WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 2018 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Candlelight Communion Services 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. A Covenant Network Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) An Earth Care Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Westminster Presbyterian Church 1502 West 13th Street Wilmington, DE (302)

2 WELCOME ON THIS HOLY NIGHT, we immerse ourselves in 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. To learn more about our community of faith, please contact the Rev. Sudie Niesen Thompson at sniesenthompson@wpc.org or ext Our Christmas decorations are labors of love by: Linda Watson, Clark and Donna Collins, Kevin and Chelsea Collins and their children, Jill Getty, Mary Field, Ralph Lewis, Linda and Paul McGregor, Carol Mosher, Lois Underhill, Mary Vane, Dan Weber and Sue Weissinger. Our deep thanks to all who helped decorate our church for Christmas. The trees in the Sanctuary, Rodney Chapel, and Pavilion have been decorated with 160 beautifully handmade ornaments called Chrismons (Christ + Monogram). We hope these Christian symbols will prompt you to contemplate Christ and the meaning of Christmas. Handouts with a description of the Christian ornaments are located on the literature table, near the reception desk. The Chancel flowers this evening are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Charles M. Krick, Jr. and Ann E. Linderman by Sue and Bob Linderman. Church Office Holiday Hours: The church office will be closed all day on Tuesday, December 25. The church office will be OPEN December 24, (9 am to 12 noon) and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on December 26, 27, 28 and 31 if you wish to drop off a year-end donation. Also, all donations postmarked by December 31, 2018 will be considered received and credited on your 2018 contribution statement. If you have questions concerning the status of your 2018 pledge, please contact Colleen Falasco (cfalasco@wpc.org or ext. 131). Musicians for this evening s services Robin Mayforth, violin Merideth Hite Estevez, oboe (8:00) The Westminster Choir (8:00) Westminster Solo Quartet (10:00) Paul Fleckenstein, organist/director Cover image credit: Nativity art by Darcy Lee Saxton ( This Sunday, December 30, there will be one worship service at 10:00 a.m. Nursery care provided. 2

3 SITTING ON THE HILLSIDES Most of us who gather in Bethlehem on this night are not the star seekers. We ve not traveled our dreams month after month and year after year, poring over predictions and promises. Most of us sit on our hillsides tending our sheep, business as usual. Oh, we ve heard rumors of stars, but we don t really give ourselves to seeking. After all, there s more than enough to do in the daily tending. We re simply not on the lookout for stars, nor expecting any light in our darkness. I suppose the important things is, in the light of the glory of the Lord, to recognize the voice of an angel and to get up, and in spite of our sheep to go even unto Bethlehem to see this thing that has happened. Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem 3

4 CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE 8:00 P.M. AND 10:00 P.M. TOWER CHIME (10:00) Craig Checkel PRELUDE MUSIC (Organ) Toccata, Il est né, le divin Enfant Denis Bédard (He Is Born, the Divine Christ-Child) (Violin, 8:00) Benedictus William Lloyd Webber (Oboe, 8:00) Gesù Bambino Pietro A. Yon (Violin, 8:00) Adoration Felix Borowski (Oboe, 8:00) Concerto in C minor Alessandro Marcello II. Adagio (Violin) Christmas Fantasy Sigurd M. Øgaard CALL TO WORSHIP The light of life has come into the world. Our Savior is born in Bethlehem. Glory to God in the highest! May there be peace and goodwill to all! *HYMN NO. 133 O Come, All Ye Faithful ADESTE FIDELES LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE Sharon and Charles Babcock (8:00) Linda and Bob Cox (10:00) 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. The Christ candle is lit. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will never overcome it! PRAYER OF ADORATION God of new beginnings and surprising opportunities, we celebrate your coming into our lives. By your birth you underscored your love for the world and the importance of life on earth. Through your ministry you showed us how to live a God-filled life and called us to join you in healing the wounds of the world. Fill our hearts this night with your love and grace so that we may become conduits of your compassion for a world yearning for peace. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen. Passages in bold print may be said by all. At the asterisk (*) please stand as you are able. 4

