Christmas Eve 2015 at Christ Church Angels Adoring Jesus by Benozzo Gozzoli (1421-1497) Detail of a fresco, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi (Italian Renaissance painter from Florence. He is best known for a series of murals in the Palazzo Medici- Riccardi depicting festive, vibrant processions with fine attention to detail and a pronounced International Gothic influence.) Christ Presbyterian Church 530 West Tuscarawas Street, Canton, OH Organ & Choral Prelude Music at 9:30 p.m. Service of Holy Communion at 10:00 p.m. (Broadcast live on WHLO-640 AM; please silence all electronic devices)
Christmas Eve Worship Service December 24, 2015 Ten O Clock Please silence all electronic & communication devices. * Those who are able please stand; others may remain seated. Large print copies of the hymns are available in the narthex or from an usher. Organ & Choral Prelude Broadcast Live on WHLO beginning at 9:30 p.m. Fantasie: Wie schön leucht t uns der Morgenstern (Op. 40, No. 1) Max Reger (1873-1916) How Brightly Shines the Morning Star (Hymn #827) is one of the most standard Epiphany hymns in our Protestant tradition. It is often sung for the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem (Jan. 6), symbolic of our own arrival there, as we follow the bright morning star. The several verses address the significance of epiphany as an appearance or manifestation of the divine in our daily earthly journey. Each stanza offers a theological understanding of God s presence here on earth, in the person of Jesus Christ. While the chorale tune is almost always evident in this 20-minute organ fantasie, the music expresses the entire gamut of sentiments and atmospheres which must have been pervasive in Bethlehem this night and continuing until the arrival of the magi. The crowd in town for the census; the likely commotion of the shepherds, beasts, and gawkers: heard in the loud and raucous expressionistic tone painting; the austere and wonder-filled amazement is evident in the pensive softer sections. The music ends with the triumph of the angels rejoicing in this appearance of the Christ Child. 1. O Morning Star, how fair and bright! You shine with God s own truth and light, aglow with grace and mercy! Of Jacob s line, King David s son, our Lord and Savior, you have won our hearts to serve you only! Lowly, holy! Great and glorious, all victorious, rich in blessing! Rule and might o er all possessing! 2. Lord, when you look on us in love, at once there falls from God above a ray of purest pleasure. Your word and Spirit, flesh and blood refresh our souls with heavenly food. You are our dearest treasure! Let your mercy warm and cheer us! O draw near us! For you teach us God s own love through you have reached us. 3. What joy to know, when life is past, the Lord we love is first and last, the end and the beginning! He will one day, O glorious grace, transport us to that happy place beyond all tears and sinning! Amen! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness! We are yearning for the day of your returning.
Choral Prelude All My Heart This Night Rejoices Johann Georg Eberling (1637-76) 1. All my heart this night rejoices As I hear, Far and near Sweetest angel voices: Christ is born! their choirs are singing, Til the air Ev rywhere Now with joy is ringing. 2. Hark! A voice from yonder manger, Soft and sweet, Doth entreat, Flee from woe and danger! Brethren, come! from all doth grieve you, You are freed; All you need I will surely give you. 3. Come, then, let us hasten yonder! Here let all, Great and small, Kneel in awe and wonder! Love him who with love is yearning! Hail the star That from far Bright with hope is burning! 4. Thee, dear Lord, with heed I ll cherish, Live to thee, And with thee, Dying, shall not perish; But shall dwell with thee for ever, Far on high, In the joy That can alter never. Text: Paul Gerhardt, trans., Winkworth; Music: Johann Georg Ebeling O Eve! Frank La Rocca (b. 1951) My mother, my daughter, life-giving Eve, Do not be ashamed, do not grieve. The former things have passed away, Our God has brought us to a New Day. See, I am with Child, Through whom all will be reconciled. O Eve! My sisters, my friend, We will rejoice together Forever Life without End. -- Sr. Columba Guare, O.C.S.O.; 2005 O Magnum Mysterium Thomas Luis da Vittoria (1548-1611) O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut anamalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio! Beata Virgo, cujus viscera Meruerunt portare Dominum Christum. Alleluia! O great mystery, and wondrous sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord lying in their manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia! Call to Worship Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; People: those who lived in the land of deep darkness on them light has shined. Leader: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us. Unison: Let the heavens be glad, let all the earth rejoice! Lighting of the Christ Candle John 1:1-14 We light the Christ Candle symbolizing the peace established in all of creation upon the Advent of Jesus of Nazareth. *Hymn in Procession No. 133 O Come, All Ye Faithful
