December 27, 2020 1st Sunday after Christmas

9:30 a.m.

Gathering those who fear they are not enough, so we may experience grace, wholeness, and renewal as God’s beloved.

Presentation in the Temple, Father Georges Saget, 1963. Keur Moussa Abbey, Senegal

from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library

Preparing Our Hearts for Worship

For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself. – Charles Dickens

Prelude Appalachian Carol arr. Molly Ijames (b. 1978)

Andrew Jonas, saxophone

Welcome

* Song #133 (vv. 1 and 4) O Come, All Ye Faithful

* Please stand in body or spirit

Song # 115 (vv. 1 and 3) Away in a Manger

Opening Prayer

Scripture Luke 2:22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

33And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

ONE: The Word of the Lord.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

Reflection Tara Spuhler McCabe and John Molina-Moore

Offering Gifts and Song #148 Mary and Joseph Came to the Temple

Prayers of the People James Sledge

The Prayers of the People are offered on behalf of and with the congregation, usually by an elder currently serving on Session (governing council). Following each petition, we will sing the following response.

Prayers of gratitude

For the birth of Cristobal Matias Leiva Acheson, daughter of Kelly Acheson and Carlos Leiva Burotto, and grandson of Patsy and Nick Acheson, on Dec. 22

For Meg Foreman, who has walked alongside her wife, Laura, throughout Laura’s surgery and cancer treatment this year, and has been a selfless and loving caregiver

For the FCPC Deacons, who have provided meals, cards, and support to Laura and Meg during Laura’s treatment

Prayers of concern

Ananya Price, diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and leukemia Family and friends of Bill Layson, who died Dec. 8 John Loyd on the death of his mother, Sally Ann Loyd, on Dec. 6 Nancy Lundien, in hospice care Educators, administrators, and students, as they face the challenges of online

learning during the pandemic Those who have lost jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic Staff and residents of elder care facilities everywhere First responders, health care providers, caregivers, essential employees, and all who

put their lives at risk during the coronavirus pandemic

Continued prayers

Kris Barth, Brenda Buchly, Avery Burns, Chuck and Marty Campbell, Allan Capon, Bobbie Conlan, Judy Cornier, Soledad Cuzzi, Sgt. John R. Goldsmith, Steve Graff, Mike Hugo, Linda Issaacson, Nora Long, Rusty Lynn, Sandy Martin, Juan Mendoza, Ruth Mileham, Bob Moore, Cort Peret, Laura Rainey, Stanley Rusher, Albert Schmid, James Steele, Cathy Stewart, Lawson Swift, Doris Webb, Doris Williams, Charles Wirth, Christa Young

Prayer of Thanksgiving, and the Lord’s Prayer

ALL: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

* Song #113 (vv. 1 and 4) Silent Night, Holy Night!

Song #136 Go, Tell It on the Mountain

Our Life Together as the Body of Christ

The Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you. ALL: And also with you.

Go now in peace, go now in peace, may the love of God surround you, everywhere, everywhere, you may go.

All songs used by permission under OneLicense.net #A-721003

Guest Preachers

We are delighted to have the Rev. John Molina-Moore and Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe as guest preachers today. John is the General Presbyter of National Capital Presbytery and Tara is the Transitional Director of Congregational Development and Mission.

Supporting us in Worship

Audio/Video Diane Maloney

Music Lisa Bloy, piano; Andrew Jonas, tenor; David Schoonover, baritone

Fellowship Hall Flowers The poinsettias this year are given to the glory of God by Steve and Janet Graff, in thanksgiving for their family and in celebration of their 45th wedding anniversary on December 27.

A Warm Welcome Thank you for joining us in worship this morning. We welcome all to our live-stream community, and hope that you will join us in song and prayer from the safety of your own homes. If you would like to learn more about our community of faith, please visit our church website.

Falls Church Presbyterian belongs to the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, “working for the unity of the church, furthering the inclusion of LGBTQ persons, seeking understanding and

reconciliation, and joining with others seeking a still more just and inclusive church.”