5 ANTHEM God s Surprise Walter Pelz Who would think that what was needed Shepherds watch and sages wonder, To transform and save the earth Monarchs scorn and angels sing; Might not be a plan or army, Such a place as none would reckon Proud in purpose, proved in worth? Hosts a holy, helpless thing; Who would think, despite derision, Stabled beasts and passing strangers That a child should lead the way? Watch a baby laid in hay. Centuries of skill and science Span the past from which we move, Yet experience questions whether, With such progress, we improve. In our search for sense and meaning, Lest our hopes and humor fray, God surprises earth and heaven, Coming here on Christmas Day. SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 2:1-14 Jon McPheeters (10:00) *HYMN NO. 113 Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 2:15-20 ANTHEM (8:00) Welcome, Holy Child Raymond H. Haan Sleep, Holy Babe, Upon your mother s breast. Sleep, Holy Babe, As angels watch around Great Lord of earth and sea and sky, All bending low with folded wings How meekly now we see you lie Before th Incarnate King of kings, In such a place of rest. In rev rent awe profound. O Blessed Babe, Our hearts with love abound, For you have come to give us rest. Be in our hearts a welcome guest; Within our hearts be crowned. ANTHEM (10:00) Winds Through the Olive Trees arr. Carolyn Jennings Winds through the olive trees softly did blow Then from the happy skies angels bent low, Round little Bethlehem long, long ago. Singing their songs of joy; long, long ago. Sheep on the hillside lay whiter than snow, For in a manger bed, cradled we know, Shepherds were watching them, long, long ago. Christ came to Bethlehem, long, long ago. Let us now join in the angels noel, Raising our voices the good news to tell. And then bow down at the manger so small, Humbly receiving God s great gift to all. SERMON Christmas Message Greg Jones *HYMN NO. 119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN CHRISTMAS OFFERING The entire Christmas Eve Offering is given to those in need beyond our walls. Please see the back cover for information on these ministries. 5

6 OFFERTORY ANTHEM Noel We Sing Daquin/DeCormier/Biggs Angels of the Lord they came from the heavens singing, Called the shepherds forth by name while the bells were ringing, Told the shepherds where they lay, Jesus Christ was born today, To the manger, straight they came, there they knelt before Him, singing praises to His name, thus they did adore Him, Echoing their sweet amen, Christ is born in Bethlehem. CELEBRATION OF THE LORD S SUPPER INVITATION TO THE TABLE Noel we sing, Christ is born a King. Leave your ewes and leave your rams, leave the watch you re keeping, Leave your sheep and leave your lambs on the hillside sleeping, Rise up, shepherd, follow me to the manger lowly. Trumpets sound and angels sing, join in celebration, To us all good tidings bring of a new creation. For today a Child is born, Jesus son of Mary. The Lord s Supper is open to all who trust in Christ. 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! HYMN NO. 123 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear CAROL THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Eternal God LORD S PRAYER (page 35 in our Glory to God hymnal, using debts and debtors ) WORDS OF INSTITUTION COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE When you approach a communion server, please take a piece of bread, the symbol of Christ s love for you, and dip it in the cup, representing your new life in Christ. If you are unable to come forward, please tell an usher so that you may be served. For those who have wheat allergies, we provide gluten-free rice crackers with the communion bread. 6

7 MUSIC DURING COMMUNION (Violin/oboe, 8:00) Double Concerto for Oboe and Violin J. S. Bach II. Adagio (Choir) O Little Town of Bethlehem arr. James Biery 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 which 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. HYMN 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. 1. Silent night, holy night! 2. 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. 3. Silent night, holy night! 4. Son of God, love s pure light radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. 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! 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. BENEDICTION *HYMN NO. 134 Joy to the World ANTIOCH Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let earth receive her king; Let all their songs employ, let every heart prepare him room, while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains and heaven and nature sing, repeat the sounding joy, and heaven and nature sing, repeat the sounding joy, and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. repeat, repeat the sounding joy. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love. 7

