1660 Kessler Boulevard, East Drive Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-251-9489 www.northminster-indy.org Welcome to worship at Northminster! Thank you for worshipping with us tonight. If you are visiting with us this evening we hope you feel the presence of God and the hospitality of this congregation. If you have any questions about our church please ask one of the pastors or a greeting host wearing a red Ask Me badge. SERVICE FOR CHRISTMAS EVE December 24, 2018 10:30pm «««««««««««««* = *Those who are able, please stand. Congregation responds in bold. Please, silence your cell phone before worship begins. CENTERING THOUGHT Guardian angels protect; herald angels announce. Guardian angels bring comfort; herald angels pronounce, with glorious singing and fanfare on horn, the Good News that Jesus the Christ is born. Were guardian angels with shepherds and sheep that night on the hills while the flocks were asleep?
Herald angels awakened them all with Good News of Christ s birth in a Bethlehem stall. Guardian angels protect; herald angels announce. Guardian angels bring comfort; herald angels pronounce, with glorious singing and fanfare on horn, the Good News that Jesus the Christ is born. Jocelyn Young VanBuskirk, 2018 APPROACHING GOD WELCOME PRELUDE A boy was born Teri Thomas Benjamin Britten (1913-1976 A boy was born in Bethlehem; Rejoice for that, Jerusalem! Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya. He let himself a servant be, That all mankind he might set free: Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya. Then praise the Word of God who came To dwell within a human frame: Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya. The Holly and the Ivy Traditional Carol arr. Reginald Jacques (1894-1969) The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown. The rising of the sun, And the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir. The holly bears a blossom, As white as the lily flower; And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To be our sweet Savior. The rising of the sun, And the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir. The holly bears a berry, As red as any blood; And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, For to do us sinners good. The rising of the sun, And the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir. The holly bears a prickle, As sharp as any thorn, And Mary bore Sweet Jesus Christ, On Christmas day in the morn. The rising of the sun, And the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir. The holly bears a bark, As bitter as any gall; And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, For to redeem us all. The rising of the sun, And the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir.
What Sweeter Music John Rutter (b. 1945) What sweeter music can we bring than a carol, for to sing The birth of this our heav nly King? Awake the voice! Awake the string! Dark and dull night, fly hence away, and give the honour to this day That sees December turn d to May, That sees December turn d to May. Why does the chilling winter s morn smile, like a field beset with corn? Or smell like a meadow newly shorn thus on the sudden? Come and see the cause, why things thus fragrant be: Tis he is born, whose quick ning birth give life and lustre, public mirth, To heaven and the underearth. We see him come, and know him ours, Who, with his sunshine and his show rs, Turns the patient ground to flow rs, turns all the patient ground to flow rs. The darling of the world is come, and fit it is, we find a room to welcome him, to welcome him. The nobler part of all the house here, is the heart, Which we will give him; and bequeath this holly, and this ivy wreath,
To do him honour; who s our King, and Lord of all this reveling. Sleep, My Saviour, Sleep Robert J. Powell (b. 1932) Sleep, sleep, sleep my Saviour, sleep, On Thy bed of hay, Angels in the spangled Heaven sing their gladsome Christmas carols Till the dawn of day. Sleep, my Saviour, sleep, my Saviour, Sweet on Mary s breast, Now the Shepherds kneel adoring, Now the Mother s heart is joyous Take a happy rest. Sleep, sleep, Sleep my Saviour, sleep, Sweet on Mary s breast, Crucified, with wounds and bruises, Bleeding purple, stained, disfigured, One day Thou will rest. O Magnum Mysterium Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611) Section Leaders O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, Ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio! Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Jesum Christum. Alleluia!
O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia! Here is the Little Door Herbert Howells (1892-1983) Here is the little door, lift up the latch, oh lift! We need not wander more but enter with our gift; Our gift of finest gold, Gold that was never bought or sold; Myrrh to be strewn about His Bed; Incense in clouds about His Head; All for the Child that stirs not in His sleep, But holy slumber hold with ass and sheep. Bend low about His Bed: for each He has a gift; See how His eyes awake, lift up up your hands, oh lift! For gold, He gives a keen-edged sword (Defend with it, Thy little Lord!) For incense, smoke of battle red, Myrrh for the honoured happy dead; Gifts for His children, terrible and sweet, Touched by such tiny hands and oh such tiny feet. CALL TO WORSHIP Teri Thomas and Ruth Chadwick Moore People of God, when the angels appeared, the shepherds were terrified. We will not fear, for this is the night of good news. We have been watching and waiting for this night.
