First Presbyterian Church
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Order for Worship
Christmas Day, December 25, 2011, 10:45 AM
GATHERING
Rev. Jon A. Black, Pastor
Debby Madden, Director of Educational Ministry
Shirley S. King, Organist
Susan Shuey, Choir Director
Jack Sprecher, Sexton
Avis Allen, Administrative Secretary
Church Administrative Office Hours: M, W, F, 9-2
Phone: 243-4612; E-mail: fpcarl@pa.net
Rev. Black: jblack.fpcarl@pa.net
Debby Madden: dmadden.fpcarl@pa.net
Website: www.firstprescarlisle.com
PRELUDES
Variations on Adeste Fidelis
Dupre
GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
(Please sign and pass the pew registration pads.)
Carol of the Manger
Wood
* CALL TO WORSHIP
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of
the messenger who announces peace, who brings
good news, who announces salvation!
God’s sentinels lift up their voices; together they
sing for joy as they see the return of the Lord to
Zion!
Break forth into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem,
for the Lord has comforted and redeemed
Jerusalem.
LARGE-PRINT BULLETINS, AS WELL AS
YOUTH WORSHIP BAGS, ARE AVAILABLE.
AN USHER CAN ASSIST YOU.
All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of
our God!
* HYMN #22
“Angels from the Realms of Glory”
* PRAYER OF ADORATION
SCRIPTURE
O God, whose angels sing your praise, to you we
offer our songs of gladness. All honor and majesty,
beauty and strength are yours. You bring forth a
child whom we called blessed. On his shoulders
rests the destiny of nations. You give us the gift of
life everlasting, a wonderful counselor who shall
guide all your people. All glory to you in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom you
dwell. Amen.
POEM
* RESPONSE - “Gloria” #111 (G)
SCRIPTURE
POEM
Isaiah 11: 1-5
(p. 640)
“Love’s the Secret”
John Bell
CAROL #48
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
SCRIPTURE
Luke 2: 1-7
POEM
CAROL #44
SCRIPTURE
“Prophesy”
(p. 58)
Sun Ai Lee Park
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Luke 2: 8-20
(p. 58)
POEM “What Do I Want for Christmas?” Ann Weems
* CAROL #23
SCRIPTURE
POEM
“Angels We Have Heard on High”
Matthew 2: 7-12
“God-with-us”
OFFERING OURSELVES
Offertory
Variations on Sussex Carol
* “PRAISE GOD” - #592
(p. 2)
Jan Berry
Haan
John 1: 1-5, 9-18
“Christmas”
(p. 91)
John Betjeman
* POSTLUDE
On the Day
Manz
* indicates all who are able, please stand
(G) indicates use green song book, “Sing! a new creation”
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
* CAROL #36
“In the Bleak Midwinter”
PRAYER OF THANKS AND LORD’S PRAYER
The prayer is by Jan Richardson, In Wisdom’s Path
COMMUNION
Be up and moving this Christmas Day! Come forward at the center
aisle, take a piece of bread and dip it lightly in the cup to commune.
Return by the side aisles. Those unable to come forward will be
served in the pew by an elder.
PRAYER
Great God of power, we praise you this day for Jesus,
who came to save us from our sins. We thank you for the
hope of the prophets, the song of the angels, and the birth
of the Child in Bethlehem. Through this holy meal you
sustain us with heavenly food. Send us now in glad
service, telling the world the Good News of your love for all.
Amen.
* CAROL #29
“Go, Tell It on the Mountain”
* THE PEACE (of Christ be with you.)
And also with you.
(Exchange a word of Peace with one another.)
* CHARGE and BENEDICTION
* RESPONSE - #56, verse 6
“The First Noel”
“Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
That hath made heaven and earth of nought,
And with his blood our life hath bought.
Nowell….Born is the King of Israel.”
THE FLOWERS are presented to the Glory of God and in
loving memory of Vaughn and Helen Ahl by the family.
SERVING TODAY:
Elders Serving Communion: Matt Crum; Nancy Jacoby;
Peggy McKeehen; Richard Tritt
Ushers: Mary Reneker & Bob Davis
Nursery: Joe & Sue Dennison
Flowers: Jean Kretzing (chair) & Sue Dennison
CD Recorder: Ray Thomas
THIS WEEK, IN OUR PRAYERS
* the church at work in: Israel/Palenstine/Jerusalem; Jordan;
Iran; Iraq; Turkey; Cyprus; Morocco; Tunisia
* in the Presbyterian Church: Wells Valley; Rev. Donnie Cross
* in our congregation (at random): Matt, Danielle, Noah &
Emma Weiser
THIS WEEK, IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH:
-- Monday: church office closed (no “Space for God” meeting)
-- Wednesday: no choir rehearsal
FIRST NIGHT will be held in downtown Carlisle this New Year’s
Eve. Our church is a venue. Greeters are needed at the
sanctuary doors. Check the bulletin board for sign-up times.
Complementary buttons are given to our volunteers.
BEGIN THE NEW YEAR by worshiping with us at 10:45 AM!
There are no class or group meetings next Sunday. “Star Gifts”
for the New Year will be distributed. We return to our winter
schedule on January 8th, The Baptism of Our Lord.
FELLOWSHIP HOSTS are needed for the coming weeks. If you
wish to participate in this ministry of hospitality, please sign up
today in Fellowship Hall.