Westminster Presbyterian Church

Transcription

1 Christmas Eve 2014 Family Services 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church 1502 West 13 th Street Wilmington, DE

2 WELCOME ON THIS HOLY NIGHT, we engage one of the deep mysteries of our faith. In celebrating Christmas, we try to push away the cares of the moment and the rush of things to do. As we worship, we create a wide, sweet space to listen, to pray, to sing, and to receive the gift of God s presence. No one will ever make sense of how God, the Infinite, was revealed in the finite. So we tell a story and simply wonder at it all. Welcome to a house of wonder. ANNOUNCEMENTS We welcome everyone to Westminster Church for these Christmas Eve Services. We extend a special welcome to visitors and those who return for the holiday. If you live in the Wilmington area and do not have a church home, we hope you will consider uniting with our church family. You are invited to continue your Christmas Eve celebration by attending one of our Candlelight Communion Services tonight at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Childcare will be available for the 8:00 p.m. service. The Chancel flowers this evening are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Charles M. Krick, Jr. and Janet and John Rowell by the Linderman, Krick and Rowell families. Church Office Holiday Hours: The Church office will be open December 29, 30, and 31 st from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you wish to pick up a poinsettia and/or drop off a year end donation. All donations postmarked by December 31, 2014 will be considered received and credited on your 2014 contribution statement. If you have questions concerning the status of your 2014 pledge, please Jerry Hunter (jerryhunterwpc.org or , ext. 128). Online donations for 2014 via checking or savings account must be completed by 4:00 p.m. EST on 12/26. Visit our website and click the Donate Now button or scan the QR code on your smart phone. Sunday, December 28: One morning service at 9:00 a.m. Join us as we continue to celebrate the Christmas season. We will offer Nursery and Sunday School for Preschoolers. Enjoy coffee and fellowship in Rodney Chapel following the service. PASTORAL STAFF: CHURCH EDUCATOR: Gregory K. Jones, Head of Staff Randall T. Clayton, Interim Associate Pastor Jill Getty, Pastoral Care Assistant Susan Moseley DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES: Robin Rosser CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR: MUSIC STAFF: Debbie Brown Paul Fleckenstein, Organist/Director of Music Mary Beth Davis, Director of Music for Children, Youth and Handbells Sandie Reinicker, Director of Sunshine Choir Section Leaders/Soloists: Diana Milburn, Sharon Babcock, Malcolm Cooper, Jerry Polman 2

3 TOWER CHIME PRELUDE CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP - 4:00 P.M. Sue Spilecki CALL TO WORSHIP Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy. To us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. Angels from the Realms of Glory Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o'er all the earth; you, who sang creation's story, now proclaim Messiah's birth: Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King! Shepherds, in the fields abiding, watching o'er your flocks by night, God with us is now residing; yonder shines the infant light: Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King! LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE PRAYER We have been watching and waiting and Christmas is finally here! We have lit candles to remind us of the hope, peace, love and joy that we have in Christ. Tonight we light the Christ candle to symbolize God s promise is fulfilled. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to all on whom his favor rests. Living God, on this holy night we gather to stand with shepherds, amazed at your glory; to sing with angels, rejoicing in your work; to wait with Joseph, trusting in your promise; to sit with Mary, cradling your love. May the good news of this night inspire us to tell the world of our great joy: for to us is born a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. Glory and praise to you forever! Amen. O Come, All Ye Faithful 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! Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation; sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest! Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord! 3

4 THE JOURNEY AND THE BIRTH Luke 2:1-7 Away in a Manger Away in a manger, no crib for His 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. The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. I love Thee Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, And stay by my side until morning is nigh. SHEPHERDS HEAR THE NEWS Luke 2:8-14 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 the angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the sun of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that we no more may die, Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give us second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! SHEPHERDS GO TO BETHLEHEM Luke 2:15-20 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around, and glory shone around. "The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed, all humbly wrapped in swathing bands, and in a manger laid, and in a manger laid." KINGS FOLLOW THE STAR Matthew 2:1-11 The First Nowell And by the light of that same star, three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel. Then entered in those wise men three, full reverently upon their knee, and offered there in his presence, their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel. 4

