Ayers

*INVITATIONAL HYMN NO. 90 Carols Sing BETHLEHEM’S SONG

*BENEDICTION Dr. Ayers

*RESPONSE O Come, O Come Emmanuel Plainsong Sanctuary Choir

POSTLUDE And the Glory of the Lord, from Messiah arr. Chesterton

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Sunday, December 10RED POINSETTIAS

 In Memory of: Given by:Steve Rogers Doris RogersJohn & Bonnie Ledbetter Anne BishopGlenn & Juanita Riley Phillip, Courtney & John RileyFlake & Jane Mills Robert & Karen Griggs & Family

Villard & Jan Smith & FamilyJean Milsapps Bill & Pam Shubert

In Honor of: Given by:Evelyn Pare Bruce ArrowoodWanda & Archie Ritchie Ann GillespieTrena Goodnight Ed Goodnight, Alisa & Eric Our Grandchildren Jim & Tappy McMillan Pat Mantooth Jim & Tappy McMillanDonna Duncan Ruth’s Choice Sunday School Class

WHITE POINSETTIASIn Memory of: Given by:Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Arrowood, Jr. Bruce ArrowoodJohn Pare Bruce ArrowoodKatherine Corcoran John & Kim KaneJohn & Johnsie Riley Phillip, Courtney & John RileyCharlie Mantooth Pat, Chuck, Donna, Ann & BretFlake & Jane Mills Robert & Karen Griggs & Family

Villard & Jan Smith & Family

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Your Presence is Requested this Evening,

December 10,at 6 o’clock

to share in our Children’s Christmas

SpecialThe Littlest Angel

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Shield of Bartholomew/Nathanael

Bartholomew was also known as Nathanael, meaning “God has given”. He was from Cana in Galilee. Philip sought out Bartholomew to tell him he had found the Messiah as prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus said, “Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree. I saw you. (John 1:45-50) The fig tree was his place of solitude where he studied the scriptures, prayed and meditated.

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THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENTTHE LORD’S DAY

DECEMBER 17, 2017

GATHERING

GREETING AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES Dr. Steve Ayers

*GREETING HYMN NO. 82 Emmanuel McGEE

PRELUDE Shepherd's Pipe Carol arr. Wood

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

L: During advent, we wait for the one promised in scripture. P: And he will be called the Prince of Peace. L: We wait for the one who can turn discord into perfect harmony. P: And he will be called the Prince of Peace.L: We wait for the one who can replace hate with love, and anger with understanding. P: And he will be called the Prince of Peace.L: We wait for the one who can replace division with unity, and war with peace. P: And he will be called the Prince of Peace.

CANDLE LIGHTING

PRAYER Dr. Ayers

HYMN NO. 101 Gentle Mary Laid Her Child TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Mrs. Maria Arrowood

PRAYER Mrs. Arrowood

CHILDREN’S TIME Rev. Paul Haywood & Ms. Lindsay Megill

OFFERTORY HYMN NO. 85 The First Nowell THE FIRST NOWELL

MISSION MOMENT

OFFERTORY PRAYER

OFFERTORY O Come, O Come Emmanuel arr. IvyRiley Ringers

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*DOXOLOGY

ANTHEM What Child is This Old English CarolSanctuary Choir

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Luke 1:46b-55 Dr. Ayers

PASTORAL PRAYER

SERMON How Do You Magnify the Lord? Dr. Ayers

*INVITATIONAL HYMN NO. 88Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN

*BENEDICTION Steve Ayers

*RESPONSE O Come, O Come Emmanuel Plainsong Sanctuary Choir

POSTLUDE Joy to the World arr. Ritter

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Sunday, December 17RED POINSETTIAS

 In Memory of: Given by:Bill & Jean Kirkman Danny, Elizabeth, Madi, & Meredith KirkmanDr. Heather Lynn Miller Peyton & Lynn MillerDr. P.J. & Mary Kane Kim & John KaneGlenn & Juanita Hartsell Ronald & Anita HartsellC.T. & Marie Sherrill Susan DavisJim Davis Susan Davis

In Honor of: Given by:Isaac, Lee Marie, Gracelynn & Elizabeth Susan DavisLevi, Sarah, Joseph & Benjamin Susan DavisCarolyn Gheesling Ed & Leslie Gheesling

WHITE POINSETTIASIn Memory of: Given by:Carol Arrowood Bruce Arrowood

Ed Vick Danny, Elizabeth, Madi, & Meredith KirkmanArchie & Sarah Tucker Martha HouseLee Roy House Martha HouseSarah T. Stanley Martha HouseGlenn & Juanita Hartsell Chris & Glenita Riley

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John & Johnsie Riley Chris & Glenita RileyJohn Riley, Jr. Chris & Glenita RileyH.G. & Peggy Blackwelder Ed & Leslie GheeslingMike Gheesling Ed & Leslie Gheesling

You are invited to joinwith us this evening at 6:00 pm

for a special service of rememberingthose we miss at Christmas,

during this Longest Night of the year

December 20

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Shield of James the Lesser

James was called “the Lesser” or “Little James”, meaning he was either young or small in stature. The ship represents his many missions to spread the word through Syria and Persia. The boat is also a symbol of the church itself. Serving for thirty years in the church, James became the first Bishop of Jerusalem. He was given the name, “James the Just”.

