Month: December 2018

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The First Sunday after Christmas

Welcome to Woodland! We’re glad you’re joining us this morning. Take a look at this week’s announcements, and be sure to fill out the visitor card at woodlandnash.org/bulletin.

You’re invited to rise in body or spirit for items in the bulletin marked with an asterisk*, and respond with the congregation for text that is bold. For now, sit back and relax as we begin the service.

Gathering

Prelude

*Call to Worship

Praise God, sun and moon;
praise God, all shining stars.
Praise God from the earth,
all sea monsters and deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
every stormy wind fulfilling God’s command.
Praise God, all mountains and hills,
all fruit trees and cedars.
For God has raised up a horn for all people,
praise for all who are faithful,
the people of Israel who draw near.
Praise the Holy One!

*Hymn #143

“Angels from the Realms of Glory”

*Prayer of Confession

Loving God,
As we move into a new season,
help us to continually see your light
and feel your presence in our lives and communities,
not forgetting to lean on hope and one another,
so that when we find ourselves struggling to understand
life’s course, the injustices of the world,
and what does not make sense,
we may turn to wonder and to our neighbors,
and seek to be active vessels for your peace and lovingkindness.
Amen.

Silent Confession

*Assurance of Confession

Believe the Good News of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are loved and befriended by God.

*Passing of the Peace

Since we have been reconciled to God, let us also be reconciled to one another.

The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.

*Response

Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo! 

Encountering

Scripture Readings

Luke 19:42,
Selections from I Kings 11:42-12:19.

For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, thanks be to God.

Sermon: “How Family Feud”

Mark DeVries served as the Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee for 28 years and has served alongside the Woodland family for more than a year now.

He is the founder of Ministry Architects and Justice Industries and the co-founder of the Center for Youth Ministry Training and Ministry Incubators.  Mark is the author of 12 books, including recently released Reimagining Young Adult Ministry.  Mark and his wife Susan live in Nashville and have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Responding

Prayers of Supplication and Intercession

O God, in your loving kindness, hear our prayer.

The Offering

Doxology

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Lift up your hearts,
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Silent meditation.

We now pray together, saying…

Our Father-Mother, 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 sins, as we forgive the sins of others. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Hymn #110

Love Has Come

*Dismissal

*Hymn #545

Song of Simeon


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Announcements

Longest Night Service (Blue Christmas): 6:00-6:30pm on Friday, December 21.

Christmas can be a difficult time for those experiencing sadness, loss, or grief. Join us for a brief service of song and prayer to bring warmth and light to the longest night of the year. Fellowship in 5 Points will follow after the service.

Christmas Eve Service: Monday, December 24

Join us for a finger food potluck, festive tunes, exceptional music, and a candlelight Communion service. Potluck at 6pm. Extended prelude at 6:45. Service at 7pm. If you’re able, bring something simple to share for the potluck, and bring friends and family!

Advent: Active, Expectant Waiting

Together with Christians around the globe, we are now in the four-week, ancient celebration of Advent. This season, beginning the new Church year, is a time of communal and personal examination, preparation, and our hopeful, expectant waiting of the coming of God’s justice in the world.

The four weeks preceding Christmas is the in-between time where we learn to settle into the tension between Light and Darkness, present in both our communal and private lives. We acknowledge the courage of both belief and unbelief, and, if we are able, we believe on behalf of others until they are able to believe. We trust the Light has already come and will come again, but for now we hope and we wait.

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Third Sunday in Advent

Welcome to Woodland! We’re glad you’re joining us this morning. Take a look at this week’s announcements, and be sure to fill out the visitor card at woodlandnash.org/bulletin.

You’re invited to rise in body or spirit for items in the bulletin marked with an asterisk*, and respond with the congregation for text that is bold. For now, sit back and relax as we begin the service.

Gathering

Prelude

Deanie Richardson & Melissa DuPuy

*Call to Worship

Rejoice in the Holy One always; again, I will say, rejoice.

Let your gentleness be to known to everyone,
for the Holy One is near.

For the Spirit of God is upon us, because the Holy One
has called us to bring good news to the oppressed.

Let your joy be known to everyone,
for the Holy One is near.

Lighting of the Candles

…like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with
joy and singing.

Come, Christ Jesus, Come!

*Hymn #106

Prepare the Way, O Zion

*Prayer of Confession

Holy God,
In ways that are sometimes very strange,
but more often quite ordinary,
you call us to active participation
in your continuing redemption of all Creation.
But we often refuse to accept our role
in bringing about such redemption.
Help us embrace the encouraging conviction
that your Spirit is slowly but surely bringing to us
and to all humankind
the full measure of your own grace and peace;
and help us live with hope toward a day
when your love for all Creation is embodied
as fully in us as it is in Christ Jesus,
your Beloved One. Amen.

