First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts Rev. John G. Hughes, II, Senior Pastor Donald R. Dunn, Director of Music-Organist Priscilla Duda, Christian Ministry Coordinator Jessica Skidmore, Youth Director David Reid, Sexton Nancy Klebart, Office Manager Church office: 978-526-7661 ext. 1 Fax: 978-526-7882 Email: office.fpchurch@verizon.net Website: www.firstparishchurch.org
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, December 20, 2015, 10:00 a.m. 4th Sunday of Advent ORGAN PRELUDE: Silent Night Music by Franz Gruber (1787-1863) Arranged by Fred Boch (1939-1998) ANNOUNCEMENTS *[Please stand for the lighting of the candles] CALL TO WORSHIP An Angel, Gabriel, came to Mary and said, Greetings, favored one! God is with you. Mary was perplexed by these words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Let us also contemplate what this favor means. *HYMN: O Come, All Ye Faithful PH #132 LIGHTING OF THE FOURTH ADVENT CANDLE The Tosi Family PRAYER OF INVOCATION What does the embrace of two women mean? One is older, too barren to be with child, yet, as life would have it, she s pregnant! One is younger, not yet secure enough to offer a child a home, yet, here he comes! They will have to be women of ceaseless hope for tomorrow s promises to be realized. Every human act which affirms life is an act of hope, if we can but live it, if we can but endure it. Can we live against judgements? Can we endure moments of imperfection?
Can we bring new possibilities to life? Now, two women embrace they are pregnant with the future, they are pregnant with a love yet unknown. These women are pregnant with God s gifts to us all! Amen. *THE LORD'S PRAYER (trespasses) 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen. *GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen SCRIPTURE READING: Micah 5:2-5a pg. 1445 ANTHEM: Christ is the morning star Words and Music by John Rutter (b. 1945) Christ is the morning star, The light of God that shines from afar; The Son of God in human form revealed, The wound of Adam s sin for ever healed. For God, who formed mankind of clay Will bring forth our salvation that day, When he, who made all things since time began, Will send his Son, to live on earth as man. And when he comes, a child on earth, The sun and stars will shine at his birth, To light a world that long in darkness lay: The light of God, the gift of Christmas Day. Christ is the morning star. And when he comes again as King, Then heav n and all creation shall sing; With saints in glory seated round his throne We ll see his face, and know as we are known. Christ is the morning star. MORNING PRAYER CONGREGATION S JOYS AND CONCERNS Sing out my soul, sing of the Holiness of God: Sing out my soul for a woman, whose singleness of heart, will help lift up the poor,
satisfy the hungry, and give voice to silent souls. Sing out my soul, for this woman will help lower the oppressor, and send the full-bellied away empty. Sing out my soul, for the Child who desires the darkness of the womb, and to inhabit our flesh. Let our souls sing out, O God, for we long for you, even as you long for us. Amen. SILENT PRAYER-PASTORAL PRAYER-CHORAL RESPONSE SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 1:46b-55 pg. 1589 *HYMN: Watchman, Tell Us of the Night PH #109 SERMON: Christmas! Now? MOMENT OF MEDITATION OFFERTORY SENTENCE OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Before the Marvel of This Night Words by Jaroslav J. Vajda (1919-2008) Music by Carl Schalk (b. 1929) Before the marvel of this night Adoring, fold your wings and bow, Then tear the sky apart with light And with your news the world endow. Proclaim the birth of Christ and peace, That fear of death and sorrow cease: Sing peace, sing peace, sing endless peace, Sing peace, sing gift of peace! Awake the sleeping world with song, This is the day the Lord has made, Assemble here, celestial throng, In royal splendor comes arrayed. Give earth a glimpse of heav nly bliss, A teasing taste of what they miss; Sing bliss, sing bliss, sing endless bliss, Sing bliss, sing endless bliss!