We have watched with hope. (the first candle is lighted) We have waited with patience. (the second candle is lighted) We have rejoiced in God s promise. (the third candle is lighted) We have trusted in God s steadfast love for all creation. (the fourth candle is lighted) Tonight we celebrate the good news of a baby born in a stable. The long-awaited promise has been fulfilled. (the Christ candle is lighted) Born as one of us, Jesus is God s living Word of Love. Do not be afraid! The Good news is here! Now! For all of us! Come, Lord Jesus! Let us worship God! *HYMN NO. 119 Hark, The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN
*PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS EVE O Holy One, Word made flesh, eternity captured in hope, heaven-born in a manger, light in the darkness. You surround us with mercy and hold us with love. We run with the shepherds and kneel with the magi. We stand in the presence of angels and witness the mystery of incarnate love. Let your flesh be our flesh, your spirit our spirit, your power our power, your love our love. In the spirit of the Christ child, we pray. Amen. Ruth Chadwick Moore HYMN NO. 133 O Come, All Ye Faithful ADESTES FIDELIS Stanza 3 only Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation; Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest! O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! *SHARING THE PEACE The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you. (Worshipers may greet one another with words of Christ s peace.) LISTENING FOR GOD S WORD PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION LESSON Luke 2: 1-7 (Pg. 56) SOLO He Shall Feed His Flock, from MESSIAH George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Elisabeth Kleinsmith, soprano He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: And he shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
LESSON Luke 2: 8-20 (Pg. 56) SERMON Teri Thomas SILENCE FOR REFLECTION RESPONDING TO GOD S WORD * HYMN NO. 146 Gentle Mary Laid Her Child TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM
PRAYERS ON CHRISTMAS EVE God of all creation, your angels sang a new song on the mountains, a song of good news to all the earth. Lift up our eyes to the singing hills; open our ears to the roaring sea, the clapping rivers; open our hearts to those around us, that we may praise you with our whole lives and know the joy of your presence. For the coming of your Word to live among us, we give you grateful thanks. We thank you for Christ s rising, for the healing in his wings, and for the light and life he brings to all. For the coming of the Light that cannot be overcome, we give you grateful thanks. Give us grace to be with those in sorrow this day, to weep with those who cannot sing for joy. Grant your peace to the sick, the grieving, the dying; comfort them with your presence. Give us grateful hearts for Christmas feasts and loved ones gathered around our tables. Show us the way to share our food and love with hungry people everywhere, and bring us all to your great banquet feast of joy. For the coming of your Son, who gives us power to become your children, we give you grateful thanks. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Holy Child and Savior who taught us to pray together saying
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. OFFERING (Please sign the pew pad and pass it to your neighbor.) OFFERTORY Noel Grand jeu et duo Louis-Claude Daquin (1694-1772) *DOXOLOGY Christ to thee, with God the Father W ZLOBIE LEZY Christ to thee with God the Father, and O Holy Ghost to thee, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving, and unwearied praises be: honor, glory and dominion, and eternal victory, evermore and evermore. Amen! Amen! *PRAYER OF DEDICATION GOING FORTH *CHARGE Go out into the world to light candles this Christmas Candles of joy despite all sadness. Candles of hope where despair keeps watch. Candles of courage for fears ever present.
Candles of peace for tempest tossed days. Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens. Candles of love to inspire all our living. Candles that will burn all year long. *HYMN NO. 122 Silent Night, Holy Night STILLE NACHT (Your candle will be lit by a HOST as a symbol of the light of Christ. Please tilt your unlit candle toward the flame.) Silent night, holy night! 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! Shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia: Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born! Silent night, holy night! 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. Silent night, holy night! 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.
