Author: Ben Parker
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January 11, 2026: Baptism of the Lord
- Sermon: “The Beloved” Pastor Annie Parker
- YouTube Channel: FPCSALEM
Scripture and Hymns
Bible Readings (NRSVue):
- First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9
- Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17
Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):
- Hymn 356: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
- Hymn 499: Wonder of Wonders, Here Revealed
- Hymn 492: Baptized in Water
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January 4, 2026: Second Sunday of Christmas
Sermon Title: “The Good Father” Pastor Annie Parker
Service Details
YouTube Channel: Worship will be live streamed on the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, Ohio YouTube channel:
FPCSALEM YouTube ChannelNote on Worship:
- Today’s service features the Ordination and Installation of Deacons and Elders.
- Next Sunday, January 11, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
Scripture and Hymns
Bible Readings (NRSVue):
Hymns:
- Born in the Night, Mary’s Child (Hymn 30)
- Gather Us In (Hymn 2236, Sing the Faith)
- There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy (Hymn 298)
Ordination and Installation
Today we recognize those called by God and this congregation to lead and serve:
- Ruling Elders (Installation): Fred Denton, Bill Penfold, and Mark Smith.
- Deacons (Ordination & Installation): Jan Cox.
- Deacons (Installation): Brenda Bradley, Lu Ann Cole, Barb Fennema, Ellen Matiscik, and Sandra Quinn.
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December 28, 2025: First Sunday of Christmas
Sermon Title: “A Guiding Star” Pastor Annie Parker
Service Details
YouTube Channel: Worship will be live streamed on the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, Ohio YouTube channel:
FPCSALEM YouTube ChannelNote on Worship:
- Today is the First Sunday of Christmas, as we continue to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Scripture and Hymns
Bible Readings (NRSVue):
Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):
Note: Today’s service included a Hymn Sing, where the congregation participated in singing various carols of the season.
Affirmation of Faith
“A New Creed” (The United Church of Canada, 1968)
We are not alone, we live in God’s world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
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December 24, 2025: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Sermon Title: “God in All Our Senses” Pastor Annie Parker
Service Details
Worship will be live streamed on the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, Ohio YouTube channel:
FPCSALEM YouTube ChannelNote on Worship:
- Tonight’s service includes the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
- The service concludes with the traditional Lighting of the Candles.
Scripture and Hymns
Bible Readings (NRSVue):
Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):
- As With Gladness, Men of Old (Hymn 63)
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Hymn 31)
- Silent Night, Holy Night (Hymn 60)
- Joy to the World! (Hymn 40)
Lighting of the Advent Wreath and Christ Candle
The Advent Wreath and the Christ Candle will be lit tonight by The Craig and Zocolo Families, marking the arrival of the Light of the World.
Anthem Lyrics
Anthem: Christ Is Born This Holy Night
Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in His hand, Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand. Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.
Still, still, still, Christ is born this night so still. For all is hushed, the world is sleeping, Holy star its vigil keeping. Still, still, still, Christ is born this night so still.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Savior’s birth. The night is peaceful all around Him. Humble shepherds kneel before Him. Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Savior’s birth.
Infant holy, infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the Babe is Lord of all. Swift are winging, angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the Babe is Lord of all, Christ the Babe is born for you. Christ is born this holy night.
Candlelight Lyrics
Hymn 60: Silent Night, Holy Night
Silent Night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia; Christ, the Savior, is born, Christ, the Savior, is born.”
Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.
Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
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December 21, 2025: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Sermon Title: “The Ruler Loves” Pastor Annie Parker
Worship will be live streamed on the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, Ohio YouTube channel:
FPCSALEM YouTube ChannelNote on Worship:
- Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent, marking the week of Love.
Scripture and Hymns
Bible Readings (NRSVue):
Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):
Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle
The fourth Advent Candle (the Candle of Love) will be lit by The Fennema Family. The Haviland Choir will perform “The Father’s Love.”
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December 14, 2025: Third Sunday of Advent
Worship will be live streamed on the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, Ohio YouTube channel: FPCSALEM YouTube Channel
Scripture and Hymns
Bible Readings (NRSVue):
Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):
Lighting of the Third Advent Candle
The third Advent Candle (the Candle of Joy) was lit by The Seefeldt Family (Adam, Grace, and Joseph).
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December 7, 2025: Second Sunday of Advent
Sermon: “The Earth Resounds” Rev. Annie Parker
Click here to watch the service! Or visit the YouTube channel: FPCSALEM YouTube Channel
Scripture and Hymns
Bible Readings (NRSVue):
Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):
- Prepare the Way (Hymn 13)
- In the Bleak Midwinter (Hymn 36)
- All Things Bright and Beautiful (Hymn 267)
Lighting of the Second Advent Candle
The second Advent Candle was lit by The Jackson Family (Tyler, Tricia, Tyson, Tegan). The Haviland Choir performed “Grant Us Peace.”
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November 30, 2025: First Sunday of Advent
Sermon Title: “The Heart Prepares” Pastor Annie Parker
Service Details
YouTube Channel: Worship will be live streamed on the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, Ohio YouTube channel:
FPCSALEM YouTube ChannelToday is the First Sunday of Advent, marking the beginning of the Christmas season!
Scripture and Hymns
Bible Readings (NRSVue):
Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):
- Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates (Hymn 8)
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Hymn 9)
- O Little Town of Bethlehem (Hymn 44)
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November 23, 2025: Christ the King / Reign of Christ Sunday
Sermon Title: “Paving the Pathway” Pastor Annie Parker
Service Details
YouTube Channel: Worship will be live streamed on the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, Ohio YouTube channel:
FPCSALEM YouTube ChannelNote on Worship:
- Today’s service includes the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
Scripture and Hymns
Bible Readings (NRSVue):
Hymns (from The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990):
- Crown Him with Many Crowns (Hymn 151)
- How Firm a Foundation (Hymn 361)
- Now Thank We All Our God (Hymn 555)