The love that we have always known, Our constant joy and endless light, Now to the loveless world be shown, Now break upon this deathly night. Into one song compress the love, That rules our universe above: Sing love, sing love, sing God is love, Sing love, sing God is love! *DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Praise God above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *HYMN: Joy to the World! PH #130 BENEDICTION *[The Removal of the Flame ] CHORAL RESPONSE ORGAN POSTLUDE: God Rest You Merry Traditional English Carol Setting by Wilbur Held (1914-2015) * * * * * The greeters and lay readers are The Tosi Family, Jon, Julie, Santana, and Colton. The flowers are given by the Lapham family...wishing everyone a beautiful Christmas with a year full of peace. The Deacons are Eleanor Harris and Janet Groth. Readers and Greeters are always needed, contact the office or talk to the Deacons. Listening devices are available for those in need; they are at the back of the Sanctuary. Feel free to address a Deacon should you need help using them.
After the service join us in the front of the church for hospitality. Welcome to all who are new to our worship. To join our mailing list fill out a Welcome Card to place in the collection plate or contact office.fpchurch@verizon.net, 978-526-7661 ext. 1. CAROLING Today, December 20 th following worship. Join us! CHRISTMAS EVE Thursday, Dec. 24 5 p.m. family service 7 p.m. candlelight service FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Please call Penny Lapham at 978-526- 7128, by Monday to be included in the following Sunday s bulletin. As the holidays approach, please, keep in mind we are looking for photos of our church families for an updated First Parish Directory to be published in January 2016. We have already received quite a few great family and individual photos so keep them coming! Let us know any address, phone or email changes too! AN HOUR OF TRANQUILITY Wednesdays 6:30 PM An evening of peaceful music and private meditation on Wednesdays when Vespers are not held. All faiths are welcome to join in this space. If you are interested in helping out with the Hour of Tranquility this year, please contact Jason Smith at jason@jungiantherapist.net, or by phone at 617-935-3451.
Looking for Knitting Needles and Yarn The Seaside Parish Knitters are looking for knitting needles and yarn that you might be considering "casting" aside. We continue to knit blankets, shawls, and scarves; and for our military troops: helmet liners, neck gators, and scarves. We use both 100% wool and synthetic fibers for yarn, and straight and round knitting needles...all sizes. Please contact Penny Lapham at 978-526-7128 or laphenpen@live.com We welcome anyone wishing to join us. Book Group continues with a new selection for December; The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown We hope you will join us on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 7:00 at the home of Martha Gubbins at 16 Highwood Road Manchester. All are welcome! Soup and Conversation will resume on January 31with Barbara and Richard Smith presenting- Courage and Light Exploring Passion, Renewal and Creativity with Jim Brandenburg (Nationally acclaimed writer and educator) and Parker Palmer (National Geographic photographer), a life changing project Brandenburg undertook when he was at the peak of his career yet felt drained of his creative passion for his work. This is a beautiful presentation that will help us all renew, strengthen and nurture our purpose. Time to be announced we are considering presenting this as a Supper and Conversation so that the room will be darker allowing for better viewing of the beautiful photos that will be shared. Save the Date for a special Epiphany Service to be hosted by the Confirmation Class on Wednesday, January 6, at 7 pm.
OPEN DOOR CHRISTMAS DINNER The annual FPC Open Door Christmas Dinner will take place on Wednesday, December 23 at 5:00 pm. Help from the congregation is welcome! We need chefs, servers, cleaners and general volunteers. Families and children are encouraged to pitch in. Even an hour of your time is a valuable contribution. Volunteers may work in shifts so you can come early for food prep or setup, arrive in time to serve the dinner, or clean up at the end. All the cooking and prep will be done in the Open Door kitchen beginning at 2:00 pm. We also need pies! Home-baked or store-bought apple pies and pumpkin pies may be dropped off at the chapel by noon on December 23 or at the Open Door in Gloucester during the afternoon. Please contact Alice Eastland at alice@shoreview.com Upcoming events can be found on our website (www.firstparishchurch.org ) under News and Calendar and on our Facebook page (First Parish Manchester-by-the-Sea) Monday 7:30 PM Manchester Singers Tuesday 10:00 AM COA Zumba Wednesday 10:00 AM COA Yoga 5:00 PM FPC Serves The Open Door 6:30 PM Hour of Tranquility 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Thursday Christmas Eve Services Thursday, Dec. 24 5 p.m. family service 7 p.m. candlelight service Friday Merry Christmas! Sunday 10:00 AM Worship