Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 9:30 am Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017

Transcription

1 Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 9:30 am Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017 *You are welcome to stand as you are able. Congregational parts in bold. CENTERING MUSIC Please ponder this quote in you meditations as you prepare and center yourself for worship: One of the essential paradoxes of Advent: that while we wait for God, we are with God all along, that while we need to be reassured of God s arrival, or the arrival of our homecoming, we are already at home. While we wait, we have to trust, to have faith, but it is God s grace that gives us that faith. As with all spiritual knowledge, two things are true, and equally true, at once. The mind can t grasp paradox; it is the knowledge of the soul. by, Michelle Blake WELCOME Liturgist: Ken M (Please take a moment to register your presence on the Fellowship Pad. Please list each individual attending with you separately and all contact information. If you are visiting us this morning, Welcome! We encourage you to pick up a visitor bag on the welcome banner above the visitor sign-in book. Prayer cards are in the chair racks in the Sanctuary. Please place the cards in the offering plate later in the service.) INTROIT Sing We Now of Christmas Altar Choir *CALL TO WORSHIP L: Before the majesty of God, we gather to worship; In quiet expectation, we come to hear God s promises. P: This is where we belong; here we are warmly greeted. Surely God will feed our deepest hunger. L; Before Gods strength and power, we bow down; In hesitant anticipation, we listen for God s judgment. P: This is our home, where our lives are redirected. Surely God will show us new ways to live. L: Before the mercy of God, we lift our hearts; In humble imagination, we welcome a new visitation. P: This day God is present with us; we feel it. Surely God is preparing for us a time of joy. *OPENING SONG Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Red Hymnal pg.196 *OPENING PRAYER Gracious God, the day we hope for is near. In just hours we will celebrate the birth of your Son, yet there is so much we must do to get ready. Slow us down Lord, so we won t miss the arrival of Jesus into our world and into our lives. In Christ s name we pray. Amen. LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Tim & Carole L Luke 2:1-7 54/58 New Testament/Pew Bible Advent Reader 1: We stand aside, watching from afar as God works miracles in the world. God works with the little we give, no matter how messy or small it may be. Advent Reader 2: God came in the form of man to show us what love can do. Through ordinary people, God accomplished extraordinary things. Like the innkeeper, may we give what little we have knowing that God isn t afraid of our lives chaos. Light Four Candles All: Creator God, you bring order to chaos. Help us not to keep distance from you, but to move closer to touch the sacred and be transformed. Amen. SONG OF RESPONSE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Red Hymnal pg. 211 vs. 1, 2, 3, & 4 A MESSAGE FOR EVERY AGE L: And Jesus said... All: Let the children come! SONG FROM THE PSALMS Psalm 114 Red Hymnal pg. 835 ANTHEM Will We Know Him? Altar Choir HEBREW SCRIPTURE 2 Samuel 7: /281 Old Testament/Pew Bible GOSPEL READING Luke 2:7 54/58 L: A word for God s people New Testament/Pew Bible P: Thanks be to God MESSAGE Open Up Yourself Pastor Wendee Nitz SONG OF PRAYER Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus Red Hymnal pg. 349, sing twice SILENT PRAYER and PRAYERS FOR ONE VOICE

2 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 sins*, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. (*may also say trespasses or debts) SHARING OUR GIFTS *SONG OF PRAISE (sung) Red Hymnal pg. 94 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! *WE SAY THANK YOU TOGETHER Thank you, God, for your mercy and protection, for feeding us physically and spiritually, for caring for us like a shepherd. We present our offerings as an act of gratitude. What we can never repay we pause to appreciate. In the name of generosity we cannot match, we seek to be generous toward others. May these offerings do far more than support our church. We dedicate ourselves and these gifts to honor Christ through ministry in the world. Amen. *CLOSING SONG Blessed Be the God of Israel Red Hymnal pg. 209 *A GOOD WORD AS WE GO OUT L: God, you have called us to see you as we look into the eyes of others. Help us to accept the call to live Christmas in words and deeds, this season and everyday. P: Amen. *CLOSING MUSIC Mission Statement: Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church is a Christian fellowship whose mission is to: worship God, love and serve all people, grow in faith and invite others to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Phone: (414) / office@occum.org or pastor@occumc.org Website: / Newsletter Editor: office@occumc.org Find us on Facebook! facebook.com/occumc No matter where you are on your journey, ALL are welcome here. Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church December 24, 2017 The Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:30 am Service

