kids’ meals mary's second prayer€¦ · communion meditations prelude christmas melodies louise...

Second Sunday of AdventDecember 6, 2015

Please silence all devices, and refrain from consuming food or beverages during worship.

Mary's Second PrayerLuke 1:39-56

Alf Halvorson preaching

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

Holy is His Name..."

Kids’ MealsMonthly Service OpportunityHelp us feed the nearly 2,200 preschool children Kids’ Meals delivers to daily. MDPC volunteers are instrumental in providing one day’s delivery per month! Please bring two loaves of white or wheat sandwich bread to the project.

Wednesday, December 9 | 5:00 PM

Contact Julie Hempel with questions: [email protected]

Bless a child this Christmas season!

Toy TrainGrant Christmas wishes for a child in need! Simply drop unwrapped gifts in the Toy Train in front of Children's Ministries.

The Toy Train is stationed at MDPC only through tomorrow!

holiday.mdpc.org

CELEBRATE REJOICE PRAISE CHEER MAKE MERRYCELEBRATE REJOICE PRAISE CHEER MAKE MERRY

CHEER MAKE MERRY CELEBRATE REJOICE PRAISE





CHEER MAKE MERRY CELEBRATE REJOICE PRAISECelebrate the Christmas season with coffee, tea, wassail, and warm fellowship at the annual Christmas Coffee, an MDPC tradition. All women are welcome! Bring your mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.

Tuesday, December 89:00 to 11:00 AM • MDPC Parlor

Childcare available by reservation: [email protected]

Sponsored by MDPC Women

Give Water, Shelt

er,

Food, the Gospel

,

Schools, Hospita

ls...

“Lord, when was it that we saw You hungry and

gave You food,

or thirsty and gave You something to drink? A

nd when was it

that we saw You a stranger and welcomed You

, or naked and

gave You clothing?” And the King will answer

them, “Truly I

tell you, just as you did it to one of these who

are members of

My family, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:37-4

0

Rejoice in His Love this Christmas!

MDPC seeks to be a blessing in

the world.

The giver of this gift has chosen

to

honor you while meeting a tang

ible need.

We are blessed to be a blessing. G

enesis 12:2

11612 Memorial Drive | Ho

uston Texas 77024

mdpc.org | 713-782-1710

MDPCMemorial Dr

ive Presbyterian Church

The Light of the

World has come.

local.mdpc.org

holiday.mdpc.org

outreach.mdpc.orgfood.mdpc.org

pip.mdpc.org

christmasconcert.mdpc.org holiday.mdpc.org

Partner In Prayer 2016

Your time given through PIP ensures thousands of people are prayed for every day! As Pastor Alf writes in his invitation letter, "Prayer is one of the key

avenues God uses to transform us. We need your help in this ministry, but helping will help you grow in your faith as well."

To be a 2016 Partner In Prayer, register at pip.mdpc.org.

Mission Market

Give the gift of HOPE!

Give the Gift of HOPE this Christmas! Come do your Christmas shopping at Mission Market this morning. Proceeds go to selected local and global missions

partners that in turn meet true needs in God’s world. Sundays Between Services | Sanctuary Lobby

EntréE SElEctionS ($10)Grilled Salmon or Roasted Turkey

Served with Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Squash Casserole, and Fresh Green Beans

EntréE Salad ($8.50): Chicken over Greens with Goat Cheese & Green Apples

childrEn’S MEnu ($4): Fried Chicken Tenders

Join us - Everyone is Welcome!

all-church lunchToday in Fellowship Hall • 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Holiday Central!

For information on all the MDPC holiday opportunities for you and your family, visit

holiday.mdpc.org.

Coordinating TeamDan Aikins | Interim Youth Ministries Dir.Mauricio Chacón | Associate Pastor for FuenteBrandon Gaide | Associate Pastor for Next GenGinny Glass | Communications & Media Dir.Meliza Gómez | Contemporary Music Dir.Alf Halvorson | Senior Pastor Charles Hausmann | Traditional Music Dir.Kristin Huffman | Associate Pastor for OutreachBrett Hurst | Relationships MinisterChristyn Knoop | Adult Ministries Dir.Gena Kooken | Sr. Leadership Ministry Coor.Rick Myers | Associate Pastor for CaringRachel Poysky | Children’s Ministries Dir.Becky Riggs | Business AdministratorDave Steane | Executive Pastor & Head of StaffKathryn White | Coordinating Music Dir.Karen Winship | Human Resources Dir.

Dave Peterson | Pastor Emeritus Gary Bowker | Pastor Emeritus

MDPC FoundationFor information, contact Business Administrator Becky Riggs at [email protected] or 713-953-2570.

11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710Loving God. Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All.

