The Order of Worship
C- You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at harvest! The Light of God shines on us tonight!
Christmas Eve Service /Candlelight Communion (A Festival of Lessons and Carols) Thursday, December 24, 2015
7:00 pm
*Please stand as you are able.
The Order of Worship Organ Prelude Choral Introit Gathering:
“A Star Over Bethlehem” and “Infant Holy” “O Holy Night”
Nancy Cook, Organist Jane Wermeling, Soloist
Welcome and Greetings
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES (See Insert)
The Fernholz Family
Call to worship: “IN THE QUITE of the NIGHT”- Pastor and congregation P: In the quiet of the night a woman gives birth: C- a personal act of faith; accepting God's charge upon herself. P: In the quiet of the night a husband becomes a father: C: a personal act of faith; accepting God's charge upon himself. P: In the quiet of the night, a baby of divine birth breathes the earthly air! C: a personal act of sacrifice; God steps out of the divine into the mundane for us. * HYMN # 240 Opening Prayer:
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Unison
God of love, you have brought us together tonight and blessed us with your very presence. Open our hearts and minds to the light of Christ that glows in the darkness of a world engulfed in apathy, pain and loss; a world estranged from your love. Speak to each of us by name as we hear anew the good news of your gracious gift of salvation. In the wonder of your presence, fill us with that light and carry it out with us into the world of our lives. This we ask in the name of your blessed Son, our Lord and Savior, “The Christ-Child.” Amen!
Leader- Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy; they rejoice before thee as with joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of their burden, and the staff of their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors, you have broken! ALL - The light of God shines on us tonight! For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the authority shall be upon his shoulders, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. *HYMN #217 verses 1 & 3
Away in a Manger
Gospel:
Luke 2:1-14
Peggy Nejedly, reader
PRAISE SONG
Praise Team
Gospel:
Luke 2:15-20
Dave Johnson, reader
ANTHEM
“We Three Kings”
LaShel Newkirk, Director
The Christmas Challenge: Pastor and Congregation Leader: In the quiet of the night C: We accept a gift: a personal act of faith; receiving God's charge upon us. Leader: In the quiet of the night, C: We are changed forever by our God and Savior, Christ Jesus, our Lord, who is God with us, now and forever. Amen. SOLO
“In the Bleak Midwinter”
Children’s Time: *HYMN #218 verse 1
Jeanne Whiteside, Soloist Pastor Jakes Voker
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Leader- A trumpet blares through the silent night! C- A new song heralds the coming light!
OFFERING - Your offering tonight will help support our emergency fund. This fund enables us to be in mission and ministry on behalf of our congregation in our community by assisting people who visit our office daily asking for help with their rent, bus passes, fuel/gasoline, medications, food, etc. Checks should be made out to Racine 1st UMC toward Pastoral Emergency Fund. Thanks for sharing your resources with our most vulnerable brothers and sisters during this season celebrating God’s greatest gift freely given to us and the world, “The Christ Child!”
Leader- The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them light have shined.
OFFERING Words of Invitation Giving of Tithes and Offerings
ANTHEM
“Angels We Have Heard on High”
LaShel Newkirk, Director
A Litany of Advent Hope: Leader, Ellen Spiering, and Congregation: (Isaiah 9:2-7)
Offertory “Nothing But a Child” *The First Noel verse 5 Then entered in those Wise Men three, Full reverently upon the knee, And offered there, in his presence, Their gold and myrrh and frankincense. Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.