Silent Confession

*Hymn #90

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord, be strong; take heart! (Repeat all 3x)

*Assurance of Grace

In this season of waiting, the Good News is this: mercy,
new life, hope, and joy are the gifts we receive from our God.

Thanks be to the God of Advent, who is with us now and always, and who will come again in glory! Amen.

*Passing of the Peace

Since we have hope in the peace of Christ, let us love one another.

The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.

The congregation is invited to exchange signs of peace.

*Congregational Response

Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Encountering

Scripture Readings

Isaiah 12:2-6,
Luke 3:7-18

For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, Thanks be to God.

Sermon

“How Can I Participate?”

Born and raised in Nashville, Emily Martin graduated from Furman University where she earned a degree in Sociology & Studio Art, served as a mentor for middle school girls, and spent summers working with the youth group at First Presbyterian Church and Daystar Counseling Ministries.


For the last year, she has been working as an executive recruiter with Elevation Search Solutions helping emerging market companies build out their teams.

*Hymn #109

“Blest Be the God of Israel”

Responding

Prayers of Supplication and Intercession

O God, in your loving kindness,
Hear our prayer.

The Offering

Deanie Richardson & Melissa DuPuy

*Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures high and low
Praise God in Jesus fully known
Creator, Word, and Spirit, one.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Service of Ordination and Installation

Today, we celebrate Brett Withers being ordained and installed as well as Greg Gardner and Heidi Hall being installed.

Pastor: There are varieties of gifts, but it is the same Spirit who gives them.
There are different ways of serving God, but it is the same Lord who is served.
Pastor: God works through each person in a unique way, but it is God’s purpose that is accomplished.
To each is given a gift of the Spirit to be used for the common good.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Lift up your hearts,
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
(The prayer continues.)

Silent meditation.

We give thanks to you in all things, O God, as we pray
together saying:

Our Father-Mother, 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 sins, as we forgive the sins of others. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

*Hymn #105

People, Look East

*Dismissal & Postlude

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Announcements

Young Adult Christmas Party:Thursday, December 13 at 7:30pm. Wear your tackiest sweater and bring a gift under $15 for the gift swap! Contact Emily Martin with questions.

Room In The Inn + Saturday Night Supper: Saturday, December 15 at 5pm.

Longest Night Service (Blue Christmas): 6:00-6:30pm on Friday, December 21.

Christmas can be a difficult time for those experiencing sadness, loss, or grief. Join us for a brief service of song and prayer to bring warmth and light to the longest night of the year. Fellowship in 5 Points will follow after the service.

Christmas Eve Service: Monday, December 24

Join us for a finger food potluck, festive tunes, exceptional music, and a candlelight Communion service. Potluck at 6pm. Extended prelude at 6:45. Service at 7pm. If you’re able, bring something simple to share for the potluck, and bring friends and family!

Advent: Active, Expectant Waiting

Together with Christians around the globe, we are now in the four-week, ancient celebration of Advent. This season, beginning the new Church year, is a time of communal and personal examination, preparation, and our hopeful, expectant waiting of the coming of God’s justice in the world.

The four weeks preceding Christmas is the in-between time where we learn to settle into the tension between Light and Darkness, present in both our communal and private lives. We acknowledge the courage of both belief and unbelief, and, if we are able, we believe on behalf of others until they are able to believe. We trust the Light has already come and will come again, but for now we hope and we wait.


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Second Sunday in Advent

Welcome to Woodland! We’re glad you’re joining us this morning. Take a look at this week’s announcements, and be sure to fill out the visitor card at woodlandnash.org/bulletin.

You’re invited to rise in body or spirit for items in the bulletin marked with an asterisk*, and respond with the congregation for text that is bold. For now, sit back and relax as we begin the service.

Gathering

Prelude

Scott Sauers

*Call to Worship

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet.
Righteousness and peace will embrace.

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground and righteousness will look down from the sky.

The Holy One will give what is good
and our land will yield its increase.

Righteousness will go before and will make a path for
God’s steps. Prepare the way for the Holy One!

Candle Lighting

… until they shine forth God’s righteousness.
Come, Christ Jesus, Come!

*Hymn #93

Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

*Prayer of Confession

Surprising God,
We confess that our sense of anticipation has been dulled, and we struggle to accept your wonders,
not seeing the marvels around us in the people
and the happenings we view as commonplace.
Move us, O God, and send your light,
that it may shine through us in the needs of the world,
in Christ’s name.
Amen.

Silent confession.

*Hymn #90

Wait for the Lord (3x)

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord, be strong; take heart!

*Assurance of Grace

In this season of waiting, the Good News is this: mercy,
new life, hope, and joy are the gifts we receive from our God.

Thanks be to the God of Advent, who is with us now and always, and who will come again in glory! Amen.

*Passing of the Peace

Since we have hope in the peace of Christ, let us love one another while we wait.

The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.

The congregation is invited to exchange signs of peace.