W EEK LY FI NA NCIA L U PDATEOperating Income 2015 Budget $ 10,500,000Expected Income to date 7,293,608Actual Income to date 7,126,318Needed to meet Budget $ 3,373,682Pictured: New Life gives disabled Guatemalan kids a chance to gain an education. We're grateful for your giving, which supports this ministry.

Ministry PartnersPray for these MDPC partners working to make a difference in the lives of others:

The Woods Project develops leadership and life skills in low-income youth through outdoor education/environmental awareness programs. It encourages students' interest in sci-ence and nature, and gives them experience with challenging situations and diverse environments. thewoodsproject.org

The Micah Project ministers to young men who have spent anguished childhoods in impoverished homes or on the streets of Tegucigalpa. These youths learn to become Chris-tian leaders through discipleship, formal education, and service to others in need. micahcentral.org

New Life (Nueva Vida) is a Christ-centered school for dis-abled students who struggle to gain an education in the over-crowded Guatemalan school system. MDPC member Judy Kerschner designed this school to give dignity and education to students who otherwise would be forgotten.newlifeguatemala.com

Going Through a Tough Time?If you or your family are going through a tough time now, please call for a Stephen Min-ister to walk through it with you. These are caring Christian lay people who have gone through 50 hours of intensive training and can be such a blessing to those experiencing life’s difficulties. Please contact Reverend Rick Myers ([email protected], 713-490-9545) or Pat Weinberg (281-224-5311).

Purely ParentingPurely Parenting forums are for any adults who are currently in the parenting trenches. These stand-alone discussions are opportunities for the exchange of new ideas and proven strategies. Open to all. Today, Brett and Kellie Hurst discuss "Senior Year Privilege."Today at 11:15 AM | Amphitheaterparenting.mdpc.org

Poinsettias for the Sanctuary and ChapelPoinsettias may be purchased in honor or memory of a loved one ($8.00/dedication). These names will be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Order Deadline: Monday, December 14Purchase online at flowers.mdpc.org.

Public Meeting: Major Construction at Memorial and BlalockA major construction project on Blalock and Memorial is scheduled to start in January 2016. We will know more as things progress; meanwhile, you are welcome to attend this meeting if you would like more information.Thursday, December 10 | 7:00 PM | Amphitheatercityofpineypoint.com

SKILLS LAB: How to Study Your BibleRefresh your skills and learn something new at this drop-in session taught by one of MDPC’s best Bible teachers, Martha Moore. Bring your Bible! Next Sunday, December 13 | 11:15 AM | MC122

Calling All Knitters!Have you ever wanted to express your concern beyond using comforting words? Your knit-ting can reach out locally and globally through these quiet yet powerful MDPC ministries: Knitting for Missions: Every Monday | 9:30 AM | MC Room 126Prayer Shawl Ministry: December 14 (Second Monday monthly) | 6:30 PM | The Nook at MDPCMore information: outreach.mdpc.org

Use Your Business Skills: Newspring Business Plan CompetitionOver the past eight years, over 100 MDPC members have participated as advisers to community college students, helping them draft business plans. It’s a great opportunity to witness to your Christian faith in a secular world. Advisers work in pairs, mentoring their contestants throughout this annual competition.Begins January 2016For details, please contact Robert Westheimer at [email protected].

Parent Palooza 2016A fun, FREE, two-day parenting fest! Come dig deeper with other parents in breakout ses-sions designed to equip you to be more effective in parenting. Friday, January 8 (6:30-8:30 PM) and Saturday, January 9 (9:00-11:30 AM)Register at parenting.mdpc.org. Childcare available by reservation ([email protected]).Contact Amanda Grace Caldwell: [email protected] or 713-490-0931

Girls’ GetawayJoin MDPC Women for a new and improved Girls’ Getaway! We’ll be traveling to Mill Creek Ranch Resort for a weekend filled with fun, shopping, connecting, and good eat-ing. Grab a friend and secure your spot today.Friday-Sunday, February 26-28 Details and registration: women.mdpc.org.

MDPC Turns 60...In 2015, we celebrate 60 years of faith and ministry!

Kami Vaughn and her sister Mandi Barrett with Christian comedian Jinny Henson at the 2007 Womens' Retreat at Heartland in Brenham. Want to have this kind of fun? Join us for the 2016 Girls' Getaway! More info under MDPC Highlights in this bulletin.

Do you have classic MDPC photos? Email scans to Eva Kaminski ([email protected]) or drop prints at the Front Office. Originals will be returned.

Please PrayFor these MDPC family members recently released from the hospital: Marguerite Baldwin Jerry BatteBeverly Bright

Bob KnoxHarvey Trammel

The Red Rose is in honor of: •Andrew Timothy Hefty, born November

14, 2015, to Mindy and Chris Hefty.

The White Rose is in memory of: •HermannSchroeder, who passed away

November 19, 2015.•Shirley Noah, who passed away

November 23, 2015.

