W elcome to Roland Park Presbyterian Church. W e re glad you re here!

Transcription

1 Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. ~ Marianne Williamson December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve W elcome to Roland Park Presbyterian Church. W e re glad you re here!

2 THE SERVICE OF THE LORD S DAY Christmas Eve December 24, :00 PM TIME OF PREPARATION Selections from Messiah Chancel Choir & Organ G. F. Handel Behold, a virgin shall conceive O Thou that tellest good tiding to Zion Leneida Crawford, soloist For unto us a child is born Pastoral Symphony (Pifa) O Holy Night Chancel Handbell Choir & Piano Adolf Adam arr. Douglas Wagner WORDS OF WELCOME Thank you for joining us today. We hope that today s service will be meaningful for you. Prayer request cards and welcome cards are located in the pews. Please feel free to fill one out and place it in the offering plate later in the service. INTROIT Wise Men Traveling Kathy Bowen Children s Choir *CALL TO WORSHIP A child is born! God has come to us! Glory to God in the highest heaven! Do not be afraid this is good news! Peace on earth and good will to all creation! Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! God is with us. Emmanuel! *CAROL O Come, All Ye Faithful ADESTE FIDELES 1. O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him, Born the King of angels!

3 Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord! 2. Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation! Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest! Refrain 3. Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing! Refrain PRAYER OF CONFESSION All-loving God, you have given us the most precious gift of all: yourself. And yet we live as if there is nothing extraordinary about being your children. We forget, ignore, or devalue your blessings of grace and forgiveness. We undermine ourselves and others, and refuse to seek help when it is available. Show us your mercy and forgive our stubborn ways, for the sake of Jesus. Amen. ASSURANCE OF GOD S LOVE Time for Silent Prayer and Reflection Emmanuel is here. Fear has been banished. Hear the words of your redemption in the angels chorus and see salvation in the real person of Christ on earth. We are forgiven, and we are never alone. Thanks be to God! Amen. *GLORIA (Hymn #113) Gloria in excelsis Deo! GLORIA Gloria in excelsis Deo! THE CHRISTMAS STORY Invitation and Prayer Carol O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. First Lesson Luke 2: 1-7

4 Carol Away in a Manger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; the stars in the heavens looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. Second Lesson Luke 2: 8-16 Carol Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King: peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with th'angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!" Third Lesson Matthew 2: 1-11 Carol As with Gladness Men of Old As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold; as with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright; so, most gracious God, may we evermore be led to Thee. Fourth Lesson Luke 2: 18, 20 & Matthew 2: Carol Jesus Entered Egypt Chancel Choir Only Jesus entered Egypt fleeing Herod s hand, living as an alien in the foreign land. Far from home and country with his family, was there room and welcome for this refugee? Fifth Lesson John 1: 1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

5 Carol In the Bleak Midwinter LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE 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 my heart. The shepherds watched their flocks in the field by night. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the shepherds were terrified at the glory shining all around. But the angel brought good news A message of new hope, new peace, new love, new joy to be given The Christ Candle is Lit And behold, today a sign has been given; a Son has been given A babe wrapped in bands of cloth, lying in a manger. Hope, peace, love, and joy have taken on flesh and lives among us, forever! ANTHEM There were shepherds And lo, the angel of the Lord G. F. Handel And the angel said And suddenly there was with the angel Glory to God Juliana Marin, soloist & Chancel Choir MESSAGE Do Not Be Afraid Pastor Mark Hanna CHRISTMAS PRAYER THE 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. OFFERING Offertory The First Noel THE FIRST NOWELL Chancel Handbell Choir arr. Jason Krug

6 *Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *Prayer of Dedication *SHARING THE LIGHT We light our candles as a reminder of the Holy One s birth in us. But this gift is not for us alone. It is meant to be shared. (To light your candle, tip your unlit candle toward the flame. Share with your neighbor by holding your lit candle upright.) * SOLO O Holy Night Adolph Adam Leah Inger, soprano & Chancel Choir * CAROL Silent Night, Holy Night STILLE NACHT 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. * LITANY OF LIGHT The deeper the darkness the brighter the light shines. For love refuses to be extinguished by despair. Resilience and hope cannot be quenched while the light of love burns steadily, fueled by courage and by compassion.