3 Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 5:00 pm Christmas Eve December 24, 2017 *You are welcome to stand as you are able. Congregational parts in bold. CENTERING MUSIC Welcome and Merry Christmas! Please pick up a battery operated candle outside of the sanctuary to light during our singing of Silent Night. GREETINGS & THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS EVE Pastor Wendee Nitz (Please take a moment to register your presence on the Fellowship Pad. Please list each individual attending with you separately and all contact information. If you are visiting us this evening, Welcome! We encourage you to pick up a visitor bag on the welcome banner above the visitor sign-in book. Prayer cards are in the chair racks in the Sanctuary. Please place the cards in the offering plate later in the service.) *CALL TO WORSHIP L: The splendor of God has been revealed among us. A child has come to change all our ways. P: We who have walked in the shadows have seen the light. We have given up the unnecessary burdens we carry. L: Authority has been assigned to the Wonderful Counselor. Peace and justice will prevail through eternity. P: We will leave judgment to God, whose equity we trust. We are free to rejoice in the beauty God reveals. L: Worship the one who breaks yokes and frees us. Great is our God, and greatly to be praised. P: Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. We are ready to declare God s marvelous works. Liturgist: Jillian I *OPENING SONG O Come, All Ye Faithful Red Hymnal pg. 234, vs. 1, 2, 3, & 4 *OPENING PRAYER You keep surprising us, gracious God. Just when we get settled into our routines, you offer us a transforming birth. While we focus on greatness, you appear in humble circumstances among ordinary people, in out-of-the-way places. Amid the noise of our busyness, the angel song suddenly penetrates our dulled awareness, and we must listen again. O God, keep us from fear or cynicism, lest we miss this opportunity to hear good news that is meant for us, and for all this hostile unbelieving world in which we live. Amen. SHARING OUR GIFTS *WE SAY THANK YOU TOGETHER Thank you, God, for all the gifts you have given us. Most of all, we are grateful for the human child who became the embodiment of your Love. With our offerings, we worship the babe of Bethlehem and recommit ourselves as disciples of the man of Nazareth whom he grew up to be. May the ministry and mission of this church be true to our crucified and risen Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen. *SONG OF PRAISE (sung to the tune) Red Hymnal pg. 95 To God, all glorious heav nly light To Christ revealed in earthly night, To God the Spirit now we raise Our joyful songs of thankful praise. (Charles Coffin, 1736; trans. John Chandler, 1837, alt.) LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH The Mahnke Family John 1: 1-5, 14 86/91 New Testament/Pew Bible Advent Reader 1: Words ring true when embodied rather than simply spoken. Christ is God s loving word spoken to creation embodied by self-giving and light that shines even in the darkest places. Advent Reader 2: God came in human form to show us what love can do. Through ordinary people like those depicted in the nativity scene, God accomplished extraordinary things. May we, like them, give our lives over to the One of hope, peace, joy and love. Light All Five Candles All: Reconciling God, you have bridged the gap between darkness and light. May we move closer to the light of Christ with each passing breath. Amen. SONG OF RESPONSE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Red Hymnal pg. 211 vs. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 INTERACTIVE DRAMA Voices of Bethlehem By, Mary Lou Williams Characters: Get Ready Maybe One of You! O Little Town of Bethlehem Red Hymnal pg. 230, vs. 1 & 4 Pastor Wendee Nitz & First Group of Characters Hark! the Herald Angels Sing - Red Hymnal pg. 240, vs. 1 & 3 Second Group of Characters What Child Is This? Red Hymnal pg. 219, vs. 1 & 2 Third Group of Characters Away in a Manger - Red Hymnal pg. 217, vs. 1 & 3 Fourth Group of Characters Go, Tell It on the Mountain Red Hymnal pg. 251, vs. 1, 2, & 3

4 *LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES 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! *A GOOD WORD AS WE GO OUT OUR CHRISTMAS JOY Joy to the World Red Hymnal pg. 246 All: Merry Christmas everyone! *CLOSING MUSIC Mission Statement: Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church is a Christian fellowship whose mission is to: worship God, love and serve all people, grow in faith and invite others to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Phone: (414) / office@occum.org or pastor@occumc.org Website: / Newsletter Editor: office@occumc.org Find us on Facebook! facebook.com/occumc No matter where you are on your journey, ALL are welcome here. Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church December 24, :00 pm Family Service