5 GIFTS IN CELEBRATION OF THE CHRIST CHILD As the Kings brought their gifts to the baby Jesus, we offer ours tonight. The entire Christmas Offering is given to those in need beyond our walls. Please see the back cover for details. FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN Silent Night, Holy 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! A CHRISTMAS PRAYER Silent Night, Holy Night! Silent night, holy night! 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. *SENDING Go forth to sing and bless God s name. Glory to God in the highest! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. Alleluia! Praise the Lord. Joy to the World 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. Joy to the world! the Savior reigns: Let all their songs employ. While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. Participants in worship Mary Joseph Baby Jesus Teisha Fooks Jacob Fooks Oliver Fooks The Angels, Shepherds and Kings are children from our Sunday Preschool Program. 5

6 CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP 5:30 P.M. TOWER CHIME Craig Checkel PRELUDE CALL TO WORSHIP Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy. To us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. Angels from the Realms of Glory Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o'er all the earth; you, who sang creation's story, now proclaim Messiah's birth: Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King! Shepherds, in the fields abiding, watching o'er your flocks by night, God with us is now residing; yonder shines the infant light: Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King! LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE We have been watching and waiting and Christmas is finally here! We have lit candles to remind us of the hope, peace, love and joy that we have in Christ. Tonight we light the Christ candle to symbolize God s promise is fulfilled. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to all on whom his favor rests. PRAYER Living God, on this holy night we gather to stand with shepherds, amazed at your glory; to sing with angels, rejoicing in your work; to wait with Joseph, trusting in your promise; to sit with Mary, cradling your love. May the good news of this night inspire us to tell the world of our great joy: for to us is born a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. Glory and praise to you forever! Amen. Passages in bold print may be said by all. At the asterisk (*) please stand (as you are able). 6

7 LESSONS AND S JOSEPH S DREAM Matthew 1:18-24 Jill Getty O Come, O Come Emmanuel O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven s peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. THE JOURNEY AND THE BIRTH Luke 2:1-7 Carol Shortlidge ANTHEM Away in a Manger Sunshine Choir and D.R.U.M. Ensemble SHEPHERDS HEAR THE NEWS Luke 2:8-14 Bob Moore and Cathy Glober ANTHEM Born is the King -- Ruth Elaine & Scott Schram Sunshine Choir and D.R.U.M. Ensemble SHEPHERDS GO TO BETHLEHEM Luke 2:15-20 Sue Linderman 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 the angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the sun of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that we no more may die, Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give us second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! KINGS FOLLOW THE STAR Matthew 2:1-12 Mary-beth Howard and Shelley Gnade GIFTS IN CELEBRATION OF THE CHRIST CHILD As the Kings brought their gifts to the Christ child, tonight we offer ours. The entire Christmas Offering is given to those in need beyond our walls. Please see the back cover for details. OFFERTORY ANTHEM O Holy Night -- Ruth Elaine & Scott Schram Sunshine Choir and D.R.U.M. Ensemble 7

8 FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN Silent Night, Holy 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. A CHRISTMAS PRAYER Silent Night, Holy Night! Silent night, holy night! 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. *SENDING Go forth to sing and bless God s name. Glory to God in the highest! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. Alleluia! Praise the Lord. Joy to the World 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. Joy to the world! the Savior reigns: Let all their songs employ. While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. Participants in worship Mary Joseph Baby Jesus Sound Technician: Storytellers: Natalie Ferry Brian Ferry Benjamin Ferry Jim Rees, Kingdom Sound Westminster By Heart Westminster By Heart is a group of lay members committed to learning the scripture by heart and bringing it to our congregation throughout the year in our worship services. All of tonight s scripture presenters are members of this group. Whether experiencing the story as teller or listener, hearing the story told is powerful and provides a new way for us to understand and connect to the stories of our faith. If you would like to know more about telling stories, or, Westminster By Heart, contact Mary-beth Howard at m-b@comcast.net or Shelley Gnade at shelley.gnade@gmail.com. 8

