Presbyterian Church of the Covenant Podcast

Prelude

Welcome & News of the Church

Lighting of the Candle of Joy

Hymn of Praise - (#190) "Angels from the Realms of Glory"

Moment for Children and Youth, led by Keri Scroggins

Ordination & Installation of Elder/Deacons

Choral Anthem - "Listen to the Story" by Pepper Choplin

Confession and Assurance, led by Rev. Sharon Yagerlener

Gloria Patri

Praise Songs

Sermon - "Look for Joy" (Luke 1:39-56) - by Rev. Jason Griffice

Hymn of Response - (#171) "Joy to the World"

Offertory

Doxology

Prayers of the People, led by Amy Hemseri-Sabala

Sending Hymn - (#182) "How Great Our Joy"

Benediction

Postlude

Angels from the Realms of Glory

Angels, from the realms of glory, 

Wing your flight o'er all the earth; 

Ye who sang creation's story, 

Now proclaim Messiah's birth: 

Refrain: 

Come and worship, come and worship, 

Worship Christ, the newborn King. 

Shepherds, in the fields abiding, 

Watching o'er your flocks by night, 

God with man is now residing, 

Yonder shines the infant light: 

[Refrain]

Wise men, leave your contemplation, 

Brighter visions beam afar; 

Seek the great Desire of nations, 

Ye have seen His natal star: 

[Refrain]

Saints before the altar bending, 

Watching long in hope and fear, 

Suddenly the Lord, descending, 

In His temple shall appear: 

[Refrain]

Amen. 

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come:

Let earth receive her King; 

Let every heart prepare Him room, 

And heaven and nature sing, 

And heaven and nature sing, 

And heaven and heaven and nature sing. 

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns: 

Let men their songs employ; 

While fields and floods, 

Rocks, hills, and plains 

Repeat the sounding joy, 

Repeat the sounding joy, 

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. 

How Great Our Joy

While by the sheep we watched at night, 

Glad tidings brought an angel bright. 

How great our joy!

(Great our joy)

Joy, joy, joy! 

(Joy, joy, joy!)

Praise we the Lord in heaven on high! 

(Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!)

There shall be born, so he did say, 

In Bethlehem a Child today. 

How great our joy!

(Great our joy)

Joy, joy, joy! 

(Joy, joy, joy!)

Praise we the Lord in heaven on high! 

(Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!)

This gift of God we'll cherish well, 

That ever joy our hearts shall fill. 

How great our joy!

(Great our joy)

Joy, joy, joy! 

(Joy, joy, joy!)

Praise we the Lord in heaven on high! 

(Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!)

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Entering into Worship - "Angels We Have Heard on High"

First Reading by Amy Hemseri-Sabala

Gathering Carol - "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

Welcome & News of the Church

Lighting of the Candle of Peace

Second Reading by Danny Fehsenfeld

Carols of Christmas - "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear"

Prayers of Advent, led by Rev. Sharon Yagerlener

Offertory - "O Holy Night" by Adolphe Adam - Lindsay Solo, Soprano; Robin Cecil, Violin; Danny Fehsenfeld, piano

Third Reading by Michelle Phillips

Carols of Christmas - "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

Fourth Reading by Rev. Jason Griffice

Sermon - "Look for Peace" (Luke 1:26-38) - by Rev. Jason Griffice

Serving the Sacrament of Communion

Singing of the Lord's Prayer

Carols of Christmas - "Joy to the World"

Benediction

Postlude

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Many thanks to Looney's Fortune for leading us in much of our music today. We had Patti Amelotte on hammered dulcimer and vocals, Geogiana Hennessy on fiddle and vocals, Matt Tonge on guitar, and Richard Cook on bagpipes and whistles.

Prelude - "Celtic Christmas"

Welcome & News of the Church

Call to Worship, led by Amy Hemseri-Sabala

Processional - "Hyfrydol"

Carols of Advent - (#168) "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus"

Lighting the Candle of Hope

Carols of Advent - (#177) "Good Christian Men, Rejoice"

Special Music - "The Cherry Tree Carol"

Prayers for Advent, led by Rev. Sharon Yagerlener

Offertory - "Maids of Mitchelstown"

Carols of Advent - (#169) "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

Choral Anthem - "My Soul Cries Out" by Cooney & Hayes

Sermon - "Look for Hope" (Mark 1:1-8) - by Rev. Jason Griffice

Carols of Advent - (#182) "How Great Our Joy!"

Benediction

Postlude Pt. 1 - "Lark in the Morning"

Closing

Postlude Pt. 2

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, 

Born to set Thy people free; 

From our fears and sins release us; 

Let us find our rest in Thee. 

Israel's Strength and Consolation, 

Hope of all the earth Thou art; 

Dear Desire of every nation, 

Joy of every longing heart. 

