The Messiah, Part I - First Presbyterian Church

Hudson - Chandler Bike Fund for Christmas Bikes
Our congregation gifted 40 children in DFCS custody with a bicycle for
Christmas this year. By doing this we not only help those children during an
unsettling time in their lives, but we also honor Foster Hudson and Jack
Chandler who started the Bicycle Program in our church many years
ago. We are still accepting donations to pay for the bicycles, so if you can
find it in your heart to help, it would be greatly appreciated.
CHRISTMAS WISH
I used to go to see her when Christmas time was
near It seems I only saw her that special time of
year She was always glad to see me when I
passed by that way She'd always welcome me
and here's what she would say
"We used to play Ring Around Rosie and Hide
And Seek and such Just those simple little
games because we didn't have that much We
would make snowball ice cream and eat it from
the pan When summer came we played a game
called Catch Me if you Can
Now ya'll come back to see me and don't forget
to pray I guess that big old town, Atlanta, is pretty
far away There's lots of crime in big cities- the
world just seems a mess But as long as we have
Jesus- we'll all get by I guess."
Yes, I've been very busy and the workload has
seemed hard At Christmas time and Birthdays - I
tried to send a card There was just no time for
simple games that old folks used to play But
thinking back- I still recall the words she used to
say
"We used to play Ring Around Rosie and Hide
And Seek and such Just those simple little
games because we didn't have that much"
I would like to go back this Christmas- but she
is not with us today And that big old town of
Atlanta, was not really that far away
artist unknown
Reed Blakeney
2015
The Messiah, Part I
George Frideric Händel
presented by the combined choirs and soloists
The Sanctuary Choir
First Presbyterian Church
Covington, Georgia
The Chapel Choir
Epiphany Lutheran Church
Conyers, Georgia
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 20, 2015
11:00 a.m.
Christmas Floral Decorations and Mission Donations
GATHERING AROUND THE WORD
PRELUDE
Overture from "Messiah"
G. F. Handel
IN MEMORY OF:
GIVEN BY:
Elmer Blankenship
Newt & Edna Hinton,
Henry & Mary Lott, Ken Lott
Our Parents
Our Parents
Andrew C. Campbell
Helen Patrick
Charles E. Kelly
Dan Gunter
Our Parents & Siblings
Jack & Jean Rogers,
Bill & Katherine Wade
Arnold & Bonnie Tingler
Sandra Elder & Our Parents
Heidi Lyons
J. C. & Helen Moon, Billy Knight
Frank Davis
Mary Crudup
Jim Ashworth
Pete & Patricia Arnold
Ed Robinson
Ray & Edy Moy,
Howard & Madelle Boteler
Nancy Driver, Doris & Gregg Noble,
Donna Blakeney
Jane & Mason Wolverton,
Kathryn & Gerald Wasser
Jerry Barboe, Ive & Lora Mae Ridley,
Ben & Eva Barboe
Maxine, Connie, Hoke, Tim & Trent Blankenship
IN HONOR OF:
GIVEN BY:
John, Susan & Hannah Curtis
Margaret Hughes
Betty Robinson
Steve & Pat Bozarth
Blake & Maddie Hughes
Betty Knight
Lucille Brown
Ursula & Leonard Kaminski,
Kathryn & Roger Wallace
Pack 4511 Leaders
The Lord Jesus
In Thanksgiving
The People of First Presbyterian Church
Warren H. Liem
Gary & Susan Boteler,
Danny & Beth Vining,
Joyce Ashworth
Jackie Barboe
Maxine, Connie, Hoke, Tim & Trent Blankenship
Sally Pat & Blair
Doug & Debra Arnold
Granny & Pap Hughes
Joe, Cindy, Lauren & Hannah Moon
Doug & Sherri Bolton
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE
Jack and Miriam Wheeler, Miriam Witherspoon Wheeler
Will, Jim, Luke, Sarah and David Gregory
Let us rejoice in God our Savior, who has done great things for us. Today we light the fourth Advent
candle, the candle of joy.
We gather as a people of hope, peace, love and joy.
