Candlelight Communion Services 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.

Transcription

1 Candlelight Communion Services 8:00 and 10:00 p.m West 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

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. A special welcome is extended 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. The Chancel flowers 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. The beautiful wood and brass pew candles are given by Suzie Hurlock in loving memory of her husband Fred, who always enjoyed the season of Advent. Church Holiday Hours: The Church will be open December 26, 27, 30, and 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you wish to pick up a poinsettia for delivery and/or drop off a year end donation. All donations postmarked by December 31 will be considered received and credited on your 2013 contribution statement. If you have questions concerning your 2013 pledge status, please or call Debbie Brown (debbiebrown@wpc.org or , ext 129). Sunday, December 29: One morning service at 10:00 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: DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES: CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR: MUSIC STAFF: Gregory K. Jones, Head of Staff Thomas R. Stout, Parish Associate Jill Getty, Pastoral Care Assistant Susan Moseley Robin Rosser Debbie Brown Paul Fleckenstein, Organist/Director of Music Mary Beth Davis, Director of Music for Children, Youth and Handbells Section Leaders/Soloists: Diana Milburn, Sharon Babcock, Justin Gonzalez, Jerry Polman 2

3 CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE 8:00 P.M. MUSIC OF THE TOWER BELLS Craig Checkel PRELUDE CONCERT Erica Miller, violin Anne Sullivan, harp The Westminster Choir Paul Fleckenstein, organist/director Organ In Dulci Jubilo: 2 settings J. S. Bach (Tune: Hymn #132) Marcel Dupré Harp Contemplation Henriette Renié Violin/Organ Pastorale Josef Rheinberger Choir Sussex Carol arr. Dale Wood On Christmas night all Christians sing To hear the news the angels bring, News of great joy, news of great mirth, News of our merciful King's birth. Then why should we on earth be sad Since our Redeemer made us glad, When from our sin he set us free, All for to gain our liberty? When sin departs before his grace, Then life and health come in its place; Angels and all with joy may sing, All for to see the newborn King. All out of darkness we have light, Which made the angels sing this night: "Glory to God and peace to men, Now and forevermore. Amen." Violin/Harp/Organ Le Sommeil de L Enfant Jésus Henri Büsser (The Sleep of the Infant Jesus) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CALL TO WORSHIP God s grace has appeared for the salvation of all! 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. Isaiah 9:2, 6 & 7 *HYMN NO. 133 O Come, All Ye Faithful ADESTE FIDELES VS. 1:ALL VS. 2: CHOIR VS. 3 & 4: ALL Passages in bold print may be said by all. At the asterisk (*) please stand as you are able. 3

4 LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE Ned and Iryna Bedrossian and daughter Olesya PRAYER OF ADORATION Loving God, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the magi. Close the door of hate and open the door of love. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. Amen. (Robert Louis Stevenson) ANTHEM Star Carol John Rutter Sing this night, for a boy is born in Bethlehem, Christ our Lord in a lowly manger lies; Bring your gifts, come and worship at his cradle, Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! See, he lies in his mother's tender keeping; Jesus Christ in her loving arms asleep. Shepherds poor, come to worship and adore him, Offer their humble gifts before the son of Mary. Angels bright, come from heaven's highest glory, Bear the news with its message of good cheer: "Sing, rejoice, for a King is come to save us, Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary!" Let us all pay our homage at the manger, Sing his praise on this joyful Christmas Night; Christ is come, bringing promise of salvation; Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! See his star shining bright In the sky this Christmas Night! Follow me joyfully; Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! LESSON Luke 2:1-7 Shelley Gnade, Biblical Storyteller ANTHEM Cradle Carol arr. Richard Purvis (Text: Hymn #114) LESSON Luke 2:8-20 Shelley Gnade, Biblical Storyteller ANTHEM A Lute Caroll Mary E. Caldwell What sweeter musick can we bring, Than a Caroll for to sing The Birth of this our heav nly King? Awake the Voice! Awake the String! Heart, Eare and Eye, and ev rything Awake! The Darling of the world is come, And fit it is, we find a roome To welcome Him, To do Him honour, who s our King and Lord of all this rejoicing! - Text by Robert Herrick ( ) 4