Born Thy people to deliver, 

Born a child and yet a King, 

Born to reign in us forever, 

Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring. 

By Thine own eternal Spirit 

Rule in all our hearts alone; 

By Thine all-sufficient merit

Raise us to Thy glorious throne. 

Amen 

Good Christian Men, Rejoice

Good Christian men, rejoice 

With heart and soul and voice; 

Give ye heed to what we say: 

News! news! 

Jesus Christ is born today! 

Ox and ass before Him bow, 

And He is in the manger now. 

Christ is born today! 

Christ is born today! 

Good Christian men, rejoice 

With hear and soul and voice; 

Now ye need not fear the grave: 

Peace! peace! 

Jesus Christ was born to save! 

Calls you one and calls you all 

To gain His everlasting hall. 

Christ was born to save! 

Christ was born to save! 

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel, 

And ransom captive Israel, 

That mourns in lonely exile here, 

Until the Son of God appear. 

CHORUS: 

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 

Shall come to thee, O Israel! 

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer 

Our spirits by Thine advent here; 

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, 

And death's dark shadows put to flight. 

[CHORUS]

How Great Our Joy!

While by the sheep we watched at night, 

Glad tidings brought an angel bright. 

How great our joy!

(Great our joy)

Joy, joy, joy! 

(Joy, joy, joy!)

Praise we the Lord in heaven on high! 

(Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!)

There shall be born, so he did say, 

In Bethlehem a Child today. 

How great our joy!

(Great our joy)

Joy, joy, joy! 

(Joy, joy, joy!)

Praise we the Lord in heaven on high! 

(Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!)

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Prelude

Welcome & News of the Church

Hymn of Praise - (#345) "Crown Him with Many Crowns"

Moment for Children & Youth, led by Keri Scroggins

Choral Anthem

Gloria Patri

Praise Songs

Sermon - "Let's Get Back To It" (I Thess. 5:1-11; 16-28) - by Rev. Jason Griffice

Hymn of Response - (#334) "We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer"

Offertory

Doxology

Prayers of the People

Sending Hymn - (#392) "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come"

Benediction

Postlude

Congregational Meeting

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Prelude

Welcome & News of the Church

Call to Worship

Hymn of Praise - (#118) "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"

Moment for Children & Youth

Choral Anthem

Confession & Assurance

Gloria Patri

Praise Songs

Sermon - "Awake Our Souls" (Psalm 57) - by Rev. Jason Griffice

Hymn of Response - (#622) "O How He Loves You and Me"

Offertory

Doxology

Pastoral Prayer

Sending Hymn - (#347) "All Creatures of Our God and King"

Benediction

Postlude

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, 

A bulwark never failing; 

Our helper He amid the flood 

Of mortal ills prevailing. 

For still our ancient foe 

Doth seek to work us woe - 

His craft and power are great, 

And, armed with cruel hate, 

On earth is not His equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, 

Our striving would be losing, 

Were not the right man on our side, 

The man of God's own choosing. 

Dost ask who that may be? 

Christ Jesus, it is He - 

Lord Sabaoth His name, 

From age to age the same, 

And He must win the battle. 

And though this world with devils filled, 

Should threaten to undo us, 

We will not fear, for God hath willed 

His truth to triumph through us. 

The prince of darkness grim, 

We tremble not for him - 

His rage we can endure, 

For lo, his doom is sure: 

One little word shall fell him. 

That word above all earthly powers, 

No thanks to them, abideth; 

The Spirit and the gifts are ours 

Through Him who with us sideth. 

Let goods and kindred go, 

This mortal life also - 

The body they may kill; 

God's truth abideth still: 

His kingdom is forever. 

Amen.

O How He Loves You and Me

O how He loves you and me. 

O how He loves you and me; 

He gave His life, what more could He give: 

O how He loves you, 

O, how He loves me, 

O how He loves you and me. 

Jesus to Calvary did go, 

His love for mankind to show; 

What He did there brought hope from despair: 

O how He loves you, 

O, how He loves me, 

O how He loves you and me. 

All Creatures of Our God and King

All creatures of our God and King, 

Lift up your voice and with us sing, 

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou burning sun with golden beam, 

Thou silver moon with softer gleam, 

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong, 

Ye clouds that sail in heaven along, 

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Thou rising morn in praise rejoice, 

Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Alleluia!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear, 

Make music for thy lord to hear, 

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Thou fire so masterful and bright, 

That givest man both warmth and light, 

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless, 

And worship Him in humbleness, 

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Praise, praise the Father, praise the son, 

And praise the Spirit, Three in One! 

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Alleluia!

