CANDLELIGHT SERVICES CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING …

1 CHRISTMAS EVED ecember 24, 2015 Each year on CHRISTMAS Eve, MDPC collects a special OFFERING to support select local ministry partners and 12 mission-field workers serving around the world. All checks with CHRISTMAS Eve OFFERING on the memo line and cash donations will be sent to bless these families and local ministries. Stoney CreekDuring the fall, winter, and spring, Stoney Creek is booked for retreats by churches and schools. During the summer, however, facilities are dedicated to the Urban Initiative Christian camping program for urban youth. This holistic development of at-risk children in Texas and across the Southwest encourages their move into a personal relationship with Family Hope CenterAldine Family Hope Center is a Christian-driven community development ministry that is changing lives.

2 It offers hope, support, and empowerment through family coaching, and after-school, summer camp, and enrichment programs for teens. Started as a grass-roots outreach, AFHC has grown and continues to make a positive impact in this overlooked Aldine An AngelBe An Angel s mission is to improve the quality of life for children with multiple disabilities or profound deafness by providing needed adaptive equipment and select SERVICES . Started by a concerned parent who discovered the overwhelming requirements of special needs children at Rogers, Be An Angel serves thousands of children and their families every year. CornerstoneCornerstone builds Biblical communities through discipleship programs for Spring Branch families and students. Through weekly Bible study, fellowship, and meals, college and career classes, and adult referral and relationship-building programs, it shares the Gospel while supporting and connecting with families in need.

3 Cornerstone lets them know that there is a God who loves them and has a plan for their lives. 12 Missionary FamiliesMDPC supports a handful of individuals and families who have committed their lives to sharing the Gospel by living among the unreached people groups of the world. For their protection, the families names are not printed. However, they appreciate your prayers and support as they reflect the light of Jesus into some of the world s darkest Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | | 713-782-1710 Loving God. Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All. An Important Note About Year-end GivingChecks must be received by Saturday, December 31, for the donation to be reflected on your 2016 giving statement. The Prayer Chapel dropbox (just outside the Front Office) will be accessible that day for last-minute donations.

4 Checks placed in the OFFERING plate or turned in at the Front Desk on Sunday, January 1, 2017 will not be reflected on 2016 giving statements, regardless of the date on the Unexpected Welcome PartyLuke 2:15-20 Memorial DrivePresbyterian ChurchCHRISTMAS EVE OFFERINGJoin us the next two holiday Sundays at these special service times:Sunday, December 25 ( CHRISTMAS Day)ONE 9:45 AM Traditional ServiceSunday, January 1 (New Year's Day)ONE 9:45 AM Blended Service PRELUDE O Come, All Ye Faithful McKechnie/White with Bach s Sheep May Safely Graze *OPENING HYMN Joy to the World arr. Greer/White Verses 1, 2, 4 WELCOME Dave Steane MEET & GREET *CAROL #31 Verses 1, 3 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MendelssohnSCRIPTURE Isaiah 9:2-3 and 6-7 5:30 PM Rick Myers 7:00 PM Dave SteaneANTHEM The First Noel Dan ForrestSCRIPTURE Luke 2:1-7 5:30 PM Rick Myers 7:00 PM Dave SteaneANTHEM CANDLELIGHT Carol John Rutter *CAROL O Holy Night Adolphe Adam Verses 1, 3 GIFTS OF GRATITUDE Dave Steane OFFERTORY Arise, Your Light Has Come Danner/arr.

5 WhiteREFLECTION An Unexpected Welcome Party Alf Halvorson Luke 2:15-20 SERVICE OF CANDLES Alf Halvorson CAROL #60 Silent Night Stille Nacht Verses 1, 2, 3, 4 *FINAL BLESSING Alf Halvorson POSTLUDE The Shepherds from Glad Tidings Randol Bass*Please stand if able. CCLI # 182374 Musicians participating in tonight s service: Miriam Belyatsky, violin Louis-Marie Fardet, cello Rasa Kalesnykaite, violin Chavdar Parashkevov, viola Sheryl Sanchez, flute Julio Sanchez, percussion Charles Hausmann, conductor Kathryn White, organWOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MDPC?> For Sunday Worship times, visit > To live stream Sunday morning SERVICES , visit > To connect with a class or small group, visit > To learn more about upcoming events, visit > Have kids?