9 CHRISTMAS 2014 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS In Loving Memory of: Given By: Carol and Gene Hopkins Rich and Taryn Albert Bill Albert Rich and Taryn Albert Bernie Alexander The Alexander Family Maurice Alexander The Alexander Family Our Parents, Rose and Paul Jones Nancy and Bill Barlow Our Family, Maude & Bill, Mary & Howard Barlow Nancy and Bill Barlow William Deans Fay Deans Barnaby Teddy Bedrossian Ned Bedrossian and Family E. Howard Bedrossian, MD Ned Bedrossian and Family Rosetta Bedrossian Ned Bedrossian and Family Mr. and Mrs. David Bernhard, Grandparents Diane M. Bernhard Mr. Victor Lawryniuk, Grandparent Diane M. Bernhard Mr. and Mrs. John R. Becker, Grandparents Diane M. Bernhard Our Loved Ones Herb and Nancy Boden Fay and Frank Staats Gary and Sue Bryde Betty and Bud Bryde Gary and Sue Bryde Hannah McGuire Christi Carter Rev. John Cartmell Peggy Cartmell and James Cartmell Mr. and Mrs. William J. Taylor Jeanne and Bob Checkel Mr. and Mrs. Henry Checkel Jeanne and Bob Checkel Mrs. Inez M. Cobb Willard H. Cobb, husband Mrs. Inez M. Cobb Barry Cobb, son Betty Coker Jim Coker Maury Colbert Nancy Colbert Mary Jo and Phil Collins Donna and Clark Collins Art Connolly, Jr. Joan Connolly Jim Corner Roger, Donald and Carol Doris Corner Roger, Donald and Carol Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Lowe Art and Nancy Diver Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Diver Art and Nancy Diver Agnes Dubberly Sara Dubberly Ruth Bed Sara Dubberly Bob McNeal Sara Dubberly Jack and Grace Reighard George and Sandra Reighard Evans Charles and Emily Evans George and Sandra Reighard Evans Jessie and Cerd Marsh Barbara and Jerry Fedeler Jack and Janet Foster Anne Foster and Chip Pfleegor Sara Jane Evans and Charles Pfleegor Anne Foster and Chip Pfleegor Mary Lou and Frank Fuller The Fuller Children and their Families: Mary Lou and Frank Fuller Frank Hudson Fuller, Jr. Mary Lou and Frank Fuller Mary Wood Fuller Bond Mary Lou and Frank Fuller Stuart Cordell Fuller Ebo Eberling The Harron Family William A. Harron The Harron Family Cathy Hodges Margaret and Jim Hodges Our Parents Tom and Carol Hogue Robert R. Hoopes Judith H. Hoopes Mrs. Raymond B. Herr, Jr. Barbara Hoy 9