*Please stand if able. CCLI # 182374†Communion is shared by intinction. As directed by the ushers, please come forward to the communion stations at the front of the section where you are seated. Dip the bread in the cup and eat, before returning to your seat. Gluten-free bread is available. If you are celiac or severely gluten-intolerant, please note that it may have come into contact with gluten-containing bread during preparation of the sacrament. Every child is an important part of our community of faith. We believe that each family decides when its child is ready to participate in communion. Children not taking communion are invited to come forward during the Lord’s Supper to receive a blessing from the pastors and elders who are serving.

8:30 Blended service

9:45 contemporary service

11:15 traditional service

WORSHIP INVITATION Meliza Gómez

*WORSHIP MUSIC

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE Brett Hurst

GIFTS OF GRATITUDE Dave Steane

MESSAGE Five Prayers to Prepare: Mary’s Second Prayer Alf Halvorson†CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER All who confess their faith in Christ are welcome to the table.

COMMUNION MEDITATIONS

PRELUDE Christmas Melodies Louise Trotter, harp

WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP Dave Steane

*HYMN OF PRAISE Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus #2; Vs. 1, 2 | Hyfrydol

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE OF PARDON Rachel Poysky

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH from Romans 8

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Angels We Have Heard on High #23; Vs. 2 | Gloria

OFFERTORY Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (from Glad Tidings) Randol Bass (b.1942)


COMMUNION MEDITATIONS Esurientes (The Poor and Needy) from Magnificat John Rutter (b.1945) Julie Thornton, soprano

Communion Medley Louise Trotter

HYMN OF RESPONSE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #9; Vs. 2 | Veni Emmanuel

POSTLUDE Angels We Have Heard on High arr. Burkhardt

PRELUDE Christmas Melodies Louise Trotter

WELCOME Dave Steane

*SONGS OF PRAISE Everlasting God Brown/Riley Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing arr. Gómez

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE OF PARDON Rachel Poysky

GIFTS OF GRATITUDE Hosanna Brooke Ligertwood


COMMUNION MEDITATIONS Christmas Melodies Louise Trotter

MDPC Worship MDPC infoMDPC highlights

Local & Global Ministry PartnersorGanization naMe their Mission no. aMt.

1 Amazing Placeamazingplacehouston.org

A wellness center designed for adults who suffer from Alzheimer’s or related dementia, and their care-giving families

2 The Antioch Partnerstheantiochpartners.org

Enables those called by God to enter long-term, cross-cultural ministerial service, and fosters the formation of worshipping communities among the unreached

3 Casa de Esperanzacasahope.org

Cares for children suffering from the effects of HIV, drugs, domestic violence, neglect, and homelessness. It provides a safe place while their parents seek help, or as they wait to be adopted.

4 CanCare of Houstoncancare.org

A city-wide group of cancer survivors that offer one-on-one, long-term emo-tional support and encouragement to cancer patients and their families

5 Evangelical Theological Seminary Cairo (Egypt)etsc.org/new

Prepares, equips, and trains pastors and leaders of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and various churches in Arab communities abroad

6 Faith In Practice (Guatemala)faithinpractice.org

Volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, and support teams travel to Guatemala to treat patients in an Antigua hospital and bring medical care to remote villages

7 Free Wheelchair Missionfreewheelchairmission.org

Sends wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of impoverished disabled in developing nations, providing mobility, dignity, independence, and hope

8 Hope for Youthhopeforyouth.org

Builds long-term Christian mentoring relationships with at-risk urban youth through fun activities and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ

9 Kids’ Meals kidsmealshouston.org

Home-delivers nutritious, free of cost, lunches to preschool-aged children liv-ing in poverty in Harris County

10 Living Water Internationalwater.cc

Drills water wells in areas where there is no clean water. Its teams teach hygiene and share the Gospel message with local communities.

11 Lulwanda Children’s Home (Uganda)ugandaorphans.org

A permanent home for children who have been abandoned or orphaned. It provides education and life skills that prepare them to be Christian leaders.

12 The Micah Project (Tegucigalpa, Honduras)micahprojecthonduras.org

Reaching out to street boys to share the love of Christ and hope for spiritual and physical transformation in their lives

13 Small Steps Nurturing Centerssnc.org

Early-childhood ministry in Houston’s First and Fifth Wards, providing quality education, healthy meals, and social and emotional therapy to at-risk children

14 Young Life of Greater Houstonhoustonregion.younglife.org

Christian organization on school cam-puses in urban areas, that brings teens to know Jesus Christ and grow in their faith

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totaLs

2015 Mission Market Order Form



Using the Mission Market order ForM on the opposite side of this page, indicate the following:

1. From the MinistrY Partner column, choose which Ministry Partner(s) you wish to support.

2. In the no. column, write the number of cards you plan to gift fea-turing that Ministry Partner. This is the number of information cards you will receive for that Partner.