5 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Greg Jones *HYMN NO. 134 Joy to the World ANTIOCH OFFERING The entire Christmas Eve Offering is given to those in need beyond our walls. Please see the back cover for details. OFFERTORY ANTHEM O Holy Night Adolphe Adam Diana Milburn, soprano Justin Gonzalez, tenor O holy night! the stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth; Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till he appear'd, and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! oh hear the angel voices! O night divine! O night when Christ was born. Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand; So, led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here came the wise men from the Orient land. The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our friend; He knows our need, to our weakness no stranger, Behold your King! before the lowly bend! Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His Gospel is Peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His Holy name. Christ is the Lord, then ever praise we, His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim. CELEBRATION OF THE LORD S SUPPER The Lord s Supper is open to all who trust in Christ. INVITATION TO THE LORD S TABLE Tonight old dreams are surpassed as new dreams come to life. Hope paves the way to joy and prayer leads to proclamation. The Light of the World has come! This light is a light for all; igniting a flame within our souls as we break bread together. God is born among us and within us. Glory to God in the highest! May there be peace and goodwill to all. *HYMN NO. 121 O Little Town of Bethlehem ST. LOUIS COMMUNION PRAYER LORD S PRAYER (page 35 in the hymn book, using debts and debtors. ) WORDS OF INSTITUTION 5

6 COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE MUSIC DURING COMMUNION Violin/Organ/Harp Méditation Samuel Rousseau Choir Sleeps Judea Fair Hugh A. MacKinnon Sleeps Judea fair, Bides the Christ Child there: Shepherds, haste ye! flocks forsaking, Swift your way to Him be taking, Babe, of Israel s prayer, Christ from God is come, Choosing earthly home: Royal pomp and splendor never, But with love which naught can sever, He will heal the dumb. Lowly bend the knee, Thou from sin set free: Let the Christ Child, meekly smiling, Infant-wise, all woe beguiling, Grant His grace to thee! Violin/Harp Méditation (Ave Maria) J. S. Bach/Charles Gounod PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION O God of peace, to you we ascribe all honor and majesty, beauty and strength. You bring forth a Child whom we call blessed, upon whose shoulders rests the destiny of nations. You give us the gift of life everlasting, and a Wonderful Counselor who shall guide your people. With shepherds and angels, we lift our voices rejoicing: All glory to you in the highest, and on earth peace among all. Amen. HYMN NO. 122 Silent Night, Holy Night! STILLE NACHT The ministers will light their candles from the Christ candle and then pass the light to the end of each pew. Each person, in turn, shares the light with his/her neighbor. Following the service, you may keep your candle or deposit it in a box near the doors. 6

7 CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE 10:00 P.M. MUSIC OF THE TOWER BELLS Craig Checkel PRELUDE O Come All Ye Faithful and Away in a Manger Heavenly Metal Handbell Choir CHORAL INTROIT Carol of the Bells Leontovich High School/Alumni Choir CALL TO WORSHIP From the North to the South, from the East to the West, flowing toward all people on earth, comes the light of hope born in Bethlehem. And the government will be upon his shoulders, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Christ will rule with justice and mercy from this time forth and for evermore. *HYMN NO. 119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE Charlie and Linda Reinhardt, Meg and Don Burich and sons Adam and Andrew, and Jane and Matt Griswold PRAYER OF ADORATION God of grace and truth, we pray that you will come into our lives tonight and fill us with such love and wonder, that with shepherds and wise men, we may come to adore the Holy Child, the promised King. As you came in the stillness of night, pierce through the darkness of our lives with the light of Christ s presence, that we may clearly see the path to walk, know the truth we need to speak and embrace the life to live for him. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen. SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 2:1-20 Jon McPheeters, Biblical Storyteller ANTHEM Still, Still, Still arr. Mack Wilberg High School/Alumni Choir CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Greg Jones Passages in bold print may be said by all. At the asterisk (*) please stand as you are able. 7