8 CHRISTMAS 2018 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS In Loving Memory of: William Stuart Albert Gene and Carol Hopkins Bernie Alexander Jane and Wally Johnson Em and Jim Bercaw Bill Deans Mr. and Mrs. David Bernhard, Grandparents Mr. Victor Lawryniuk, Grandparent Mr. and Mrs. John R. Becker, Grandparents Mr. John R. Becker, Uncle Mrs. Marianne Wizgall, Dear Friend Pauline and Lewis Black Our Parents and Other Loved Ones William S. Browne, Sr., My Husband Britt Burns Fred Carspecken Our Parents Mr. and Mrs. William J. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Henry Checkel Bob Churchill Maury Colbert Jo and Phil Collins Art Connolly Jim and Doris Corner Janet and Bob Eissner James L. Everett Loved Ones of Collins and Falasco families George Fleming, Wesley Dudding and Megan Sue Walker Jessie and Cerd Marsh Frank and Ann Pickering Ethel and John A. Gavenonis., Sr. Mrs. Minnie Vici Gordon Gemmell Wilbur and Grace Daddow James W. Gkonos, Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather Marion and Lester Gorman Ruth and Don Morrow Audrey Hatfield Russell and Myrt Hickey Given By: Rich and Taryn Albert Rich and Taryn Albert The Alexander Family Nancy and Walter Bercaw Nancy and Walter Bercaw Fay Deans Barnaby Diane M. Bernhard Diane M. Bernhard Diane M. Bernhard Diane M. Bernhard Diane M. Bernhard Kay and Lew Black Nancy and Herb Boden Dianne Browne Ty, Cathy, Alexis and Zi Burns Signy and John Carson Polly and Jim Carter Jeanne and Bob Checkel Jeanne and Bob Checkel His Family Nancy Colbert Donna and Clark Collins Joan Connolly Roger and Paula Corner Their Family Gail R. Everett Colleen and Marty Falasco Nancy, Dan and Jake Barbara and Jerry Fedeler Natalie and Tom Freeman The Gavenonis Family The Gavenonis Family His Family Their Family The Gkonos/Weisberg Families Art and Barbara Gorman Art and Barbara Gorman Jon and Jamie Hickey and Family Jon and Jamie Hickey and Family 8

9 CHRISTMAS 2018 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS In Loving Memory of: Given By: Nick Marcopulous Cathy Higgins Elizabeth and Rodney Higgins Cathy Higgins Our Parents Carol and Tom Hogue Conrad L. Hoover Barbara Hoover John and Dot Hunter Beth, John and Amy Sarah and David Frie and Son David Suzie Hurlock Fred Hurlock Jr.; Frances and Fred Hurlock Sr. Suzie Hurlock Bill and Gretchen Iobst Fred and Jane Iobst Simon and Lee McNeely Fred and Jane Iobst John Jessup His Loving Family Melissa, Paul and Mary Fred Carspecken John and Dede Johnston Husband Robert Kelley and Daughter Gail Kelley Veith Helen Kelley Our Parents and Grandparents Gary and Kitty Knox Jerry Lee, beloved Husband and Father Virginia Lee and Family Loved Ones Virginia Lee and Family E. Wayne Lemons Janet Lemons Amy Michener Lengel Eric, Katie, Jason and Justin Lengel Devon Lengel Eric, Katie, Jason and Justin Lengel Mother and Father Ralph L. Lewis Grandparents: Ralph and Leola Lewis and Wm. H. and Lela G Thompson; Aunts and Uncles Ralph L. Lewis Our Parents, Charles M. Krick, Jr. and Ann E. Linderman Sue and Bob Linderman Loved Ones Margaret P. Lounsbury Amy Michener Lengel Bunny and Jack Michener John, Lillian and Mildred Michener Bunny and Jack Michener Arnold, Alice and Charles Sharpley Bunny and Jack Michener Barbara L. Miller Her Family Our Parents Mary Lu and Roland Pamm George R. Patrick, George H. Patrick, Martha Patrick, Carrie Peters, Raymond H. Peters The Patrick Family Edward G. Reese Emily and Keith Pfaff Janet and Jack Foster Anne Foster and Chip Pfleegor Sally Evans and Charles Pfleegor Anne Foster and Chip Pfleegor Our Parents Linda and Charlie Reinhardt Our Parents, Alexandra Scofield Bob and Sue Scofield Minna and Russ Vollmer Ann Shadduck Robert K. Shadduck Ann Shadduck 9

