Sunday Worship Service
December 22, 2024 - 10:30AM
WELCOME
Mr. Peter Ong
CALL TO WORSHIP*
Mr. Peter Ong
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
King of Glory, you are God.
You are powerful.
Alleluia! Jesus, your king, comes to you!
You rule the entire world.
We praise you because you are so great.
Alleluia! Jesus, your king, comes to you!
But you became a baby.
You were tiny and weak.
Alleluia! Jesus, your king, comes to you!
You were just like us.
We praise you because you came,
and we look forward to when you will come again.
Alleluia! Jesus, your king, comes to you!
CONFESSION OF SIN*
Together
It is Advent. It is the season in which we prepare our hearts
to welcome Christ, who is the bringer of all peace.
We confess to you the ways in which
we block the peace of Christ in our lives.
God of peace, hear our prayer.
The rushing and scurrying to get things done,
we confess to you, O God of peace.
The worry about the little details,
we confess to you, O God of peace.
The financial burdens we put on ourselves,
we confess to you, O God of peace.
The impatience and irritability we feel and take out on one another,
we confess to you, O God of peace.
The bickering and quarreling we get into because we are too busy,
we confess to you, O God of peace.
TIME OF SILENT CONFESSION
Together
ASSURANCE OF PARDON*
Mr. Peter Ong
Though we make ourselves less than peaceful at this time of the year,
your peace is always there for us.
Instill within us your peace, O God.
When we feel overwhelmed,
instill within us your peace, O God.
When we are filled with worry,
instill within us your peace, O God.
When we become irritable,
instill within us your peace, O God.
When the guilt of our ways threatens to overcome us,
help us to remember that we are forgiven in Christ.
Instill within us your peace, O God.
Instill within us your peace, O God.
Instill within us your peace
and help us to make choices that bring us closer to you.
Help us to be more peaceful
so that we may spread Christ’s peace and love to others. Amen.
SONGS OF GRACE*
Together
PRAYER (concluded by the Lord’s Prayer)
Ms. Carol Park
OFFERTORY
Together (do not feel obligated if you are visiting)
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Together
SCRIPTURE READING
Zechariah 9:9-17
Mrs. Juyon Song
GOSPEL MESSAGE
The Prophet's Advent: Zechariah
Rev. Stephen Ro
CONFESSION OF FAITH
Together
THE LORD’S SUPPER
Together
Parents with Nursery Age Children
All parents in the nursery are invited on Sundays to come inside the sanctuary to receive the elements for the sacrament of communion after the gospel message.
The Lord's Supper is a sacrament instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ as a means of grace for all who trust him as Lord and Savior (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). It is not a Presbyterian supper; it is the Lord's Supper. Therefore, we invite all who are truly trusting Christ and are in fellowship with him to join in this sacrament. Trusting Christ is not just an individual matter, however. It also involves a public confession of Christ leading to membership in his church. If you are not a member of an evangelical church, we welcome you in Christ's name but request that you communicate your faith in Christ to the pastor before partaking. We can arrange such an opportunity if you desire it.
The Bible also teaches that we are to take part in the Lord's Supper with understanding, not superstitiously (1 Corinthians 11:29). And we are to do it honestly, searching our hearts to see if we have freely confessed known sin and are seeking true fellowship with God (v. 28). If you have been clinging to sin, you must confess and forsake it.
Sometimes parents ask if their children can partake. Often parents are able to judge their children's fitness to join with others in the Lord's Supper. But we ask parents to bring their children to the pastor to be asked about their faith and their understanding of what the communion service means so they might regard the Lord's Supper seriously and partake with understanding.
Living Faith Community Church welcomes all baptized Christians who are willing to forsake their sin and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, and who are members of congregations that proclaim the gospel, to receive the Holy Communion with us. If you are not able to receive Communion, please use this time to meditate on one of the following prayers.
Prayer for those searching for truth: Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. Please do not allow me to be so afraid of the cost of following you, that I fail to consider reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me and show me who you are. Give me an understanding of you that is clear and convincing, and that leads to the life you promise. Amen.
Prayer for those taking the Lord’s Supper: Lord Jesus, I bow before you in humility and ask You to examine my heart today. Show me anything that is not pleasing to You. Reveal any secret pride, any unconfessed sin, any rebellion or unforgiveness that may be hindering my relationship with You. I know that I am Your beloved child, having received You into my heart and life and having accepted Your death as penalty for my sinfulness. The price You paid covered me for all time, and my desire is to live for You.