Response

Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Encountering

Scripture Reading

For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, Thanks be to God.

Sermon

Travis Chavis manages the East Nashville training hub at Woodland, and most recently led discussions on race in the Church at Woodland. Travis is an experienced professional in Human Resources and operational processes, and has worked with some of the most recognizable brands in the world.

*Hymn #97

Watchman, Tell Us of the Night

Responding

Prayers of Supplication & Intercession

O God, in your loving kindness,
Hear our prayer.

The Offering and *Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures high and low
Praise God in Jesus fully known
Creator, Word, and Spirit, one.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Lift up your hearts,
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.

(The prayer continues.)

Silent meditation.

We give thanks to you in all things, O God, as we pray
together saying:

Our Father-Mother, 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 sins, as we forgive the sins of others. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

*Hymn #87

Comfort, Comfort Now My People

*Dismissal & Postlude

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First Sunday in Advent

Welcome to Woodland! We’re glad you’re joining us this morning. Take a look at this week’s announcements, and be sure to fill out the visitor card at woodlandnash.org/bulletin.

You’re invited to rise in body or spirit for items in the bulletin marked with an asterisk*, and respond with the congregation for text that is bold. For now, sit back and relax as we begin the service.

Gathering

 Prelude

As we begin to worship, let us take a moment to center ourselves, remembering the waters of our baptism: 

In Baptism, we were joined to Christ and made members of one body. In the community of the people of God, we have learned of God’s purpose for us and for all creation.

*Call to Worship

The days are surely coming, says the Holy One, 
when I will fulfill my promise to my people. 

Justice and righteousness will fill the land,  
and all will live in peace and safety. 

Candle Lighting

… and justice and righteousness shall be executed in the land. 
Come, Christ Jesus, Come!

*Hymn #104

“O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?”

*Prayer of Confession

Holy God,
we have long awaited the time
when all Creation is filled with your justice,
lovingkindness, and peace.
But we anticipate your coming,
to put right all that is wrong in our world,
with a complex mix of hope, joy, anxiety, and reluctance –
because we realize that we are often complicit
in many of the wrongs that need to be righted,
and fear that our lives will be changed
in ways we do not want.
Help us face with courage and humility
our struggle to be the people you call us to be,
and empower us by your Spirit to begin anew
the effort to embody more fully in our lives
your love for all Creation –
which we see embodied in Christ Jesus,
your Beloved, Anointed One.
Amen.

Silent Confession

*Hymn 90

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord, be strong; take heart!

(repeat all x3)

*Assurance of Grace

In this season of waiting, the Good News is this: mercy, new life, hope, and joy are the gifts we receive from our God. 

Thanks be to the God of Advent, who is with us now and always, and who will come again in glory! Amen. 

*Passing of the Peace

Since we have hope in the peace of Christ, let us love one another and rejoice. The peace of Christ be with you. 

And also with you.

The congregation is invited to exchange signs of peace.

*Response

Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Encountering

Scripture Reading

For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us,  
Thanks be to God.

Sermon

Kendra Ketter Chavis is an ordained minister, speaker and writer. She completed her Master of Divinity degree at Princeton Theological Seminary.

She served as Director of Operations and an Associate Minister at Change Church in Ewing, NJ. Kendra recently concluded pulpit and pastoral care leadership at Memorial West United Presbyterian Church in Newark, NJ.

Responding

*Hymn #352

My Lord! What a Morning!

Offering

Meredith Cox, special music

*Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures high and low
Praise God in Jesus fully known
Creator, Word, and Spirit, one.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Holy Communion

Invitation & Thanksgiving

Lift up your hearts, 
We lift them up to God. 
Let us give thanks to God. 
It is right to give God thanks and praise.

(The prayer continues)

…we worship and adore your glorious name, praising you forevermore: 

Holy, holy, holy, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.

Indeed, we give thanks to you in all things, O God, saying:

Our Father-Mother, 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 sins, as we forgive the sins of others. 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 Words of Institution

Sharing of the Bread and Cup

*Hymn #357

The Days Are Surely Coming

Dismissal & Postlude

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Announcements

Longest Night Service (Blue Christmas):
Christmas is sometimes a difficult time for those experiencing sadness, loss, or grief, and the days grow shorter until the Winter Solstice on Dec. 21st.

Join us on Friday, Dec 21st. from 6:00-6:30pm for a brief service of song and prayer to bring warmth and light to the longest night of the year.

Christmas Eve:Please join us for our Christmas Eve finger food potluck, some festive tunes, and a candlelight Communion service.

The potluck will begin at 6pm, with the service beginning at 7pm. If you’re able, bring something simple to share for the potluck. Friends and family are invited to join as well!

It’s Advent! Advent is the beginning of the Church year, when we wait for the coming of Christ at Christmas. If you’d like to learn more about the significance of advent, Presbyterian Mission Agency has resources available online.

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