10 CHRISTMAS 2018 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS In Loving Memory of: Given By: Jay, Anne, Grandpap, Grammy Spilecki Family Our Parents David and Jane M. Stabler Dorothy and Paul Steen Barbara Steen Our Parents Paul and Judy Stoffer Aunt Joan Sandy and Stark Thompson Karl Kniel Kristian and Keira Tolbert Stokes Walesby Kristian and Keira Tolbert My Parents Linda Budd Watson Peter J. Wayne His Family L. Martin Gravely Barbara Gravely Welch Bob and Carol Upson Barbara Gravely Welch Sally and Stephen Wemmers Craig Wemmers CHRISTMAS 2018 POINSETTIAS In Honor of: Westminster Staff The Phixit Corps Sudie and Greg The Staff The Security Crew Robert and Joan Paula VanDegrift Szczuka, My Sister Peggy Cartmell Margie Lounsbury June Marie Fleming Jeanne and Robert Checkel Robert Kline Sr.(Bobo), Dorothy Dulemba (Grandma) Gavin, Payton, Gates, Valerie Thompson Given By: Anonymous A Fan A Fan A Fan A Fan A Fan Dianne Brown Roger and Paula Corner Roger and Paula Corner Nancy, Dan and Jake Ralph L. Lewis Spilecki Family Sandy and Stark Thompson 10

11 PASTORAL STAFF Gregory Knox Jones, Head of Staff Sudie Niesen Thompson, Associate Pastor Jill Getty, Pastoral Care Assistant DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES: Teisha Fooks MUSIC STAFF Paul Fleckenstein, Organist/Director of Music Merideth Hite Estevez, Director of Faith Formation through Music and Arts, Teaching Artist in Residence Allison Martin, Assistant Director of Children s Music Soloist/Section Leaders: Hye Eun Choi, Sharon Babcock, Jason Berger, Brenton Mattox YOUTH LEADERS Merideth Hite Estevez Josh Cox, Chris Hickey, Emily Knepper, Molly McPheeters, Tommy Neilson SUPPORT STAFF Susan Alexander, Reception Area Supervisor Mary Clark, Office Assistant for Data and Archives Paul Crothamel, Director of Facilities and Security Colleen Falasco, Director of Financial Operations Nicole Hughes, Director of Marketing and Communications Jerry Hunter, Financial Assistant Suzie Hurlock, Administrative Assistant Cathy Lang, Administrative Assistant Sextons: Thomas Carter, Robert King, Joan Truitt, John Young Nursery: Beatrice Taylor, Kristen Wolanski SESSION Jen Barrington, Karen Beer, Ty Burns, Sally Buttner, Chad Chandler, Jeanne Checkel, Joe Daley, Karen Dietz, Rich Diver, Michael Enderle, Peter Gildner, Cathy Higgins, Carol Hogue, Barbara Jobe, Kelly McCulloch, Mark Mosher, Margo Reign, Carrie Saathoff, Kent Smith, Janet Steinwedel, Barb Stratton, Mary Vane, Susan Williamson, Helen Zumsteg BOARD OF DEACONS Jeff Argus, Roger Atkins, Liz Bacon, Don Beddie, Amy Bickhart, Kyle Carrick, Beatty Chadwick, Diane Chandler, Barry Cobb, Nancy Diver, Teisha Fooks, Nicole Fox, Laura Holmes, Louis Horton, Hillary King, Cathy Lang, Kris Marvel, Luke Mathé, Dan McAllister, Sally McBride, Debbie McCullough, Blair McConnel, Mary Lou McDowell, Carol Neff, Ann Shadduck, Lisa Stoddard, Josh Thomas, Sharlym Torres, Jennifer Trickey, Hugh Underhill, Lois Underhill, Lowell Underhill, Jennie Wagner, Gen Wallace-Roe, Sue Weissinger, Pam White, Sandy White, Debbie Wise TRUSTEES Charley Babcock, Gary Bryde, Jim Carter, Denison Hatch, Bobbe Hoy, Fred Iobst, Mary Lu Pamm, Bob Ridout, Tom Preston, Barbara Steen, Bruce Weber, Dan Weintraub PARTNERS IN WORLDWIDE MINISTRY Congo PCUSA Mission Co-workers: John and Gwenda Fletcher, Jeff and Christi Boyd, Larry and Inga Sthreshley, Cecilé de Sweemer, MD; Kananga Presbytery and Members of Kamulumba-Ditalala Parish Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon PCUSA Mission Co-workers: the Reverends Elmarie and Scott Parker, Dr. Mary Mikhael Ibillin and Haifa, Israel/Palestine Peace Drums Steel Band Guatemala - CEDEPCA, Rosario Diaz and the Association of Mam Christian Women for Development 11

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