8 *HYMN NO. 113 Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING The entire Christmas Eve Offering is given to those in need beyond our walls. Please see the back cover for details. OFFERTORY ANTHEM On Christmas Night arr. Hal H. Hopson High School/Alumni Choir CELEBRATION OF THE LORD S SUPPER The Lord s Supper is open to all who trust in Christ. INVITATION TO THE TABLE In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was 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. *HYMN NO. 123 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear CAROL COMMUNION PRAYER LORD S PRAYER (page 35 in the hymn book, using debts and debtors. ) WORDS OF INSTITUTION COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE When an usher invites you to approach a communion station, please take a piece of bread, the symbol of Christ s love for you, and dip it in the cup, representing the new life in Christ. If you are unable to come to a station, please tell an usher so that you may be served. PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION God of love and light, on this night when we ponder the nature of your presence on earth, turn us inward to your Spirit that fills us with peace and joy, and turn us outward to the needs of this broken, but beautiful world. We pray in the name of Christ. Amen. 8

9 HYMN NO. 122 Silent Night, Holy Night! STILLE NACHT The ministers will light their candles from the Christ candle and then pass the light to the end of each pew. Each person, in turn, shares the light with his/her neighbor. Following the service, you may keep your candle or deposit it in a box near the doors. BENEDICTION RESPONSE 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. CHRISTMAS 2013 POINSETTIAS In Honor of: My beloved husband, William S. Browne Teresa Lunardi Robin Rosser Arch H. Layman, Sr. and Clementine Elwell Gavin, Payton, Gates and Valerie Thompson Given By: Dianne Browne Betty Bercaw Crowell Betty Bercaw Crowell Melody and Arch Layman Stark and Sandy Thompson 9

10 CHRISTMAS 2013 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS In Loving Memory of: Given By: Bill Albert Rich and Taryn Albert Carol and Gene Hopkins Rich and Taryn Albert Bernie Alexander Susan, Shawn, Kristen, John and Will Eleanor Barineau and Libby Drake Dodson Barineau and family Paul and Rose Jones Bill and Nancy Barlow and Family Bill Deans Fay Deans Barnaby Teddy Bedrossian Ned Bedrossian and Family E. Howard Bedrossian, MD Ned Bedrossian and Family Rosetta Bedrossian Ned Bedrossian and Family Our Parents and Other Loved Ones Nancy and Herb Boden Herb Bowersock, much loved Poppop & Dad Ron, Beth and Brian Bowersock Betty & Ralph Umsted and Marian & Starr Parker, Ron, Beth and Brian Bowersock Loved Grandparents Ron, Beth and Brian Bowersock Our parents Debbie and Chuck Brown Helen M. Thompson and Forrest G. Thompson Dianne Browne Ken Burg, my friend Sally Buttner Douglas Alexander Buttner, my brother Sally Buttner Our Parents Polly and Jim Carter Mr. and Mrs. William J. Taylor Jeanne and Bob Checkel Mr. and Mrs. Henry Checkel Jeanne and Bob Checkel Inez M. Cobb Rosemary and Barry Cobb Inez M. Cobb Bill Cobb Betty Coker Jim Coker Maury Colbert Nancy Colbert Mary Jo and Phil Collins Donna and Clark Collins Robert and Janet Eissner Their family, the Eissners and Stablers Charles and Emily Evans George and Sandi Evans Grace and John P. Reighard George and Sandi Evans Marilyn and Buddy Weintraub Nancy Anne Fleming Bobbie Prein Nancy Anne Fleming Wesley Dudding Nancy Anne Fleming Megan Sue Walker Nancy Anne Fleming Cyndi McGivney Nancy Anne Fleming Janet and Jack Foster Anne Foster and Chip Pfleegor Sara Jane Evans and Charles Pfleegor Anne Foster and Chip Pfleegor Richard and Eleanor Freeth Corinne and Julia Freeth Loved Ones Nancy Gemmell Scott Dege Edie Guthrie and Lauren Cardillo Mr. and Mrs. James Guthrie Edie Guthrie and Lauren Cardillo Fay Hamlin Daniel and David M. Hamlin Jane Arthur Hamlin Nick Marcopulos Cathy Higgins Elizabeth Higgins Cathy Higgins Cathy Hodges Her parents Irmadel and Maurice Ward Tom and Carol Hogue Wanda and Russell Hogue Tom and Carol Hogue Fred Hurlock, Jr.; Frances and Fred Hurlock, Sr. Suzie Hurlock Sarah and Dave Frie and son David Suzie Hurlock Our parents, Gretchen and Bill Iobst Fred and Jane Iobst Our parents, Lee and Si McNeely Fred and Jane Iobst 10