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THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENTTHE LORD’S DAY

DECEMBER 24, 2017

GATHERING

GREETING AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES Steve Ayers

*GREETING NO. 82 Emmanuel McGee

PRELUDE Carol of the Bells arr. SorensonPiano 4-Hand, Doris Rogers & Kim Lyda

*HYMN NO. 100 Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

L: During Advent, we wait for the one promised in scripture. P: And he will be called Everlasting Father. L: We wait for the one who knows our deepest thoughts and fulfills our every need. P: and he will be called Everlasting Father. L: We wait for the one who will love us unconditionally, as a parent loves a child. P: And he will be called Everlasting Father.L: We wait for the one whose grace and mercy will never end. P: And he will be called Everlasting Father.

CANDLE LIGHTING

HYMN NO. 87 Joy to the World! The Lord is Come ANTIOCH

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Mrs. Mandy Ashley

PRAYER Mrs. Ashley

TRIO We Three Kings HopkinsCaleb Pace, Darryl Jefferson, & Steve Harrill

CHILDREN’S TIME Rev. Paul Haywood & Ms. Lindsay Megill

HYMN NO. 95 Go Tell It on the Mountain GO TELL IT

MISSION MOMENT

OFFERTORY PRAYER

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OFFERTORY What Child Is This arr. Berry

*DOXOLOGY

ANTHEM Were You There on that Christmas Night SleethSanctuary Choir

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Luke 1:26-38 Dr. Ayers

SERMON Here Am I Dr. Ayers

*INVITATIONAL HYMN NO. 105Child in a Manger BUNESSAN

*BENEDICTION Dr. Ayers

*RESPONSE O Come, O Come Emmanuel Plainsong Sanctuary Choir

POSTLUDE The Joy of Christmas arr. Smith

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24

RED POINSETTIASIn Memory of: Given by:Jim & Shirley Guess Jim & Carolyn GuessWillard & Verna Mashburn Jim & Carolyn GuessBrenda Smith Bob & Shirley Hathcock

In Honor of: Given By:Michael & Rita Canton John & Kim KaneJennifer Lambert Bob & Sue RitchieKelly Ritchie Bob & Sue Ritchie

WHITE POINSETTIASIn Memory of: Given by:Archie & Hazel Ritchie Bob & Sue RitchieSandy Ritchie Bob & Sue Ritchie

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Shield of Matthew

Matthew was also known as Levi, meaning “gift of God”. He was a brother of James the Lesser. He was a publican, or tax collector, well-educated and wealthy with a good knowledge of languages. Tax collectors were the most despised people in Israel. When Jesus saw Matthew, he said, “follow me”, so he rose and followed him. (Matthew 9:9-10) Matthew wrote the first Gospel of Matthew in which he established the authenticity of Jesus as the expected Messiah as was promised in the Old Testament.

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Shield of Philip

Philip brought Nathanael to meet the Messiah and was paired with him to preach the word of God. He was known as the “Greek” because he was fluent in the language. Philip is mentioned in the story of the miracle of feeding of the 5,000. A basket of five loaves of bread and two fish was multiplied to feed the crowds who gathered to hear Jesus preach. (John 6:1-14)

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THE EVE OF OUR DEAR SAVIOR’S BIRTHDECEMBER 24, 2017

THE SERVICE OF WORSHIP AT SIX & ELEVEN O’CLOCK

IN THE EVENING

PRELUDE We Three Kings arr. DeanKim Lyda, Lindsay Megill &, Glenita Riley

Handbell Trio

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

L: Tonight, we conclude our Advent journey as we light the Christ Candle, welcoming the one promised in scripture.P: He is called Emmanuel: God with us!L: We celebrate the hope brought to earth by our Wonderful Counselor. P: He is called Emmanuel: God with us!L: WE REJOICE IN THE STRENGTH AND POWER OF A MIGHTY GOD. P: He is called Emmanuel: God with us!L: WE SING OF PEACE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TO ALL PEOPLE. P: He is called Emmanuel: God with us!L: AND WE LIFT OUR HEARTS IN PRAISE TO OUR EVERLASTING FATHER. P: He is called Emmanuel: God with us! Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

CANDLE LIGHTING

PRAYER Dr. Ayers

*CAROL NO. 86 O Little Town of Bethlehem ST. LOUIS

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 9:2-7

DUET What Child Is This English Melody

*CAROL NO. 106 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly W ZLOBIE LEZY

OFFERTORY PRAYER

THE CHRISTMAS OFFERING FOR MISSIONS

OFFERTORY What Child is This, Sleep of the Infant Jesus TraditionaAngelina and Alex Lee

CHRISTMAS SELECTIONS The Vietnamese Choir

NEW TESTAMENT READING Luke 2:1-20 Dr. Ayers34

MEDITATION For Unto You Dr. Ayers

COMMUNIONThe BreadThe Cup

LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES

*CAROL NO. 98 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day WALTHAM

*BENEDICTION Dr. Ayers

After the 11 pm service we will exit to the courtyard to ring in Christmas Morning!!

The Christmas Pokes will be given out in the Fellowship Area immediately following tonight’s services. The pokes are given by the Arthur Morris Family

in his memory.

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Acknowledgements

The cover of the Advent Booklet is provided by Archie and Wanda Ritchie and Bob and Judy Jones in loving memory of

Wanda and Judy's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Yow.

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