Christmas Day Worship Service
10:30 A.M. December 25, 2011
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“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John, sent from God, testifies to the light of the world, “so that all might believe through him.” To all who believe in the name of the Lord the Word gives power to become children of God. They shall receive new life and be born not of blood or of the will of the flesh but by the will of God. The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory. Bathe in that radiance this day!
ORGAN PRELUDE The Nativity Jean Langlais
WELCOME
TIME OF SILENT PREPARATION
HYMN 41 O Come, All Ye Faithful ADESTE FIDELES
(Please remain seated)
PRAYER OF PRAISE
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Psalm 98
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
We will sing praises to the Lord with the lyre and the sound of the horn.
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.
We will sing you a new song, O God, for the marvelous things you have done.
Let us worship God!
*HYMN 40 Joy to the World! ANTIOCH
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (In Unison)
God of all worlds, we confess that we seek to create our own limited reality in which you have no part. We do not sense your glory or sing your praise. By our words and deeds, we deny Jesus as our brother, and reject Christ as Savior. We deal falsely with one another, caring more for our own reputation and comfort than for the common good. O God, we plead for forgiveness. By your holy arm, lead us to victory over our selfish impulses, and uphold us in your steadfast love. Amen
*MOMENT OF SILENT AND PERSONAL CONFESSION
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Hymn 574) Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us KYRIE
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI (Hymnal #579)
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
The sharing of Christ’s peace.**
PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD - HYMNS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
(Please stay seated. Congregation will only sing the first stanza of each hymn.)
#22 Angels from the Realms of Glory from England REGENT SQUARE
#24 Away in a Manger from North America – Luke 2:7 CRADLE SONG
#28 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice a Medieval Hymn, 14th Century or earlier IN DULCI JUBILO
#30 Born in the Night, Mary’s Child from the United States MARY’S CHILD
#37 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly from Poland W ŻŁOBIE LEŻY
#47 Still, Still, Still from Austria STILL, STILL, STILL
#48 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming from Germany ES IST EIN’ ROS’
(Choir will sing the first stanza, Congregation will sing the second stanza of each hymn.)
#39 Joyful Christmas Day is Here from Japan KURISUMASU
#50 Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow an African-American hymn
*LITANY OF AFFIRMATION (Responsive)
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways, but in these last days God has spoken to us by a Son.
In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being.
In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
*HYMN 31 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN
WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY (Hymnal #592)
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN 29 Go, Tell It on the Mountain GO TELL IT
*BLESSING
*ORGAN POSTLUDE
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Ushers: Ann Prestine, Les Smith, Margaret Smith
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* Those who are able please stand.
** Please be respectful of those who are vulnerable to illness or suffer from arthritis and extend the peace of Christ to them through a nod or wave.
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Pastor .................................................................................................... Fran Lane-Lawrence
Minister of Music .......................................................................................... Russell Patterson
Minister of Music, Emeritus ............................................................................ Walter R. Ginter
Outreach Coordinator......................................................................................... Ray Fulbright
Church Secretary................................................................................................ Carol Watson
Financial Secretary.......................................................................................... Linda Hoadley
Preschool Teachers Linda Timm, Jessica Pears