Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
January 31, 2021
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

---

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 42:1-5

As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food
day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”
These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One
with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Prayer of Confession

God of grace, you love us, but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. You teach us to love our neighbors, but we walk away, wrapped in our own concerns, condoning evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed. Help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness anew; through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Friend. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading

Mark 3:13-19, 6:6-13

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Mission”

Due to rising cases of COVID-19, in-person worship services are suspended. We will instead be live-streaming the service with a small worship team. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Heidelberg Catechism

Question: Why are you called a Christian?
Response: Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a free conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Prayers of the People

Heavenly Father, by your grace you sent your Son Jesus to seek us and save us.  Taking the form of a man, Christ entered into our predicament, died on the cross, and rose again in victory.  And now, by your Holy Spirit, he sends us out to live as his missionaries, forgiven and made new, so that we might share your saving love with all whom we encounter.  We thank you for this high calling, and we ask the grace to carry it out.  It’s as your people that we lift our voices to you now, asking: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for…

• The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The local congregation and its ministry… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray together now as Jesus taught us, saying:

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.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
January 24, 2021
Third Sunday after Epiphany

---

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 62:1-8

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault me?
Would all of you throw me down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
Surely they intend to topple me
from my lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.

Prayer of Confession

God of grace, we confess that we have sinned against you and one another in both our actions and our inactions. We recognize that in Jesus Christ our light has come, yet often we choose to walk in shadows and ignore the light. Please forgive our sins and remove from us the veil of darkness that shrouds our lives. Illumined by your Word and sacrament, lead us into the radiance of Christ’s glory. It is in his name that we pray, amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

New Officer Ordination & Installation

Congregational questions:

• Do we, the members of the church, accept these deacons and this elder, chosen by God through the voice of this congregation, to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ? (“We do”)

  Do we agree to pray for them, encourage them, respect their decisions, and follow as they guide us, serving Jesus Christ, who alone is Head of the Church? (“We do”)

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading

Mark 2:1-12

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Friendship”

Due to rising cases of COVID-19, in-person worship services are suspended. We will instead be live-streaming the service with a small worship team. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Second Helvetic Confession

Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world, and the true awaited messiah. For we teach and believe that this Jesus Christ our Lord is the unique and eternal Savior of the human race, and thus of the whole world, in whom by faith are saved all who before the law, under the law, and under the Gospel were saved, and however many will be saved at the end of the world… Now there only remains for all of us to give all glory to Christ, believe in him, rest in him alone, despising and rejecting all other aids in life.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Prayers of the People

Father, you sent your Son, Jesus, to forgive our sins and to be our friend. Help us today to live in friendship with him and with one another, that we might receive your good gifts and bear witness to your grace. We lift our prayers to you, trusting that you hear them: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for…

• The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The local congregation and its ministry… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray together now as Jesus taught us, saying:

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.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
January 17, 2021
Second Sunday after Epiphany

---

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24

You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Prayer of Confession

God of grace, we confess that we have sinned against you and one another in both our actions and our inactions. We recognize that in Jesus Christ our light has come, yet often we choose to walk in shadows and ignore the light. Please forgive our sins and remove from us the veil of darkness that shrouds our lives. Illumined by your Word and sacrament, lead us into the radiance of Christ’s glory. It is in his name that we pray, amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading

Mark 1:16-20

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Calling”

Due to rising cases of COVID-19, in-person worship services are suspended. We will instead be live-streaming the service with a small worship team. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Heidelberg Catechism

Question: What is your only comfort in life and in death?
Response: That I am not my own, but belong – body and soul, in life and in death – to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Prayers of the People

Heavenly Father, your Son came to seek and save the lost. He called to fishermen on the shores of Galilee, and he calls to us today. By your Holy Spirit, help us to respond to him with courage and conviction, that we might come to him and follow as he leads us. We lift our prayers to you, asking: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for…

• The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The local congregation and its ministry… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray together now as Jesus taught us, saying:

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.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
January 10, 2021
Baptism of the Lord Sunday

---

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 29:1-4, 10-11

Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Prayer of Confession

Heavenly Father, in baptism you promise forgiveness and new life, making us part of the body of Christ. We confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from sisters and brothers in Christ. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another; we allow the past to hold us hostage. In your loving kindness, have mercy on us, and free us from sin. Remind us of the promises you make in baptism so that we may rise to new life, and live together in grace.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading

Mark 1:9-15

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Baptism”

Due to rising cases of COVID-19, in-person worship services are suspended. We will instead be live-streaming the service with a small worship team. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.