Dawn Nejedly, Soloist
A litany of Christmas: Leader, Robyn Meredith, and Congregation Leader: In the quiet of the night, we have heard God's truth; C: A personal word of life given for our redemption. Leader: In the quiet of the night, in the quiet of this night…. C: We are called to act. We are called to care, we are called to serve! We are called to share a personal story of Christmas, a personal story of salvation. Leader: In the quiet of this night C: God sends us to be the living faith: a personal invitation, a personal voice of hope, a personal hand of service in our day-to-day acts, in our day-to-day relationships. Leader: May God grant that it be so. Amen. *HYMN #246 VERSES 1 & 4
Joy to the World
Sending forth in God’s love and care - Pastor and Congregation P: As you go from this quiet night into the chaos of this life and world, may God bless you and keep you. May God's countenance shine upon you, and grant you His peace. Go in peace and joy to honor God through faith and service. C: We go as Christ’s feet to seek the lost and despised, Christ’s mouth to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, and Christ’s hands to feed the hungry and to give drinks to the thirsty; we go to serve the world and transform lives in the name of the Christ Child to the glory and honor of God the father and God the Holy Spirit. Amen! *SENDING HYMN #239 all verses Silent Night, Holy Night CANDLELIGHTING (Please form a circle around the sanctuary. The Pastor will light a candle from the Christ candle and pass the light of Christ around the circle.) (Please extinguish your candle and put it on the sanctuary table as you leave). DON’T FORGET TO GIVE A GIFT OF CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRIST-MASS!!! Postlude (Adopted from: Lisa Frenz -Mt. Carmel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Poland, Oregon)
A LITANY OF THE CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLE LIGHTING: Reader:
God comes to us in different times, seasons, and events in our lives. God comes to us in the playfulness of summer; the stillness of winter when life hides and fades. As we ponder long, grieve deeply, but urging us to pray without ceasing. God comes to us, as with Mary at the first blush of spring, bubbling with amazement and questions like wellspring.
A LITANY OF THE CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLE LIGHTING: Reader:
God comes to us in different times, seasons, and events in our lives. God comes to us in the playfulness of summer; the stillness of winter when life hides and fades. As we ponder long, grieve deeply, but urging us to pray without ceasing. God comes to us, as with Mary at the first blush of spring, bubbling with amazement and questions like wellspring.
Response: How can this be?
Response: How can this be?
Reader:
Reader:
That God so loved the world,
That God so loved the world,
Response: How can this be?
Response: How can this be?
Reader:
Reader:
That God turned the world upside down with a baby,
That God turned the world upside down with a baby,
Response: How can this be?
Response: How can this be?
Reader:
Reader:
That God brings us to this season pregnant with mercy and compassion,
That God brings us to this season pregnant with mercy and compassion,
Response: How can this be?
Response: How can this be?
Reader:
Reader:
God chooses even me to transform and be transformed by his love.
God chooses even me to transform and be transformed by his love.
Response: How can this be? How can this be?
Response: How can this be? How can this be?
Reader: Advent gives birth to epiphanies that prepare us for life, death and resurrection. Pentecost blows the passion of the Holy Spirit into us and invites us to live fully in every ordinary day. We give thanks for being called into God’s time.
Reader: Advent gives birth to epiphanies that prepare us for life, death and resurrection. Pentecost blows the passion of the Holy Spirit into us and invites us to live fully in every ordinary day. We give thanks for being called into God’s time.
ALL: We light this candle as a reminder of the seasons of faith in which God shapes our lives and souls.
ALL: We light this candle as a reminder of the seasons of faith in which God shapes our lives and souls.
Unison Prayer:
Unison Prayer:
Leaders and congregation
Life-changing God, year after year, day by day, You go with, before and behind us, calling us into Your rhythm. Stir our hearts and prepare us to respond. May each of us respond as Mary did: “Let it be with me according to your word.” We offer this prayer in the name of your only begotten Son and the Savior of us all. Amen!
Leaders and congregation
Life-changing God, year after year, day by day, You go with, before and behind us, calling us into Your rhythm. Stir our hearts and prepare us to respond. May each of us respond as Mary did: “Let it be with me according to your word.” We offer this prayer in the name of your only begotten Son and the Savior of us all. Amen!
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 745 Main Street - Racine, Wisconsin 53403 (262) 633-7632 (Church) - (262) 770-3817 (Pastor's Residence) Email: [email protected] - Website: www.1umcracine.org Pastor: Rev. Jakes Voker Nancy Cook: Organist Sue Mills: Parish Visitor Jeanne Whiteside: Media Coordinator Rick Reinhard: Custodian
Administrative Assistant: Carol Feest Jeff Fernholz: Treasurer Connie Boehm: Liturgist Dennis Clay: Pianist LaShel Newkirk, Choir Director
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 745 Main Street - Racine, Wisconsin 53403 (262) 633-7632 (Church) - (262) 770-3817 (Pastor's Residence) Email: [email protected] - Website: www.1umcracine.org Pastor: Rev. Jakes Voker Nancy Cook: Organist Sue Mills: Parish Visitor Jeanne Whiteside: Media Coordinator Rick Reinhard: Custodian
Administrative Assistant: Carol Feest Jeff Fernholz: Treasurer Connie Boehm: Liturgist Dennis Clay: Pianist LaShel Newkirk, Choir Director
THE ALTAR FLOWERS THIS EVENING are provided by Paul & Peggy Nejedly with wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and healthy New Year.