Each time I take communion, Lord, I want to recommit my life, my heart, my thoughts, my everything to You. Fill me today with Your powerful Spirit. As I leave this place, help me to hold this fresh remembrance and the story that never grows old close to my heart. Help me to share its message faithfully as You give opportunity. Amen.Prayer of Belief: Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you are the Son of God. I admit that I am a sinner, and am not worthy of your acceptance. But I believe that you love me, and died on the cross to pay the debt of my sin. You took what I deserve in order to offer me complete forgiveness. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as my Savior and Lord. Amen.
SONG OF RESPONSE*
Together
BENEDICTION*
Rev. Stephen Ro
*if you are able, please stand for this portion of service
Songs of Grace
Peace Has Come
Ben Fielding, Ben Hastings, Seth Simmons © 2014 Hillsong Music Publishing / CCLI #1770735
Behold the star of Bethlehem
The Word of God has become flesh
Unto us a child is born
The Savior of this broken world
Oh, hear the angel voices
Sing come let us adore Him
Peace has come for our King is with us
Fully God and fully man
He comes for all with open hands
He rules with love on David's throne
All praise belongs to Christ alone
Holy, holy, holy
Jesus, we adore Thee
Peace has come for our King is with us
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
Christmas Day
Andrew Bergthold, Ed Cash, Franni Cash, Martin Cash, Scott Cash © 2019 Alletrop Music; Andrew Bergthold Designee; Angie Feel Good Songs; Capitol CMG Genesis; Capitol CMG Paragon; McTyeire Music; We The Kingdom Music / CCLI #1770735
Joy to the world
On a night like no other
Emmanuel, God is with us
Beggars and kings
Let us come and adore Him
Rest in His peace, and bow before Him
Sing all you people the Lord almighty reigns
Sing ev'ry creature of God
Come bless His name
For He is good for He is good
He was born to conquer the grave
Light of the world, the reason for Christmas Day
Stars we have seen
Over deserts and oceans
The darkness was deep
But never hopeless
Redemption came
And His name is Jesus
From the mountains
We will shout it out
For the Lord our God almighty reigns
He is with us
He is with us now
For the Lord our God almighty reigns
Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)
Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, George Frideric Handel, Isaac Watts, Matt Gilder © sixsteps Music / worshiptogether.com songs / CCLI #1770735
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven and nature sing
Joy to the world, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy
Joy, unspeakable joy
An overflowing well, no tongue can tell
Joy, unspeakable joy
Rises in my soul, never lets me go
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders of His love
Confession of Faith (The Apostle’s Creed)
Church what do you believe:
We believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hades.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places.
Song of Response
Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)
Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash © 2009 sixsteps Music, Vamos Publishing, worshiptogether.com songs, Wondrously Made Songs / CCLI #1770735
What hope we hold this starlit night
A King is born in Bethlehem
Our journey long, we seek the light
That leads to the hallowed manger ground
What fear we felt in the silent age
Four hundred years, can He be found?
But broken by a baby's cry
Rejoice in the hallowed manger ground
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God Incarnate here to dwell
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Praise His Name Emmanuel
The Son of God here born to bleed
A crown of thorns would pierce His brow
And we beheld this offering
Exalted now the King of kings
Praise God for the hallowed manger ground
Announcements
Prayer Requests
The Won family to recover from their illness—sick with fever, walking pneumonia, and coughing.
Our aging parents: safety, health, and Love for God.
A new Children's Education Ministry Director.
More YG teachers.
Health, healing, speedy recoveries for friends and family members.
Session Letter
Please read this letter from the Session encouraging us to give faithfully this Christmas season.
Christmas 2024
Christmas Eve: Join us for our special Annual Christmas Eve Service reflecting and celebrating the birth of Jesus, our Lord. Service will be on Tuesday, December 24th, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Chinese Alliance Center (Sunday worship location). Please go to this page for the liturgy and bulletin for that service.
The Christmas Eve cookie exchange/fellowship will occur right after the service. Please bring a dozen to share.
Birthday wishes for December
Happy birthday to—Daniel, Julian, Jeanie, Karis, Sofia, Tim, Philip, Hyun Hee, James, Lucas, Min, Jennifer, Annabelle, Scott, John N, Jinhee, Ezra, Rosy, Selah, & Colette!