10 CHRISTMAS 2014 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS In Loving Memory of: Given By: Sam Ferguson Musser Barbara Hoy John and Dot Hunter Beth, John and Amy Fred Hurlock, Jr.; Frances and Fred Hurlock, Sr. Suzie Hurlock Sarah and Dave Frie and son David Suzie Hurlock Si and Lee McNeely Fred and Jane Iobst Bill and Gretchen Iobst Fred and Jane Iobst Loved Ones Steven, Janice, Katie and Sara Beth Johnson Our Parents John and Dede Johnston Our Parents, Joseph and Clara Johnston and Sandy and Pat Johnston Dale and Naomi Shaner Sandy and Pat Johnston Jane, Ann and Jay The Kline Family Don Raymond Kuespert Cynthia H. Kuespert Jerry Lee, beloved husband and father Virginia Lee and Family Loved ones Virginia Lee and Family Our Parents Sue and Bob Linderman Chuck Krick and Ann Linderman Sue and Bob Linderman Robert W. Marsh Anne Marsh and Family Carolyn McKeown Bob McKeown Tom Johnson Bob McKeown Peg Johnson Bob McKeown Lillian and John Michener Bunny and Jack Michener Alice, Arnold and Charles Sharpley Bunny and Jack Michener Don and Jean Ward Anne Morgenthaler Herb and Gladys Morgenthaler Anne Morgenthaler Rev. Mark W. Palmer Jane Palmer and Bill Moore Robert T. Currin The Pamm Family Ingrid Pamm The Pamm Family George Pfautz Sonja Pfautz Barbara H. Poff Adam and Kristen Poff Helen, Brian, and Bob Hunt Elizabeth Poole William Poole and Louise H. Poole Stephen C. Poole Brenton G. Wallace, Jr. The Roe Family Hepner and Elizabeth Van Horn The Ruoss family Our Parents Donna and Tom Shaw Jay, Ann, Grammy and Grandpap The Spilecki Family Our Parents David and Jane M. Stabler Paul and Dorothy Steen Barbara Steen William E. Stoffer Paul and Judy Stoffer Karl Kniel The Tolbert Family Stokes Walesby The Tolbert Family Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Oliver Anne and Frank Waldburger Mr. and Mrs. F.R. Waldburger Anne and Frank Waldburger Eleanor Schwind Linda Watson, Kendal and Danny Colvard L. Martin Gravely His Family Barbara W. Wheatley Corinne, Emma, Julia, Tenney James, and Greer Barbara W. Wheatley Her Family Clem and Dorothy Wilson Their Daughters and Families Jo and Phil Collins Don and Dolly Windsor 10

11 CHRISTMAS 2014 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS In Honor of: The dedicated Westminster Staff and all the Volunteers who support them David and Beverly Pratt Our Grandparents Evelyn Holm Christine Lee Gavin, Payton, Gates and Valerie Given By: Anonymous The Burns Family The Harron Family Kim and Tammy Holm Kim and Tammy Holm Sandy and Stark Thompson 11

12 to GOD CHRISTMAS AT WESTMINSTER 2014 As we near the celebration of Christ s birth, we long for a world more in line with God s vision a world where everyone has a place at the table and plenty to eat, a warm place to call home, meaningful work, opportunities for an education, a supportive community and a less violent world. Jesus said that when we care for people in need, we care for him. Our Christmas Offering gives us the chance to share a portion of our blessings with people in dire circumstances. Will you help those in our community and in other troubled spots around the globe find hope? Our Christmas Offering will support local ministries (70%) and global ministries (30%) that provide food, shelter, education, clean water, and enable peacemaking. Throughout the year, Westminster donates food to the pantries at LCS/St. Stephen s Lutheran and Hanover Presbyterian Churches. They provide food assistance to those in need in our community. One in four Delawareans, half of them children, need emergency food assistance during the year. 20% of your offering will support these life-sustaining ministries, which now include our newest program of fresh produce distribution % of your gift will go to support Sojourners Place. Unlike emergency shelters, which provide a short-term place to escape the weather, Sojourners Place offers homeless women and men a place to call home while they get their lives back on course. A successful graduate leaves Sojourners Place with a full-time job and housing. Another 25% of this year s offering will go to the Urban Promise College Retention Fund, which provides financial assistance for students who have progressed through the Urban Promise mentoring and youth leadership training programs and are now in college. Urban Promise equips children and young adults who live in low income urban neighborhoods with opportunities for academic achievement and servant leadership. 25% of your offering will be shared equally between providing educational opportunities for girls and women in Guatemala and the Congo who have been affected by violence and exploitation in their countries, and our Safe Water in Guatemala (SWIG) water filter project, allowing families to experience life without gastrointestinal distress. 5% will go to Peace Drums, a unique interfaith initiative promoting peace among Jewish, Christian and Muslim youth living in the Galilee region of Israel Thank you for your support! We extend 12 wishes for a joyful Christmas and a wonderful and peaceful New Year to you and your loved ones.