Litany for the Baptism of the Lord

O Christ, by your epiphany your light shines upon us, giving us the fullness of salvation. Help us show your light to all we meet today. Lord, have mercy. (Christ, have mercy.)

O Christ of glory, you humbled yourself to be baptized, showing us the way of humility. Strengthen us to serve you in humility all the days of our life. Lord, have mercy. (Christ, have mercy.)

O Christ, by your baptism you cleansed us from our sin, making us children of your Father. Give the grace of being a child of God to all who seek you. Lord, have mercy. (Christ, have mercy.)

O Christ, by your baptism you sanctified creation and opened the door of repentance to all who are baptized. Make us servants of your gospel in the world. Lord, have mercy. (Christ, have mercy.)

O Christ, by your baptism you revealed to us the glorious Trinity when the voice from heaven proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son,” and the Holy Spirit descended upon you like a dove. Renew a heart of worship within all the baptized. Lord, have mercy. (Christ, have mercy.)

Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit, and revealed him as your beloved Son.  Please keep us, your children born of water and the Spirit, faithful in your service, so that we may rejoice to be called children of God, and that we embody your Kingdom way of life and love; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Prayers of the People

Heavenly Father, you revealed yourself to us in your Son and by your Spirit. Baptized in Jordan’s waters, Jesus took his place with sinners and your voice proclaimed him “Beloved.” Your Spirit anointed him to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim deliverance to the captives, to restore sight to the blind, to free the oppressed, and to touch broken lives with your healing peace. Through his suffering, death, and resurrection, you gave birth to your church, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit. We remember this gospel good news and we renew our trust in you today, as we ask: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for…

• The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The local congregation and its ministry… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray together now as Jesus taught us, saying:

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.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Mark: The Way of Christ

On Christmas Eve we heard the good news of Emmanuel, "God with us." But who is the God who is with us? Who, in other words, is Jesus Christ? And who are we in his light?

This is the focus of the gospel of Mark, and it will be our focus in this winter season. We invite you to join us as we study Mark together and recommit ourselves to the way of Christ. You can access our live-stream worship services on Sunday mornings at 11:00am by visiting www.sylvapres.org.

Weekly Sermon Scriptures*

• 1/10/2021 - Mark 1:9-15 (Baptism of the Lord)

• 1/17/2021 - Mark 1:16-20

• 1/24/2021 - Mark 2:1-12

• 1/31/2021 - Mark 6:6-13

• 2/7/2021 - Mark 6:30-44

• 2/14/2021 - Mark 9:2-10 (Transfiguration Sunday)

• 2/21/2021 - Mark 11:1-11 (First Sunday in Lent)

• 2/28/2021 - Mark 11:12-26

• 3/07/2021 - Mark 14:1-11

• 3/14/2021 - Mark 14:12-26

• 3/21/2021 - Mark 14:32-42

• 3/28/2021 - Mark 14-15

• 4/1/2021 - Mark 15:33-41 (Palm Sunday)

• 4/4/2021 - Mark 16:1-8 (Easter Sunday)

*Scripture passages subject to change!

Guiding Questions*

For Interpretation:

1. What do I learn about God in this passage?

2. What do I learn about people?

3. What do I learn about relating to God?

4. What do I learn about relating to others?

For Application:

1. What does God want me to understand/think in this passage?

2. What does God want me to believe?

3. What does God want me to desire?

4. What does God want me to do?

*From “8 Questions to Help You Understand and Apply the Bible”

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
January 3, 2021
Second Sunday of Christmas

---

Call to Worship — Psalm 147:12-20

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
For he strengthens the bars of your gates;
he blesses your children within you.
He grants peace within your borders;
he fills you with the finest of wheat.
He sends out his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
He gives snow like wool;
he scatters frost like ashes.
He hurls down hail like crumbs—
who can stand before his cold?
He sends out his word, and melts them;
he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.
He declares his word to Jacob,
his statutes and ordinances to Israel.
He has not dealt thus with any other nation;
they do not know his ordinances.
Praise the Lord!

