Organized 1824

A Presbyterian Church in America Congregation

We are delighted that you are worshipping with us and invite you to do so regularly.

First Presbyterian Church was organized in Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1824. The sanctuary

was built in 1827 and has been used continually since then.

We invite all who trust in Jesus Christ to become members of First Presbyterian

Church. You may join the church by profession or reaffirmation of saving faith in Jesus

Christ or by transfer of membership from any evangelical church. If you desire to join the

church, need spiritual counsel or pastoral services, please speak to our pastor or one of

our elders (listed on back). The purpose of First Presbyterian Church in Tuscumbia is to

teach and preach the infallible, inerrant Word of God; to share the gift of salvation with

our community, our nation, and our world; to nurture our relationships with Christ and

each other; and to glorify God in our worship, in our service to others, and in all we do.

LORD’S DAY MORNING WORSHIP

Dec. 20, 2015 ___ __ Nine Thirty A. M. _ ___ ______ _ Tuscumbia, Alabama

(Please turn off all electronic devices.)

When you enter into the doors of the sanctuary, silently prepare to meet the triune God.

Focus on God’s holiness as you prepare to worship.

THE PRELUDE Brian Beck

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP “I Wonder As I Wander” Blair Reinlie, Oboist

*THE CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 124, 29

Pastor: Our help is in the name of the Lord,

People: Who made heaven and earth.

Pastor: Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,

People: Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Pastor: Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name;

People: Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

*THE HYMN OF PRAISE “O Come, All Ye Faithful“ No. 208

THE PRAYER OF ADORATION

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, the power, and the glory forever. Amen

THE OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 9

THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION

THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON Psalm 34:17-18

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH Shorter Catechism

Q. 21. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?

A. The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal

Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two

distinct natures, and one person, forever.

Q. 22. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

A. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to Himself a true body, and a rea-

sona ble soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the

virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.

THE OFFERING “Chill of the Night Fall” Church Choir

K. Lee Scott, Composer

THE DOXOLOGY

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

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

THE RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

THE HYMN OF PREPARATION “What Child Is This” No. 213

THE PASTORAL PRAYER

THE READING OF THE SCRIPTURE Matthew 2:1-12

Pastor: This is the Word of God.

People: Thanks be to God!

THE PREACHING OF GOD’S WORD “A Wise Christmas” Dr. Randy Thompson

*THE HYMN OF RESPONSE “Angels We Have Heard on High” No. 214

*THE BENEDICTION

*congregation standing

LORD’S DAY EVENING WORSHIP

Dec. 20, 2015_ ___ _ __ ____ ____ Six P. M. ___ _____ _ ________ _ Tuscumbia, Alabama

(Please turn off all electronic devices.)

When you enter into the doors of the sanctuary, silently prepare to meet the sovereign God.

THE PRELUDE

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 124, 34

Pastor: Our help is in the name of the Lord,

People: Who made heaven and earth.

Pastor: I will bless the Lord at all times;

People: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Pastor: My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

People: Let the humble hear and be glad.

Pastor: Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

People: And let us exalt His name together!

THE EVENING HYMN “How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place” No. 469

THE PRAYER OF PRAISE AND CONFESSION

THE OFFERING

THE DOXOLOGY

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

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

THE SONGS OF FAITH

THE EVENING PRAYER

THE READING OF THE SCRIPTURE Ephesians 1:4-6

Pastor: This is the Word of God.

People: Thanks be to God!

THE SERMON “The Blessing of Election” Dr. Thompson

THE HYMN OF RESPONSE “Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns” No. 369

THE BENEDICTION

THE POSTLUDE

SERMON NOTES

Morning Worship Service: “A Wise Christmas” by Dr. Randy Thompson

Matthew 2:1-12 (Advent #4)

I. Wise men ___________________________________________ the Savior.

II. Wise men ___________________________________________ the Savior.

III. Wise men ___________________________________________ the Savior.

Evening Worship Service: “The Blessing of Election” by Dr. Thompson

Ephesians 1:4-6 (Ephesians #2)

I. God ____________________ us to _________________________________.

II. He had a _________________________________________ in His choosing.

III. And its all connected to __________________________________________.

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

OF INTEREST TODAY

THE BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS WREATHS adorning the front doors of the church are given to the

glory of God and in loving memory of parents, Bob & Roberta Shults, by their four children,

Ellen & David Milstead, Bob Shults, Tom & Margo Shults and Susanne Wadsworth.

NURSERY WORKER for today is Gail Hughston.

GREETERS for today are Jan & Lee Hudson.

THE MISSIONS MINISTRY CENTER will meet this afternoon at 4:45 p.m. in the Men’s Classroom.

INTEREST IN COMING DAYS AND WEEKS

MEALS ON WHEELS...Circle I, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Circle II, Tuesday and Thursday.

JOIN US THIS CHRISTMAS EVE AT 5:00 PM for our Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve Service.

This simple and traditional service features nine Christmas readings from Scripture, the singing

of several Christmas Carols, and a short message from the Scripture. We will have you out by

6:00 pm for your family activities. There will be no Wednesday evening activities at the church

on the 23rd.

NO WEDNESDAY EVENING MEALS for the remainder of the year. Meals will resume Jan. 6, 2016.

NURSERY WORKERS FOR NEXT WEEK are Jean Hudson and Kimberly Hughston.

GREETER for next week is Kimberly Hughston.

