Christmas Eve Family Service

Transcription

1 Christmas Eve Family Service December 24, 2015 ² Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Oak Park, Illinois

2 Thank you to the many Christmas Eve Family Service participants for their service: Prelude musicians Liam Campbell, violin Evan Campbell, violin Grace Ledogar, piano Music leader Jonathan Oblander Each Sunday school class and their teachers for their part in the service Jane Novak for the creating the worship service All the parents for their participation, flexibility and support Spencer Abbott Evan Campbell Nate Doolin Greg Hann Izzy Kamper Brandon Killingsworth Abby Doyle Kelly Guagenti Readers Ushers Acolyte Victoria Theys Greeter Devin Washington Briana Killingsworth Grace Ledogar Alison Mieczkowski Caitlin Rank Ana Theys Jordyn Washington Molly Guagenti Elliot Hann Communion Assistants Briana Killingsworth Ella Roadruck Devin Washington From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2015 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License # New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

3 Christmas Eve Family Service December 24, p.m. Prelude Music Welcome & Opening Pastor Kathy Nolte and Deaconess Debbie Rank Speer Children and youth Processional Hymn O Come, All Ye Faithful ELW 283 Children line up in narthex Call to Worship L: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us C: The Word became flesh and lived among us L: We have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. C: In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. L: Authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. C: All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. L: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. C: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Please be seated. Christmas Around the World: Introduction Grace Ledogar Traditions in GERMANY Reading from Luke 1:26-38 Izzy Kamper Greg Hann One month later God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee with a message for a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to Joseph from the family of King David. The angel greeted Mary and said, You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you. Mary was confused by the angel s words and wondered what they meant. Then the angel told Mary, Don t be afraid! God is pleased with you, and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end. Mary asked the angel, How can this happen? I am not married! The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God s power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God. Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old.

4 No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. Nothing is impossible for God! Mary said, I am the Lord s servant! Let it happen as you have said. And the angel left her. Traditions in CZECH REPUBLIC Ana Theys SPANISH Hymn All Earth Is Hopeful ELW 266 (Congregation sings all verses in English) Reading from Luke 1:46-55 Caitlin Rank And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. Traditions in CHINA Evan Campbell IRISH hymn Canticle of the Turning ELW 723 Prayers of the People Lord, in your mercy. Response: hear our prayer. Brandon Killingsworth and Alison Mieczkowski

5 Reading from Luke 2:1-7 Spencer Abbott About that time Emperor Augustus gave orders for the names of all the people to be listed in record books. These first records were made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to go to their own hometown to be listed. So Joseph had to leave Nazareth in Galilee and go to Bethlehem in Judea. Long ago Bethlehem had been King David s hometown, and Joseph went there because he was from David s family. Mary was engaged to Joseph and traveled with him to Bethlehem. She was soon going to have a baby, and while they were there, she gave birth to her first-born son. She dressed him in baby clothes and laid him on a bed of hay, because there was no room for them in the inn. Traditions in MEXICO Nate Doolin Hymn Infant Holy, Infant Lowly ELW 276 Angels assemble in narthex Reading from Luke 2:8-14 Angels come forward Greg Hann That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, Don t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay. Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God. Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High ELW 289 (Children sing first verse by themselves, 2 nd verse with the congregation.) Shepherds assemble in narthex Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o er the plains And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains. (Refrain) Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing. Come adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn king. (Refrain) Refrain: Glo -ria, In excelsis Deo, Glo -ria, In excelsis Deo

6 Reading from Luke 2:15-20 Shepherds come forward Briana Killingsworth After the angels had left and gone back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, Let s go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has told us about. They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and they saw the baby lying on a bed of hay. When the shepherds saw Jesus, they told his parents what the angel had said about him. Everyone listened and was surprised. But Mary kept thinking about all this and wondering what it meant. As the shepherds returned to their sheep, they were praising God and saying wonderful things about him. Everything they had seen and heard was just as the angel had said. Hymn The First Noel ELW 300 (Children sing first verse by themselves, 2 nd verse with the congregation.) Wise Ones gather in narthex The first noel, the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay. In fields where they lay keeping their sheep On a cold winter s night that was so deep. Refrain: Noel, noel, noel, noel. Born is the King of Israel. They look-ed up and saw a star Shining in the east beyond them far. And to the earth it gave great light. And so it continued both day and night. (Refrain) Traditions in SPAIN Reading from Matthew 2:1-12 Wise Ones come forward Izzy Kamper Nate Doolin and Evan Campbell When Jesus was born in the village of Bethlehem in Judea, Herod was king. During this time some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and said, Where is the child born to be king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. When King Herod heard about this, he was worried, and so was everyone else in Jerusalem. Herod brought together the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses and asked them, Where will the Messiah be born? They told him, He will be born in Bethlehem, just as the prophet wrote, Bethlehem in the land of Judea, you are very important among the towns of Judea. From your town will come a leader, who will be like a shepherd for my people Israel. Herod secretly called in the wise men and asked them when they had first seen the star. He told them, Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, let me know. I want to go and worship him too. The wise men listened to what the king said and then left. And the star they had seen in the east went on ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. They were thrilled and excited to see the star. When the men went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they knelt down and worshiped him. They took out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and gave them to him. Later they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and they went back home by another road.