Opening Song

Prayer of Confession

God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light, or trusted good news to be good. We have closed our eyes to glory in our midst, expecting little, and hoping for less. Forgive our doubt, and renew our hope, so that we may receive the fullness of your grace, and live in the truth of Christ the Lord.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Christ was born. Christ died. Christ rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading

Matthew 25:14-30

Sermon – Rev. Dr. Byron Wade

Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of the People

God of mystery and might, we praise and worship you, for you entered our world as a child of humble birth. We thank you in this Christmas season for your Son, Jesus Christ, born of your handmaid Mary. In his face we behold your glory, and in his life — as in his death and resurrection — we find salvation. By your Holy Spirit, make our hearts burn with thanksgiving, that we may give as we have received and love as we have been loved. May our whole lives be offerings of praise to you. Trusting that you hear us, we especially pray for:

• The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The local congregation and its ministry, especially… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We offer these prayers in your name — Jesus, Emmanuel, our long-awaited Messiah. And we pray now as you taught us, saying:

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.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Offertory

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

A Prayer in the Absence of the Lord’s Supper

Lord Jesus, we believe that you are present in the Sacrament. We love you above all things and we long to receive you. Since we cannot at this time receive you sacramentally, we ask that you come spiritually into our hearts and unite yourself to us. Never let us be separated from you. We pray this in your name, amen.

Closing Song

Benediction

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
December 27, 2020
First Sunday of Christmas

---

Call to Worship — Psalm 148

Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for at his command they were created,
and he established them for ever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and women,
old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
And he has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the Lord.

Opening Song

Prayer of Confession

God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light, or trusted good news to be good. We have closed our eyes to glory in our midst, expecting little, and hoping for less. Forgive our doubt, and renew our hope, so that we may receive the fullness of your grace, and live in the truth of Christ the Lord.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Christ was born. Christ died. Christ rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading

Luke 2:21-40

Sermon – Time for Christmas – Rev. Blake Daniel

Affirmation of Faith – from The Scots Confession

We do not doubt that the same body of Christ which was born of the virgin, was crucified, dead, and buried, and which did rise again, did ascend into the heavens for the accomplishment of all things, where in our name and for our comfort he has received all power in heaven and earth, where he sits at the right hand of the Father, having received his kingdom, the only advocate and mediator for us… We believe that the same Lord Jesus shall visibly return for the Last Judgment as he was seen to ascend. And then, we firmly believe, the time of refreshing and restitution of all things shall come, so that those who from the beginning have suffered violence, injury, and wrong for righteousness’ sake, shall inherit that blessed immortality promised them from the beginning.

Prayers of the People

God of mystery and might, we praise and worship you, for you entered our world as a child of humble birth. We thank you on this Christmas Sunday for your Son, Jesus Christ, born of your handmaid Mary. In his face we behold your glory, and in his life — as in his death and resurrection — we find salvation. By your Holy Spirit, make our hearts burn with thanksgiving, that we may give as we have received and love as we have been loved. May our whole lives be offerings of praise to you. Trusting that you hear us, we especially pray for:

• The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The local congregation and its ministry, especially… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray as Jesus taught us, saying:

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.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Offertory

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Closing Song

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. 
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. 
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. 
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen.

Christmas eve video

Below is a simple video offering from the Daniel Family for Christmas Eve. (We are not able to offer a live-stream of our in-person service, due to the rainy weather.) We hope you enjoy and we wish you a Merry Christmas!

Here is the video link: https://youtu.be/ArldxxgDbR8

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
December 20, 2020
Fourth Sunday of Advent

---

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.

[Light previous week’s 3 candles]

The fourth Advent candle stands for God’s gift of love that was demonstrated through sending his Son. Jesus shows us God’s perfect love. He is God’s love in human form. The apostle John writes: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” We light the fourth candle of Advent to remind us of how God, in his love, sent his Son as our Savior and Lord.

