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 Judy Haley, Pastoral Assistant Priscilla Duda, Christian Education Director Jared Hamilton, Youth Director Church office: 978-526-7661 ext. 1 Fax: 978-526-7882 Email: office.fpchurch@verizon.net Website: www.firstparishchurch.org
WORSHIP SERVICE Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24, 2012 7:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS PRELUDE: Greensleeves Richard Purvis (1913-1994) CALL TO WORSHIP: The Shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about the child; And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. *HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful PH 132 LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE: The Gudonis Family CHRISTMAS PRAYER [Prayer response to, This is our prayer is Lord, hear our prayer ] *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: Psalm 96 *HYMN: The First Nowell PH 141 SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 9:2-7 ANTHEM: What child is this? Thomas Hewitt Jones (b. 1984) Rebecca Shrimpton, soprano 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? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds worship and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him praise, The babe, the son of Mary. 7 Why lies he in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian fear: for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce him through, The Cross be borne for me, for you: Hail! Hail the Word Made Flesh, The babe, the son of Mary! So bring him incense, gold and myrrh: Come, peasant, king, to own Him! The King of Kings salvation brings: Let loving hearts enthrone Him! Raise, raise the song on high! The virgin sings her lullaby. Joy! Joy! For Christ is born, The babe, the son of Mary! SCRIPTURE READING: Micah 5:2-5a *HYMN Hark! The Herald Angels Sing PH 120
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Gesu Bambino (The Infant Jesus) Music and text: Pietro Yon (1886-1943) English lyrics: Frederick Herman Martens (1874-1932) Paul Knox, baritone When blossoms flowered mid the snows Upon a winter night, Was born the Child, the Christmas Rose, The King of Love and Light. The angels sang, the shepherds sang; The grateful earth rejoiced. And at His blessed birth the stars Their exultation voiced. O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Again the heart with rapture grows To greet the Holy night, That gave the world its Christmas Rose, Its King of Love and Light. Let every voice acclaim His name, The grateful chorus swell. From paradise to earth He came That we with Him might dwell. O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. *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. SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 2:1-14 *HYMN: O Little Town of Bethlehem PH 134 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: Why Have I Come? THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
HYMN: Silent Night, Holy Night PH 138 THE POSTLUDE: Swiss Noël, with Variations Louis-Claude Daquin (1694-1772) * * * * * * * The greeters this evening are Fran Bachman and The Gudonis Family. The lay reader this evening is Fran Bachman. The flowers on the altar are given in Celebration of the birth of the Christ Child and in loving memory of Dr. Wilson E. Hughes, Ernest W. and Gladys Mander, and Barbara Jean Robinson, by the Rev. John and Marilyn Hughes and their family. The Deacons are Paul Gudonis and Jason Smith. The Sexton is Rachael Gallagher. The Christmas poinsettias will beautify our sanctuary through tonight s Christmas Eve Candlelight if you donated a plant you may take your plant after this evening s worship service. Please contact the Church office if you would like to be on our mailing list office.fpchurch@verizon.net or 978-526-7661 ext 1.
Notes On This Evening's Offertory Anthem Pietro Yon (1886-1943) studied at several major conservatories in Italy, and served as an organist at the Vatican before moving to the United States in 1907, where he eventually became organist at St. Patrick s Cathedral in New York City for seventeen years. Though a prolific composer for the organ, Yon is best known for "Gesu Bambino," a Christmas song published in 1917. The original lyrics were in Italian - a lilting lullaby that borrowed for its refrain the words of the shepherds as sung in the favorite Christmas carol, "Adeste fideles" ("O Come, All Ye Faithful"). It was published with an alternate set of English lyrics- not really a translation - by Frederick H. Martens (1874-1932), a New Jersey biographer, music editor, and lyricist. Welcome to all who worship here. Please contact the Church office if you would like to be on our mailing list office.fpchurch@verizon.net or 978-526-7661 ext 1. CARE TEAM, Have you shared the experience? Our Care Team provides meals, rides, & visits to sustain families in our Church Community through times of illness and loss. If you would like to become involved with this wonderful support system please contact; Sheila Kafer 978-525-3253, smkafer@comcast.net or: Janet Groth at 978-526-8408, janbythesea244@gmail.com FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Please call Penny Lapham at 978-526- 7128, by Monday to be included in the following Sunday s bulletin.
Thank you to all who donated poinsettias to beautify our Church for the Christmas season. Donations to the Diaconate Fund were $541. For the Diaconate Fund: In Celebration of: The Schuh Family Richard & Ann Greenleaf The DeOreo Family The Gudonis Family The Franklin Family The Weld Family Mara, Laney & Naomi Cynthia & Barry Franklin Family & the magic of the season The DeOreo Family Loved Ones The Marcaurelle Klebart Family Mrs. Dee Charlie Weld The Breakiron Family & The Gudonis Family Lauren & Paul Gudonis Jonathan W. Hackett s safe return from Afghanistan Heather, Peter & David Reid In Loving Memory of: Our Parents Lise & Jens Kure-Jensen Larry L Larsen Jolene & Kate Larsen Shirley Hatch Ralston Karen & Jim Hatch Shirley McColgan Mac McColgan Chris & Sally Weld Mark, Kit & Liz Our Loved Ones Mary, David, Ryan & Rebecca Lumsden Glenn J Loucks His son Glenn Guy & Doris Willmonton, George Willmonton, Harriet Ernest, Richard & Emily Greenleaf Richard & Ann Greenleaf & Family Peter & Jim Bachman, Fred & Effie Bachman, Leo & Dorothy MacKenzie Dottie & Fran Bachman Frederick Peterson, Henrietta T. Burnett, Robert, Gloria & Marion Driscoll Nancy Peterson & Paul Driscoll
FAITH FORMATION NEW Bibles and Bagels January 6, 13, and 20 Sundays at 9:15-9:40 a.m. Three weeks of coffee, bagels, and conversation about the Bible. Get hints on what to listen for in the sermon or bring your questions. In the chapel. For everyone! Growing Together, Thursday evenings 7:30 PM in the Chapel conference room-see you January 10 Friday Bible Study, Every Friday afternoon 4 pm 5:30 pm in the Chapel conference room. All are welcome see you January 11 SUNDAY MORNING Solace Youth Group resumes on Sunday morning, January 6 at 10 am in the Chapel building, middle school youth welcome. Welcome back to Sunday school January 6 th 10 am in the Chapel, join us for Nursery, prek to 5 th grade Godly Play lessons and singing with the SS Choir.