7 Hymn We Three Kings (Children sing first verse by themselves, additional verses with the congregation.) We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. (Refrain) Born a King on Bethlehem s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again. King forever, ceasing never over us all to reign. (Refrain) Refrain: Star of Wonder, Star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. Traditions in UKRAINE Ana Theys Hymn Away in a Manger Sung by all children All students come forward Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray Bless all the dear children in your tender care, And fit us for heaven to live with you there. Traditions in IRAQ Caitlin Rank Passing of the Peace The peace of Christ be with you always, And also with you. Children return to their seats and may remove costumes. Christmas Around the World: Conclusion Grace Ledogar Offering Gifts are gathered as the table is prepared. Offertory Prayer Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

8 Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Preface It is indeed right...and join their unending hymn. Sanctus Angels We Have Heard on High refrain Eucharistic Prayer On this Holy Night, we come to your table, O God of Light, In awe of the miracle of the birth of your son, Jesus Christ. Especially on this night, we are made aware of your great love for each of us, Love that travels around the world We pray that you send now your Holy Spirit, that all of your promises may come to us and your whole creation. Amen, come Holy Spirit. Lord s Prayer Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

9 Invitation to Communion God is with us, our Immanuel. Come to the table of grace. Communion We invite all who are baptized in Christ to join us in communion. Please come forward as the ushers direct. You will be given bread. You may eat the bread and drink; or intinct (dip) in the large cup and eat. The silver cup has wine; the oversize pottery cup has grape juice. Pastor has gluten free wafers if you need, just ask. After you commune, feel free to kneel at the altar rail in silent prayer. Communion Song Lamb of God Communion Hymns: Love Has Come ELW 292 Go Tell It on the Mountain ELW 290 Post Communion Blessing The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen. Post Communion Prayer We give you thanks, O God, that in this bread and cup of Christ's very life, you give us food for our journey. As you led the magi by a star, as you brought the holy family home again, guide us on the way unfolding before us. Wherever we go, may our lives proclaim good news of great joy in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

10 Candlelighting As Christ comes bringing the light of God s love, we light our individual candles to signify our individual and collective commitment to live as Christ s faithful in the world. (Please hold lit candle straight to avoid dripping when lighting your candle. The lights are dimmed gradually. The Christ Candle is carried slowly from the back to the front of the church.) Reading from John 1:1-14 Jordyn Washington In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (Pause - letting the candle be carried in silence.) 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known. (Pause) Reading from Isaiah 60 Spencer Abbott Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. The Spreading of the Light of Christ Ushers light their candles from the Pastor and Assisting Ministers and proceed into the congregation. As the candles are lighted, we say to each other: Behold the light of the world! Presiding Minister: Jesus spoke saying, "I am the light of the world; those who follow me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

11 Hymn Silent Night 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. 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 your holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace. Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth. Blessing May the Word that Mary brought to birth carry you into new and abundant life. Amen. May the Word that Joseph cradled in his arms enfold you with love and strength. Amen. May the Word that angels proclaimed in song bring harmony to our world. Amen. And the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen. Dismissal Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God. Postlude ² ² ² ² ² ² CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Thursday, December 24th, 11 p.m. CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP Frisday, December 25th, 10:30 a.m.

12 Thank you to those who provided poinsettias for our Christmas services! Poinsettia plants you ordered can be picked up after the 10:30 a.m. service on Christmas Day. Given by Judy Beisser DiAne Boese & Troy Koch The Campbell Family Gene Collerd & Elizabeth Overland Eileen Deamer & Rick Nagle Linda & Carl Fisher Brian Flora Gail & Paul Frost Susan Greeley & Jeff King Ann & Dennis Hoeksema Jurczak Family The King Family Leslie Marino Rose, Nkabe and Kay Pastor Kathy & Harry Patterson Joan & Bob Pope Sue Priebe Kenn & Peg Sinko Mary & Meinrad Scherer-Emunds Becca Wagner, Jordyn & Devin Washington The Wegeners Judy, Bevin & Lynn Dedication In memory of Jerry Peppler In memory of all lives lost to violence this year In memory of Murna Barringer & Arjean Campbell In celebration of Emmanuel, God with us In memory of Red Deamer and Bill Nagle Baby Bennett In memory of Joy & Marvin Flora In memory of Jack Frost, Gordon Swanson & John Swanson In honor of Fred & Anne King; in memory of Lena & Lyle Greeley John & Eleanor; Larry & M. Magdalen O'Toole In memory of Thaddeu Jurczak, Harry & Sophie Wright, Randy & David Wright Our parents & grandparents for Jane Hedges Benedict & Emilliana Mabwa In honor of our children In honor of my children Nick & Natalie Camille Kurtenbach In honor of Will and Grace Wagner, Parents and Grandparents In honor of our Good Shepherd family In memory, honor and celebration of loved ones