Christmas Eve 2017 The Presbyterian Church in Morristown
Welcome to Our Church We are a historic church, part of a historic denomination, and we celebrate this history while exploring ways to bring passion and freshness to our worship and congregational life. Join us as we seek to discover Fresh Traditional ways to proclaim, gather, and nurture, all toward continuing Jesus Christ s earthly ministry of building God s Kingdom. Wishing you a Blessed Christmas! We are happy to have you visit with us today and hope that your worship experience was blessed. Please come back again. Our worship schedule is printed on the back cover. Visiting with Children? Activity materials for young worshipers are in the drawers of the literature chests in both vestibules. Please accompany children (under 10 years of age) to the restrooms, accessible through door in the front left area of the sanctuary. Special Needs? Feel free to ask for assistance if you have any questions or special needs. Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available from the ushers in the back of the church.
The Presbyterian Church in Morristown December 24, 2017 The Nativity of the Lord Celebration of Worship VOLUNTARIES Exultate Deo O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Joyance Carol of the Bells The Ringers on the Green (6:30pm) Greensleeves Fantasy on an Irish Tune O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Carol of the Bells The Chancel Ringers (10:30pm) Selections for Guitar Jill Fedon arr. Alan Lohr Ron Mallory arr. Kevin McChesney Jason W. Krug Arnold B. Sherman arr. Alan Lohr arr. Kevin McChesney Carlos Cuestas, guitar Chorale and Prelude on "In dulci jubilo" J. S. Bach (1685-1750) Prelude on "In dulci jubilo" Marcel Dupre (1886-1971) Prelude on "In dulci jubilo" J. M. Bach (1648-1694) Kevin Graf, organ
INTROIT GREETING My Lord Has Come Will Todd (b. 1970) The Chancel Choir Shepherds, called by angels, called by love and angels; no place for them but a stable. My Lord has come. Sages, searching for stars, searching for love in heaven; no place for them but a stable. My Lord has come. His love will hold me, his love will cherish me, love will cradle me. Lead me to see him, sages and shepherds and angels; no place for me but a stable. My Lord has come. * CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively) There is good news of great joy for all! People: Our Savior is born: the Messiah, the Lord. Light shines on those who live in darkness, People: for a child is born to us this night. Let us worship God. * HYMN 133 O Come, All Ye Faithful Adeste Fideles PROMISE OF THE MESSIAH READING Isaiah 40:1, 3-5 (Old Testament, page 627) Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. People: A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; The uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. People: Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. READING Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (Old Testament, page 600) * HYMN 145 What Child Is This? Greensleeves
THE MESSIAH COMES READING Luke 1:26-35, 38 (New Testament, page 52) Blessed Jesus, Messiah, born of woman Mary, as you lived and died among us like a brother, welcoming all and inviting the least of us to walk and talk with you. People: Renew us in that image. Make us loving signs of your hospitality and justice. READING Luke 2:6-20 (New Testament, page 54) MESSAGE Dr. Smazik OFFERTORY Sure on this Shining Night Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943) The Chancel Choir Sure on this shining night of star-made shadows round, kindness must watch for me this side the ground, on this shining night. The late year lies down the north, all is healed, all is health. High summer holds the earth, hearts are whole. I weep for wandering far alone of shadows on the stars. Sure on this shining night. SHARING THE LIGHT OF THE MESSIAH READING John 1:1-14 (New Testament, page 86) LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE The light has come. Rejoice! People: The sun of righteousness has dawned upon us! The Prince of Peace is among us, bringing us light and life. People: We have found the Messiah PASSING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST [While all are seated, the candles are lighted during the singing of the anthem.]
ANTHEM The First Nowell arr. Mack Wilberg (b. 1955) The Chancel Choir The first Nowell 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 winter s night that was so deep. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell! Born is the King of Israel. They looked up and saw a star shining in the East beyond them far, and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord that hath made heaven and earth of nought, and with his blood mankind hath bought. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell! Born is the King of Israel! HYMN 122 Silent Night, Holy Night Stille Nacht THE RINGING IN OF CHRISTMAS DAY (11:00pm only) * HYMN 134 Joy to the World Antioch [Following the hymn, the candles are extinguished.] * BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Carillon de Westminster Louis Vierne (1870-1937) Kevin Graf, organ The cover for this year s bulletin is from an original oil painting, PC Morristown, Winter (2011), by church member Carol Johnson. We thank Carol for generously allowing us to use her artwork, and we look forward to featuring the artwork of other church members in years to come.
WORSHIP LEADERS The Reverend Dr. David Smazik The Reverend Jeanne Radak Pastor Linda Gaden Dr. Matthew Webb, Director of Music Kevin Graf, Organ Scholar Carlos Cuestas, guitar The Ringers on the Green, The Chancel Ringers The Chancel Choir GREETERS The Grassmyer Family (7:00pm) Bill San Fillippo, Ann Smazik, Beverly and Tom Tignor (11:00pm) USHERS Thank you to our ushers who are serving today. ACOLYTES Liam Lawlor and Mekhi Lawrence (7:00pm) Lisa Fraebel and Jack Fraebel (11:00pm) THE POINSETTIAS for Christmas are funded by gifts from members and friends of the Presbyterian Church. The names of those honored are listed in a booklet available from the ushers.
Worship Schedule: We invite you to join us in worship at The Presbyterian Church in Morristown. Sunday, December 31 Service at 10:00am in the Sanctuary Regular Sunday Services resume on January 7, 2018 at 7:45am for Worship with Communion in the Chapel and 10:00am in the Sanctuary More information on our Church, our programs and special musical events is available on our website www.pcmorristown.org THE STAFF The Reverend Dr. David Smazik, Senior Pastor The Reverend Sarah Green, Associate Pastor Director of Music: Dr. Matthew Webb Director of Children s Music: Julie Ramseyer Director of Christian Education: Alexandra Mead Director of Youth & Young Adults Ministries: Angela Rines Director of the PCM Nursery School: Jeanne Mueller Director of Finance: Jennifer Ayanian Director of Operations: Dan Keoppel Communications Coordinator: Cali Woods Administrative Assistants: Sarah Galo and Julie Hess Head Sexton: Kristo Pango Custodians: Caleb Johnson and Vivianna Vieira The Presbyterian Church in Morristown Sanctuary and Chapel: 57 East Park Place, Parish House and Offices: 65 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960 (973) 538-1776 www.pcmorristown.org