The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills Children s Christmas Program The Surprising Christmas Pageant December 10, 2017 10:30 AM
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF VESTAVIA HILLS 201 So. Montgomery Highway Birmingham, Alabama 35216 205-823-1883 Fax: 205-823-4549 Web Site: www.vestavialutheran.org or lcvh.org WORSHIP: 8:00 AM AND 10:30 AM, Sundays SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:00 AM Church Office Hours: 9 AM to 1 PM Monday thru Thursday PASTOR: The Reverend Michael D. Ahlemeyer pastor@vestavialutheran.org (205 ) 201-8866 PASTOR EMERITUS: The Reverend Clifford Hellmers vestluth@juno.com VICAR: Vicar Kyle Will vicar@vestavialutheran.org (850) 321-2922 DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN S MINISTRY: Ruth Johnson rswanagin@gmail.com DIRECTOR OF MOTHER S DAY OUT: Rose Phillips rphillips@vestavialutheran.org CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR: Leigh Walter lwalter@vestavialutheran.org CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR ASSISTANT: Amy Alvis aalvis@vestavialutheran.org BOOK KEEPER: Bernie Gregson- bgregson@vestavialutheran.org ADOPTED MEDICAL MISSIONARIES - Arianna and David Shirk, Madeline & Annabelle - shirkdavid@gmail.com astor TO OUR GUESTS: We offer you a warm welcome in the name of Jesus. Please sign the Friendship Register during the offering. If you do not have a church home, we would be delighted to have you become a part of our church family. Please feel free to speak with the Pastor about membership in our congregation. If you do have a church home, we pray that God will bless you as you continue your growth in faith and love. SUNDAY SCHOOL Christian education classes are offered for all ages at 9:00 AM. CHILDREN S CHURCH and NURSERY Following the Children s Message, all children ages 3-7 are invited to Children s Church downstairs. They will return to the sanctuary during the offering. A nursery attendant is provided for children ages birth to 3 years during our 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM services. COMMUNION We invite all baptized Christians who acknowledge their sinfulness, trust in Christ as their Savior, and who recognize the real presence of Christ s Body and Blood in the bread and wine to join us at the Communion table. The practice of our congregation is to place the bread into the extended hand of the communicant. The wine is offered in both individual cups and the chalice. If you wish to receive it from an individual cup, please take one from the tray as it is offered by the Elder. The cups in the center of the tray are filled with non-alcoholic wine, in consideration of persons who should not drink wine. Also, children who have not received Communion instruction are invited to come to the Communion rail, fold their hands and receive a blessing.
THE SURPRISING CHRISTMAS PAGEANT The story of the Birth of Christ told with Humor, Mystery & Awe! WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS PROCESSIONAL O Come, All Ye Faithful (Congregation & Children) O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! O come ye, o come ye, to Bethlehem; Come and behold him, born the king of angels: O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! 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! Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be all glory giv n! Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! 1
PROLOGUE Readers: Gloria Phillips, Ashley Wojcik Get Ready (solos: Maddie Parrish, Andrew Perry) Get ready, get ready, get ready for the baby Get ready, get ready for little baby Jesus The angel told Mary: Get ready for the baby Get ready, get ready for little baby Jesus The angel told Joseph: Get ready for the baby Get ready, get ready for little baby Jesus We too will get ready, get ready for the baby Get ready, get ready for little baby Jesus Readers: Tatum Ahlemeyer, Maisie House NARRATION: John 1:23; Isaiah 9:6 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel La, la, la, la, la, la... O come, O come, Emmanuel; and ransom captive Israel That mourns in lowly exile here until the Son of God appears Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel! Shall come to thee, O Israel (repeat) Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel! Shall come to thee, O Israel La, la, la, la, la, la 2
ACT ONE SCENE ONE: MARY S HOUSE NARRATION: Luke 1:26-31 (Angel and Mary) Call His Name Jesus (solos: Maisie House, Nora House) Greetings, highly favored one. The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You will give birth to a Son, and you will call him Jesus. Do not be afraid, my child, the Lord is with you; the Lord has blessed you. The One the prophets prophesied; the God of heaven has chosen you. I am the Lord s servant. May everything you have said come true. For nothing is impossible with God. Lord, I surrender. I m your servant. I surrender my life to God s plan. She would give birth to a Savior; fully God and fully man. Nothing is impossible! Yes, I believe! Oh, may it be! Nothing is impossible. He is heaven s promised King. Call his name, call him Jesus, Jesus. Yes, call his name, call him Jesus. Nothing is impossible! Yes, I believe! Oh, may it be! Nothing is impossible. He is heaven s promised King. Call his name, call him Jesus! 3