*Prayer of Adoration Good and gracious God, long ago on this holy night, in the region of Judea, in the city of Bethlehem you gave us your Son. The Lord of the universe came among us wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. On this night, in the region of Stark, in the city of Canton, draw us into the mystery of your love. Join our voices with the heavenly host that we may sing your glory on high. Give us a place among the shepherds, that we may find the one for whom we have waited, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Lord, who lives with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. (all respond): AMEN. Call to Confession Prayer of Confession (unison) Great God, Tell us again of the Savior s birth, so long ago, in the city of Bethlehem. Tell us again that life in Canton, and beyond, can be abundant in faith and hope and love, not because of who we are, but because of what you have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen. Kyrie from Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy upon us. Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy upon us. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy upon us. F. Joseph Haydn Assurance of Pardon Leader: She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) People: This night all creation sings a new song. All is made new. Christ is born. All is well. Leader: Friends, believe the good news. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Unison: Praise be to God, who sends the Son. Alleluia, Alleluia! Response to the Assurance of Pardon Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, goodwill towards men. George Frideric Handel The Word Prayer for Illumination Old Testament Reading Isaiah 9:2-7 Leader: The Word of the Lord. Pew Bible page 555 People: Thanks be to God. Large Print Pew Bible pages 780-781 *Hymn No. 112 On Christmas Night All Christians Sing Epistle Reading Titus 2:11-14 Leader: The Word of the Lord. Pew Bible page 969 People: Thanks be to God. Large Print Pew Bible page 262
Carol 1. Today the Virgin comes to the cave To give birth to the Word eternal: Rejoice, O World With the Angels and the Shepherds Give glory to the Child! Alleluia! 2. Mary my wife, O Mary my wife! What do I see? I took you blameless before the Lord From the priests of the Temple What do I see? Rejoice, O World With the Angels and the Shepherds Give glory to the Child! Alleluia! 3. Joseph the Bridegroom, O Joseph the Bridegroom! Do not fear. God in his mercy has come down to earth, He takes flesh in my womb For all the world to see. 4. Mary, my Bride, O Mary my Bride, What do I see? You, a virgin giving birth. Strange mystery! Rejoice, O World... John Tavener 5. Joseph the Bridegroom, O Joseph the Bridegroom! Do not fear. God in his mercy has come down to earth, He takes flesh in my womb For all the world to see. Rejoice, O World... 6. Warned by the Angel we believe That Mary gives birth inexplicable To the infant, Christ, our God. Rejoice, O World With the Angels and the Shepherds Give glory to the Child! Alleluia! Mother Thelka Gospel Reading Luke 2:1-20 Leader: The Gospel of the Lord. Pew Bible page 555 People: Thanks be to God. Large Print Pew Bible pages 780-781 *Hymn No. 119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Sermon An Epiphany: It s Rumored to be Good News! Rev. David L. de Vries But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Our Response to The Word *Affirmation of Faith (unison) Excerpt from A Brief Statement of Faith We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayers of the People and The Lord s Prayer (unison) 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 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. At the Offertory Anthem Rejoice and be merry in songs and in mirth! O praise our redeemer, all mortals on earth! For this is the birthday of Jesus our King, Who brought us salvation, his praises we ll sing! A heavenly vision appeared in the sky; Vast numbers of angels the shepherds did spy, Proclaiming the birthday of Jesus our King, Who brought us salvation, his praises we ll sing! Likewise a bright star in the sky did appear, Which led the wise men from the east to draw near; They found the Messiah, sweet Jesus our King, Who brought us salvation, his praises we ll sing! And when they were come, they their treasures unfold, And unto him offered myrhh, incense, and gold. So blessed forever be Jesus our King, Who brought us salvation, His praises we ll sing! Rejoice and be merry in songs and in mirth! O praise our redeemer, all mortals on earth! For this is the birthday of Jesus our King, Who brought us salvation, his praises we ll sing! English trad.; arr., David Halls *Presentation (standing) Hymn No. 145 (stanza 3 sung by all) So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, one and all, to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone him. This, This is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary! Greensleeves The Eucharist REFLECTIONS & INSTRUCTIONS ON COMMUNION Communion is a time for quiet celebration. Please refrain from talking with neighbors as others are in thankful prayer. Holy communion is a gift from God to all of God s people. It does not belong to one particular church or denomination. At Christ Presbyterian Church everyone who confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is encouraged to come to the table. Appropriate responses to receiving both bread and cup include: Thanks be to God Amen Glory be to God You are encouraged to remember God s call to be part of the covenant people and a citizen in the Kingdom of Heaven (your baptism) by dipping your hand in the baptismal font as you come forward. You are welcome to receive Communion as a couple, family, and/or as friends gathered. If you have a family member who is in the choir, they can join you as you come forward. You are encouraged to sing during Communion. The choir will lead in singing meditative hymns. As you return to your seat you are encouraged to continue singing, devote yourself to prayer, or meditate on the cross.