[Light 4th candle.]

As followers of Jesus, we await his return with love. Prepare the way of the Lord!

Prayer of Confession

Lord God, our lives are filled with sin. We forget our neighbor’s needs and do not love you above all else. We need a Savior. Help us to be ready with love for Jesus in our own hearts. O come, O come, Savior of the world. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Christ was born. Christ died. Christ rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Scripture Reading

2 Samuel 7:1-17

Sermon – Ready with Love – Rev. Blake Daniel

For those who prefer to worship from home this Sunday, we will be live-streaming the service. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in. The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Theological Declaration of Barmen

As Jesus Christ is God’s assurance of the forgiveness of all our sins, so in the same way and with the same seriousness is he also God’s mighty claim upon our whole life. Through him befalls us a joyful deliverance from the godless fetters of this world for a free, grateful service to his creatures. We reject the false doctrine, as though there were areas of our life in which we would not belong to Jesus Christ, but to other lords... Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body is joined and knit together.

Prayers of the People

Heavenly Father, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to seek and save the world. We rejoice in his coming and long for his return in this Advent season. By your Spirit’s power, please hear our joys and concerns as we lift them up to you. We pray for…

• The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The local congregation and its ministry, especially… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We offer these prayers in your name — Jesus, Emmanuel, our long-awaited Messiah. And we pray now as you taught us, saying:

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.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. 
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. 
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. 
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen.

Christmas Eve Worship

We invite you to an Outdoor Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve!

We will gather on Dec. 24 at 5:30pm at the Phillips home across the church parking lot. Candles and cookies will be provided. Here are few more details:

• The service will proceed regardless of bad weather, so dress accordingly and bring an umbrella if you need one.

• The service will also be live-streamed for those who prefer to worship from home.

• Please wear a mask and stay socially-distanced while we gather. Feel free to bring a folding chair, too, if you'd like to sit, although you are welcome to stand since the service will not be too long.

We hope to see you then, and we wish you a Merry Christmas!

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
December 13, 2020
Third Sunday of Advent

---

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ. 

[Light previous week’s 2 candles]

The third Advent candle represents joy, the peace that only Christ can bring.  As Isaiah prophesied, “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.” And as Jesus himself said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

[Light 3rd candle – the pink one, if possible.]

As followers of Jesus, we await his return with joy.  Prepare the way of the Lord!

Prayer of Confession

Lord God, our lives are filled with sin. We forget our neighbor’s needs and do not love you above all else. We need a Savior. Help us to be ready with joy for Jesus in our own hearts. O come, O come, Savior of the world. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Christ was born. Christ died. Christ rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 61

Sermon – Ready with Joy – Rev. Blake Daniel

For those who prefer to worship from home this Sunday, we will be live-streaming the service. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in. The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.

Affirmation of Faith – The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of the People

Heavenly Father, you sent your Son, Jesus, to seek and save the world. In this Advent season, we rejoice in his coming and we long for his return. Help us to believe the promise of Psalm 126, which says that “those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” Help us to live as oaks of righteousness, sparking so jubilee in others – and so bearing witness to you. We pray for:

• The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The local congregation and its ministry, especially… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We offer these prayers in your name — Jesus, Emmanuel, our long-awaited Messiah. And we pray now as you taught us, saying:

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.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. 
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. 
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. 
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
December 6, 2020
Second Sunday of Advent

---

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.

[Light previous week’s candle]

The second Advent candle represents PEACE, the peace that only Christ can bring. As Isaiah prophesied: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulders. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” As the angels sang to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” And Jesus himself said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

[Light 2nd tall purple candle.]

As followers of Jesus, we await his return with peace. Prepare the way of the Lord!

Prayer of Confession

Lord God, our lives are filled with sin. We forget our neighbor’s needs and do not love you above all else. We need a Savior. Help us to be ready for Jesus in our own hearts. O come, O come, Savior of the world. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Christ was born. Christ died. Christ rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 40:1-11

Sermon – Ready with Peace – Rev. Blake Daniel

For those who prefer to worship from home this Sunday, we will be live-streaming the service. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in. The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.

Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of the People

Lord Jesus, you tell us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” We thank you today that you are our peace. You came to set things right and to usher in a new season of shalom for all creation. While we do not experience this yet in full, we claim it as a promise and commit ourselves to living it out by the power of your Holy Spirit and to the glory of your Heavenly Father. As we move through this Advent season, please hear our joys and our concerns as we lift them up to you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for…

• The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The local congregation and its ministry, especially… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We offer these prayers in your name — Jesus, Emmanuel, our long-awaited Messiah. And we pray now as you taught us, saying:

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.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. 
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. 
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. 
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen.

Pastor's Letter

“Ready or not, here I come!”

How many of us used to say this when we played hide-and-seek as kids?  How many of our children or grandchildren still say this?  I know my boys do as they play in our yard, with two of them hiding behind bushes while the third one is “it.” 

I like to imagine Jesus saying the same thing before that first Christmas so many years ago.  The weary world had heard Isaiah’s call to preparation: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”  They had heard John the Baptist say the same thing on the banks of the Jordan River.  Then the Lord came in a way no one expected. 

I love the way Sally Lloyd-Jones puts it in The Jesus Storybook Bible:

“God was coming to help his people, just as he promised in the beginning.  But how would come?  What would he do?  What would he be like?  The earth held its breath.  As silent as snow falling, he came in.  And when no one was looking, in the darkness, he came.”

Ready or not, the long-awaited Messiah was born.  Jesus grew into a man who healed the sick, confronted the arrogant, and revealed the Kingdom.  He went to the cross to atone for our sins.  He rose from the grave to claim victory over death.  And now he reigns in heaven and promises to come again to make all things new.  

When you think about it, this teaches us a profound theological and spiritual truth regarding who’s really in charge.  God doesn’t wait upon us in order to act; he invites us to wait upon him.  God doesn’t look to us to set the world’s agenda; we look to him.  I think about it in terms of family dinner at the Daniel household: Erin and I prepare food and set the table each night, and we invite our boys to come and enjoy it.  In this, they learn how to be truly ready.  It’s not about control.  It’s about receptivity. 

And this is a lesson we’ve been learning all year long, isn’t it?  In this year of uncertainty, God has been teaching us a daily dependence on his grace.  It’s a lesson that we especially need to remember during Advent.  God invites us to be ready.  Not in a frantic and fretful way, trying to earn his blessing or his salvation – that’s already been given!  But in a curious, childlike way.  Such readiness looks like worship and daily attentiveness to the Word of God through prayer and Scripture reading.  It looks like service to our family members, friends, neighbors, and even our enemies.  It looks like reflecting on the four themes of our Advent wreath – hope, peace, joy, and love – and making them a part of our daily lives. 

Let’s live ready, not busy, friends – waiting in eager expectation for the Lord who is sure to surprise us.

Yours,
Blake 

Advent 2020

Advent greetings to you! We invite you to "live ready, not busy" as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. You can access our Advent Devotional by clicking here. Please see the information below about upcoming events in the life of the church, and join us if you can!

Join us for a Service of Worship on the Longest Night on Dec. 16 at 6:00pm. We will meet in our church Fellowship Hall (please wear a mask and bring a chair), with live-streaming available for those who prefer to worship from home. The holidays are not always "merry and bright," especially this year. Let's walk through the darkness together and renew our hope in Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

We invite you to an Outdoor Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve We will gather on Dec. 24 at 5:30pm at the Phillips home across the church parking lot. Please bundle up, wear a mask, and bring a folding chair if you'd like to sit (the service will not be too long, so you are welcome to stand). Candles and cookies will be provided.

We invite you to give to one or more of the following needs for Advent and Christmas:

• First Presbyterian Church - Cornerstone Campaign

• First Presbyterian Church - General Fund

• Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth, & Families

How to Make Your Gift:

Please send your contribution to the church (attn: Advent Gifts) and include whether or not you would like to give in memory or in honor of someone. (Click here for the contribution form.) The names of those memorialized/honored and the names of the donors will be noted in the Christmas Eve worship bulletin and the January newsletter. You may also offer a donation for our annual staff Christmas gift.