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Welcome & News of the Church

Call to Worship

Hymn of Praise - (#98) "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

Moment for Children & Youth

Confession and Assurance, led by Amy Hemseri-Sabala

Gloria Patri

Affirmation of Faith (From the Brief Statement of Faith), led by Sharon Yagerlener

Remember the Saints

Hymn of Response - (#614) "For All the Saints"

Praise Songs

Sermon - "Thankfulness for Christ" (Luke 24:13-19, 28-35) - by Rev. Jason Griffice

Offertory

Doxology

Serving the Sacrament of Communion

Benediction

Singing The Lord's Prayer

Postlude

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father! 

There is no shadow of turning with Thee; 

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not: 

As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. 

[CHORUS]:

Great is Thy faithfulness, 

Great is Thy faithfulness, 

Morning by morning new mercies I see; 

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided - 

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, 

Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above, 

Join with all nature in manifold witness 

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. 

[CHORUS]

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, 

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, 

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow - 

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

[CHORUS]

For All the Saints

For all the saints who from their labors rest, 

Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, 

Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest: 

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might, 

Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; 

  Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light: 

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, 

  Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old. 

And win with them the victor's crown of gold: 

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

O blest communion, fellowship divine! 

  We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; 

Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine: 

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

but lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; 

The saints triumphant rise in bright array; 

The King of glory passes on His way

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, 

Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, 

  singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: 

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Amen. 

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Prelude

Welcome & News of the Church

Gathering Prayer, led by Rev. Jason Griffice

Processional - "The Rock" - MJ Nelson, pipes

Call to Worship

Hymn of Praise - (#118) "A Mighty Fortress is Our God"

Moment for Children and Youth

Confession and Assurance, led by Amy Hemseri-Sabala

Gloria Patri

Praise Songs

Sermon - "Reformation Sunday" (Hebrews 9:11-14) - by Rev. Jason Griffice

The Scots Confession

Offertory - (#107) "Amazing Grace" (vss. 1 & 5)

Doxology

Pastoral Prayer

Sending Hymn - (#363) "To God Be the Glory"

Benediction

Recessional - MJ Nelson

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, 

A bulwark never failing; 

Our helper He amid the flood 

Of mortal ills prevailing. 

For still our ancient foe 

Doth seek to work us woe - 

His craft and power are great, 

And, armed with cruel hate, 

On earth is not His equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, 

Our striving would be losing, 

Were not the right man on our side, 

The man of God's own choosing. 

Dost ask who that may be? 

Christ Jesus, it is He - 

Lord Sabaoth His name, 

From age to age the same, 

And He must win the battle. 

And though this world with devils filled, 

Should threaten to undo us, 

We will not fear, for God hath willed 

His truth to triumph through us. 

The prince of darkness grim, 

We tremple not for him - 

His rage we can endure, 

For lo, his doom is sure: 

One little word shall fell him. 

That word above all earthly powers, 

No thanks to them, abideth; 

The Spirit and the gifts are ours 

Through Him who with us sideth. 

Let goods and kindred go, 

This mortal life also - 

The body they may kill; 

God's truth abideth still: 

His kingdom is forever. 

Amen.

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound—

That saved a wretch like me! 

I once was lost but now am found, 

Was blind but now I see. 

When we've been there ten thousand years, 

Bright shining as the sun, 

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we'd first begun. 

To God Be the Glory

To God be the glory—great things He hath done! 

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, 

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, 

And opened the lifegate that all may go in. 

CHORUS:

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 

Let the earth hear His voice! 

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, 

Let the people rejoice! 

O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son, 

And give Him the glory—great things He hath done. 

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, 

To every believer the promise of God; 

The vilest offender who truly believes, 

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives. 

[CHORUS]

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, 

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; 

But purer, and higher, and greater will be 

Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. 

[CHORUS]

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Welcome & News of the Church

Call to Worship

Hymn of Praise - (#319) "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise"

Welcoming of the New Members

Apostles' Creed

Confession, Assurance, and Gloria Patri, led by Rev. Sharon Yagerlener

Praise Songs

Sermon - "The Basics: The Bright Horizon" (Romans 8:18-28) - by Rev. Jason Griffice

Hymn of Response - (#155) "Spirit of the Living God"

Receiving of Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

Doxology

Prayers of the People, led by Amy Hemseri-Sabala

Sending Hymn - (#292) "Because He Lives" (vss. 1 & 3)

Benediction

Postlude

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Immortal, invisible, God only wise, 

In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, 

Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, 

Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise. 

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, 

Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might; 

Thy justice like mountains high soaring above 

Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love. 

To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small; 

In all life Thou livest, the true life of all; 

We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, 

And wither and perish—but naught changeth Thee. 

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, 

Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight; 

All praise we would render: O help us to see 

'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee. 

Amen. 

Spirit of the Living God

Spirit of the Living God, 

Fall afresh on me, 

Spirit of the Living God, 

Fall afresh on me. 

Melt me, mold me, 

Fill me, use me. 

