Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 8 PM December 24, 2017 Christ s Lutheran Church exists to welcome people to faith in Christ Jesus; to equip persons with a faith that works in real life; and to send us in service into the world in Jesus name. Christ s Lutheran church 700 East Pennsylvania Avenue Oreland, Pennsylvania The Rev. Bill Vanderslice, Pastor The Rev. Paul Jann, Assistant to the Pastor
A SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION WITH CANDLELIGHT AND CAROLS CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE December 24, 2017 8 o clock in the Evening ~ The assembly responds with those parts printed in bold. ~ Prelude Bring A Torch (French Carol) arr. Smith Organ/Trumpet Duet: Danny Melnick, Trumpet Welcome & Announcements Please stand as you are able. The assembly responses are in bold. Processional Hymn Oh, Come all Ye Faithful Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 283 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 27. See next page for the hymn Instrumentals Trumpet: Dan Melnick, Trombone: Will Durham, Clarinet: Ben Durham, & Trombone: Carly Uehling
3 Oh, Come All Ye Faithful
A Christmas Dialog The word became flesh and lived among us. Oh, come, let us worship him. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. God is light, and in him there is no darkness. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. The word became flesh and lived among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the Father s only Son, full of grace and truth. For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given. In the birth of the Christ Child salvation has appeared. The word became flesh and lived among us. Glory to God in the highest! Prayer of the Day Let us pray. Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 4
Hymn of Praise Angels We Have Heard On High Hard Covered Hymn Book - ELW # 289 Instrumentals Trumpet: Dan Melnick, Trombone: Will Durham, Clarinet: Ben Durham, & Trombone: Carly Uehling Please be seated 5
The Readings First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Word of God. Word of life. Thanks be to God. 6
Musical Offering People, Look East (French Carol) arr. Courtney 4-Hand Piano: Pat Hallman, Betsy Selinger Second Lesson: Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Word of God. Word of life. Thanks be to God. Please stand as you are able Response O Little Town of Bethlehem Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 279 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 27. See next page for the hymn 7
O Little Town of Bethlehem Hard Covered Hymn Book - ELW # 279 Verses 1 and 2 O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee to-night. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth. For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above, While mortals sleep the Angels keep Their watch of wondering love. The Holy Gospel Luke 2:1-20 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. The reading continues on the next page 8
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see--i am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they 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 this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Word of God. Word of life. Thanks be to God. 9
Response O Little Town of Bethlehem Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 279 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 27. Verses 3, 4 & 5 How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given; So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His Heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in. Where children pure and happy Pray to the blessed Child, Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the Mother mild; Where Charity stands watching And faith holds wide the door, The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, And Christmas comes once more. O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray! Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us to-day. We hear the Christmas angels, The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel! Please be seated 10
The Christmas Message Pastor Bill Vanderslice Please stand as you are able Hymn Away in the Manger Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 277 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 27. 11
The Apostle s Creed Let us profess our faith in the words of the Apostles Creed. I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Lord. who was conceived by the Holy Spirit born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen 12
The Prayers Please kneel or sit as you are able for the prayers In the Word made flesh, we behold God s love for all people. Therefore, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need. Wonderful Counselor, you sent us the hopes and dreams of all the years as an infant born in a manger, a savior born of Mary. We give you thanks and praise for this amazing gift of love. Help us to remember the true meaning of Christmas, your love made incarnate in the infant Jesus. May we in words and song tell to all people the story of the gift of salvation we have been given on this holy night. God of grace Hear our prayer. Mighty God, you bring down the powerful and exalt the lowly. We pray tonight for the poor and powerless of this world. We know that they like the shepherds are welcomed at the manger of the Babe of Bethlehem. May they come to know his great love. Guide the leaders of all nations to work so that all may enjoy the wealth of our world. God of grace Hear our prayer. Prince of Peace, send your holy gift of peace upon our world made weary by violence, hate and war that all people might experience your merciful reign. Strengthen us in our desire for peace, help all to work for harmony and joy in their lives and to bring your peace to all the world. God of grace Hear our prayer. The prayers continue on the next page 13