SCENE TWO: JOSEPH S HOUSE (Mary and Joseph) SCENE THREE: JOSEPH S BEDROOM NARRATION: Matthew 1:18-21, 24 (Angel and Joseph) Joseph, Son of David (solos: Franky Sierra, Kallie Moore) Joseph lay in bed. He was troubled and confused. His thoughts and mind were racing; now, what was he to do? Here I am in bed. I am troubled and confused. My thoughts and mind are racing; now, what am I to do? We all waited patiently for him to fall asleep. And then the Lord sent an angel to visit in a dream. Listen, Joseph son of David, take Mary as your wife. She will have a child that will bring the world new life. Listen, Joseph, call him Jesus, the promised Holy One. He ll save the people from their sins; Emmanuel has come! Listen, Joseph son of David, take Mary as your wife. She will have a child that will bring the world new life. Listen, Joseph, call him Jesus, the promised Holy One. He ll save the people from their sins; Emmanuel has come! 4
Joseph obeyed what he had heard, and he listened to ev ry word. A man of action, a man of faith, a man who trusted and obeyed. Joseph obeyed what he had heard, and he listened to ev ry word. A man of action, a man of faith, a man who trusted and obeyed. He obeyed. Joseph obeyed. This is Joseph son of David. I ll take Mary as my wife. She will have a child that will bring the world new life. This is Joseph. Name him Jesus, the promised Holy One. He ll save the people from their sins; Emmanuel has come! Emmanuel has come! HEY! SCENE FOUR: MARY S HOUSE (Mary and Joseph) Mary, What Will You Sing? (solos: Amelia Petit, Nora House) Mary, Mary, what will you sing? What will you sing to your little King? As the hope of all hearts rocks in your arms, What will you sing to your little King? A lullaby of love, sung with angels above; A sweet song of joy for my beautiful boy. Mary, Mary, what will you sing? What will you sing to your little King? A lullaby of love, sung with angels above; A sweet song of joy for my beautiful boy. Mary, Mary, what will you sing? What will you sing to your little King? 5
SCENE FOUR, cont. NARRATION: Luke 2:1-3 (Mary, Joseph, Census Taker) SCENE FIVE: A STABLE IN BETHLEHEM NARRATION : Luke 2:4-7 Away in a Manger (solo: Caleb Doroh) Away in a manger, no crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray Bless all the dear children in thy tender care And fit us for heaven to live with thee there (Desk Clerk, Joseph) 6
Baby Jesus, We Love You What did the cows at the manger say to baby Jesus in the hay? Moo, moo, moo, moo; Baby Jesus, we love you. What did the sheep at the manger say to baby Jesus in the hay? Baa, baa, baa, baa; Baby Jesus, we love you. Jesus was born on Christmas day; Mary laid him in the hay; So little boys and girls may pray: Jesus, Jesus, baby Jesus, we love you. What did the donkeys at the manger say to baby Jesus in the hay? Hee-haw, hee-haw; baby Jesus, we love you. Jesus was born on Christmas day; Mary laid him in the hay; So little boys and girls may pray: Jesus, Jesus, baby Jesus, we love you. Moo, moo; Baa, baa; Hee-haw, Jesus! Baby Jesus, we love you! ACT TWO SCENE ONE: FIELDS OUTSIDE BETHLEHEM NARRATION: Luke 2:8-14 (Shepherds, Ringo, Tex, Bob) SCENE TWO: THE ANGELS ARRIVE (Angels & Shepherds) 7
Glory in the Highest, Peace on Earth (solos: Jordan Madsen, Amelia Petit) There were shepherds out in the fields, watching their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and they were terrified! The angel said, Do not be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy, great joy, great joy! Refrain: Today is born in the city of David Glory in the highest, peace on earth Christ, the Lord, the Messiah, our Savior Glory in the highest, peace on earth Joyful, all ye nations rise; join the triumph of the skies Let the joyful news be heard, now proclaim the Savior s birth Glory in the highest, peace on earth The hills were filled with glorias, they echoed throughout the night. The heavenly host was radiant as dark gave way to light. The angel said, Do not be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy, great joy, great joy! Refrain With th angelic host proclaim: Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! The herald angels sing: Glory to the newborn King! Glory to the newborn King! Refrain SCENE THREE: SHEPHERDS VISIT BABY JESUS NARRATION: Luke 2:15-20 8
His Name is Jesus (duos: Madeline Schmidtke & Ella Morgan; Nolan Blackenburg & Mac Cahill; Amelia Petit & Leah Killion) What Child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping. Refrain: What shall we call Him? King of Kings! What shall we call Him? Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace! The Lord of Love is now among us, Jesus! His name is Jesus! So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, come peasant, king, to own Him. The King of Kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone Him. Refrain This, This is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary. Refrain ACT THREE SCENE ONE: KING HEROD S PALACE NARRATION: Matthew 2:1-2, 7-8 (Attendant, King Herod, Einstein, Newton, Hawking) SCENE TWO: THE GAME ROOM Nativity Jeopardy 9