Spirit of the Living God, 

Fall afresh on me. 

Because He Lives

God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus, 

He came to love, heal, and forgive; 

He lived and died to buy me pardon, 

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives. 

Chorus:

Because He lives I can face tomorrow, 

Because He lives all fear is gone; 

Because I know He holds the future 

And life is worth the living just because He lives

And then one day I'll cross the river, 

I'll fight life's final war with pain; 

and then as death gives way to victory, 

I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives. 

[Chorus]

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Prelude

Welcome & News of the Church

Call to Worship

Hymn of Praise - (#87) "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"

Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Pardon, led by Amy Hemseri-Sabala

Gloria Patri

Praise Songs

Sermon - "The Basics: Your True Identity" (Romans 8:1-17) - by Rev. Jason Griffice

Hymn of Response - (#89) "Children of the Heavenly Father"

Offertory

Doxology

Pastoral Prayer, led by Rev. Sharon Yagerlener

Sending Hymn - (#462) "Living for Jesus"

Benediction

Postlude

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, 

Leaning on the everlasting arms; 

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, 

Leaning on the everlasting arms 

CHORUS: 

Leaning, leaning, 

Safe a secure from all alarms; 

Leaning, leaning, 

Leaning on the everlasting arms. 

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, 

Leaning on the everlasting arms; 

O how bright the path grows from day to day, 

Leaning on the everlasting arms. 

[CHORUS]

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, 

Leaning on the everlasting arms? 

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, 

Leaning on the everlasting arms. 

[CHORUS]

Children of the Heavenly Father

Children of the heavenly Father 

Safely in His bosom gather; 

Nestling bird nor star in heaven 

Such a refuge e'er was given. 

God His own doth tend and nourish, 

In His holy courts they flourish; 

From all evil things He spares them, 

In His mighty arms He bears them. 

Neither life nor death shall ever 

From the Lord His children sever; 

Unto them His grace He showeth, 

And their sorrows all He knoweth. 

Praise the Lord in joyful numbers, 

Your Protector never slumbers; 

At the will of your Defender 

Every foe - man must surrender. 

Though He giveth or He taketh, 

God His children ne'er forsaketh; 

His the loving purpose solely 

To preserve them pure and holy. 

Living for Jesus

Living for Jesus a life that is true,

Striving to please Him in all that I do;

Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,

This is the pathway of blessing for me.

Chorus:

O Jesus, Lord and Savior,

I give myself to The,

For Thou, in Thy atonement,

Didst give thyself for me;

I own no other Master,

My heart shall be Thy throne;

My life I give, henceforth to live,

O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus who died in my place,

Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;

Such love constrains me to answer His call,

Follow His leading and give Him my all.

[Chorus]

Living for Jesus wherever I am,

Doing each duty in His holy name;

Willing to suffer affliction and loss,

Taking each trial as a part of my cross.

[Chorus]

Living for Jesus through earth's little while,

My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;

Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,

Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

[Chorus]

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Prelude

Welcome & News of the Church

Call to Worship

Hymn of Praise - (#107) "Amazing Grace"

Moment for Children - Trunk or Treat, presented by Keri Scroggins

Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Pardon, led by Rev. Sharon Yagerlener

Gloria Patri

Praise Songs

Sermon - "The Basics: Let Grace Dominate" (Romans 6:1-14) - by Rev. Jason Griffice

Hymn of Response - (#230) "His Name is Wonderful"

Receiving of Tithes and Offerings

Offertory, presented by Micah Wright, piano

Doxology

Prayers of the People, led by Amy Hemseri-Sabala

Sending Hymn - (#228) "I Will Sing of My Redeemer"

Benediction

Postlude

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound—

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

The Lord has promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.

Through many dangers, toils, and snared,

I have already come;

'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

When we've been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we'd first begun.

His Name is Wonderful

His name is Wonderful,

His name is Wonderful,

His name is Wonderful,

Jesus, my Lord;

He is the mighty King,

Master of everything,

His name is Wonderful,

Jesus, my Lord.

He's the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,

Almighty God is He;

Bow down before Him,

Love and adore Him,

His name is Wonderful,

Jesus, my Lord.

I Will Sing of My Redeemer

I will sing of my Redeemer

And His wondrous love to me;

On the cruel cross He suffered

From the curse to set me free.

Chorus:

Sing, O sing of my Redeemer,

With His blood He purchased me,

On the Cross He Sealed my pardon,

Paid the debt and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,

How my lost estate to save,

In His boundless love and mercy,

He the ransom freely gave.

[Chorus]

I will praise my dear Redeemer,

His triumphant power I'll tell,

How the victory He giveth

Over sin and death and hell.

[Chorus]

I will sing of my Redeemer,

And His heavenly love to me;

He from death to life hath brought me,

Son of God, with Him to be.

[Chorus]

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