THE ALTAR FLOWERS THIS EVENING are provided by Paul & Peggy Nejedly with wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and healthy New Year.
THE LOVELY POINSETTIAS are provided by Paul & Peggy Nejedly and the members of Casa de Dios. Thank you very much.
THE LOVELY POINSETTIAS are provided by Paul & Peggy Nejedly and the members of Casa de Dios. Thank you very much.
FOOD BANK ITEM FOR DECEMBER will be Hamburger Helper. This is just a suggestion – all non-perishable food products are always welcome. The local food banks are serving many, many more families this year and your donation of food is not only greatly needed, but greatly appreciated. Bring your items to church anytime.
FOOD BANK ITEM FOR DECEMBER will be Hamburger Helper. This is just a suggestion – all non-perishable food products are always welcome. The local food banks are serving many, many more families this year and your donation of food is not only greatly needed, but greatly appreciated. Bring your items to church anytime.
LOOSE CHANGE OFFERING FOR DECEMBER will benefit the local ARC program. The Arc Advocates for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by safeguarding their rights, promoting independence and inclusion in school & community life. Simply place your loose change, or more, in the small brown envelope found in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate. Thank you for your continued support of our outreach ministry.
LOOSE CHANGE OFFERING FOR DECEMBER will benefit the local ARC program. The Arc Advocates for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by safeguarding their rights, promoting independence and inclusion in school & community life. Simply place your loose change, or more, in the small brown envelope found in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate. Thank you for your continued support of our outreach ministry.
2016 OFFERING ENVELOPES are now available on the Sanctuary table. If you do not see a box with your name on it, take one of the blank boxes and record your name and the box number on the sheet provided.
2016 OFFERING ENVELOPES are now available on the Sanctuary table. If you do not see a box with your name on it, take one of the blank boxes and record your name and the box number on the sheet provided.
Christmas Eve Service /Candlelight Communion (A Festival of Lessons and Carols) Thursday, December 24, 2015
7:00 pm
*Please stand as you are able.
The Order of Worship Organ Prelude Choral Introit Gathering:
“A Star Over Bethlehem” and “Infant Holy” “O Holy Night”
Nancy Cook, Organist Jane Wermeling, Soloist
Welcome and Greetings
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES (See Insert)
The Fernholz Family
Call to worship: “IN THE QUITE of the NIGHT”- Pastor and congregation P: In the quiet of the night a woman gives birth: C- a personal act of faith; accepting God's charge upon herself. P: In the quiet of the night a husband becomes a father: C: a personal act of faith; accepting God's charge upon himself. P: In the quiet of the night, a baby of divine birth breathes the earthly air! C: a personal act of sacrifice; God steps out of the divine into the mundane for us. * HYMN # 240 Opening Prayer:
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Unison
God of love, you have brought us together tonight and blessed us with your very presence. Open our hearts and minds to the light of Christ that glows in the darkness of a world engulfed in apathy, pain and loss; a world estranged from your love. Speak to each of us by name as we hear anew the good news of your gracious gift of salvation. In the wonder of your presence, fill us with that light and carry it out with us into the world of our lives. This we ask in the name of your blessed Son, our Lord and Savior, “The Christ-Child.” Amen!
Leader- Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy; they rejoice before thee as with joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of their burden, and the staff of their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors, you have broken! ALL - The light of God shines on us tonight! For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the authority shall be upon his shoulders, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. *HYMN #217 verses 1 & 3
Away in a Manger
Gospel:
Luke 2:1-14
Peggy Nejedly, reader
PRAISE SONG
Praise Team
Gospel:
Luke 2:15-20
Dave Johnson, reader
ANTHEM
“We Three Kings”
LaShel Newkirk, Director
The Christmas Challenge: Pastor and Congregation Leader: In the quiet of the night C: We accept a gift: a personal act of faith; receiving God's charge upon us. Leader: In the quiet of the night, C: We are changed forever by our God and Savior, Christ Jesus, our Lord, who is God with us, now and forever. Amen. SOLO
“In the Bleak Midwinter”
Children’s Time: *HYMN #218 verse 1
Jeanne Whiteside, Soloist Pastor Jakes Voker
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Leader- A trumpet blares through the silent night! C- A new song heralds the coming light!