(King Herod & Wise People) NARRATION: Matthew 2:9-12 Let It Shine (duo: Gloria Phillips & Emma Seltz; solo: Mary Grace Whittington) Wise men living in far-away lands saw the star shining in the sky. Across the desert in a caravan, they followed the star through the night. Refrain: Oh, oh, oh, let it shine, star of wonder. Oh, oh, oh, let it shine, star of night. Oh, oh, oh, let it lead to the Savior. The long awaited Heavenly Child. Oh, let it shine! Each brought a gift to give to the Child; an offering fit for a king. And the star they d seen shining in the sky led them faithfully. Refrain Oh, let it shine! Oh, let it shine! Oh, oh, oh, let it lead to the Savior, perfect holy light. Oh, let it shine! EPILOGUE and FINALE Readers: Tatum Ahlemeyer, Maisie House 10
The Heart of the Story (solos: Audrey Killion, Leah Killion) In a tiny village called Bethlehem, a little baby was born. It was a humble birth that brought peace to earth and joy to all the world. Refrain At the heart of the story we know, God so loved the world. He sent His one and only Son, our Savior, Christ the Lord. Laid in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Son of God was born. It was a humble beginning, for a King who came willing, to give His life for us. But that s the Father s love at the heart of the story. Lowly shepherds alone in the hills were first to hear the news. Leaving their sheep, to the manger they ran, to see if the story was true. Refrain Down in a lowly manger, the humble Christ was born. And God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. Refrain WE GIVE OUR OFFERINGS Alleluia, Amen (Solos: Leah Killion, Nora House, Amelia Petit) You gave up your throne to be with us, Mary and Joseph s tiny One. How could it be that God would come? Alleluia, Amen. 11
The shepherds became the first to see how God would set his people free. The hope of the world is Christ the King. Alleluia, Amen. Refrain: So I praise you, Lord; and I worship you forever. And I thank you, Lord; Alleluia, Amen. Born in a manger for the cross; you bled and you died to save us. Rose from the grave, victorious! Alleluia, Amen! Refrain (3x) PRAYER OF THE CHURCH THE LORD S PRAYER BENEDICTION CLOSING Go! Tell It! Shout it from the rooftops, shout it in the streets Come on ev rybody spread the news with me Bring it to the nations, spread it to the world Christ has come to bring them peace, good-will on earth Refrain with Congregation: Go, tell it on the mountain; over the hills and ev rywhere! Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! (Repeat Refrain) Shout it from the rooftops, shout it in the streets Come on ev rybody spread the news with me Bring it to the nations, spread it to the world Christ has come to bring them peace, good-will on earth 12
Refrain with Congregation: Go, tell it on the mountain; over the hills and ev rywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! Go, tell it on the mountain; over the hills and ev rywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! Many thanks to all our Participants! Narrators L.J. Harris Evelynn Nicholas Alex Sierra Laura Whittington Characters (in order of appearance) Angel 1: Carter Waldrep Mary: Nora House Joseph: Franky Sierra Census Taker: Trevor Wojcik Desk Clerk: Philip Norris Cow: Rawlings Mgeni Sheep: Audrey Killion Donkey: Krislynn Nicholas Ringo: Charlotte Kuehnert Tex: Libby Geisler Bob: Daniel Phillips Angel 2: Maizie Seltz Attendant: David Wojcik King Herod: Charlie Graham Einstein: Nolan Blackenburg Newton: Mac Cahill Hawking: Lee Burnett 13
Sunday School Children: Grades 5/6: Grades 3/4: Grade 2: Grade 1: 4K/K: Brody Ahlemeyer, Tatum Ahlemeyer, Libby Geisler, Charlie Graham, Maisie House, Leah Killion, Jordan Madsen, Kallie Moore, Amelia Petit, Gloria Phillips, Maizie Seltz, Franky Sierra, Carter Waldrep, Ashley Wojcik, David Wojcik Liam Hammel, Nora House, Ella Morgan, Gretchen Noon, Philip Norris, Daniel Phillips, Madeline Schmitdke, Emma Seltz, Gabe Sierra, Mary Grace Whittington, Trevor Wojcik Nolan Blackenburg, Lee Burnett, Mac Cahill, Audrey Killion, Rawlings Mgeni, Krislynn Nicholas, Elijah Petit Sarah Helen Burnett, Heidi Dietrich, Anna Heidecker, Sophie House, Charlotte Kuehnert, Payton Norris, Andrew Perry, Grace Schmidtke, Collyns Waldrep Maddie Alvis, Miles Blackenburg, Anne Cahill, Hans Dietrich, Caleb Doroh, Joey Graham, Owen Hammel, Avalyn House, Asher Noon, Carolyn Phillips, Caroline Schmidtke, Brady Taylor, Griffin Williams Little Lambs: Eve Blackenburg, Peyton Coffee, Sydney Coffee, Klara Dietrich, Bauer Gale, Betsy Graham, William Perry, Rosemary Tallo, Cooper Taylor, Addison Witt Director: Ruth Johnson Assistant: Melissa Phillips Audio/Lights: Andy Seltz 14