The light of these candles reminds us that once we were a people who waited in darkness, but the light of Christ, which
illuminated the world long ago in a manger in Bethlehem, holds the darkness back.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Now we wait and prepare for the coming of Christ with singing and celebration and the spirit of rejoicing, because good
news of a great joy has come to all people.
For unto us a child is born, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Let us rejoice and be glad!
May the candle of joy give light to the world! We now light the candle of joy.
Let us pray: Almighty God, prepare our hearts so that the dear Christ may enter in and be born in us. Make us bearers
of the good news and great joy, which comes to all people; for we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
HYMN 123 stanza 1
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
CAROL
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE READING
HYMN 121 stanza 1 (seated)
John 1:1-14
O Little Town of Bethlehem
ST. LOUIS
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
p. 35 in front of hymnal
THE OFFERING OF SUBSTANCE AND LIFE
OFFERTORY
Pastoral Symphony from "Messiah"
HYMN 145, stanzas 1 & 3
What Child Is This
G. F. Handel
GREENSLEEVES
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy Center of this most holy season, Jesus, child and ruler, all our stars point to your birth; all our
wanderings come home to you; all our griefs and delights find a place in the stable where you chose to
transform poverty and pain and loneliness and rejection. Your light shines in our lives; your peace embraces
our anger, sorrow, and loss; your life opens us to new discovery of our most intimate selves and of our
neighbors, however we may find them - as poor shepherds, as foreign magi, as thoughtless innkeepers, as
helpless infants. In your humble birth we discover your everlasting majesty and offer you our thanks and
praise, in your glorious name. Amen.
The Hinton Family
Stan & Dana Hall
Billy & Stephanie Fortson
Agnes M. Campbell & Children
Jim & Linda Patrick
Milton Patton
The Gunter Family
Gene A. & Margaret A. Wallace
The Wade Family
Roger & Tootles Tingler
Jean & Jim Elder
Leonard & Ursula Kaminski
Joe, Cindy, Lauren & Hannah Moon
Sarah Davis & Family
Ed Crudup
Joyce Ashworth
Doug & Debra Arnold
Sally Pat & Blair
Gary & Susan Boteler
Reed & Penny Blakeney
Cy & Jean Wolverton
Jackie Barboe
Gene A. & Margaret A. Wallace
Cubmaster Rick Gunter
Milton Patton
Serwaa Amuzu
The Wade Family
Jeanie M. Liem
Warren & Jeanie Liem
This Week at FPC
WELCOME TO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH OF COVINGTON
If you would like information about membership or
the programs, mission, and fellowship of the church,
speak to the pastor as you leave or call the church
office at 770-786-7321.
E-mail:
Pastor, Billy Wade: wbwade75@gmail.com
Dan Walden: djwalden@mac.com
Church Office/Peni Haug: penihaug@gmail.com
Website: www.fpccov.org
Mailing Address: 1169 Clark Street, SW
Covington, Georgia 30014
You may listen to recent sermons
by visiting our website
(www.fpccov.org) and clicking on “Media.”
Sunday, December 20, Advent 4
10:00 Sunday School
11:00 Worship Service
12:00 Session meeting
5:00 Youth Connection Caroling
Tuesday, December 22
4:00 Exercise Class
Thursday, December 24
6:00 Christmas Eve Worship
Friday, December 25, Christmas Day
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 28, Advent 4
10:00 Sunday School
11:00 Worship Service
Monday, December 28
Church Office Closed
THE MESSIAH, Händel’s most successful and best-known oratorio, was composed in 1741 in twenty-four
days. It was first performed at a concert given for charitable purposes at Dublin, Ireland, on April 13th, 1742
with Händel conducting the performance in person. Thereafter Händel, beginning with March 23, 1743,
brought out The Messiah every year in London with great applause. Although numerous changes have been
made to the original score, the original conception of the work was likewise the enduring one. An oratorio during Händel’s day was similar to an opera. Like an opera, it includes the use of soloists, recitatives, arias, an
ensemble of leads or distinguishable characters, and a chorus. There was a plot, or a story line similar to an
opera, except the subject matter was based upon a biblical text, or philosophical matter. Oratorios were performed without costumes or scenery. They were not sung in the Catholic Church, because the texts were not
liturgical and had no place in the mass.