Thank you!

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
November 29, 2020
First Sunday of Advent

---

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

On the first Sunday of Advent, the Advent wreath reminds us of the gift of God’s Son and the salvation he brings. We light the first candle that stands for hope. We have hope because Jesus came to earth as God had promised. The prophets of Israel all spoke of the coming of Jesus, of how the Savior would be born in Bethlehem, a king in the line of David.

[Light 1 tall purple candle.]

As followers of Jesus, we await his return with hope. We remember that as he came to us humbly in the manger at Bethlehem and gave light to the world, so he is coming again to deliver his people. Prepare the way of the Lord!

Prayer of Confession

Lord God, our lives are filled with sin. We forget our neighbor’s needs and do not love you above all else. We need a Savior. Help us to be ready for Jesus in our own hearts. O come, O come, Savior of the world. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Christ was born. Christ died. Christ rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 64:1-9

Sermon – Ready with Hope – Rev. Blake Daniel

For those who prefer to worship from home this Sunday, we will be live-streaming the service. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in. The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Second Helvetic Confession

Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world, and the true awaited messiah. For we teach and believe that this Jesus Christ our Lord is the unique and eternal Savior of the human race, and thus of the whole world, in whom by faith are saved all who before the law, under the law, and under the Gospel were saved, and however many will be saved at the end of the world… Now there only remains for all of us to give all glory to Christ, believe in him, rest in him alone, despising and rejecting all other aids in life.

Prayers of the People

God of grace, we rejoice that you became flesh and made your dwelling among us, and we long for your return. You are our steadfast hope, the bush that burns but is never consumed. Please lead us into this season of Advent with an eager expectancy, and please hear us as we lift our joys and our concerns to you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for…

• The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The local congregation and its ministry, especially… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We offer these prayers in your name — Jesus, Emmanuel, our long-awaited Messiah. And we pray now as you taught us, saying:

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.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

A Prayer in the Absence of the Lord’s Supper

Lord Jesus, we believe that you are present in the Sacrament. We love you above all things and we long to receive you. Since we cannot at this time receive you sacramentally, we ask that you come spiritually into our hearts and unite yourself to us. Never let us be separated from you. We pray this in your name, amen.
Note: We will be offering “virtual communion” during our church-wide Zoom calls on the first Wednesday of the month. Please notify the church office if you would like to participate.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. 
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. 
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. 
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
November 22, 2020
Christ the King Sunday

---

Call to Worship – Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Prayer of Confession

Heavenly Father, you have crowned Jesus Christ as Lord of all. We confess that we have not bowed before him, and are slow to acknowledge his rule. We give allegiance to the powers of this world, and fail to be governed by justice and love. In your mercy, forgive us. Raise us up to acclaim him as ruler of all, that we may be faithful disciples, obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news! There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun. Thanks be to God!

Scripture Reading

Colossians 2:6-15

Sermon – Jesus, Lord of the Cross – Rev. Blake Daniel

For those who prefer to worship from home this Sunday, we will be live-streaming the service rather than pre-recording separate videos. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in. The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you in advance for your grace and patience as we try this new endeavor!

Affirmation of Faith – from The Confession of 1967

God’s sovereign love is a mystery beyond the reach of man’s mind. Human thought ascribes to God superlatives of power, wisdom, and goodness. But God reveals his love in Jesus Christ by showing power in the form of a servant, wisdom in the folly of the cross, and goodness in receiving sinful men and women. The power of God’s love in Christ to transform the world discloses that the Redeemer is the Lord and Creator who made all things to serve the purpose of his love.

Prayers of the People

Lord Jesus, you reign over all things as our good and faithful King. Yet your reign surprises us. You were not born into prestige, but into poverty in Bethlehem. You did not ride a chariot, but a donkey through the gates of Jerusalem. You did not assume a throne, but died on Calvary’s cross. In this, your kingship was displayed. And now, having been raised from the dead, you are seated at your Father’s right hand, where you are making everything new. We trust in your rule, and we pledge our allegiance to you as we lift up our joys and laments today. We pray:

• For the order you give to creation . . .