7 Look for the light and there you will find love and joy. *CAROL Joy to the World ANTIOCH 1. Joy to the World! the Lord is come: Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven and nature sing. 2. Joy to the World! The savior reigns: Let us our songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. 3. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And Wonders of His love, And wonders of his love, And wonders, and wonders of His love. *CHARGE & BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Christmas Joy Dan Miller *If you are able, please stand Our Christmas Flowers are dedicated to the Glory of God and In loving memory of George Tasker by the Abraham Family In honor of RPPC by the Bartlett family In loving memory of Dr. and Mrs. W. Kennedy Waller by Jean Waller Brune In loving memory of my parents, Edward and Allene Bush, by Elaine Cochran In loving memory of Nanni Luci Friedman by the Friedman family

8 In loving memory of Dr. Rodney S. Billett, Rev. and Mrs. Carroll O. R. Fritze and Mrs. Vaughan Ayers by the Fritze family In honor of Mrs. Ruth L. Billett by the Fritze Grandchildren and Greatgrandchildren In honor of Austin & Claire Evans and Maddie & Andrew Cochran by Darlene and Austin George In loving memory of our parents and Neil Tiebout by Sharon and Chuck Halm In loving memory of my grandparents by Amy Lutzky In loving memory of Marjorie and Herbert Lyall, Agnes Lyall by Patricia and James Lyall In loving memory of Rodney S. Miller by Andy Miller, Erin Wilk and Maverick Miller In loving memory of Peg Mullikin by John, Adrienne, Kate and J.B. Mullikin In loving memory of Richard & Jean Patterson by David Patterson In honor of Jen Ronald by Barrie and Richard Sigler In honor of John Taylor by his grandchildren: Becca, Daniel, Allison, Carly and Travis In loving memory of Nancy Taylor by her grandchildren: Becca, Daniel, Allison, Carly and Travis In honor of Hannah Tennies by Christine Tennies In loving memory of our parents by George and Mary Ellen Thomsen In loving memory of my parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Kreyer, and my sister by Adrienne Toland In honor of our extended families by Elayne, Michael, Dan, Alex & Benny Provost Wolfgang In loving memory of Brenda Young by Donald Young

9 Our Christmas Music is dedicated to the Glory of God and In honor of the choir by the Abraham family In honor of the RPPC Music Program by Jane Bartlett In honor of the RPPC church choirs by Jean Waller Brune In honor of Phillip, Esther and the choir by Margaret Budd In honor of my husband, John Cochran, by Elaine Cochran In loving memory of my parents, Norman & Barbara Collister by Phillip & Greg Collister-Murray In loving memory of family by Jennie Lee and Hobie Fowlkes In loving memory of Gammy Margaret Alonzo by the Friedman Family In loving memory of Margaret E. Fritze by Scott and Jill Fritze In honor of Elaine Cochran & Mary Agnes Evans by Darlene and Austin George In honor of Laura Halm by her parents, Sharon and Chuck Halm In loving memory of Richard and Raeburn Hosier by Katie Hosier In honor of those who make music so special at RPPC by Katherine and Dave Hurst In loving memory of Claybourn & Anna Langlotz by Clay Langlotz In loving memory of Layda Gallo by Amy Lutzky In loving memory of Eleanor Morse, Louise Elliott, and Mary Louise Liston by Patricia and James Lyall In loving memory of Dorothy and Michael Matava by Kathy Matava In loving memory of Mary and Jim McCabe, the Norris, White and Andreae families by the McCabe family In honor of our incredible parents, Sally & Neil McCabe, by Catherine and William McCabe In honor of Kim Gardner by Andy Miller, Erin Wilk and Maverick Miller In honor of Mark & Amy Hanna by Janice and Kent Moore