THE SESSION will meet next Wednesday, December 30, after prayer meeting at 7:10 p.m.

OTHER INTERESTS IN THE CHURCH

THE CHRISTMAS PCA OFFERING last Sunday was $2,393.87.

DON’T FORGET! Pledges made to the RNC Building Project are due by the end of this year.

PLAYGROUND…..."if we build it, they will come…." A new and safe playground is needed for the

increasing number of children at First Presbyterian. Be a part of this smile-bringing project with

an end of the year gift, no matter how large or small. Checks may be made directly to FIRST

PRES. PLAYGROUND.

CONGRATULATIONS to Mitchell & Sarah Ryan on the birth of their son, Morris Samuel “Mo”,

who was born Dec. 14, weighing 8 lbs. Blessed grandparents are Mike & Debbie Cowley.

Mary Cait Finch and the Thompsons wish to express their gratefulness for the generosity of the church

in their gifts to us this Christmas. May God continue to bless us with a sense of His Glory,

and may Christ be magnified in our midst in the coming year.

YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY….TONIGHT after evening service.

MYSTERY TRIP, WED., DEC.28…...MARK YOUR CALENDARS.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS...if your Sunday school material is running low, please see Mary Cait

for your new material.

Thank you to everyone who helped, prayed for, and attended the Christmas program this past Wednesday night.

What a true delight it is to see all of our Covenant Children gathered in one place, singing about the birth of

our Saviour! Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement and constant prayers and support! I love

you all, and I am so thankful to be a part of this Church. Mary Cait

CHURCH CALENDAR OF THIS WEEK’S UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday, 9:00 a.m., Men’s Prayer, Men’s Classroom

9:00 a.m., Women’s Prayer, Carrie Belle Johnson Classroom

. 9:30 a.m., Morning Worship, Sanctuary

10:45 a.m., Sunday School

4:45 p.m., Missions Ministry Center, Men’s Classroom

6:00 p.m., Evening Worship

Thursday, 5:00p.m. , Christmas Eve Service

PRAYER CORNER

This week be in prayer especially for the sick & recovering: Margie Beck, Mary Jane

Dean, Ben & Kathy Holland, Joyce Kimbrough, Bonnie Kirtley, Pauline Thompson

for ministries: Covenant Christian School

for missionaries: Rev. & Mrs. Steve Rarig, Australia

for church members/friends: Mike & Nancy Bishop

for the protection/safety of our American troops; for courage/strength for their families

For email prayer requests: tuscumbiapres@yahoo.com

CHURCH DIRECTORY

*Office (256)383-2412 * Fax (256)383-2414 * Church Building (256)383-7494 108 North Broad St. Tuscumbia, AL 35674

Website: www.tuscumbiapres.com

STAFF Randy E. Thompson, Pastor Dinie Stone, Director of Music Brian Beck, Organist

Mary Cait Finch, Dir. of Children’s Ministries Karen Willis, Secretary Thomas Jones, Sexton, 256-394-6169

SESSION

Class of 2019: Doug Ruggles, Al Willis, Hal Hughston, Jr., Stated Clerk Emeritus Elders

Class of 2017: Jay Benson, Tommy Crosslin, Buddy Whitlock Bill Lacey

Class of 2015: John Jolly, M.B. Myers, Larry Stutts James A. Patton

DIACONATE Class of 2020: Mickey Elkins, Chris Glover, Hal Hughston, III Emeritus Deacons

Class of 2018: Darwin Burney, Chrm. Amos L. Malone

Class of 2016: Joe Finch, Treas., Gordon Ruggles Jimmy Barnett

Wyatt Simpson

WIC COUNCIL

Amy Davis, President Dotty Malone, Mission Liaison Reba Griffith, Circle I Chrm.

Debby Cowley, Vice President Nancy Ruggles, Christian Growth Dinie Stone, Circle II Chrm.

Carol Nantt, Secretary Karen Willis, Historian Jan Hudson, Circle III Chrm.

Marjo Johnson, Treasurer

NATIONAL & LOCAL MINISTRIES Alabama Church Planting Network

Colbert Caring Center

Covenant Christian School

Fame Ranch

Providence Presbytery

Reformed Theological Seminary

Restoration Ranch

Shoals Sav-A-Life

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARIES

Dr. & Mrs. Wayne Curles, Burma Rev. & Mrs. Dale Cutlip, Int’l Ministry Rev. & Mrs. Lenden Fleeman, MTW/Enterprise

Mr. & Mrs. Craig Gahagen, Peru Rev. & Mrs. Nathaniel Gutierrez, Peru Rev.& Mrs. Rob Ilderton, England

Rev. & Mrs. Joel Linton, Taiwan Ms. Katherine Long, Bulgaria Mr. Danny Lynch, Wash., D.C.

Rev. & Mrs. Verne Marshall, Chile Mrs. Alfred McCroskey, Jr., Russia Rev. & Mrs. Greg O’Brien

Rev. & Mrs. Steve Rarig, Australia Mr. & Mrs. Mike Sabin, Guam Third Millennium Ministries

Evangelical Congregational Church, Parvomai, Bulgaria

Campus Outreach - UNA

French Camp Academy

Reformed University Ministries @

Alabama, Stewart Swain

Alabama A&M , Roy Hubbard

Auburn, Wes Simmons

Mississippi State, Brian Sorgenfrei

UAH, Reid Jones