Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m.

Transcription

1 Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Neenah, WI

2 Christmas Eve December 24, :00 p.m. Prelude Silent Night arr. Lorie Line Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine arr. Lorie Line Gesu Bambino arr. Lorie Line Away in a Manger arr. Lorie Line Once in Royal David s City arr. Lorie Line French Noel: Joseph est bien Marié Claude Balbastre * Call to Worship, Carol 133 O Come, All Ye Faithful ADESTE FIDELES * Greeting and Announcements The grace of our Savior Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. Opening Prayer Carol 121 (Stanzas 1 3) O Little Town of Bethlehem ST. LOUIS THE CHRISTMAS STORY First Reading Vision of God s Peaceable Reign Isaiah 11:1-10 In the peaceable reign of God, enemies become friends. We will work for peace in our lives and in our world. During this and the next several carols, the ushers will direct the children, section by section, to come forward with their strips of cloth and lay them in the manger, to soften it for Baby Jesus. Carol 123 (Stanzas 1, 2, 4 & 5) It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Cloth for the Cradle CAROL Second Reading The People Who Walked in Darkness Isaiah 9:2-7 Lighting of the first four Advent Candles, Abby and Adam Poliak The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. We will walk in the light of God. * Carol 119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN Cloth for the Cradle 1

3 Third Reading The Angel s Announcement to Mary Luke 1:26-38 Angel: Jack Speech; Mary: Sarah Seager Carol The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came GABRIEL S MESSAGE Cloth for the Cradle 2

4 Fourth Reading The Angel Speaks to Joseph in a Dream Matthew 1:18-25 The Greek word for angel means messenger. Like Mary and Joseph, we will open our ears to God s message to us, and open our hearts to respond. Carol 143 (Stanzas 1 & 2) Angels, from the Realms of Glory REGENT SQUARE Cloth for the Cradle Fifth Reading The Savior Is Born Luke 2:1-14 Narrator: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Angel: Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. Narrator: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Congregation: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those who find favor! Response As the child was wrapped in bands of cloth, so we are wrapped in God s love. With grateful hearts, we will share that love with all. Carol 115 (Stanzas 1 & 2) Away in a Manger MUELLER Offering Prayer 3

5 Lord s 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 debts as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. RESPONDING TO THE LIGHT OF CHRIST Sharing of Our Gifts and Offerings (Please sign and pass the Fellowship Pads, noting other names as they are returned, and greet one another after the service.) Offertory French Noel: Votre bonté grand dieu Claude Balbastre * Sung Response, Carol 145 (Stanzas 1 & 3) What Child Is This GREENSLEEVES * Sixth Reading The Light Shines in the Darkness John 1:1-5 * Lighting the Christ Candle * Carol 134 (Stanzas 1 & 4) Joy to the World ANTIOCH Lighting of the Pastoral Candles Christmas Prayer O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray, cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel. Sharing the Light of Christ The worshiper lights the candle by dipping it to a neighbor s lighted wick. Be careful of the lighted candles and use special caution with children. Raise your candle when the pastors raise theirs. After the service, extinguish and leave it at the door. * Carol 122 Silent Night, Holy Night! STILLE NACHT 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. 4

6 * Charge and Benediction 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. Postlude Join the Triumph of the Skies! Douglas Wagner * * * * * * * * Those who are able are invited to stand Welcome - members, friends, and visitors! We are glad you are sharing with us in worship on this Christmas Eve. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Tomorrow (December 25 th ) and next Sunday (January 1 st ) there will be ONE service of worship, at 10:15 a.m. On Christmas Day, First Presbyterian Church will be serving Christmas Dinner. Please join us! We ll have turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, green bean casserole, rolls, and lots of other yummy dishes. And of course there will be pie! Dinner will begin at Noon and run until 1:00 p.m. Thank you to artist and member of First Presbyterian Barbara Ramaeker for providing the design for the cover of this bulletin. 5

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8 All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net, License A First Presbyterian Church 200 Church Street Neenah, WI (920) Interim Pastor: Terry Hamilton-Poore Associate Pastor: Paul Huxtable Director of Christian Education: Gina Struensee Director of Music: Stephen Sieck Organist: Blake Doss Office Administration Coordinator: Cindy Kreis Office Assistant: Michelle Weber Parish Nurse: Susan Jares Sunday Worship: 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel 10:15 a.m. in the Nave Nursery care available during both services Visit our website: Finance and HR Coordinator: Laurie Stafford Facilities Maintenance Coordinator: Mick Horswill Housekeeper: Emily Buksyk Handbell Program Coordinator: Paul McKlveen Faith Time Music Director: David Pecsi Youth Handbell Choir: Tanya Schroeder Nursery Care Givers: Lauren Jares, Michelle Lewis, and Nikki Van Herwynen 7