S E R V I C E O F W O R S H I P C H R I S T M A S E V E O N L I N E E D I T I O N 215 SOMERS ROAD EAST LONGMEADOW, MA 01028 413-525-7416 www.elumc.org The Rev. Kelly D. Turney, Pastor J. T. Cavicchia, Director of Music
DECEMBER 24, 2011 The journey to Bethlehem leads us here a manger that was the resting place for a newborn that night. It was a trough where animals are fed that cradled this precious life. But how appropriate for the One who would say someday, This is my body this is my blood. The Bread of Life for the world is born in Bethlehem, the House of Bread, and cradled and adored by the lowest shepherds and the richest wise ones alike. All will be fed by his words, his ministry, his life. What good news have we heard that moves us toward our own new birth? PRELUDE African Noel/The First Noel INTROIT & BRINGING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST Your People Have Walked Long in Darkness JT Cavicchia Star, Moon, Choir & the Combo Kevin Sharpe, piano; Phil Goban, bass; Eliezer Martinez, drummer GREETING SONGS TO OPEN A Child Is Born by Thad Jones I m Looking for a Miracle Star, Moon & the Combo Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! with the congregation LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH Living God, come to our world, May the love of Christ shine brightly, at the center of our lives, spreading warmth and light, in us, in this congregation, and everywhere. The Colteys Isaiah 9:2, 5, 6, 7, 7 REB *SINGING IN PRAISE Angels We Have Heard on High 238
PRAYER OF THE ANGELS ON THE JOURNEY Bringing in the Creche MUSIC MINISTRY Mary, Did You Know Matt Chandler SHOW US WHO YOU ARE Long before Jesus was born, God s Holy Name was revealed to the people of Israel. PUTTING WRONGS RIGHT Psalm 146 From the songs of ancient Israel, we learn that God is not only awesome, but also active. *HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful 234 verses 1 & 3 IN A HUMAN FACE We believe that in Jesus of Nazareth, the Great Holy One, creator of the universe, came to be with us, as one of us, not just to be seen and touched and known, but to do something, to make a difference: to us and to the whole world. BORN AMONG US Luke 2:1-8 REB The Gospel of Luke tells how Jesus was born, and who greeted him. For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, thanks be to God. *HYMN The First Noel 245 verses 1 & 2 ON ANGELS WINGS: A STORY OF PRESENCE WE SERVE AS ANGELS TO THE WORLD OFFERTORY Children, Go Where I Send Thee The offering tonight goes to make a difference in the lives of children, women, and men around the globe. It will help with recovery efforts, clean water and sanitation, sustainable agriculture, health and wholeness ministries, and education in Africa. It will be used by our missionaries, community workers, churches, and by a broad range of agencies raising the level of hope for those who need it most.
WE BECOME THE LIGHT (When the light comes to you, remember that lit candles always remain upright and unlit candles bend to the light.) HYMN Silent Night CHRIST AMONG US, A PRAYER *LOVE S LIVING WORD John1:1-6, 8-9, 14, REB The first chapter of John s Gospel invites us to ponder the wonder of Love s eternal mystery, touched, and seen in the flesh. *MUSIC TO TAKE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD Joy to the World 246 Go Tell it On the Mountain 251 BENEDICTION POSTLUDE African Noel *congregation standing Greeters: Lois Harris, Carol Johnston Lay Reader: Kaitlin Leveille We re pleased to welcome back Matt Chandler, son of Diane & Steve. Matt was ordained recently and serves in Guntersville, Alabama. We also welcome Helen s daughter, Gayle Lesure, who is a church and community worker with GBGM (General Board of Global Ministries) working in West Virginia. New Years Day Worship at 10:00 a.m. is PJ Sunday pajamas and/or slippers are encouraged! The Youth are having a lock in on New Year's Eve so they'll be leading the way. The Nursery will be open but not staffed.
GET OUT! INTO THE Make a difference in 2012 in this community. W O R L D Organizational Lunch January 29 at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Get trained to be in mission on your own or as part of a team.
s t a t e m e n t o f i n c l u s i o n As we recognize the value in each other, we recognize God. We embrace God's good gift of diversity and believe all persons are of sacred worth. Therefore, we welcome people of every age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic condition, family structure, and physical or mental ability into the full participation of this congregation. We are called by God to raise the level of hope for those who have been marginalized and singled out for exclusion, including our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender sisters and brothers. Our passion for a wide welcome of all God's children moves us to participate in reconciling and justice ministries so that we might truly open minds, open hearts, and open doors. 215 SOMERS ROAD EAST LONGMEADOW, MA 01028 413-525-7416 www.elumc.org The Rev. Kelly D. Turney, Pastor J. T. Cavicchia, Director of Music v i s i t o r s c o r n e r WELCOME! Blessing to all on this Christmas Eve. A special welcome is extended to guests sharing worship with us. We praise God for everyone who has gathered here today at East Longmeadow United Methodist Church (ELUMC), and we pray that God s Spirit will rest on each person, member and visitor alike, as we worship together. There are LARGE Print bulletins and hymnals available for those who would prefer to use them. The ushers can assist with pocket hearing enhancers. Children and their noises and energy are always welcome in our service. There is a nursery room, unstaffed on this Eve, but open for your use, and rocking chairs in the rear sanctuary for parents with infants. s a f e s a n c t u a r y This church is committed to providing a safe place for our children. o u r m i s s i o n As disciples of Jesus Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit, we welcome the risks involved in following God s call to engage in ministries that raise the level of hope for those who cry out for love and justice.