December 28, 2008
MORNING WORSHIP 10:00 A.M.
The First Sunday after Christmas – The Holy Family
Please pass the red pew pads now. If you are a guest this Sunday, we would love
to greet you following the service or at coffee fellowship
in the Friendship Lounge and the Atrium.)
THE PRELUDE Noel on “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” Visser
CHIMES AND TOWER BELLS
THE CALL TO WORSHIP James Santelle
Liturgist: "Good Christian folk, rejoice! with heart and soul and voice!"
People: Our God has saved us once again!
Liturgist: God has suffered all our pain.
People: Earth shook with heaven's groaning until God's thunder broke above. Then God saved us once again!
Liturgist: The grace of God has appeared,
People: bringing salvation to all.
ALL: Christ is born today; Christ is born today!
*HYMN 97 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
*THE INVOCATION and THE LORD’S PRAYER (unison)
Almighty God, you wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature. In your mercy, let us share the divine life of Jesus Christ who came to share our humanity, and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, and taught us to pray:
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.
*THE GLORIA PATRI (Hymn 558)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen, Amen.
THE ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 63:7-9 Rev. Robert J. Brink Bible, page 679 Children’s Bible, page 1055
THE CHILDREN IN WORSHIP
[Children 3rd grade and below are invited to LL5 during the singing of the hymn.]
*HYMN 121 Angels We Have Heard on High
THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Galatians 4:4-7 Bible, page 1061 Children’s Bible, page 1656
THE PSALMODY Psalm 148 Hymnal, no. 731
THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 2:13-23 Bible, page 878 Children’s Bible, page 1374
THE ANTHEM Carol of the Bells Leontovich
Sarah Gorke, Soprano; Jill Bruss, Mezzo Soprano;
Roger Jacobi, Tenor; Nicholas Sluss-Rodionov, Bass
THE SERMON “All in the Family” Dr. Peay
*HYMN 115 In the Bleak Midwinter
THE CALL TO PRAYER and SILENT MEDITATION
THE PRAYER OF PEOPLE AND MINISTER
Minister: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Alleluia!
People: Shout to the Lord, all the earth. Alleluia!
Minister: O Christ, splendor of God's eternal glory, the mighty Word, sustaining the universe: Renew our lives by your presence.
People: O Christ, born into the world in the fullness of time for the liberation of all creation: Release all into your promised freedom.
Minister: O Christ, begotten of the Father before all time, born in a stable at Bethlehem: May your church be a sign of hope and joy.
People: O Christ, truly God and truly human, born to a people in fulfillment of their expectations: Fulfill our desires in you.
Minister: O Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, child of wonder and splendor, mighty God of all ages, Prince of Peace: May the whole world live in peace and justice.
[After a brief silence, the Minister continues and concludes the prayer:]
All-powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light into our world has brightened weary hearts with peace. Teach us to proclaim the birth of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
THE CHORAL RESPONSE TO PRAYER
THE OFFERTORY
THE ANTHEM What Is This Lovely Fragrance arr. Willan
*THE DOXOLOGY (Hymn 563)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Liturgist: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
ALL: Great God of power, we praise you for Jesus Christ, 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 Jesus in Bethlehem. We thank you that in Jesus you became flesh and dwelt among us, sharing human hurts and pleasures. Glory to you for your grace-filled love. Receive our gifts as we give glory to you, eternal God; through Jesus Christ, Lord of lords, and King of kings, now and forever. Amen.
*HYMN 140 God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
*THE CHARGE and BENEDICTION
*THE POSTLUDE Angels from the Realms of Glory Hobby
*Indicates where the congregation is asked to stand.
CARE FOR CHILDREN
A nursery for infants and toddlers is available during the 10:00 a.m. service.
One Room Sunday School for children 3 years through entering 3rdh grade in LL5.
Worship Preview for Epiphany Sunday, January 4 10:00 A.M.
Rev. Steven Peay will address “Epiphany: God EXPOSED!”
Thomas Gregory is the organist.
Lee Jacobi directs the Choir of First Church.