OFFERING - Your offering tonight will help support our emergency fund. This fund enables us to be in mission and ministry on behalf of our congregation in our community by assisting people who visit our office daily asking for help with their rent, bus passes, fuel/gasoline, medications, food, etc. Checks should be made out to Racine 1st UMC toward Pastoral Emergency Fund. Thanks for sharing your resources with our most vulnerable brothers and sisters during this season celebrating God’s greatest gift freely given to us and the world, “The Christ Child!”
Leader- The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them light have shined.
OFFERING Words of Invitation Giving of Tithes and Offerings
ANTHEM
“Angels We Have Heard on High”
LaShel Newkirk, Director
A Litany of Advent Hope: Leader, Ellen Spiering, and Congregation: (Isaiah 9:2-7)
Offertory “Nothing But a Child” *The First Noel verse 5 Then entered in those Wise Men three, Full reverently upon the knee, And offered there, in his presence, Their gold and myrrh and frankincense. Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.
Dawn Nejedly, Soloist
A litany of Christmas: Leader, Robyn Meredith, and Congregation Leader: In the quiet of the night, we have heard God's truth; C: A personal word of life given for our redemption. Leader: In the quiet of the night, in the quiet of this night…. C: We are called to act. We are called to care, we are called to serve! We are called to share a personal story of Christmas, a personal story of salvation. Leader: In the quiet of this night C: God sends us to be the living faith: a personal invitation, a personal voice of hope, a personal hand of service in our day-to-day acts, in our day-to-day relationships. Leader: May God grant that it be so. Amen. *HYMN #246 VERSES 1 & 4
Joy to the World
Sending forth in God’s love and care - Pastor and Congregation P: As you go from this quiet night into the chaos of this life and world, may God bless you and keep you. May God's countenance shine upon you, and grant you His peace. Go in peace and joy to honor God through faith and service. C: We go as Christ’s feet to seek the lost and despised, Christ’s mouth to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, and Christ’s hands to feed the hungry and to give drinks to the thirsty; we go to serve the world and transform lives in the name of the Christ Child to the glory and honor of God the father and God the Holy Spirit. Amen! *SENDING HYMN #239 all verses Silent Night, Holy Night CANDLELIGHTING (Please form a circle around the sanctuary. The Pastor will light a candle from the Christ candle and pass the light of Christ around the circle.) (Please extinguish your candle and put it on the sanctuary table as you leave). DON’T FORGET TO GIVE A GIFT OF CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRIST-MASS!!! Postlude (Adopted from: Lisa Frenz -Mt. Carmel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Poland, Oregon)
A LITANY OF THE CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLE LIGHTING: Reader:
God comes to us in different times, seasons, and events in our lives. God comes to us in the playfulness of summer; the stillness of winter when life hides and fades. As we ponder long, grieve deeply, but urging us to pray without ceasing. God comes to us, as with Mary at the first blush of spring, bubbling with amazement and questions like wellspring.
A LITANY OF THE CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLE LIGHTING: Reader:
God comes to us in different times, seasons, and events in our lives. God comes to us in the playfulness of summer; the stillness of winter when life hides and fades. As we ponder long, grieve deeply, but urging us to pray without ceasing. God comes to us, as with Mary at the first blush of spring, bubbling with amazement and questions like wellspring.
Response: How can this be?
Response: How can this be?
Reader:
Reader:
That God so loved the world,
That God so loved the world,
Response: How can this be?
Response: How can this be?
Reader:
Reader:
That God turned the world upside down with a baby,
That God turned the world upside down with a baby,
Response: How can this be?
Response: How can this be?
Reader:
Reader:
That God brings us to this season pregnant with mercy and compassion,
That God brings us to this season pregnant with mercy and compassion,
Response: How can this be?
Response: How can this be?
Reader:
Reader:
God chooses even me to transform and be transformed by his love.
God chooses even me to transform and be transformed by his love.
Response: How can this be? How can this be?
Response: How can this be? How can this be?