Today’s presentation comprises the choruses and most of the solos from Part I, coupled with traditional Christmas carols. The “Hallelujah” Chorus is often included at the end of Part I because of its popularity, although it
was composed as a finale in Part II. Part II portrays Christ’s life and resurrection. Out of 252 pages of vocal
score, only 103 pages comprise Part I. --From various sources, including Max Spicker (1912) whose INTRODUCTORY NOTE is found in the score.
The Messiah, Part I
George Frideric Händel
In December, we would like everyone to send thank you notes in appreciation
of Dan Walden as our Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries for all the
work he does with children, youth, communications and much more. You may
send cards directly to Dan or to the church office:
First Presbyterian Church
1169 Clark Street SW
Covington, GA 30014
Be sure to mark it:
"Attn: Dan Walden Thank You!" We have been recognizing each of our staff
throughout the year. Their dedication and commitment to our congregation and
the wider community are deeply appreciated.
Christmas Eve Worship
Join your friends and neighbors for
Christmas Eve
at First Presbyterian Church
Thursday, December 24, 2015
at
6:00 p.m.
2. RECITATIVE Accompanied. (Tenor) Comfort ye,
comfort ye my people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned.
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare
ye the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a
highway for our God.
3. AIR (Tenor)
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and
hill made low; the crooked straight, and the rough
places plain.
4. CHORUS
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all
flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord
hath spoken it.
5. RECITATIVE Accompanied. (Alto)
Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: -- Yet once a little while
and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, the sea,
and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the
desire of all nations shall come. The Lord, whom ye
seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the
messenger of the covenant whom ye delight in;
Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts.
6. AIR (Baritone)
But who may abide the day of His coming, and who
shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a
refiner’s fire.
7. CHORUS
And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may
offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
8. RECITATIVE (Alto)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and
shall call his name Emmanuel, God with us.
9. CHORUS
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up
into the high mountain; O thou that tellest good
tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift
it up and be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah,
Behold your God! Arise, shine, for thy light is come,
and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
10. RECITATIVE Accompanied (Baritone)
For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross
darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon
thee, and His glory arise upon thee, and the Gentiles
shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of
thy rising.
11. AIR (Bass)
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great
light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of
death, upon them hath the light shined.
12. CHORUS
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and
His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the
Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of
Peace.
CAROL Hymn 113 stanza 1
Angels We Have Heard on High
GLORIA
14.-16. RECITATIVE (Soprano)
There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping
watch over their flocks by night. And lo! The angel of
the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord
shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for behold, I
bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people. For unto you is born this day in the city of
David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God, and saying:
17. CHORUS
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good
will toward men.
18. AIR (Soprano)
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter
of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee.
He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace
unto the heathen.
19. RECITATIVE (Alto)
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the
ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man
leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing.
20. AIR (Alto)
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall
gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His
bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
AIR (Soprano)
Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy
laden, and He shall give you rest. Take His yoke upon
you and learn of Him; for He is meek and lowly of
heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
44. CHORUS (congregation stands and joins in
singing the last line.)
Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent
reigneth. The kingdom of our Lord, and of His
Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.
KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS,
HALLELUJAH!