6 Visit or CANDLELIGHT SERVICESC hristmas Eve 2016 JOIN US FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP8:30 AM BLENDED SERVICE Chapel 9:45 AM CONTEMPORARY SERVICE Sanctuary 11:15 AM TRADITIONAL SERVICE Sanctuary 11:15 AM SPANISH SERVICE Chapel CHRISTMAS Greetings!Merry CHRISTMAS , friends! Welcome to CHRISTMAS Eve SERVICES at MDPC. Fifty-one years ago, A Charlie Brown CHRISTMAS aired for the first time. Tonight, we will be showing the clip from that film of Linus reciting Luke 2:8-14. Jason Soroski shared in an article something surprising and unexpected that I had never noticed before about that scene.

7 Right in the middle of speaking, Linus drops his blanket. Linus is always seen with his ever-present security blanket. Throughout the stories of Peanuts, Lucy, Snoopy, Sally, and others all work to free Linus from his blanket. He is made fun of because of his blanket. In the memorable scene when Linus explains "what CHRISTMAS is all about," he drops the blanket at the exact moment he says the words, "Fear not." It is clear, now that I see it, what Charles Schultz was affirming: The birth of Jesus helps us release our fears because He gives us the power to break the habits we are unable and often unwilling to break ourselves; the birth of Jesus empowers us to drop our tightly held false securities so that we can learn to trust, cling to, and walk with Him instead.

8 May the peace and new life He came to give be yours in abundance this CHRISTMAS . This season and beyond, expect the unexpected from Jesus!Rev. Dr. Alf HalvorsonSenior PastorMDPC LIFE An alcohol-free family event, open to the community Free tastings and live entertainment Activities for kids throughout the park All teams & groups are welcome to compete With a new Cook-off Category: Dessert! . $35 per teamSATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 1:00-5:00 PM | Spring Valley Village Park(1025 Campbell, 77055)Family Mission Day 2017On the MLK Day holiday, we will take buses out into the Houston community and serve the city , January 16 | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM$10 per person includes lunch Register online at offers fun and educational classes for children, youth, and adults through our REACH program!

9 Pick up a copy of the spring booklet for a full class listing or visit SPRING 2017 Recreation MinistryRecreational and Instructional Classes for CHILDREN, YOUTH, and ADULTSRECREATIONAL CLASSES SPRING 2017 This monthly small group for parents of children with special needs includes a brief presentation by a community resource provider as well as time for discussion and questions. Lunch is Tuesday of the Month 12:00-1:00 PM | MDPC Room 102 For more information about this and other offerings for special needs children, contact Keri Mosk, Special Needs Ministry Director, at or ready for a lifetime fun, four-week course for engaged and newly-married , JANUARY 8-2910:00 AM-12:00 PMVisit to register!PrepMiddle School Mission Trip San Antonio June 4-10 Open to current 7th-8th gradersHigh School Mission Trip June 18-24 Open to current 9th-12th graders 6th Grade Mission Trip Houston June 28-29 Open to current 6th gradersUganda Mission Trip July 18-27 Open to current Juniors and SeniorsShort-term Counseling and Referral ServicesAmanda Grace Caldwell MA, LPC-Intern, MDPC Counselor-in-ResidenceAmanda Grace is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern and a graduate of Denver Seminary with a Master s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

10 She also is a certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator. Care teams are a ministy of MDPC, and are free-of-charge for church and community members alike. To schedule an appointment, contact Amanda Grace at s Basketball MDPC is forming Friday night basketball teams to play January 13-March 10. $450/team or $45/individualRegister January 1-13: Hey, men! Looking for a way to work off those extra holiday pounds? Friday-Sunday, February 24-26 Mill Creek Ranch Resort Canton, TexasGather for a weekend filled with fun, connecting, and good eating! We ll enjoy s mores, a bonfire, shopping, and other activities! Rooming is available in two-person cottages, so grab a friend and secure your spot today. $140 per person Getaway^ White with tagline^ White without taglineFree Parenting Seminar!