Reader: Advent gives birth to epiphanies that prepare us for life, death and resurrection. Pentecost blows the passion of the Holy Spirit into us and invites us to live fully in every ordinary day. We give thanks for being called into God’s time.
Reader: Advent gives birth to epiphanies that prepare us for life, death and resurrection. Pentecost blows the passion of the Holy Spirit into us and invites us to live fully in every ordinary day. We give thanks for being called into God’s time.
ALL: We light this candle as a reminder of the seasons of faith in which God shapes our lives and souls.
ALL: We light this candle as a reminder of the seasons of faith in which God shapes our lives and souls.
Unison Prayer:
Unison Prayer:
Leaders and congregation
Life-changing God, year after year, day by day, You go with, before and behind us, calling us into Your rhythm. Stir our hearts and prepare us to respond. May each of us respond as Mary did: “Let it be with me according to your word.” We offer this prayer in the name of your only begotten Son and the Savior of us all. Amen!
Leaders and congregation
Life-changing God, year after year, day by day, You go with, before and behind us, calling us into Your rhythm. Stir our hearts and prepare us to respond. May each of us respond as Mary did: “Let it be with me according to your word.” We offer this prayer in the name of your only begotten Son and the Savior of us all. Amen!
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 745 Main Street - Racine, Wisconsin 53403 (262) 633-7632 (Church) - (262) 770-3817 (Pastor's Residence) Email: [email protected] - Website: www.1umcracine.org Pastor: Rev. Jakes Voker Nancy Cook: Organist Sue Mills: Parish Visitor Jeanne Whiteside: Media Coordinator Rick Reinhard: Custodian
Administrative Assistant: Carol Feest Jeff Fernholz: Treasurer Connie Boehm: Liturgist Dennis Clay: Pianist LaShel Newkirk, Choir Director
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 745 Main Street - Racine, Wisconsin 53403 (262) 633-7632 (Church) - (262) 770-3817 (Pastor's Residence) Email: [email protected] - Website: www.1umcracine.org Pastor: Rev. Jakes Voker Nancy Cook: Organist Sue Mills: Parish Visitor Jeanne Whiteside: Media Coordinator Rick Reinhard: Custodian
Administrative Assistant: Carol Feest Jeff Fernholz: Treasurer Connie Boehm: Liturgist Dennis Clay: Pianist LaShel Newkirk, Choir Director
THE ALTAR FLOWERS THIS EVENING are provided by Paul & Peggy Nejedly with wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and healthy New Year.
THE ALTAR FLOWERS THIS EVENING are provided by Paul & Peggy Nejedly with wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and healthy New Year.
THE LOVELY POINSETTIAS are provided by Paul & Peggy Nejedly and the members of Casa de Dios. Thank you very much.
THE LOVELY POINSETTIAS are provided by Paul & Peggy Nejedly and the members of Casa de Dios. Thank you very much.
FOOD BANK ITEM FOR DECEMBER will be Hamburger Helper. This is just a suggestion – all non-perishable food products are always welcome. The local food banks are serving many, many more families this year and your donation of food is not only greatly needed, but greatly appreciated. Bring your items to church anytime.
FOOD BANK ITEM FOR DECEMBER will be Hamburger Helper. This is just a suggestion – all non-perishable food products are always welcome. The local food banks are serving many, many more families this year and your donation of food is not only greatly needed, but greatly appreciated. Bring your items to church anytime.
LOOSE CHANGE OFFERING FOR DECEMBER will benefit the local ARC program. The Arc Advocates for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by safeguarding their rights, promoting independence and inclusion in school & community life. Simply place your loose change, or more, in the small brown envelope found in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate. Thank you for your continued support of our outreach ministry.
LOOSE CHANGE OFFERING FOR DECEMBER will benefit the local ARC program. The Arc Advocates for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by safeguarding their rights, promoting independence and inclusion in school & community life. Simply place your loose change, or more, in the small brown envelope found in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate. Thank you for your continued support of our outreach ministry.
2016 OFFERING ENVELOPES are now available on the Sanctuary table. If you do not see a box with your name on it, take one of the blank boxes and record your name and the box number on the sheet provided.
2016 OFFERING ENVELOPES are now available on the Sanctuary table. If you do not see a box with your name on it, take one of the blank boxes and record your name and the box number on the sheet provided.
