Christmas Eve Family Service at 4 PM December 24, 2018 Christ s Lutheran Church exists to welcome people to faith in Christ Jesus; to equip persons with a faith that works in real life; and to send us in service into the world in Jesus name. Christ s Lutheran Church 700 East Pennsylvania Avenue Oreland, Pennsylvania The Rev. Bill Vanderslice, Pastor Mr. Ken Selinger, Director of Music Mrs. Elise Seyfried, Spiritual Formation Director
SERVING AT THE 4 PM SERVICE Greeters Communion Assistants Acolytes Lector Soundboard Head Usher The Rasmussen Family Dorie Ramsdell Sue Frantz Jason Morrissy, Jake Keller Children & Youth Jen Keller Steve Seyfried Sunday, December 30 one combined service 10:30 am Worship in the Sanctuary There will be no Faith Formation Hour on the morning of December 30. Christ s Evangelical Lutheran Church 700 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oreland, PA 19075 Office Phone: 215-886-4612 FAX: 215-886-1422 www.christs-oreland.org Email: Christlutheran1@comcast.net Bill Vanderslice, Senior Pastor: seniorpastor@christs-oreland.org Ken Selinger, Director of Music: directorofmusic@christs-oreland.org Elise Seyfried, Spiritual Formation Director: faithformdir@christs-oreland.org Lorraine Pfeiffer, Administrative Assistant: clcsecretary@christs-oreland.org Sally Mead, Preschool Director: clcpreschool@christs-oreland.org Peter Carr, Sexton: sexton@christs-oreland.org Office Hours: 8:30am-12:30pm In the event of a pastoral emergency, after office hours, you may reach Pastor Vanderslice by calling his cell phone at: 215-534-2845. Service and hymns from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, copyright 2006. All rights reserved Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress license #14002-LIT. Used by permission. All rights reserved CCLI License # 1589737 One License # A 70825 2
Welcome to Christ s Lutheran Church! May you experience the joy of God s presence as we worship together this evening. We are blessed by your presence! Response throughout the Service ~ The assembly responds with those parts printed in bold. Cell Phones - Please silence your electronic devices before entering the worship area. We request that you put your cell phone on airplane mode to avoid any interference with the sound system. Large Print Bulletins are available in the lobby, or ask an usher. The Christmas poinsettias and decorations are given to the glory of God and are dedicated as presented on the insert. The wine and bread are dedicated by Chris & Joan Reynolds in celebration of the wedding of Alison Reynolds & Colin Murphy. Our Thanks to all those who assisted in preparing our church for this holy night. To our Altar Guild, those assisting the church office, acolytes, young musicians, ushers and greeters, to all of you, our love and thanks! The Loose Plate Offering is used to serve people in crisis through our Helping Hand committee. 3
The Service ~ The assembly responds with those parts printed in bold. ~ Prelude Baby Jesus We Love You Tim Myers Sunday Schoolers Welcome and Announcements Please stand as you are able. A Christmas Litany Tori Tulino, Daria Yohe Tori: All: How long have our people been waiting for the Messiah? A very long time. Daria: The Messiah will come as a mighty king. All: The Messiah will come with splendor and majesty. Tori: The Messiah will sit on a Golden Throne Daria: The Messiah will make everything right for us. All: When will the Messiah come? Tori: All: Maybe we ve been looking in the wrong places, for the wrong kind of king. Maybe there is no golden throne. Daria: Maybe there is a manger instead. Tori: Maybe, just maybe, the Messiah has already come. All: Let us go to the stable tonight. Daria: Let us find a newborn baby. Tori: And let us adore Him. Tori, Daria: Our tiny Messiah. All: Our awesome God. 4
STARRY NIGHT CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS LITURGY PAGEANT CAST Baby Jesus Mary Joseph Innkeeper Head Angel Shepherd s Angel Star of Bethlehem Wise Men and Travelers Shepherds Angels Stars Arden Monaghan Daria Yohe Roman Stein Nick Ebner Fallon George Matti Crossan Jason Morrissy 3 rd & 4 th Grades 1 st & 2 nd Grade Kindergarten 2s & 3s Class & PreK O Come All Ye Faithful Oh, come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him Born the king of angels: Refrain: Narrator: Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! Victoria Ebner Tonight is Christmas Eve in Oreland. It is a cold and starry night. We are here, together, to see a miracle. Let s travel now back over 2,000 years. We are in a small town called Bethlehem. Though we are in the Middle East, where the days are warm, the nights are still cold. It is night now, and cold, and time to go inside and sleep in a cozy house. Many people are on the road tonight, going back to their home towns to be counted. The inns are all full. 5