• For your sovereign rule over the nations . . .

• For your faithfulness to your church . . .

• For your lordship in our lives . . .

And we pray now as you taught us, saying:

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.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. 
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. 
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. 
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen.

Indoor Worship

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name! – Psalm 103:1

After much discussion and discernment, the Session has approved weekly indoor worship gatherings on Sunday mornings at First Presbyterian Church. 

Date, Time, and Location

We will meet indoors on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  While we hope to return to worship in the Sanctuary as soon as possible, the Fellowship Hall provides a more flexible space for seating and cleaning procedures.  Any last-minute changes will be shared via email and/or on our website (www.sylvapres.org), so please check ahead of time.

Online Worship

As with our outdoor services, Indoor Worship will be live-streamed via our church YouTube page.  A link to the order of service will be emailed to the congregation on Sunday mornings, and services will be saved online for later viewing.  Those without internet access will still receive a printed bulletin and sermon through the mail.  We encourage our congregation to do what they are most comfortable with and to use their judgment as to whether or not to attend.  We ask those with at-risk conditions or showing signs of illness to wait until safety is more assured.  Remember, even if we are not all together in person, we are united by the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name.

Safety Protocols

• Participants should bring their own folding chairs, and everyone should sit socially distanced and/or in family clusters.  (The floor will be marked to help you with this.)

• Everyone must wear masks for the duration of the service, including entry and exit, except for the pastor and others while they are leading the service.

• Hand-sanitizer and extra masks will be available for those who need them.

• Before Sunday, our cleaning staff will clean and sanitize our worship space. 

• On Sunday mornings, windows and doors will be opened in the Fellowship Hall to allow for airflow.  (Please dress warmly.)

• A volunteer will remain after the service to vacuum the floor and wipe down surfaces: tabletops, light switches, door handles, etc. 

• We will not sing together, shake hands, hug, or pass the peace during the service.

• Use of the church building on Sundays is limited to the Fellowship Hall and entryways.

• Childcare will not be available as we begin meeting, but we will have activities for children on-hand, and we hope to provide childcare at a later date.

We encourage you to do your best to follow these guidelines and to help our children to follow them as well.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation!  If you have questions, please contact our Pastor or a member of the Session.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
November 15, 2020
Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

---

Call to Worship – Psalm 18:1-3, 16-19

I love you, Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I have been saved from my enemies.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.
He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Prayer of Confession

Lord Jesus, we come to you this morning like Thomas. Full of doubts. Full of ourselves. We confess this to you, as we ask for your gentle grace. Show us the holes in your hands and feet, the wound in your side. Set us free from our own pride and performance. Teach us what it truly means to call you our Lord and our God. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon – from Ephesians 2

Jesus Christ is our peace; in his flesh he has broken down the dividing wall of the hostility between us. He came and proclaimed peace to those who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we all have access in one Spirit to the Father. Hear this good news and rejoice: In Christ we are forgiven, reconciled, and restored! Amen.

Scripture Reading

Colossians 1:21-29

Sermon – Jesus, Lord of the Church – Rev. Blake Daniel

For those who prefer to worship from home this Sunday, we will be live-streaming the service rather than pre-recording separate videos. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in. The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you in advance for your grace and patience as we try this new endeavor!

Affirmation of Faith – from The Heidelberg Catechism

Question: Why are you called a Christian?
Response: Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a free conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation.

Prayers of the People

Heavenly Father, once we were alienated from you and enemies because of our evil behavior. Yet you, through your Son, Jesus, have reconciled us to yourself so that now we are holy and blameless in your sight. We recognize, Lord, that this is all a gift of grace that we receive through faith. Help us to live in faith together, so that we might be established and firm in the hope of the gospel, and so that we might share this hope with others. Trusting that you are present to us now by the power of your Holy Spirit, we lift up our specific prayers for:

• Creation and its care… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Our nation, its leaders, and its people… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Our community, its leaders, and our neighbors… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• The church universal as it works on your behalf… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Our local church in its ministry… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

• Friends and family with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

And we pray now as Jesus taught us:

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.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. 
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. 
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. 
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
November 8, 2020
Twenty Third Sunday after Pentecost

---

Call to Worship – Isaiah 2:2-5

In the last days
the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
Come, descendants of Jacob,
let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Prayer of Confession

Heavenly Father, you have loved us with a never-stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love. But we have not loved you. You constantly call us, but we do not listen. You ask us to love others, but we walk away from our neighbors in need. We condone evil, warfare, prejudice, and greed; we perpetuate divisions rather than reconciliation and peace. As you come to us in mercy, we repent in spirit and in truth, admitting our sin and gratefully receiving your forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

Assurance of Pardon – from Ephesians 2

Jesus Christ is our peace; in his flesh he has broken down the dividing wall of the hostility between us. He came and proclaimed peace to those who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we all have access in one Spirit to the Father. Hear this good news and rejoice: In Christ we are forgiven, reconciled, and restored! Amen.

Scripture Reading

Colossians 1:15-20

Sermon – Jesus, Lord of Creation – Rev. Blake Daniel

For those who prefer to worship from home this Sunday, we will be live-streaming the service rather than pre-recording separate videos. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in. The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you in advance for your grace and patience as we try this new endeavor!

Affirmation of Faith – The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.  For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.  For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.  On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. 

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of the People

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, today we praise you as the one who made all things, the one who holds all things together, and the one who brought peace to all creation. We renew our trust in you as we lift up our voices in humility and in hope, asking:

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Hear us, Lord, as we pray for our country in this important season of election and transition. We remember that it’s under your holy law that we live, Lord, and it’s by your sovereign will that we govern ourselves. Thank you for the democratic process in which we have been engaged. Forgive us for our selfishness and despair. Help us, as good citizens, to respect our neighbors whose views differ from our own. Lead us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Open us up to new possibilities, grant us imaginations of shalom, and lead us more and more into the abundant life of your kingdom. We pray for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence as they end their terms, and for president-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris as they prepare to lead our country in January. Please allow for a smooth and peaceful transfer of power, and for unity in our land.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Please hear us, yet again, as we pray for your help during the pandemic. Save us from fear, and grant us faithfulness, wisdom, and discernment as we make decisions for ourselves, our church family, our businesses, our schools, our community, and beyond. Please lead us to a place of health in body and in soul.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

And we pray for the work of your church during this difficult time. Remind us of our primary calling to be the body of Christ. Unite us to yourself and to each other, and keep us from getting distracted from our mission: to make disciples who love you and love their neighbors as themselves. Help us to be courageous witnesses as we follow you on the dusty road of discipleship.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We lift up these prayers, trusting that you hear us.  And we pray now as Jesus taught us:

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.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Offertory

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. 
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. 
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. 
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen.

Advent Devotional - Writers Needed!

Dear church family and friends,

It's hard to believe, but Advent begins November 29! To celebrate the season this year, we are creating our own Advent Devotional booklet for First Presbyterian Church. And we need your help!

Would you be willing to write a brief Advent reflection to go in this booklet?

Our hope is to have one entry for each day in the Advent season - 27 entries total - with different church members contributing entries to capture the meaning and impact of different "scenes" from the Christmas story.

CLICK HERE to access a Google document listing these scenes and their corresponding Scripture passages, and please sign your name in the column next to an available passage.

As you consider writing, please keep these thoughts in mind:

• Due to space limitations, devotionals should be 350 words or less.

• Please include a brief opening or closing prayer.

• Feel free to be creative in your writing! You can include a poem of your own or another's, a piece of visual art, a first-person narrative, etc.

• Keep the audience in mind. Remember that this devotional is for the entire church family. Please write simply in a way that engages our children AND adults.

• Feel free to focus on just one aspect of your scene, trusting that other important aspects in the story will come out through the devotions of others.

• In order for us to distribute the devotional in time for the beginning of Advent on November 29, we need to receive your devotional by Friday, November 20. (You can send it to Emily.)

Please let us know if you will be able to participate by signing up on the Google doc! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact Emily in the church office. I think the final product will be a wonderful gift for our church family in this different and difficult Advent season.