Greenwood Forest Baptist Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Monday, December 24, :00 pm. Rev. Spears-Newsome

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1 Invocation Remarks and Pastoral Prayer Hymn 534 Stewardship Testimony Offertory Prayer BEING STEWARDS Rev. Spears-Newsome Rev. Dr. Luther Brewer Bricks and Mortar, Hands and Labor Elizabeth Biser Megan Jarrell Offertory Fantasy on a Theme by J.S. Bach G. Rebling Presentation of the Offering Transcendent God OLD 100TH Transcendent God, we bless your name, Incarnate Christ, the risen one, The Spirit with us, Immanent, The Source, the Word, the Breath of life! Amen. HEARING THE WORD Scripture Reading Isaiah 12:2-6 Mac Graham We affirm the reading of Scripture with the following response: Reader: The word of God for us, the people of God. People: Thanks be to God. Hymn 339 Greenwood Forest Baptist Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service All Hail the Power of Jesus Name Monday, December 24, :00 pm Chiming of the Hour GREENWOOD FOREST BAPTIST CHURCH The Worship of God Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Processional Hymn 127 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN Welcome and Passing of the Peace Leader: The Lord be with you People: And also with you. Rev. Lauren Efird Preparation for Worship O Holy Night Jan Sanborn Hannah Meador, Pianist Lighting of the Christ Candle Litany of the Christ Candle (Isaiah 9) Leader: The people who walked in darkness People: Have seen a great light! Leader: Those who lived in a deep darkness: People: On them light has shined! Leader: For a child has been born for us. People: A son has been given to us! Leader: Authority rests upon his shoulder; People: And his name shall be called Leader: Wonderful Counselor, People: Mighty God, Leader: Everlasting Father, People: Prince of Peace. Leader: His authority shall grow continually, People: And there shall be endless peace Leader: On the throne of David and his kingdom. People: He will establish and uphold it, Leader: With justice and with righteousness, People: From this time on and forevermore. Invocation Whitney Butcher Rev. Stephen Stacks Rev. Stacks

2 Hymn 125 Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA Prayers of the People and Lord s Prayer Rev. Wesley Spears-Newsome Offertory Prayer Leanne Glasgow We affirm each prayer with the following response: Offertory Shepherd s Song Ordinary Time We pressed our faces to the grass Eyes to earth, but found no shade. Such blinding light was not the sun, Seized with fear but not to run, A fear that made our fears afraid. Do not, do not be afraid Today is born the Lord your Savior; Don t look in a prince s nursery But in the barn where cattle feed; Peace on whom he favors. We left our flocks to tend themselves And ran all night how far, how fast! He called us past hotels and bars Shepherds, wise men, even stars Back to... himself...again... at last. Is this the long expected one, The one in whom we must believe? Can this be Israel s future King, The one that made the angels sing? Will he ever be received? Presentation of the Offering In the Bleak Midwinter CRANHAM As our offering is presented back to God, we will sing the following doxology: What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give him: give him my heart. Leader: Lord, in your mercy... People: Hear our prayer. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Hymn O Holy Night Adolphe Adam O holy night! the stars are brightly shining; It is the night of the dear Savior's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope - the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born! O night, O holy night, O night divine! Truly he taught us to love one another; His law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we; Let all within us praise his holy name. Christ is the Lord! O praise his name forever! His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim! His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim! His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!

