Bulletin - Sunday, November 30, 2008

Welcome Pastor Tim Stafford

Ministry Focus 37th Annual Christmas Festival & The Christmas Gift Project

Invocation Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer

First Week of Advent “The Candle of Love”

Zechariah the priest spoke these words concerning his son, John the Baptist,

and the coming Messiah when they were still in their mothers' womb:

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people

and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,

as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old…

that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him

without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

For you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation

to his people, in the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God…”

– Luke 1:[68–79] “Benedictus”

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

– John 3:16

“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” Hymnal 648

“For All These Things” Hymnal 792

Scripture Reading Selections from Psalm 145 (ESV) Max McLean

I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.

Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another,

and shall declare your mighty acts.

On the glorious splendor of your majesty,

and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.

They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness

and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.

The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.

You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,

and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

“Now Thank We All Our God” Hymnal 788

Anthem Sanctuary Choir; Richard Hutton, conductor

“My God, How Wonderful Thou Art” (René Clausen)

Pastoral Prayer Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer

Offertory Lynn D. Suh, violin

Largo from Sonata No. 3 in C Major for Solo Violin (Johann Sebastian Bach)

“Doxology – A Word of Praise” Hymnal 815

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below.

Praise Him, above – ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Dramatic Excerpt Max McLean

From “The Screwtape Letters” (C. S. Lewis)

Children of an Awesome God

You Own a Certificate of Acquittal

Romans 8:33–34

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer

“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” Hymnal 797

Closing Prayer

Postlude Dr. Paul J. Satre, organ

This Evening at 5:00 pm, Room 107–108

Sunday Evening Connection

THERE'S MORE TO US THAN MEETS THE EYE

Ephesians 5:15–21

Pastor to People                      

         We hope you've had a wonderful thanksgiving weekend, and actually had time to give thanks! I flew to Canada and had the opportunity of visiting with my mother on her 100th birthday; my other siblings were also part of the celebration. My dear mother is weary of life and very much looking forward to going to heaven! And, my aged father has the same wish!

          Believe it or not, next Sunday is December 7 and that spells CHRISTMAS! Next Sunday I shall complete the last of the messages titled: Children of an Awesome God. As always, these messages can be purchased immediately following our morning service, and the entire series will be available the following week.

Blessings,