(Remaining Standing} *Invitation to the Lord s Table *The Great Thanksgiving Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord. Leader: Let us give our thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give our thanks and praise. Leader: It is good to give you thanks, O God, source of abundant life; through Jesus Christ your eternal Word who creates all things by the working of your Spirit. For he is the reflection of your glory, the very imprint of your being. In him you have become one with us that we might become one with you. People: And so we raise our voices with saints and angels and all creation in joyful praise to you singing, *Sanctus (sung by all) Thomas Pavlechko Permission granted: St. James Music Press 2008 Leader: People: Leader: People: Holy and wondrous God, long ago you spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways. And in these last days you have spoken to us in your Word made flesh, Jesus, who proclaimed your dream of peace. He gave himself for our weary world, accepting death so that we might live, and held our darkness deep within until through cross and grave and empty tomb he set us free for love. On the night before he died for us our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, Take eat. This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them and said, Drink this all of you. This is my blood poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me. And so we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Leader: People: Leader: People: Recalling his death and resurrection, and longing for this coming in glory we offer you these gifts of bread and wine, and our lives in thanks and praise. Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be for us the body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Pour out your Spirit upon us that we might be a people of grace and truth, bearing good news of joy in every season. And bring us at the last with Mary and Joseph, and all your saints to the vision of eternal splendor for which you have created us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, by him, with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, we worship you, O God, in songs of everlasting praise. Amen. Sharing of the Bread and Cup Communion Anthems Hymn No. 114 Away in a Manger W. J. Kirkpatrick; arr., Peter Hallock Hymn No. 160 A Stable Lamp Is Lighted David Hurd Aria from Messiah He shall feed His flock Closing Prayer of Thanksgiving Sending (Ushers light candles) George Frideric Handel Jean Burnquist, soprano *Hymn No. 122 Franz Gruber; desc., Gerre Hancock 1. 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. 2. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing: Alleluia; Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born. 3. 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. *Christmas Eve Prayer (unison) Great God, as you came at night when all was still, so enter our lives this night. Illumine our paths with the light of Christ s presence, that we may clearly see the way before us, the truth to speak and the life to live for him, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
*Hymn in Procession No. 134 Joy to the World! 1. Joy to the world! the Lord is come: Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing,... 2. Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns: Let all their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy... 3. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found... 4. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love... (Please extinguish candles) *Benediction *Organ Voluntary In Dulci Jubilo J. S. Bach The Cathedral Hour live broadcast this evening is given in joy and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Come Let Us Adore Him. We deeply appreciate those whose gifts and memorials have provided the poinsettias for our services. Those who have asked to take their plants may do so after the service. A blessed and joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year to all and to your loved ones. Scripture Readings for December 27, 2015 ~ 1st Sunday After Christmas Day Genesis 3:1-5, 22-24; Isaiah 35; Luke 1:5-25; Luke 1:26-58; Luke 2:1-20 Hebrews 1:1-12; John 1:1-18 Consider: How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity. (Psalm 133:1)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 WORSHIP SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS Our Church Family comes together as one for worship at 10:30am for the Festival of Christmas with Lessons & Carols with the Chancel Choir in the Sanctuary followed by a Fellowship Reception. (No early service/sunday School this