5 Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 7:00 pm Christmas Eve December 24, 2017 *You are welcome to stand as you are able. Congregational parts in bold. CHOIR PROCESSIONAL O Holy Night Altar Choir, with Soloist Gina V GREETINGS & THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS EVE Pastor Wendee Nitz (Please take a moment to register your presence on the Fellowship Pad. Please list each individual attending with you separately and all contact information. If you are visiting us this evening, Welcome! We encourage you to pick up a visitor bag on the welcome banner above the visitor sign-in book. Prayer cards are in the chair racks in the Sanctuary. Please place the cards in the offering plate later in the service.) *CALL TO WORSHIP L: The splendor of God has been revealed among us. A child has come to change all our ways. P: We who have walked in the shadows have seen the light. We have given up the unnecessary burdens we carry. L: Authority has been assigned to the Wonderful Counselor. Peace and justice will prevail through eternity. P: We will leave judgment to God, whose equity we trust. We are free to rejoice in the beauty God reveals. L: Worship the one who breaks yokes and frees us. Great is our God, and greatly to be praised. P: Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. We are ready to declare God s marvelous works. Liturgist: Robert L *OPENING SONG O Come, All Ye Faithful Red Hymnal pg. 234, vs. 1, 2, 3, & 4 *OPENING PRAYER You keep surprising us, gracious God. Just when we get settled into our routines, you offer us a transforming birth. While we focus on greatness, you appear in humble circumstances among ordinary people, in out-of-the-way places. Amid the noise of our busyness, the angel song suddenly penetrates our dulled awareness, and we must listen again. O God, keep us from fear or cynicism, lest we miss this opportunity to hear good news that is meant for us, and for all this hostile unbelieving world in which we live. Amen. SPECIAL MUSIC Do You Hear What I Hear Altar Choir LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Ken M John 1: 1-5, 14 86/91 New Testament/Pew Bible Advent Reader 1: Words ring true when embodied rather than simply spoken. Christ is God s loving word spoken to creation embodied by self-giving and light that shines even in the darkest places. Advent Reader 2: God came in human form to show us what love can do. Through ordinary people like those depicted in the nativity scene, God accomplished extraordinary things. May we, like them, give our lives over to the One of hope, peace, joy and love. Light All Five Candles All: Reconciling God, you have bridged the gap between darkness and light. May we move closer to the light of Christ with each passing breath. Amen. SONG OF RESPONSE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel UMH 211, vs. 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 ANTHEM Carol of the Bells Altar Choir SONG FROM THE PSALMS Psalm 96 Red Hymnal pg HEBREW SCRIPTURE Isaiah 9: /638 Old Testament/Pew Bible GOSPEL READING Luke 2:1-20 page 54/58 L: A word for God s people New Testament/Pew Bible P: Thanks be to God MESSAGE Divine Incognito Pastor Wendee Nitz OUR SUNG RESPONSE The First Noel - Red Hymnal pg. 245, vs. 1, 2, & 4 Away in a Manger - Red Hymnal pg. 217, vs. 1, 2, & 3 Angels from the Realms of Glory Red Hymnal pg. 220, vs. 1, 2, & 4 BIDDING 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 sins*, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. (*may also say trespasses or debts) SHARING OUR GIFTS A Christmas Fanfare Altar Choir

6 *SONG OF PRAISE (sung) (sung to the tune) UMH 95 To God, all glorious heav nly light To Christ revealed in earthly night, To God the Spirit now we raise Our joyful songs of thankful praise. (Charles Coffin, 1736; trans. John Chandler, 1837, alt.) *WE SAY THANK YOU TOGETHER Thank you, God, for all the gifts you have given us. Most of all, we are grateful for the human child who became the embodiment of your Love. With our offerings, we worship the babe of Bethlehem and recommit ourselves as disciples of the man of Nazareth whom he grew up to be. May the ministry and mission of this church be true to our crucified and risen Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen. *LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES 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! *A GOOD WORD AS WE GO OUT *OUR CHRISTMAS JOY Joy to the World Red Hymnal pg. 246 Choir only on verse 3 With the Bell Choir *CLOSING MUSIC Mission Statement: Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church is a Christian fellowship whose mission is to: worship God, love and serve all people, grow in faith and invite others to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Phone: (414) / office@occum.org or pastor@occumc.org Website: / Newsletter Editor: office@occumc.org Find us on Facebook! facebook.com/occumc No matter where you are on your journey, ALL are welcome here. Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church December 24, :00 pm Service of Music and Word