Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 8 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
SERVING AT THE 8 PM SERVICE Communion Assistants Lector Sound board Ushers Sue Frantz Jen Melnick Tim Keller Jerry Beil Dave Asher John Frantz Mike Messer John Melnick Sunday, December 30 10:30 am Combined Worship Hour 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. To our musicians: We offer our thanks and appreciation for the contributions from our choir and the instrumentalists. 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, choir, instrumentalists, 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
A SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION WITH CANDLELIGHT AND CAROLS CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE December 24, 2018 8 o clock in the Evening ~ The assembly responds with those parts printed in bold. ~ Prelude Forest Green arr. Wood Bring A Torch (French Carol) arr. Smith Organ/Trumpet Duet: Danny Melnick, Trumpet Instrumentalists for Carols: Ben Durham, Clarinet Will Durham, Trombone Danny Melnick, Trumpet Carly Uehling, Trombone Welcome & Announcements Processional Hymn Please stand as you are able. The assembly responses are in bold. Oh, Come all Ye Faithful Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 283 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. See next page for the hymn 4
5 Oh, Come All Ye Faithful
A Christmas Dialog The word became flesh and lived among us. Oh, come, let us worship him. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. God is light, and in him there is no darkness. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. The word became flesh and lived among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the Father s only Son, full of grace and truth. For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given. In the birth of the Christ Child salvation has appeared. The word became flesh and lived among us. Glory to God in the highest! Prayer of the Day Let us pray. Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 6
Hymn of Praise Angels We Have Heard On High Hard Covered Hymn Book - ELW # 289 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. Please be seated 7
The Readings First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7 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. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 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. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God. 8
Musical Offering There is Great Joy Coming Courtney/Red, arr. Hayes "There is a great joy a comin', there is a great joy a comin', there is a great joy a comin' to the whole people, my Lord." Second Lesson: Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God. Please stand as you are able Response O Little Town of Bethlehem Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 279 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. See next page for the hymn 9
O Little Town of Bethlehem Hard Covered Hymn Book - ELW # 279 Verses 1 and 2 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. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth. For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above, While mortals sleep the Angels keep Their watch of wondering love. 10
The Holy Gospel John 1:1-14 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God. The Gospel Response follows on the next page. 11
Response O Little Town of Bethlehem Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 279 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. Verses 3, 4 and 5 How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given; So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His Heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in. Where children pure and happy Pray to the blessed Child, Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the Mother mild; Where Charity stands watching And faith holds wide the door, The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, And Christmas comes once more. O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray! Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels, The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel! Please be seated. 12
The Message Pastor Bill Vanderslice Please stand as you are able Hymn Away in a Manger Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 277 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. 13
The Apostle s Creed Let us profess our faith in the words of the Apostles Creed. I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Lord. who was conceived by the Holy Spirit born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen 14
The Prayers Please kneel or sit as you are able for the prayers In the Word made flesh, we behold God s love for all people. Therefore, 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 made incarnate in the infant Jesus. May we in words and song tell to all people the story of the gift of salvation we have been given on this holy night. God of grace Hear our prayer. Mighty God, you bring down the powerful and exalt the lowly. We pray tonight for the poor and powerless of this world. We know that they like the shepherds are welcomed at the manger of the Babe of Bethlehem. May they come to know his great love. Guide the leaders of all nations to work so that all may enjoy the wealth of our world. God of grace Hear our prayer. Prince of Peace, send your holy gift of peace upon our world made weary by violence, hate and war that all people might experience your merciful reign. Strengthen us in our desire for peace, help all to work for harmony and joy in their lives and to bring your peace to all the world. God of grace Hear our prayer. The prayers continue on the next page 15
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 who gather here tonight return to their homes in safety, filled with the wonder of God. God of grace Hear our prayer. 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 dwell. 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. The Sharing of God s Peace 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. And also with you. The congregation may greet one another with the peace of God. Offering Please be seated Musical Offering He is Born arr. McDonald "He is born, the holy Child; Play the oboe and bagpipes merrily! He is born, the Holy Child; Sing we all the Savior mild." Please stand as you are able 16
Offertory Hymn verses 1 & 3 What Child Is This Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 296 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. 17
Offertory Prayer 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: The hymn begins on the next page. 18
Words of Institution The pastor continues with the 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 19
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 following the communing of the choir. 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. 20
Communion Hymns The First Noel Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 300 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. Verses 1 and 4 21
Musical Offering Mary s Song/Breath of Heaven Grant Soloist: Debbie Melnick It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 282 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. Verses 1 and 4 22
Good Christian Friends Rejoice Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 288 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. Verses 1 and 3 23
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 270 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. Verses 1 and 3 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 24
The Post Communion Hymn Joy to the World Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 267 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. 25
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. Candle Lighting The light will be passed throughout the congregation beginning with the ushers. Please tilt your unlit candle into the lit candle. The choir will proceed down the side aisle. Once the choir is in place the hymn Silent Night will begin. Please hold the lit candle upright at all times to keep wax from falling onto your neighbor or the floor. To assist with our preparations for Sunday worship please do not pick wax off of the candles onto the pew or floor. 26
Hymn v. 1 all, v. 2 choir, v. 3 all Silent Night Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 281 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 2. All: Choir: All: Please extinguish your candle as the pastor extinguishes his candle. Go in peace and share the light of God s love revealed in the Christ Child. 27
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: 28