3. In the aMt. column, write the total amount you would like to give in support of your selected Ministry Partner(s). This may be for any amount over the $1 minimum.

4. When your choices are complete, add up the vertical items in the two columns, and record in the totaLs row at the bottom.

5. The totaL aMt. is what you owe. The totaL no. is how many you will receive of each of the following:

(a) Christmas greeting card and envelope

(b) Ministry Partner information card indicating to the gift recipi-ent which Ministry Partner you are supporting in their honor

(c) HOPE sticker for securing the Ministry Partner information card on the inside panel of the greeting card

6. Complete your personal information below, and bring your completed form to the Mission Market table.

Name (please print) ___________________________________________________

Email ______________________________________________________________

Paid: q Check # ________ Date ______/______/______ Please make checks payable to “MDPC.” Write Mission Market on the memo line.

q Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard)












Email ______________________________________________________________














Email ______________________________________________________________



order ForM instructions order ForM instructions order ForM instructions

Thank you for supporting our Ministry Partners. Your donations make a difference as we reach out to the world in Jesus' Name!



Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church | Houston, TXMemorial Drive Presbyterian Church | Houston, TX Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church | Houston, TXLoving God. Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All. Loving God. Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All. Loving God. Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All.

“Lord, when was it that we saw You hungry and gave You food, or thirsty and gave You something to drink? And when was it that we saw You a stranger and welcomed You, or naked and gave You clothing?” And the King will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of these who are members of My family, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:37-40






Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church seeks to reach out to

a world in need while at the same time honoring someone

personally. The giver of your gift has chosen to honor you

by helping someone else in the world.

11612 Memorial Drive | Houston Texas 77024

mdpc.org | 713-782-1710

MDPCMemorial Drive Presbyte

rian Church

The Light of the World has come.






mdpc.org | 713-782-1710


rian Church







mdpc.org | 713-782-1710


rian Church


Come! Let us adore Him.A gift has been sent in your honor to reach out to a world in need.






We are blessed to be a blessing. Genesis 12:2

MDPC seeks to be a blessing in the world. The giver of this gift has chosen to

honor you while meeting a tangible need. Cover design is by Lakresha Gadison of Newspring, a ministry

designed to encourage Spring Branch ISD students to stay in school and pursue careers in art-related fields. Lakresha is a

sophomore at Sam Houston State University.

11612 Memorial Drive | Houston Texas 77024 mdpc.org | 713-782-1710

MDPCMemorial Drive Presbyterian Church















This is the second in a series of Advent Messages from Luke chapters 1 and 2 on Five Prayers to Prepare for the Christ Child.

When Mary goes to see her cousin Elizabeth and realizes that all that the Angel Gabriel told her was coming to pass (Luke 1:39-45), Mary erupts in a prayer that has come to be known as The Magnificat. Verse 47, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior...”

1. When in your life have you ever erupted into joyous prayer, because something so great was happening to you or to someone you loved? Do you remember the circum-stances? Do you remember what you prayed?

2. Mary’s prayer is a reworking of the prayer that Hannah prays in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 when Hannah becomes pregnant with Samuel. It lets us know that Mary, though young, knows her family’s story, knows the Scriptures, knows that God has been at work with her people for 2,000 years, and she grasps that her Son will somehow fulfill these hopes and prophesies from the past. When has a Scripture (from the past) spoken to you in some present situation?

3. In verses 47-50, Mary offers her praise to God. But then in verses 51-53, she prays some very revolutionary phrases, and she prays them using the past tense, as if they have already been accomplished. I said in my sermon that this is a common practice by the prophets, to say something from God that is about the future, but to say it in the past tense. The idea is that, if God promised it/said it, you can count on it to happen; it

Mary’s Second PrayerLuke 1:39-56 Pastor Alf Preaching

Second Sunday of AdventDecember 6, 2015Digging deeper

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710

is already completed in the believer’s eyes. In fact, E. Stanley Jones, the great mission-ary to India said that “this prayer by Mary is the most revolutionary document in the world.” In verses 51-54, what is revolutionary to you and why is it revolutionary?

4. What would need to change in our world for these statements to be true? What do you think the church’s role is (if any) in bringing about these changes?

5. I quoted William Willimon, the former Chaplain at Duke University, who said that what amazes him about this prayer of Mary is its “imagination.” I went on to say that theologian James Whitehead has written, “Faith is the enduring ability to imagine life in a certain way.” And then we live and work, by God’s spirit and help, to make the im-age God has revealed a reality. What images form in your head because of this prayer of Mary? If you are proud or powerful or prosperous (from vs. 51-53), what is your challenge? Where are you lowly and hungry?

6. What might God have you believe or do, in response to this revolutionary prayer?

kids’ meals mary's second prayer€¦ · communion meditations prelude christmas melodies louise...

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