Order of Worship The First Sunday of Christmas December 31, :00 AM

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1 A Welcoming and Affirming Church A Safe Space for All First gathered in 1812 Order of Worship The First Sunday of Christmas December 31, :00 AM

2 Welcome to First Baptist! Alguien habla español aquí. Es gibt hier Leute, die Deutsch sprechen. May nagsasalita nang Tagalog dito. ဖ"အ$zပ&zကတizပ&zကည+က, ၃a ၃0 z Mizo tawng in tawng kan letling thei reng e. Temos alguém aqui que fala português. 这 有 说中 Kuna mtu hapa anayezungumza Swahili. یکی اینجا فارسی صحبت میکنه Ici on parle français. Thoughts on Worship Today marks the only Sunday of Christmastide this year, so let s continue the festive spirit of the Good News of Christ s birth! As we follow his new parents on their journey to Jerusalem to dedicate Jesus, what might we glean from the blessing (and burden?) of this young child s life?

3 * Indicates that you are invited to stand in body or in spirit. Prelude Choral Introit Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light Text: Johann Rist ( ) Music: Johann Schop ( ), Harmonized by J. S. Bach ( ) Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light, and usher in the morning; O shepherds, shudder not in fright, but hear the angel s warning. This child, now weak in infancy, our confidence and joy shall be, the power of Satan breaking, our peace eternal making. Come, dearest child, into our hearts, and leave your crib behind you! Let this be where the new life starts for all who seek and find you. To you the honor, thanks, and praise, for all your gifts this time of grace; come, conquer and deliver this world, and us, forever. * Call to Worship One: Let us greatly rejoice in the LORD, Many: May our whole being praise our God; One: For God has clothed us with the garments of salvation, Many: And covered us with the robe of righteousness. One: For just as the earth brings forth its flowers, Many: So our God will cause right-living to spring up, All: And justice to flow down as the waters of life. Amen. * Congregational Carol 189 Angels, from the Realms of Glory Regent Square

4 Welcome from the Church Inside your Order of Worship should be an FBC Connection Card. If you are visiting with us, and if you would like to learn more about our church or ways you can connect more deeply within the life of our church, please fill out the card and place it in the offering plate later on in the service. * Greeting One Another in Grace You are invited to share the grace of Christ with one another. * Gathering Song 218 Go, Tell It on the Mountain Go, tell it Stephanie Harvey The First Reading Luke 2:22-35 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord ), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary,

5 "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed--and a sword will pierce your own soul too." One: May the Spirit of Wisdom lead us to understanding. Many: Thanks be to God. The Offering of Our Gifts The ministries of our church are possible because of the generous gifts you pledge in support. At this time, you are invited to give your offering, as you are able. Offertory Nativity Carol, John Rutter b First Baptist Chancel Choir * Doxology Veni Veni Emmanuel Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host, Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. * Congregational Carol 221 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Polish Carol Moment of Wonder Children are invited to come forward at this time. Afterwards, children are encouraged to leave the service for Sunday School. Prayers of the People

6 The Second Reading Luke 2:36-40 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. One: May the Spirit of Wisdom lead us to understanding. Many: Thanks be to God. The Sermon The Last Levite Reverend Brent Newberry Moment of Silent Reflection Pause for a moment of personal reflection. Partnering in Church Life Just as we arrived this morning in faith, so too, we depart to be faithful partners in the work of God. Listen now for opportunities to connect more richly in the life of First Baptist. * Closing Hymn 179 Joy to the World Antioch Benediction

7 Postlude Allegro Maestoso from Organ Sonata II, Felix Mendelssohn ( ) Who We re Praying for This Week Rose, and her family, on the death of her mother, Mary Lou. Enid Hall Jim P. Jess Gray s grandparents Ernie and Elsie Batten Everton Marilyn and family on the death of Charles Sibley. Melinda and family John Torrisi Evelyn M. Gordon B. Nate and his fellow troops, as well as their families, on their deployment overseas. Contact Us 111 Park Avenue, Worcester, Massachusetts info@fbc-worc.org Facebook Phone: (508) The Reverend Brent A. Newberry, Pastor Wesley Hall, Minister of Music and Art

8 Thanks for being here! We are so glad you worshipped together with us this morning! Thank you for being here. Each of you matters to us, and we hope to get to know you better. We are a Welcoming & Affirming Church, and a Safe Space for all people. What that means: Who you are, and how you re created is a gift to this world and this faith community, and we celebrate the ways your life gives witness to the way of Christ in both. Maybe it s your race or nationality, your age or vocation, your sexual orientation, your gender identity, your faith background, your political affiliation or personal aspirations, you are celebrated here. You are safe here, to fully be who God has created you to be. And if you would like to partner in ministry with us, we have no doubt that your participation will make us a better faith community. We have weekly opportunities for learning and friendship. Check out our Announcement Flyer or subscribe from our website s home page ( to our weekly e-newsletter on the happenings of our church. Following our services each week, we invite you to join us in Gordon Hall for coffee and refreshments, our treat! If you re new, we d love a chance to get to know you, and if you re a regular, well, you know what to do-- make a new friend! Gordon Hall is located through the exit to your right (the pulpit side). All-Gender Restrooms are available in the rear of the sanctuary or to the exit to your right, near Gordon Hall. If you still aren t sure of their location, ask a new friend--they ll be happy to show you the way! Last but not least! We have connection card inserts. Fill one out and drop it in the offering plate, and our Pastor will be happy to reach out during the week to answer any questions or give you any more information about our great church!