Invocation Remarks and Pastoral Prayer Hymn 534 Greenwood Forest Baptist Church Children s Christmas Eve Service Rev. Spears-Newsome Rev. Dr. Luther Brewer Bricks and Mortar, Hands and Labor Chiming of the Hour Processional Hymn 127 (v. 1 & 4) GREENWOOD FOREST BAPTIST CHURCH The Worship of God Christmas Eve Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Stewardship Testimony BEING STEWARDS Elizabeth Biser Welcome to Worship Leader: The Lord be with you People: And also with you. Rev. Lauren Efird Offertory Prayer Megan Jarrell Passing of the Peace Offertory Fantasy on a Theme by J.S. Bach G. Rebling Presentation of the Offering Transcendent God OLD 100TH Transcendent God, we bless your name, Incarnate Christ, the risen one, The Spirit with us, Immanent, The Source, the Word, the Breath of life! Amen. HEARING THE WORD Scripture Reading Isaiah 12:2-6 Mac Graham We affirm the reading of Scripture with the following response: Reader: The word of God for us, the people of God. People: Thanks be to God. Preparation for Worship The Friendly Beasts Sufjan Stevens Jesus our brother, strong and good, was humbly born in a stable rude, And the friendly beasts around him stood, Jesus our brother, strong and good. "I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown, "I carried his mother up hill and down; I carried his mother to Bethlehem town. I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown. "I," said the cow, all white and red, "I gave him my manger for his bed; I gave him my hay to pillow his head. I," said the cow, all white and red. "I," said the sheep with curly horn, "I gave him my wool for his blanket warm; He wore my coat on Christmas morn. I," said the sheep with curly horn. "I," said the dove from the rafters high, "I cooed him to sleep so that he would not cry; We cooed him to sleep, my mate and I. I," said the dove from the rafters high. Hymn 339 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name Monday, December 24, 2018 Monday, December 11:00 am 24, 2018 11:00 am Thus every beast by some good spell in the stable dark was glad to tell Of the gift he gave Emmanuel, the gift he gave Emmanuel.
Lighting of the Christ Candle Call to Worship Leader: The world was once in darkness; People: Now we have God s light Jesus to shine on us! Leader: The words and promises of God are all true! People: God has given us the best gift of all! Leader: Rejoice! God is with us! People: Praise be to God! Invocation Reflection on the Stable and the Animals Hymn 110 (v. 1) Reflection on the Angel and Joseph Madeline Walden Rev. Wesley Spears-Newsome Away in a Manger Carols Glory to God arr. Nan Grantham Preschool Choir Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory in the highest. Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory in the highest. Alleluia, amen. Alleluia, amen. Alleluia, amen. Ring the Bells, It s Christmas! Preschool Choir Susan Naylor Callaway Ring the bells, it s Christmas. Ring the bells, it s Christmas. The baby slept upon the hay. Ring the bells, it s Christmas. Christ is born today. Ring the bells, it s Christmas. Ring the bells, it s Christmas. A bright star shone o er Bethlehem. Ring the bells, it s Christmas. Christ is born today. Reflection on Mary Hymn 107 (v. 2) Reflection on the Christ Child O Little Town of Bethlehem Rev. Spears-Newsome Carol Infant Holy, Infant Lowly arr. Keith Christopher Young Musicians Helen Bishop, Flute Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; Oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the babe is Lord of all. Swift are winging, angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the babe is Lord of all. Christ the babe is Lord of all. Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new Saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow: Christ the babe was born for you. Christ the babe was born for you. Reflection on the Shepherds Hymn 143 (v. 1) Reflection on the Magi Hymn 151 (v. 1) Go, Tell It on the Mountain We Three Kings Offertory Three Kings of Orient arr. Linker Offertory Prayer Megan Jarrell Presentation of the Offering In the Bleak Midwinter CRANHAM What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give him: give him my heart.
Reading Now the Work of Christmas Begins Rev. Stephen Stacks by Howard Thurman Closing Prayer Hymn 134 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 Benediction Postlude Please stand as you are able. Hearing assistance devices are available at the back of the sanctuary. The cover art is entitled Nativity by artist Matt Lyon. Poinsettias given in honor or memory of a loved one may be taken home following the service. Plant sleeves are available in the narthex. Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born! 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. 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.
Announcements and Upcoming Events Note of Thanks The entire church staff wishes to thank everyone for their generous love offering gifts for Christmas. We are honored that you remembered each of us in such a loving way. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Poinsettias Please feel free to take home your poinsettias after either the 11am or the 8pm Christmas Eve worship services. Church Office Closed The church office will be closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 24, 25, and 26. The office will be open on Thursday, December 27 but will close after that until Wednesday, January 2. Year-End Contributions Please make sure that any year-end contributions are postmarked by Monday, December 31 to ensure that they appear on your 2018 Contribution Statement. Please note the office hours above if you plan to hand deliver your offering. Stock Donations Year-End Tax Reminder If you plan to make a stock donation to the church this year, please do so immediately. The donation must be in the church s account by Monday, December 31 to receive credit for 2018. Join the Sanctuary Choir The Sanctuary Choir will begin regular Wednesday rehearsals again on Wednesday, January 2 at 7 pm. Join us! Sanctuary Flowers If you would like to provide flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or in memory of a loved one, please sign up on the chart posted outside the church office. The office will order the flowers for you and be sure they are delivered on your chosen Sunday. The cost is $55.
Welcome to Our Church Community! Our Vision Our vision is to be a welcoming and diverse community of faith united in Christ. Our purpose is to worship God and to form and equip disciples who selflessly share their resources and provide loving service to all. Our Core Values Centrality of Christ and Scripture Inclusivity and Diversity in Community Women in All Areas of Leadership Ministries for People of All Ages Liturgy and Innovation in Worship Spiritual and Intellectual Formation Showing God s Love through Missional Service Sharing Our Resources with Others Unity in Fellowship and Family Life Historic Baptist Beliefs and Practices For more information about our church, please visit our website at gfbccary.org or contact us at 919-467-0481. an inclusive community of faith 110 SE Maynard Road Cary, NC 27511-4599 Church Office: 919-467-0481 Fax: 919-467-0556 Website: www.gfbccary.org Email: info@gfbccary.org Leadership Rev. Lauren Efird, Senior Pastor Rev. Stephen Stacks, Associate Pastor of Worship and Faith Formation Rev. Wesley Spears-Newsome, Associate Pastor of Community and Youth Ministry, Director of Children s Ministry Helen Bishop, Organist Dr. Luther Brewer, Pastor Emeritus All Who Serve This Church