Soli Deo Gloria
SANCTUARY CHOIR
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
COVINGTON
Lori Ardis
Laurie Bunn
Janet Carmichael, *Soprano
Julie Epps
Day Kennon
Victoria Leggett
Scarlett McCurry
Joe Moon
Teresa McCurry
Jon Paschal
Jim Patrick, *Tenor
Bob Tabb
Darcel Tabb
Caryn Thompson
Michael K. Thompson
Danny Vining
Perri Walden, *Alto
Cy Wolverton
CHAPEL CHOIR
EPIPHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH
CONYERS
Gene Bahls
Kathleen Carlisle, *Alto
Riki Delemar
Cheryl DiBiase, *Soprano
Kerry Gibson
Janette Hinckson-Fraser
Bruce Hefner
Cathy Hubbard
Robert Lange, *Baritone
James Livermont, *Baritone
Kathy Norton
Greg Potratz, *Tenor
Susan Sack, *Alto
Karen Schroeder
Sheila Sipe
Michael Thompson, *Bass
*Soloists
Donald Harris, Music Director and Organist
Alan Bunn, Music Director
Alice Walker, Organist and Accompanist
Pastors:
David Armstrong-Reiner, Epiphany Lutheran Church
William B. Wade, Jr., First Presbyterian Church
Worship Notes
Please enter the sanctuary in a spirit of reverence as we prepare to
worship God. Remember to turn on your cell phones when you leave.
In Our Thoughts and Prayers
Dana Hall-broken wrist
Wally Bold - pneumonia (greatuncle of Lori Ardis)
Tommy Lee McCurdy-hospice care
(cousin of Guy McGiboney)
Lecia Landolt-chemo for pancreatic
cancer (friend of Patti Lanford)
James Knight-congestive heart
failure and complications-Eastside
Hospital (Darcel Tabb's father)
Vickie Sewell-breathing difficulties
Gina Marasco-pregnancy complications (cousin of Danielle Schubert)
Deborah Jones-surgery (Reed
Blakeney’s daughter)
Ursula Kaminski-home
Lucille Brown-in home hospice
care (mother of Sherri Bolton)
Kim Bailey-Bicycle accident
(Bernice Bailey’s daughter-in-law)
Ann Hill-ovarian cancer (Theodosia
Wade’s cousin)
Mickey Humphries-nursing care in
Virginia (Tootles Tingler’s sister)
Mitchell Jessup -cancer (father of
Nick Jessup)
Phyllis Pruner-severe neck pain
Sharon Walton-chemotherapy for
kidney cancer (friend of Patti
Lanford)
Sophia Hawley-Cystic Fibrosis
John Fish-cancer (Bryson Wade’s
uncle
Amanda Teixeira-heart surgery
(Lynn Miller’s daughter)
Roger Gossage-awaiting transplant
Catherine Horton-hospice care
(sister of Maxine Blankenship)
Edie Chandler Lowe-radiation
Jan Coulon-home
Jim Stalvey, Jr.-melanoma
Penny Hill-cancer (Executive
Presbyter for the Greater Atlanta
Presbytery
Lisa Baker-cancer treatment
Anderson Krieger-continuing
treatment for leukemia
Assisted Living/Nursing Homes:
†Russ Cole -The Magnolias, Conyers
†Jeanne Cannon-Darien, GA
Riverside
†Joy Knight -hospice care
†Martha Borders
†Rita Harrell
Benton House
†Doris Mote
†George Stamps (temporarily at
Riverside)
Merryvale
†Guy McGiboney
†Bill Taylor
†Elizabeth Gadilhe
†Betty Robinson
†J. L. Johnson
Hospital Visitor: Stephanie Fortson
Staff of First Presbyterian Church
William B. Wade, Jr.
Pastor
Organist/Ambassador Choir
Dan Walden
Director of Youth Maria Serrato, Aubrey Evans Nursery
and Children’s Ministry Kara Sugg
Interim Director of the
Peni Haug
Secretary-Treasurer
Early Learning Center
Alan Bunn
Music Director
Alice Walker
CAGO, AAGO
Thanks to Those
Serving Us Today
Nursery Volunteers today:
Shaun and Aubrey Evans
Next Week:
Trista Hooten-Wilson
December Usher Chair:
Adriane Ivey
Sound Engineer:
Ken Walker
MEMBERS OF SESSION
Class of 2015
Gary Boteler
Billy Fortson
Jan Giles
Jim Stillerman
Bob Tabb
Fletcher Stamps
Jack Weesner
Class of 2016
Charles Ardis
Joyce Ashworth
Betty Bailey
Patrick Carmichael
Perri Walden
Class of 2017
Baxter Bouchillon
Adriane Ivey
Michael Thompson
Danny Vining
Jean Wolverton