morning.) NEW YEAR S EVE DINNER & WORSHIP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 5:30pm Dinner/6:15pm Communion Please join us for our second annual New Year s Eve Dinner and Communion. We will meet at 5:30pm for dinner in Westminster Hall, followed by Communion in the Chapel at 6:15pm. The 5:30pm time should accommodate the families with young children and those of our congregation who prefer not to be out too late. If you don t drive at night, transportation will be arranged. Sign up online, in Cloister Hall, or call the Church office to make reservations. Donations can be made to cover the cost of the meal. CHRISTMAS & EPIPHANY MADRIGAL FEAST & ANNUAL VISIT OF THE THREE KINGS Wednesday, the 6 th day of January, in the Year of Our Lord, Twenty-Sixteen In the Great Hall of Westminster at Christ Church Come gather with friends to celebrate in grand style the conclusion of Christmas Revelry, feasting, pageantry, and entertainment featuring the Firestone High School Madrigal Singers, under the direction of Chad Pittman. Fare: grapes & cheeses; roast beef, potatoes, vegetables, bread pudding, and beverages. Doors open at half-past five; feasting begins at six o clock. Tickets are $20 per person ($5 for Children & Students). Proceeds from this event benefit the Food, Clothing, and Prayer Ministry of Christ Church. Seating is limited to 120 guests. Tickets available online or in the church office. Friends of the Food/ Clothing and Prayer Ministry: We are in desperate need of warm clothing for our families. Used coats, sweaters, socks and boots are much needed as the weather gets colder. Your items will be greatly appreciated! We are also making up "gift bags" that contain travel size toiletries, perfume and/or lotions that we will distribute for Christmas. As always, your support of this Ministry is vital to our success. With love during the holidays Lorraine Murphy
Many in the congrega on are already using the online church membership program, Access ACS. This allows members to view online Membership Informa on/directory; Give online; sign up for events; email ministry/groups you are involved in, etc. If you have never logged in, check it out! Visit the Church website: www.cantoncpc.org and click on CPC Members/Member Login. If you have never logged in, click on need a login below the blue sign in box. Once you have created a login on the membership program, you can download a free mobile app to stay connect on the go! Search for ACS Church Life with the icon pictured. This app allows you to contribute from your mobile device, look up phone numbers, addresses, and emails, send text or call, pull up direc ons and a map for home visits, and view calendar events. You simply use the same username/password you use for Access ACS. If you have ques ons or need help, please call Diane in the church office (330-456-8113). Like and share our Church facebook page where we share upcoming church and fellowship events. Go to the Church website: www.cantoncpc.org and click on the Find Us On facebook icon at the bo om of the home page. Holiday Office/Building Hours In observance of the Christmas and New Year Holiday, the Church office and Building Hours will be as follows: Friday, December 25 Office and Building Closed Christmas Dinner ~ 3:00 pm Thursday, December 31 Office Closed 5:30 p.m. Dinner/6:30 p.m. New Year s Eve Communion Service Friday, January 1 Office and Building Closed On January 3, 2016, we will be taking down the Christmas decora ons. We need several people to help take down the trees, wreaths, garland, and bows. This will take place following the 10:30 a.m. service. The more helpers we have, the faster the task is completed. A simple lunch will be provided. Please sign up in Cloister Hall or online if you can help.
Christ Presbyterian Church 530 Tuscarawas Street West Canton, Ohio 44702 330-456-8113 cantoncpc.org cpcoffice@cantoncpc.org Christ Presbyterian Church Staff Ministers: The People of Christ Church Senior Pastor: Rev. David de Vries Parish Associate: Rev. Eldon Trubee Director of Music & Organist: David Kienzle Director of Youth Ministry: Jon Mathewson Director of Children s and Family Ministries: Jennifer George Director of Outdoor Ministries: Chris Harmsen Business Administrator/Assistant Treasurer: Donald Weltlich Financial Assistant/Secretary: Diane Nave Administrative Assistant to the Senior Pastor/Secretary: Caryn Smith Custodians: Kurt A. Gottschick & Ron Pelger Mission Co-Worker in Thailand: Esther Wakeman Elders of Christ Presbyterian Church Kevin Anderson Alice Bailey Chris Burt Nancy Irving Scott McCahan Pam Moretta Edith Ophardt Christy Paumier James Smith