Everlasting Father, we give thanks for visitors and travelers who join us in worship. May they find here a warm welcome as we all welcome our savior, the newborn king. May all who gather here tonight return to their homes in safety, filled with the wonder of God. God of grace Hear our prayer. O Lord our God, with Mary and Joseph, angels and shepherds, and the animals in the stable, we gather around your Son, born for us. Bless us with your holy presence and inspire us to help those who have no place to dwell. Be with us that we might share Christ's love with all the world, for he is our light and salvation. Glory in heaven and peace on earth, now and forever. Amen. The Sharing of God s Peace Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. And his name is the wonderful counselor, the almighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace who brings us peace. The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. The congregation may greet one another with the peace of God. Offering Please be seated Musical Offering O Come All Ye Faithful arr. Forrest Please stand as you are able 14
Offertory Hymn verses 1 & 3 What Child Is This Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 296 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 27. 15
Offertory Prayer Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, Let them be blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord Let us give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is indeed right our duty and our joy.. The pastor continues with the preface appropriate to the day or season. We praise your name and join their unending hymn: 16
Words of Institution The pastor continues with the words of institution. Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory; In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor and who, on the cross opened his arms to all. In the night in which he was betrayed. Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever. All: Amen The service continues on the next page 17
Lord s Prayer United in Christ, let us join hands as we pray the Lord s Prayer. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. Gathering at the Lord s Table Communion will be distributed by intinction on the congregational level following the communing of the choir. Please receive the bread from the pastor and dip the bread in a cup held by the assistant. Wine is available in the first cup. Grape juice is available in the second glass cup. Gluten and rice free wafers are also available on the shelf at the front pew on either side of the center aisle. All are welcome We are strengthened and renewed by the real presence of Christ at his table. Come forward by the center aisle as directed by an usher. All are welcome; children not yet communing and adults not wishing to commune are invited to come forward with hands folded for a blessing. 18
Communion Hymns The First Noel Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 300 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 27. Verse 1 & 2 19
Verse 1 & 4 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 282 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 27. 20
Good Christian Friends Rejoice Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 288 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 27. 21
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 270 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 27. Post Communion Blessing Please stand as you are able. The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen 22
The Post Communion Hymn Joy to the World Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 267 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 27. 23
Post Communion Prayer We give you thanks, O God, that in this bread and cup of Christ s very life, you give us food for our journey. As you led the magi by a star, as you brought the holy family home again, guide us on the way unfolding before us. Wherever we go, may our lives proclaim good news of great joy in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Benediction From Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen. Candle Lighting The light will be passed throughout the congregation beginning with the ushers. Please tilt your unlit candle into the lit candle. The choir will proceed down the side aisle. Once the choir is in place the hymn Silent Night will begin. Please hold the lit candle upright at all times to keep wax from falling onto your neighbor or the floor. To assist with our preparations for Sunday worship please do not pick wax off of the candles onto the pew or floor. 24
Hymn v. 1 all, v. 2 choir, v. 3 all Silent Night Hard Covered Hymn Book ELW # 281 Reprinted by ownership of copies or license, see page 27. All: Choir: All: Please extinguish your candle as the pastor extinguishes his candle. Go in peace and share the light of God s love revealed in the Christ Child. 25
