December 25, 2022
10:30 a.m. Worship
Receiving
Christmas
GLORY TO GOD
Inviting all generations into a growing life with Jesus Christ
The Gathering
PRELUDE
WELCOME & GOOD NEWS Pastor Kellen Smith
CALL TO WORSHIP Galatians 4:4-5
Pastor: But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman,
subject to the law.
People: God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law,
so that he could adopt us as his very own children.
GREETING ONE ANOTHER
HYMN #132 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
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The Confession Pastor Kat Hatting
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Heavenly Father, today on Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. While the
angels sang, the shepherds watched, the Magi came, and our Savior arrived into a
broken and sinful world. Though Jesus embodied love in his coming and defeated
death in his resurrection, our lives are still touched by the struggles of this life. We ask
your mercy for the ways we haven’t trusted you, followed you, or given like you. On
this day when we receive the greatest gift of Jesus coming into the world and into our
hearts, help us to also receive and share your forgiveness. Through Christ we pray.
Please continue in silent prayer for confession of personal matters.
DECLARATION OF GOD’S PARDON Pastor Kat Hatting
Leader: Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
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The Offering
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Pastor Kat Hatting
Lord’s Prayer
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.
O F FE RING
Thank you for giving in-person, by text, online, or mailing your gifts into the church office.
MUSICAL OFFERING The Little Drummer Boy Words and music by
Katherine Davis, Harry Simeone, and Henry Onorati
arr. Dan Coates
Hadley Smith, soloist
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DOXOLOGY (Hymn 606)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
MESSAGE The Word Pastor Kellen Smith
Receiving Christmas
“Glory to God”
Luke 2:22–35
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The Sending
HYMN #136 Go, Tell It on the Mountain
BLESSING Pastor Kellen Smith
POSTLUDE
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Sermon Notes
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Missed a week? Watch past services at firstpreswheaton.org/livestream.
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CHURCH LIFE
December 25, 2022
Receiving
Christmas
GLORY TO GOD
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Receiving Christmas
“Glory to God”
Luke 2:22-35
Jesus Christ has been born! He is the fulfillment of the promises of God to his children and the
world. Simeon’s prophecy about Jesus shows us how Jesus came to bring light into our darkness.
Livestream at 10:30 a.m.
firstpreswheaton.org/livestream
New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1
One service only at 10:30 a.m. – Sanctuary and livestream
Adult Education
Adult Education will be on break December 25 and January 1.
We look forward to our new series, starting January 8. Join us!
Majority World Theology
Sundays, January 8-29 at 10:30 a.m.
This Adult Education series, led by Pastor Greg Anderson and theologians from
Latin America, India, Africa, and China, offers the opportunity to learn from Christian
theologians from around the world. They will provide a global perspective on the faith
we share. Prepare to be challenged and encouraged.
Year-End Giving
As we approach the end of the year, December is typically YEAR–END GIVING
when we see our greatest giving month. You can help First
Pres Wheaton finish 2022 in a solid position by prayerfully
considering a year-end gift. Generosity in December will also
set us up to start strong in the New Year. Your financial giving
makes possible inspiring worship, inclusive programs, and
impactful mission for our community. Thank you for your faithful support!
Giving Notice: If you are making an IRA distribution to the church, please make sure to have your
financial institution include your name in the documentation. This way we are able to credit your
account appropriately. In the case of gifts of stock that you plan to send to the church, please notify
the church office at [email protected].
First Tuesday of the month
10:00 a.m. in the Living Room
This year’s Women’s Bible Study is based on the book
Celebrating Sabbath: Accepting God’s Gift of Rest
and Delight by Carol M. Bechtel
Books are available in the church office for $10.
FPC Book Club Food Pantry Ministry
Do you like to read good A big thank you to our church members for the
books with a Christian twist? unending support! We have made many trips
Join the FPC Book Club with carloads of food and personal hygiene
for fellowship and great items to the local food pantries over the past
book discussions. months.
Book Club gatherings are held on the last Thursday of Donations may be deposited in the Rotunda any
each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Contact the Sunday (including weekdays) in the designated
church office at [email protected] for Zoom basket and grocery cart. Non-perishable food,
link. disposable baby diapers, and personal hygiene
and cleaning items are all needed.
Upcoming Reads:
Food Pantry
January – The Gown by Jennifer Robson Ministry
February – The Ones We Choose by Julie Clark
March – Sooley: A Novel by John Grisham
April – The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
May – The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan
June – Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Saturdays at 7:00 a.m.
Held at Windsor Park
124 Windsor Park Drive in Carol Stream
(near Gary and North Ave)
Current Study: Christian History Made Easy
12 weeks to a better understanding of the key events and
people every Christian should know.
Are you looking for an opportunity for fellowship and study with other
faith-filled men? “First Light” is a great opportunity for exploring your
personal faith with others. Complimentary Starbucks coffee and donuts.
WHEFAPTON
High School
Ministry
Sunday School, Genesis and WF
are on break Sundays, December 25 and January 1
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We look forward to seeing you again on Sunday, January 8.
Chancel There are several opportunities for donating chancel flowers.
Flowers If you are interested in donating flowers for the Sanctuary, please contact
the church office at 630-668-5147. Flowers may be given in memory of a
loved one or for any special occasion. The cost is $50. There are several
Sundays available in January and February.
One-To-One Care/Stephen Ministry
The One-To-One Care team is ready to help anyone in need
of a listening ear and a non-anxious presence with a Stephen
Minister to help them through any pressing issues currently in
their daily life. No issue is too small. We are here for you.
Please contact:
• Diane Easter at [email protected],
• Henrieta Ribeiro at [email protected]
• Bob Young at [email protected]
Welcome to this week’s opportunity to pray in community
Prayers for our Church Family
• Healing for Donna Ayers, who underwent cancer surgery
• Recovery for Pastor Kellen’s stepmother, Linda, after shoulder replacement surgery
• Strength for Brian Elliott, who has begun cancer treatments
• Comfort for the family of Joy Gassensmith, the mother of John Gassensmith, who
passed away this week
• Comfort for all in our church family who grieve during the holiday season
Church Office Hours The church office will be closed on
Monday, December 26
Monday through Friday – 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Monday, January 2
The First Pres calendar of events is available online at: firstpreswheaton.org/calendar.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 715 North Carlton Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: 630-668-5147
of Wheaton
Email: [email protected]
www.firstpreswheaton.org