The Rev. James Sledge, Pastor Diane Maloney, Director of Spiritual Growth and Community Engagement

Noah Clark, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry The Rev. Megan Klose, Parish Associate

The Rev. Rusty Lynn, Hon. Ret., Parish Associate David Schoonover, Music Coordinator

Dr. Lisa Bloy, Organist

225 East Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 703-532-6518 www.fallschurchpresby.org

Story Time Online, Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Librarian Avery Burns will be reading stories about Epiphany. Story time videos are prerecorded and will go live Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Tune in Sunday morning or any time after at this link: Story Time with Mrs. Burns

Fellowship Time will take a break this Sunday, Dec. 27. Join us Jan. 3 for the first Fellowship Time of the New Year, immediately following worship.

2021 Offering Envelopes. If you would like your 2021 offering envelopes, please contact Mary Salpini to arrange pickup. Members can continue to use online giving or simply mail a check to the church without an offering envelope.

The Mercy Ministry Team continues to be grateful for so many of you who generously participated in the Drop & Dash event on Dec. 19 and 20. We collected another 600+ food and personal care items that will go to our friends at the Knox Presbyterian Food Pantry. Many thanks to the volunteers who staffed the event: Shelly and Rachel Skomra, Izzy and Sue Armstrong, Marsha Schuyler, Alison and Mike Hoak, Jenny and Chris Growney, and Narra Geisinger. Two additional thank yous go to Will Packard and Marsha Schuyler for taking time Saturday morning to bring our November collection to Knox to supplement what they have on hand for the holidays, and John Loyd for setting up a Drop & Dash staging room at FCPC. We now have a way to store donations and be more responsive to immediate needs communicated to us by Falls Church Community Service Council. Stay tuned for our monthly events in 2021 and thank you again for your generous giving to those in need in our community!

300+ coats given to those in need. On December 20, FCPC held its first-ever Welcome Market, a pop-up shop where guests could select a free winter coat. After a month-long drive to collect new and gently used coats, the event served 270 guests and distributed over 300 items. Many shoppers were regular Welcome Table guests. The market was organized by Amelia Grannis as a part of her Eagle Scout project. Many thanks to the volunteers who staffed the shop and to the whole congregation for their generosity.

ONLINE WORSHIP AND MEETINGS

Story Time Online – Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Story Time with Mrs. Burns

Worship Service – Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Join us for online worship at www.fallschurchpresby.org/livestream or on our FCPC Facebook page.

Tuesday Morning Prayer – Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 104 294 101

Saturday Morning Bible Study & Fellowship Group – Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Zoom

Meeting ID: 972 0316 4309 Passcode: morning

This Week at FCPC December 27, 2020 – January 3, 2021

Welcome Table, Jan. 6. Sign up here to volunteer at our next Welcome Table. If you would like to support Welcome Table with a financial contribution, you can mail a check (made out to FCPC with “Welcome Table” in memo line) to the church office or give through FCPC’s secure Online Giving link.

Generosity update. As the body of Christ, we are all called to participate in ministries that bear Christ to the world. One of the ways we do this is through our financial gifts. At present, we have received estimates of giving for the coming year totaling $632,617.00, generously provided by 98 of us. Thank you. If you have not yet provided your estimate, please take a moment to do so, either online here or by returning your Estimate of Giving card, so that we can bear fruit together, displaying to the world the abundance of God.

God sightings. You are invited to share a photo that captures a time or place where you have experienced God. Photos submitted by noon each Wednesday will be considered for use at the opening of our virtual worship service. Email images to Diane Maloney.

Crossing Paths is a daily email designed to be a way to stay connected to each other, our community, and God. Crossing Paths are simple reflections shared by the FCPC community, available by email and on our Facebook page. If you would like to share a prayer, poem, or scripture passage to be included in Crossing Paths, please send to Diane Maloney.

Pastoral care during social distancing. If you or your loved one is in need of pastoral care, please do not hesitate to contact James Sledge. And if you are at-risk from COVID-19, please let James or the deacons know if we can offer you support with specific tasks such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or other things that might put you at risk.