10 In loving memory of Margaret and Lew Beck, the Gothe family and Marie Patron by the Patron family In honor of our grandchildren, Erin, Anna, Grace, Alex, Faith and Kat, by Howard and Ginny Rutherford In honor of the WOW Committee by Barrie and Richard Sigler In loving memory of Nana & Papa Tall by George W. Tall IV In loving memory of Nancy Taylor by her husband, John Taylor In loving memory of Joe Day by Christine & Hannah Tennies In honor of Margaret Budd & Nancy Holder by George and Mary Ellen Thomsen In loving memory of my husband, William Toland, by Adrienne Toland In loving memory of Stewart Mackay Wolff by Suzanne Wolff

11 SUNDAY, December 30, :30 AM Worship A Service of Comfort and Joy Join us for this special service which will begin in the sanctuary and end in our assembly hall. We will sing carols and share stories. Wear your favorite Christmas sweater and share in some comfort food treats which will be provided. HEAD USHER: Christine Tennies LITURGIST: Phoebe Evans Letocha GREETER: Amy Hanna PAGEANT PARTICIPANTS: Mary: Katie Marsh Joseph: Andrew Hanna Gabriel: Gavin LaMar Readers: Audrey Hanna, Ginny Rutherford, Richard Sigler Wise Persons: Finian Sigler-McCann Sheep: Felix Murphy, Jack Marsh Angels: Emily LaMar, Sabina Murphy IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TODAY: We look to our Lord for strength and healing. We look to each other to see our Lord in action. We remember all those in harm s way, those recovering from natural disasters, refugees and people in conflict, and facing new challenges. Among our church family: Darryl Fritze (Wayne Fritze s brother), Paula Belt, Darlene George, Courtney Sieck, the sister and niece of Holden McAleer and their family, J. Gary and Jean Glover, the friends and loved ones of Jim and Loretta Sailors (father and mother of Bill Sailors), Joan Buttner, Kent Moore, Claudia Neely Tiebout, Patti Lyall, and David & Danny Guillaume along with the staff and children of Kay Papa Nou & Unity House.

12 ROLAN D PARK PRESBYT ERI AN CH URCH Phone// Fax// office@rolandparkchurch.org ~ Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD Office Hours: Monday Thursday 9 AM - 2:30 PM, Friday 9 AM - Noon Church Staff Mark W. Hanna, Pastor Phillip Collister-Murray, Director of Music Esther Lee, Organist Shayla Redfearn, Director of Christian Education Jennifer Ronald, Office and Communications Manager Caroline Mapp, Bookkeeper Tony Mason, Custodian pastor@rolandparkchurch.org pcollister@towson.edu estherlee1010@gmail.com dce@rolandparkchurch.org office@rolandparkchurch.org bookkeeper@rolandparkchurch.org custodian@rolandparkchurch.org Board of Session Board of Deacons Jean Brune (2021*) Tiffany Abraham (2021**) Jackie Capecci (2019*) David Bauer (2019*) Laura Cochran (2020*) Beth Bishop (2020**) Julie Evans (2021*) Carol Bishop (2020*) Phoebe Evans Letocha (2021*) Mary Carey (2019**) Amy Lutzky (2019*) Sarah Finlayson (2021*) Jim Lyall (2021**) Connie Gardiner (2020*) Neil McAslan (2019*) Clay Langlotz (2020*) Neil McCabe (2019*) Daniel Martin-Minnich (2019*) Andy Miller (2020*) Kathy Matava (2019*) Ginny Rutherford (2020*), Clerk Holden McAleer (2021*) Mark W. Hanna, Moderator Bill Olsen (2021**) Matt Bay, Treasurer Youth Deacons Audrey Hanna, Nathan Letocha, * indicates 1st term, ** 2nd term Zach Lutzky & Annelise Olsen An inclusive and welcoming congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbytery of Baltimore.