Away in the Manger Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head; The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. Narrator: Victoria Ebner Down the dusty road comes a couple, Mary and Joseph. They move slowly, because Mary is expecting a baby. As they reach the inn at Bethlehem, the innkeeper turns them away. There are no rooms left. It is late, and they are so cold and tired. Finally the innkeepers agree to let them stay in a stable outside, where the animals sleep. It is here Mary and Joseph stop to rest. It is here that the baby, Jesus, is born. Breath of Heaven Rose Seyfried, voice (Mary and Joseph come up the aisle, and Angel brings up Christ Child.) Narrator: Will Cross There are others outside tonight. Shepherds on a nearby hillside are tending their sheep. They work in the open air, under a canopy of shining stars. Suddenly, they have a visitor. An angel appears to the shepherds to tell them the great news that Jesus has been born. The angel points the way to the manger, to the cradle of the Christ child. They bow down before the newborn, and adore him. Jesus, their Good Shepherd. (Angel leads Shepherds up the aisle.) 6
The First Noel 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 winters night that was so deep. Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the king of Israel. Narrator: Will Cross Meanwhile, a special star is also pointing the way to the holy baby. Wise Men journey from different far off lands in the East, following the star all the way to Bethlehem. They bring the child Jesus gifts of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. They, too, come to worship little Jesus. Jesus, their Lord of Lords, their King of Kings. We Three Kings We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. Refrain: Oh, star of wonder, star of night, star of royal beauty bright; westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to they perfect light! (Star leads Wise Men and Travelers up the aisle.) 7
Narrator: Ray Ebner As people gather around the Holy Family, the whole host of angels rejoices. The angels, too, come to see Him, and so Heaven has come down to earth on this amazing night. They hover around the Baby, and glorify Him. Jesus, Child of Man. Jesus, Child of God. 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 you nations rise; joint the triumph of the skies; With angelic hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Refrain: Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn king! (Angels come up the aisle.) Narrator: Ray Ebner It is a scene of joy. It is a scene of wonder. It is a scene of faith, and hope, and love. The special star and other beautiful twinkling stars shine in the evening sky, tiny lights in the darkness. It is as if the stars themselves are gathering to praise Jesus. Jesus, the Light of the World. 8
O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. (Stars come up the aisle.) Narrator: Tori Tulino Tonight, we are thousands of miles, and thousands of years, from Bethlehem. But here s the miracle: we still see him, just like the shepherds and kings, the angels and stars. We still cluster around Mary, and Joseph, and the blessed Baby. Jesus is born, again, tonight. Joy to the World Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; let ev'ry heart prepare him room and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing. 9
Narrator: Tori Tulino God sent his Son to earth as a little child. God loves all children in a very special way. So now we invite all the children in this church to come to the stable. Come, visit our Savior right now. Come, give Him the gift of your love, shining like a million twinkling stars. (During the music, all the children take stars up the center aisle and place them in front of the manger. They return to their seats.) Musical Interlude The Christmas Message "Birthday Blessings" Elise Seyfried The Prayers Fallon George: In Jesus, we behold God s love for all people. So let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need. Wonderful Counselor, you sent us the hopes and dreams of all the years as an infant born in a manger, a savior born of Mary. We give you thanks and praise for this amazing gift of love. Help us to remember the true meaning of Christmas: your love come to earth in Jesus. May we in words and song tell the story of the gift of salvation we have been given this night. God of grace All: Tonight we join the angels in singing praises to you. Shane Morrissy: Mighty God, you bring down the powerful and lift up the lowly. We pray tonight for the poor and powerless of this world. They, like the shepherds, are welcome at the manger. May they come to know your great love. Guide the leaders of all nations, so that everyone may enjoy the wealth of our world. God of grace All: With the shepherds we run to see the great gift you have given us. 10
Nick Ebner: Prince of Peace, send your holy gift of peace upon a world filled with so much violence, hate and war, so that all people might be safe and cared for. Help us all to work for peace, harmony and joy in the lives of everyone. God of grace All: With the donkey, the cows, the doves and all the animals in the stable we pray for peace and harmony for our world. Andrew Stein: Everlasting Father, we give thanks for visitors and travelers who join us in worship. May they find here a warm welcome as we all welcome our savior, the newborn king. May all of us here tonight return to our homes in safety, filled with the wonder of God. God of grace All: With Mary and Joseph we welcome our newborn king. Matti Crossan: O Lord our God, with Mary and Joseph, angels and shepherds, and the animals in the stable, we gather around your Son, born for us. Bless us with your holy presence and inspire us to help those who have no place to live. Be with us that we might share Christ's love with all the world, for he is our light and salvation. Glory in heaven and peace on earth, now and forever. Amen. 11