Seeking Children’s Education Ministry (CEM) Director
We are looking for a part-time director for our children's ministry. If you are interested or would like to know more about this position, please contact elders Dan Chun and Dennis Lew.
Advent Resources
Advent, December 1-24, marks a special time where we can prepare our hearts for the incarnation as well as be reminded of Jesus' second coming. Tish Harrison Warren says "Advent comes each year and quietly asks me to pause, to remember that we do not bring the kingdom of God to the world through our own effort or on our timeline...We wait for the coming King."
To pause in this season and reflect on our wonderful Savior, here is a special devotional: "The Advent Jesse Tree: Devotions for Children and Adults to Prepare for the Coming of the Christ Child" by Dean Meador Lambert. Use the link to purchase before 12/1. Coupled with this devotional will be an activity for CEM families and an invitation for children to share what they are learning each Sunday.
For more information about Advent and its importance, please listen to "Preparing for Advent," a podcast by The Gospel Coalition.
Calling All Parents of Young Children!
Are you looking for a supportive community to connect with and grow alongside other parents? Do you crave meaningful discussions about faith and raising children in a Christ-centered environment? We're excited to gauge interest in a new hybrid (in-person & Zoom) community group for parents of young children! This group will offer a space to:
Discuss scripture and faith formation in the context of parenting.
Share experiences and support one another.
Build lasting friendships with other families.
Meetings will be held weekly or semi-weekly, including in-person gatherings and virtual meetings. Interested in joining or learning more? Please contact Peter Ong: peter.ong@lfcc.net
Global Mission Team (GMT)
Hillside Christmas Celebration: TODAY, 3-7:30 pm at Ikra Party Hall, in Jamaica, Queens. Volunteers needed! LFCC’s Global Missions Team is partnering with the Hillside Center for Education for their Annual Christmas Celebration. Come and share the love of Jesus and the joy of his birth with South Asian families in Jamaica through an afternoon of crafts, games, and snacks. To sign up or for more information, email Joanne: joannekong@gmail.com
LFCDC
Vocational Mentoring Program (VM): Passionate about your career and helping others? Consider sharing your experience with young people considering or already entering the workforce! Our church is launching a Vocational Mentoring Program. It is a time for you to be a role model and provide insight on your work and how to help High School Students, College, and recent graduates to navigate their journey of work. Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to get involved. Questions? Contact Peter Ong.
Community Groups (CGs)
These groups provide a welcoming and intimate space where you can connect with others, grow in your faith, and experience the joy of the Christian community. Our goal is to create a simple and supportive environment where we can do a study, share our experiences, and pray for one another. As we journey together, we hope to build deep friendships and grow in our understanding of the gospel. Join a group Today! To learn more about our community groups contact peterong@lfcc.net or see here.
Friendly Reminder
Please remember to throw out your small communion cups in the trash on Sundays. Even though they are tiny, they can attract bugs and flies into the sanctuary if left there for a few days. Thank you!
Fellowship Ministry
Please be mindful of the shared space. Please clean up after yourselves in the Fellowship hall and sanctuary.
If you have a heart of hospitality and would like to serve with a dynamic group of individuals, please join the Fellowship Ministry!
Notice on bathroom facilities at CAC: Please do not flush any sort of sanitizing wipes down any toilet as we have been having plumbing issues on all floors of the building.
After-Service this Sunday: Our presider and leader of prayer for today’s service will be available to pray with you towards the stage.
CHILDREN/YOUTH
Children’s Education Ministry:
Please see above for major CEM announcements.
Safety Reminders: After service, please keep an eye on your children or make sure there is a grown-up watching them. Let's all work to keep our children safe and be good stewards of the space we rent and our church's belongings. There are signs hanging throughout the basement as reminders. Please follow these guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation!
Youth Ministry
If you know any 6th-12th grade students who are interested in checking out our YG, please feel free to get in touch with our Youth Director, Peter Kang at peterkang@lfcc.net.
Weekly Announcements
Join a Community Group: Community Groups are a great way of growing together and we would like to invite you to be part of this enriching friendship in the context of Gospel Community. There are a variety of hybrid online/in-person groups meeting throughout the week. Please reach out to peterong@lfcc.net if you would like to learn more.