Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 21, 2014
CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S DAY
In consideration of other worshipers, please turn cell phones and mobile devices off or to silent mode. Thank you .
WE GATHER IN GOD’S PRESENCE
MUSIC FOR THE GATHERING OF THE WORSHIPERS
Carol of the Manger
Dale Wood
(lighting of the candles, David Marshall)
As the pastor and acolyte enter the sanctuary, let us pause in thoughtful silence and begin our worship.
OUR LIFE TOGETHER…
(During the announcements, please fill out the fellowship pad and pass it back and forth through your pew
in order that we may greet one another by name after worship.)
GATHERING SONG
Light Four Candles to Watch for Messiah
Wayne L. Wold
(Please see insert, Stz. 1 – 4 ~ choir and congregation singing together)
(silent moments of meditation and preparation for worship)
CALL TO WORSHIP & LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH:
Susie Stuart, Liturgist
One: As we light the first three candles let us say together:
All: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not
walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
One: We called the first candle HOPE, the second candle PEACE, and the third
we called JOY. What will we call the fourth candle?
All: We will call it LOVE to remind us of the greatest gift God has given us
and the love we have to share with one another.
One: Loving God, when Jesus came he hleped us understand what real love means:
caring for others even when they don’t seem to care for us, giving to others
without expecting anything in return, and accepting all people because you
accepted them. Help us to love in his way, not only at Christmas but all
through the year.
All: Come, Lord Jesus, fill us with your love.
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Gabriel’s Message
*CAROL - No. 16 The Angel Gabriel
READING: Luke 1: 46-55
Elizabeth Hallberg
“The Answer Is Yes”
*PRAYER OF PRAISE
One: “Then Mary said: Here am I, the servant of the Lord;
let it be with me according to your word.”
Let us pray: God of grace, your eternal Word took flesh among us
when Mary placed her life at the service of your will.
All:
Now fill us with your grace, that with her, we may rejoice in your
salvation, and in all things, embrace your will; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
*RESPONSE - Light Four Candles to Watch for Messiah
“Angels We Have Heard On High”
Verse 1
Congregation joins on Verse 2
Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply,
Echo back their joyous strains.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo;
Gloria, in excelsis Deo.
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo;
Gloria, in excelsis Deo.
Wayne L. Wold
“Stranger In The Manger”
(Please see insert, Stz. 1 -4 - choir and congregation singing together)
“We Three Kings”
*PASSING THE PEACE
WE GIVE IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Offertory – Away In A Manger
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Robert Lau
Liturgist
*OUR LORD’S PRAYER
WE GROW AS WE LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD
MESSAGE FROM OUR CHILDREN
Stranger in the Manger
Arrangers: Johnathan Crumpton, Sue Smith
Performers: First Presbyterian Youth
Directors: Deborah Sunya Moore & Peggy Hallberg
“Tell Me The Story Of Christmas”
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Verse 1
Congregation joins on Verse 2
We three kings of Orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.
“Silent Night”
Finale: “Stranger In A Manger Reprise with Joy To The World”
Congregation joins on Joy To The World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come:
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
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He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
WE GO TO SERVE GOD’S WORLD
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Gordon Young
*Those who are able, please stand
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Ushers: Heidi Marshall, Lee Marshall, David Marshall, Ed Sanderson
Greeter: Hope Marshall
You are invited to join us for our Festival Christmas Eve worship on Wednesday, December
24. Special music featuring brass, flute, violin, piano and organ begins at 8:30 p.m. The
Reverend Robert J. Hagel will be preaching, the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be
celebrated, and our Christmas candles will be lighted from the Christ Candle. Our worship
service starts at 9:00 p.m.
The church business office will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, December 24, 25,
and 26th. A Children’s Place will be closed Christmas Day.
Sunday, December 28, 2014 No Children’s or Adult Education
Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. in Bellinger Chapel
The Reverend Robert J. Hagel, preacher
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