The Sharing of God s Peace Matti Crossan Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. And his name is the wonderful counselor, the almighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace who brings us peace. The peace of the Lord be with you always. All: And also with you. The congregation may greet one another with the peace of God. The Offering Be a Candle of Hope Youth Choir Logan Crawford Matti Crossan Victoria Ebner Melody Maurer Makenzie Spillane Michaela Spillane Lizzie Stricklin Tori Tulino Carly Uehling Daria Yohe Please stand as you are able when the offering plates are brought forward. 12
Offertory Hymn Verse 1 What Child Is This Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 296 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. 13
Offertory Prayer The assembly responses are in bold. 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 a 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. 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. It is indeed right our duty and our joy.. The pastor continues with the preface appropriate to the day or season. we praise your name and join their unending hymn: See the next page for the hymn. 14
The pastor continues with the words of institution. Words of Institution You are indeed holy, almighty and merciful God. You are most holy, and great is the majesty of your glory. You so loved the world that you gave your only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. We give you thanks for his coming into the world to fulfill for us your holy will and to accomplish all things for our salvation. In the night in which he was betrayed To you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory in your holy church, now and forever. All: Amen The service continues on the next page. 15
Lord s Prayer Lord remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray. 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. Gathering at the Lord s Table Communion will be distributed by intinction on the congregational level. Please receive the bread from the pastor and dip the bread in a cup held by the assistant. Wine is available in the first cup. Grape juice is available in the second glass cup. Gluten and rice free wafers are also available on the shelf at the front pew on either side of the center aisle. All are welcome We are strengthened and renewed by the real presence of Christ at his table. Come forward by the center aisle as directed by an usher. All are welcome; children not yet communing and adults not wishing to commune are invited to come forward with hands folded for a blessing. 16
Communion Hymns Verses 1 & 2 The First Noel Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 300 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. 17
Verses 1 & 4 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 282 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. 18
Verses 1 & 3 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 288 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. 19
Verses 1 & 3 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 270 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. Post Communion Blessing Please stand as you are able. The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen 20
The Post Communion Hymn Joy to the World Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 267 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. Verses 2, 3 & 4 21
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. Benediction From Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen. 22
Passing of the Glow Sticks Hymn Silent Night Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 281 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. Youth: All: All: You may take your glow stick with you as you depart with the light of Christ. Go in peace and share the light of God s love revealed in the Christ Child. 23
VISITOR & MEMBER INFORMATION CARD If you are visitor or congregational member please print the information, remove from the program, & place it in the offering plate. Today s Date: Your Name: Address Home phone Cell phone Email I communed today. I am visiting this morning. 1 st time 2 or more times I would like information about children s programs. Ages I would like information about church membership. My home church is: I am a member. Please note a change in my contact information. I am not currently receiving email announcements from the church office, please add me to the weekly E-News. Prayer Requests: Please add to the prayer list: (please state relationship & reason) Message for Church Office / Pastor: 24