*BLESSING POSTLUDE Toccata from God among Us Olivier Messiaen (1909-1992) Seasonal Decorations and Poinsettias Clarice W. Stegall in honor of Emily, Megan, Sara, Andrew and Claire Nancy Flamme in memory of my parents, Bill and Jean Flamme Barb Weber in memory of my husband Bill Brenda Howe in memory of Esther Larson from her children and grandchildren Daniel Ent in memory of Fred and Cleta Betty Sue Drake in honor of the pastors and staff Sara Sarno in memory of parents Denby and Kathryn Gerlach and sister Alice Gerlach Terri Hubbard in memory of my mother, Beryldean Hubbard Terri Hubbard in honor of my father, Tom Hubbard, and the Social Committee Patricia Kilbury in memory of William Kilbury Cheri and Bob Gudgel in memory of our friend Mary Lee Ryan Will and Todd Gudgel and Amy Gudgel Stults in memory of our grandparents Rick and Carol Campbell in memory of our parents Frances Barrows in memory of family members Dick and Pat Dunbar and family in memory of Dorothy and Paul Merriman Cathy Robinson in memory of David Robinson Bob and Barb Berting in memory of our sons, Kyle Victor and Kevin Gregory
Bo and Barb Berting in memory of our parents, Bill Sr. and Victoria Freije and Herman and Vada Berting Debbie and Chris Everett in memory of our parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alistair Stuart and Mr. and Mrs. James Everett Debbie and Chris Everett in honor of Marko Petričić, Doug Johnson, NPC pastors and staff Danny and Kate Loughran in memory of John and Neida Sibley Pat McVey in memory of Laura McVey Kilcoyn Sharon and David Parsley in memory of family and friends Sharon and David Parsley in honor of Pastors Teri and Ruth Jackie Schmidt in memory of Marvin Schmidt and Ann Schmidt Walker Bud and Lee Morack in honor of our pastors and staff Sharon Gremel In memory of Bud Gremel and our parents Robert Smith in memory of Bill and Katie Smith Don and Dolly Craft in memory of Dolly s mother, Louise Morse John and Mary Lisher in memory of our parents John (Jack) Whiteman in memory of Margo Whiteman and Terri Lee Suzy Steger in memory of Evan Steger Susan Glant in memory of my uncle, Keith Alexander Jonna and Eric MacDougall in memory of John Busse Jonna and Eric MacDougall in honor of Pat Busse Rick and Judy Nelson in memory of our parents. Musical Leader in tonight s service: Elisabeth Kleinsmith, Soprano Chancel Choir
What s Next? JOIN US ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30 as we continue the celebration of Christmas! Mission and Outreach Christmas Joy Offering Received Tonight Each year during the Advent and Christmas season, we turn our eyes to Bethlehem and celebrate the wondrous gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior. By giving to the Christmas Joy Offering, you honor this gift by providing assistance to current and retired church workers in their time of need and developing our future leaders at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. The offering envelopes can be found in pew racks or on information tables. Events and Education Youth Group -- December 30, New Year s Eve Eve, 5:30pm Caregivers Support Group January 7, 6pm and January 9, 1pm Health Support Group January 14, 7pm Book of the Month January 20, 12:15pm Everything Happens for a Reason Christian Doctrine Wednesday evening study begins on January 23 NorthStars Camino de Compostella January 25, 10am. Sound & Spirit Connla January 25, 7pm NEW TIME: 3B Exercise Monday and Thursday at 2:30pm (will not meet on December 24 or 31)
For more information, check out our website (northminsterindy.org), ask to receive our weekly email, pick up a newsletter from an information table, or contact the church office. To give by text message on a smartphone, text the amount you would like to give to 317-316-3009. Our online giving system, ShelbyNext, will prompt you through a one-time set up for giving. The building will be closed for the Christmas Holidays on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 25 and26. Teri L. Thomas Pastor Ruth Chadwick Moore Associate Pastor Maureen Wilson Director of Education and Youth Ministries John M. Wright Director, Music Ministries Marko Petričić Music Associate/Organist Denise Harrington Senior Ministry Consultant Doug Johnson Acting Choir Director MINISTRY Carol McDonald Parish Associate Carol Campbell John Reed Tony Dzwonar Stephen Ministry Leaders Donald R. Durrett Associate Pastor Emeritus Lori Schlabach Church Business Adminstrator Susan Glant Nancy J. Sala Adminstrative Assistants Tim McElroy Lead Custodian