11 CHRISTMAS 2013 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS In Loving Memory of: Given By: Wallace and Lillian Spielman John and Dede Johnston Hillis Johnston John and Dede Johnston Jane, Ann and Jay The Kline Family Don R. Kuespert Cynthia H. Kuespert Jacqueline Layman and David Elwell Melody and Arch Layman Loved ones Virginia Lee and Family Jerry Lee Virginia Lee and Family Our Parents Sue and Bob Linderman Charles M. Krick, Jr. and Ann E. Linderman Sue and Bob Linderman Rich Lunardi Teresa Lunardi and Aaron Wemhoff Bob Marsh Anne Marsh Jessie and Cerd Marsh Barbara and Jerry Fedeler Carolyn McKeown Bob McKeown Our fathers, Robert M. Barto and Laurance McPheeters Jon and Susan McPheeters & Family Our friend, Cathy Carpenito Jon and Susan McPheeters & Family Lillian and John Michener Bunny and Jack Michener Alice, Arnold and Charles Sharpley Bunny and Jack Michener Ingrid Pamm The Pamm Family Robert Currin The Pamm Family George Pfautz Sonja Pfautz Catherine Myers Moore Cassandra Lloyd Moore Piovoso Rachel Davis Myers Cassandra Lloyd Moore Piovoso Louise H. and William Poole Stephen C. Poole Helen A. and Robert Hunt Elizabeth Hunt Poole Rita Thomas Margo Reign Our Parents Charlie and Linda Reinhardt Wally Johnson Robin and Hayley Rosser Florence Drexel Robin and Hayley Rosser Elizabeth and Hepner Van Horn The Ruoss family Wilma Tull Bob and Sue Scofield, Peter Rittenhouse Our Parents Donna and Tom Shaw Jay, Ann, Grammy and Grandpap The Spilecki Family Our Parents David and Jane Stabler Dorothy and Paul Steen Barbara Steen Duane Wasson Judy and Paul Stoffer HM3 Anthony C. Garcia Andrew W. Stoffer LCPL James D. Argentine Andrew W. Stoffer LCPL Joshua M. Bernard Andrew W. Stoffer LCPL Matthew R. Lembke Andrew W. Stoffer LCPL Joshua R. Whittle Andrew W. Stoffer Wayne Suiter Jane Suiter Our parents Lowell T. and Lois B. Underhill Lea and Helen Warner Wayne Warner My Parents Linda Budd Watson L. Martin Gravely Barbara Gravely Welch Sally Wemmers Craig Wemmers Chad and Chris Miller The Westminster Staff Barbara W. Wheatley Her Grandchildren Alday C. Wilson and Dorothy M. Wilson The Wilson daughters and their families Phil and Jo Collins Don and Dolly Windsor Walter and Sonia Wolanski John, Kristen and Will 11

12 Joy to the World! CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING During Advent, as we await the celebration of the birth of Christ, we are filled with hope that our world might become a better place for all. As the hands and feet of Christ, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people in distress. Christ said that when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and those in prison, we minister to him. Our Annual Christmas Eve Offering gives us a way 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 Eve Offering will support local ministries (70%) and global ministries (30%) that provide food, shelter, education, clean water, and promote peacemaking. 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 urban neighborhoods with opportunities for academic achievement and servant leadership. Throughout the year, Westminster donates food to the pantries at LCS/St. Stephen s Lutheran and Hanover Presbyterian Churches. They provide food assistance for 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. Another 25% of your offering 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. 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 GI distress. 5% will go to our Peacemakers Committee that supports projects that help to promote peace in our community and around the globe Thank you for your support! We extend wishes for a joyful Christmas and a wonderful and peaceful New Year to you and your loved ones. 12