Small Group Opportunities at CLC These small groups are open to anyone interested. Bring a friend! Monday Morning Men @ 9:30 am each Monday. The MM Men meet for service projects around the church. Speak to Jerry Beil or email him: ghbeil2@gmail.com. CLC Choir The Choir rehearses each Sunday at 9 am and offers special music at the 10:30 am worship service. Contact Ken Selinger for more information. Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study @ 9:15 am in Room 200 Rejoicing Spirits Worship Service @ 7 pm on 3 rd Tuesday in the Sanctuary. A lively, intergenerational worship service for those who find traditional worship difficult due to special needs. If you can't be worship on Sunday, why not worship at Rejoicing Spirits. Wonderful Wednesday @ 6:30 pm 1 st and 3 rd Wednesday. An opportunity for fellowship, spiritual discussion and food in members homes. Please contact Consy Finney at 215-771-5994 or cwfinney1@comcast.net. Pub Theology @ 6:30 pm on the 2nd Wednesday Faith discussion, fellowship and food at the Broad Axe Tavern at RT 73 & Butler Pike. RSVP to the church office so we can prepare for the event. 60 Plus or Minus Seniors Ministry @ 12n on the 2 nd Thurs. of the month An opportunity for anyone 60 years young or older to share lunch, fellowship and monthly programs. Men s Fellowship Group @ 8 am 3 rd Sat. of the month. Breakfast, fellowship and faith discussion. See the church calendar for location or contact the office. Women s Fellowship Circles meet monthly. There are three small group circles offering fellowship, faith discussion and great food. See the church calendar or contact the church office for dates, times and locations. The Vine young adult fellowship. Activities include coffee and conversation" at Dresher Starbucks, and service projects. Contact Mallory Jacoby at 215-528- 7907 or mpnjacoby@gmail.com. Saturday Play Group for Young Families. Monthly. See the church calendar or contact the church office. Mission Trip 2018 A week of service in Washington DC from July 1 - July 6, 2018. Youth completing 8th grade in June-graduating high school seniors We also need of parent chaperones (male & female). Contact Elise Seyfried. 26
Tuesday Morning Adult Bible Study @ 9:30 am in Rm 200 led by Elise Seyfried Are you around on Tuesday mornings (every week or even once in a while)? If so, you are invited to join our wonderful Bible study group! We explore Scripture in exciting ways, and share our life experiences in a fun, supportive atmosphere. We resume on Tuesday, January 2nd and continue our study of the Book of Acts. Bring your Bible (if not, we have extras!) Bring a friend! The coffee will be on! Questions? Contact Elise (faithformdir@christs-oreland.org) SERVING AT THE 8 PM SERVICE Greeters Communion Assistants Acolytes Lector Sound board Ushers The Maurer Family Sue Frantz Jen Melnick Jake Keller, Abbey Keller Tim Keller Jen Keller Sue Frantz, John Frantz Sunday, December 31 New Year s Eve 8:00 am Service in the Chapel 10:30 am Worship in the Sanctuary There will be no Faith Formation Hour on the morning of December 31. Christ s Evangelical Lutheran Church 700 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oreland, PA 19075 Office Phone: 215-886-4612 FAX: 215-886-1422 www.christs-oreland.org Email: Christlutheran1@comcast.net Bill Vanderslice, Senior Pastor: seniorpastor@christs-oreland.org Ken Selinger, Director of Music: directorofmusic@christs-oreland.org Elise Seyfried, Spiritual Formation Director: faithformdir@christs-oreland.org Lorraine Pfeiffer, Administrative Assistant: clcsecretary@christs-oreland.org Deb Hilbert, Preschool Director: clcpreschool@christs-oreland.org Peter Carr, Sexton: sexton@christs-oreland.org Office Hours: 8:30am-12:30pm In the event of a pastoral emergency, after office hours, you may reach Pastor Vanderslice by calling his cell phone at: 215-534-2845. Pastor Jann will be assisting with hospital visitation. If you have a pastoral need, you may contact Pastor Vanderslice at 215-534-2845. He will coordinate visitation with Pastor Jann. Service and hymns from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, copyright 2006. All rights reserved Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress license #14002-LIT. Used by permission. All rights reserved CCLI License # 1589737 One License # A 70825 27
Welcome to Christ s Lutheran Church! May you experience the joy of God s presence as we worship together this evening. We are blessed by your presence! Response throughout the Service ~ The assembly responds with those parts printed in bold. Cell Phones - Please silence your electronic devices before entering the worship area. We request that you put your cell phone on airplane mode to avoid any interference with the sound system. Large Print Bulletins are available in the lobby, or ask an usher. The Christmas poinsettias and decorations are given to the glory of God and are dedicated as presented on the insert. To our musicians: We offer our thanks and appreciation for the contributions from our choir and the instrumentalists. Our Thanks to all those who assisted in preparing our church for this holy night. To our Altar Guild, those assisting the church office, acolytes, choir, instrumentalists, ushers and greeters, to all of you, our love and thanks! The Loose Plate Offering is used to serve people in crisis through our Helping Hand committee. 28