November 29, 2009 AM Worship

ByVSBC Blog Administrator

Today’s service began with a reading of Psalm 25 and a prayer, led by Deacon Donnie Aebersold. Minister of Worship and Praise, Johann Kim, elaborated on the Psalm, speaking to the author’s longing and yearning for the Lord. Kim pointed the gathered to the same longing and yearning, and it’s fulfillment, through the following songs:

  • O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
  • Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
  • Lamb of God
  • Here is Love

After a time of welcome, Kim introduced “O Perfect Love” as a song that focuses people to the First Sunday of Advent, a day of hope, longing, expectation, and Prophecy.

When the choir ensemble finished this song, Interim Pastor, Ben Dockery, commented on how he walked into the Worship Center this morning and saw that the room was decorated for a celebration or party, concluding it was rightfully decorated to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Dockery introduced today’s guest speaker as the couple responsible for bringing he and his wife, Julie, together during a long trip.

Dockery led the congregation in a time of prayer, then Michele Cull read Isaiah 9:1-7. When this reading was complete, Dockery and Kim read a modified version of Genesis 1:1-5 while the Cull family lit the first Advent candle. The gathered sang “I Extol You” just before the offering prayer and collection. While the offering was collected, Daniel Shouse sang “He Touched Me,” and encouraged everyone to join him on the last chorus.

Today’s message was presented by Rev. Phillip Bathancourt. A double-graduate of Texas A&M University, a Masters degree graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) and current doctoral student there, Bathancourt works at SBTS as a student advisor and in the adminstration offices.  He was joined this morning by with his wife, Camie, and their 10  month-old son.

Bathancourt spoke on Mark 15. Opening with the story of how his grandparents met, Banthancourt brought to light how familiar stories like that can point people to hope. You can listen to the audio of the sermon by clicking here.

At the end of the message, Kim led the congregation in “Faith is the Victory.” Announcements were presented by Mickie Bainter, then the service was closed by Dockery, who read Psalm 106