3 Scripture Reading Luke 2:1-20 Kadeisha Bonsu I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day was written by abolitionist poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He wrote it after his son was gravely injured fighting for the Union army in the Civil War. Wadsworth wrote the poem after walking around Boston on Christmas Day, hearing the bells of churches ringing in celebration while he was deeply grieved about the state of the world. Americans typically conceal the connection of this hymn to the Civil War by omitting critical verses and sometimes rearranging them entirely. The text begins with hearing the cheerful bells of Christmas. Longfellow then describes what breaks the illusion of happiness and joy for him the black accursed mouths of the cannons of the Confederacy. Longfellow is then awakened in the final verse from despair by the persistence of the bells, speaking to God's presence even in suffering. Anthem I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Percival I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, goodwill to men! And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along the unbroken song Of peace on earth, goodwill to men! Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South, And with the sound the carols drowned Of peace on earth, goodwill to men! And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said; "For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!" Homily Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail; the right prevail, With peace on earth, goodwill to men." Rev. Efird The Celebration of Communion Here at Greenwood Forest, we practice Communion by the ancient method of intinction. All are invited to come down the aisle to receive the elements. During Communion, a Minister or a Lay Leader will serve the elements from one of four stations in the sanctuary, two at the front and two at the back. You will be ushered toward one of the stations depending on where you are seated in the sanctuary. Please come in a mode of reception. You will be given a piece of bread that you dip in the cup and then partake. You may respond to receiving the elements by saying Amen or Thanks be to God. If you are unable to visit one of the stations, a server will bring the elements to you at your seat. If you do not wish to receive the elements, you are encouraged to come receive a blessing simply indicate this desire verbally or by crossing your arms over your chest. A gluten-free bread option is available upon request. We hope you will join us at the table of the Lord where all are welcome. Prayer of Confession Merciful God, we confess that we have not always loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be obedient disciples. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we ve not loved our neighbors, and we ve not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us for what we have done and for what we ve left undone, and free us for joyful obedience through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Mystery of Faith Leader: Together we proclaim the mystery of faith. People: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. (continued on next page)

4 Receiving the Light of Christ Hymn 134 Silent Night, Holy Night STILLE NACHT Benediction Please stand as you are able. Rev. Efird 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. Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born! 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. 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. After the benediction, you may place your candle in the baskets in the narthex. Go in peace. Poinsettias given in honor or memory of a loved one may be taken home following the service. Plant sleeves are available in the narthex. Hearing assistance devices are available at the back of the sanctuary. The cover illumination is entitled The Birth of Christ from the Frontispiece to the Gospel of Luke in the St. John s Bible. ******************************** Upcoming Worship Services The First Sunday of Christmas December 30, 11am Searching for Jesus Luke 2:41-52 Epiphany Sunday January 7, 11am Escaping Herod Matthew 2:1-18

5 Announcements and Upcoming Events Note of Thanks The entire church staff wishes to thank everyone for their generous love offering gifts for Christmas. We are honored that you remembered each of us in such a loving way. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Poinsettias Please feel free to take home your poinsettias after either the 11am or the 8pm Christmas Eve worship services. Church Office Closed The church office will be closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 24, 25, and 26. The office will be open on Thursday, December 27 but will close after that until Wednesday, January 2. Year-End Contributions Please make sure that any year-end contributions are postmarked by Monday, December 31 to ensure that they appear on your 2018 Contribution Statement. Please note the office hours above if you plan to hand deliver your offering. Stock Donations Year-End Tax Reminder If you plan to make a stock donation to the church this year, please do so immediately. The donation must be in the church s account by Monday, December 31 to receive credit for Join the Sanctuary Choir The Sanctuary Choir will begin regular Wednesday rehearsals again on Wednesday, January 2 at 7 pm. Join us! Sanctuary Flowers If you would like to provide flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or in memory of a loved one, please sign up on the chart posted outside the church office. The office will order the flowers for you and be sure they are delivered on your chosen Sunday. The cost is $55.

6 Welcome to Our Church Community! Our Vision Our vision is to be a welcoming and diverse community of faith united in Christ. Our purpose is to worship God and to form and equip disciples who selflessly share their resources and provide loving service to all. Our Core Values Centrality of Christ and Scripture Inclusivity and Diversity in Community Women in All Areas of Leadership Ministries for People of All Ages Liturgy and Innovation in Worship Spiritual and Intellectual Formation Showing God s Love through Missional Service Sharing Our Resources with Others Unity in Fellowship and Family Life Historic Baptist Beliefs and Practices For more information about our church, please visit our website at gfbccary.org or contact us at an inclusive community of faith 110 SE Maynard Road Cary, NC Church Office: Fax: Website: info@gfbccary.org Leadership Rev. Lauren Efird, Senior Pastor Rev. Stephen Stacks, Associate Pastor of Worship and Faith Formation Rev. Wesley Spears-Newsome, Associate Pastor of Community and Youth Ministry Kadeisha Bonsu, Director of Children s Ministry Helen Bishop, Organist Dr. Luther Brewer, Pastor Emeritus All Who Serve This Church