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Christmas Eve
Nativity Concert
and
Service of Lessons and Carols
24 December 2014
IN PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP PLEASE TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK SILENTLY TO
GOD. AT THE CLOSE OF THE SERVICE LET US GREET ONE ANOTHER WITH CHEERFULNESS.
PLEASE BE SURE YOUR CELL PHONE IS TURNED OFF DURING WORSHIP.
Christmas Eve
Nativity Concert
10:30 PM
A Nativity Suite
Wilbur Held
David Daugherty, organ
Ave Maria
Bach-Gounod
Claire Caverly, soloist
I Wonder as I Wander
Appalachian Carol
Adapted and arranged by John Jacob Niles
Lindsay Mauck, soloist
Selections
New City Brass
Nozomi Imamura, trumpet I
Alex Greene , trumpet II
Seth Hanes, horn
Chris Mele, trombone
Lee Jarzembajk, tuba
Brad Louis, timpany
Gesu Bambino
Pietro A. Yon
Stuart Jasper, soloist
Sweet Little Jesus Boy
African-American Spiritual
Cori Avery, soloist
Selections
New City Brass
O Holy Night
Adolphe Adam
Laurice Kennel, soloist
SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS AT 11:00 PM
Welcome
Reverend Kevin L. Porter
Congregational Introit 49: Once in Royal David’s City
IRBY
(The congregation should remain seated and join in singing verses three and four.)
*Call to Worship and Candle Lighting
Liz Drum and Marc DiNardo
Leader: The people who walked in darkness
People: have seen a great Light!
Leader: Those who once lived in shadows
People: now rejoice at what the Lord has done!
Leader: For to us a child is born! A Savior is given!
People: He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God.
Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace!
He will bring justice for the poor,
and defend the rights of the helpless.
He will nourish righteousness and embody love.
He will bring peace: for the lions and lambs,
hawks and doves, people and peoples.
Leader: We light the Christ candle.
People: Let all who yearn for new beginnings take heart in this light.
When God comes as a child we open ourselves to wonder,
to love and hope. His light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
Let the joy of Christmas fill our hearts.
This is the Light of Emmanuel, the Christ candle.
*Carol 41: O Come, All Ye Faithful
ADESTE FIDELIS
Bidding Prayer
The First Lesson
Isaiah 9:2-7
Reverend Kevin L. Porter
The Birth Foretold
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in
a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. You have multiplied the
nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the
harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken
as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the
garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has
been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is
named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the
throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice
and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the
Lord of hosts will do this.
_____________________
*congregation standing
Choir: Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light
Johann Sebastian Bach
Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light, And usher in the morning. You shepherds,
shudder not with fright, But hear the angel’s warning. This Child, now weak in infancy, Our confidence and joy shall be; The power of Satan breaking, Our peace eternal
making.
The Second Lesson
Luke 1:26-35
Reverend Dr. Allison Seed
The Story of Mary
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee
called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the
house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said,
"Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed
by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said
to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now,
you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord
God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the
house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to
the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The
Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son
of God.”
*Hymn 19: To a Maid Engaged to Joseph
The Third Lesson
Matthew 1:18-21
ANNUNCIATION
Peter Smith
The Story of Joseph
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother
Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was
found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss
her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to
take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people
from their sins."
Choir: Ding Dong! Merrily On High
16th century French tune
harmonized by Charles Wood
Ding dong! Merrily on high in heaven the bells are ringing: Ding dong! Verily the sky is riven with
angels singing. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Even so here below, below, let steeple bells be swungen, and i-o, i-o, i-o, by priests and people sungen. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Pray you dutifully
prime your matin chime, ye ringers; May you beautifully rime your even time song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
The Fourth Lesson
Luke 2:1-7
Marney Hague
The Story of Jesus’ Birth
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world
should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while
Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered.
Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of
David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family
of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and
who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in
bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them
in the inn.
Choir: Mary Had a Baby
African-American Spiritual
Arranged by William L. Dawson
Mary had a baby, My Lord! Mary had a baby, My Lord! Oh Mary had a baby born in
a manger, Mary had a baby, My Lord! What did they call Him? “King Jesus,” Oh
Mary had a baby He was called ’King Jesus.” Mary had a Baby, oh, yes! He is called
”King Jesus, Mighty Counselor, King Emmanuel, Might God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.” Mary had a baby. My Lord
The Fifth Lesson
Luke 2:8-14
Ernie Freeman
The Story of the Angels
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over
their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory
of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to
them, "Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for
all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the
Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in
bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the
highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
*Hymn 59: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
The Sixth Lesson
Luke 1:15-20
CHRISTMAS
Carolyn Ballard-Freeman
The Story of the Shepherds
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one
another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found
cccc
Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they
made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it
were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these
words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and
praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Choir: Noël Nouvelet
French Carol
Arranged by John Rutter
Nowell, sing nowell good people gathered here. Offer thanks ye faithful, to the news
give ear. Sing we nowell, a new King born today. Nowell sing, nowell good people
gathered here. Unto humble shepherds came the angel near; ‘Hence’, said he, ‘to Bethlehem, be ye of good cheer. Seek there the Lamb of God’s love’s own pure ray.’ Nowell sing, nowell good people gathered here. When to Bethlehem they came in lowly
fear, Found they gentle Mary with her son so dear. Heavens mighty Lord all cradled in
the hay, nowell sing, nowell good people gathered here. Eastern sages seek him, in the
darkness drear by a star illumined shining forth so clear, Guiding them to Bethlehem
far away. Nowell sing, nowell good people gathered here. Now doth our Savior Jesus
Christ appear, bringing salvation promised many a year. By his redeeming blood this
happy day. Nowell sing, nowell good people gathered here.
The Seventh Lesson
Matthew 2:1-2, 7:10
Bob Seed
The Story of the Star
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise
men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has
been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have
come to pay him homage." Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and
learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent
them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when
you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them,
went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place
where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.
*Carol 56: The First Nowell
THE FIRST NOWELL
Fanfare for Christmas
The Eighth Lesson
Robert Shaw
John 1:1-14
The Lesson of Light
Reverend Randal L. Bremer
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through
him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being
in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the
darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from
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God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that
all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the
world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet
the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name,
he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of
the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became
flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's
only son, full of grace and truth.
*Carol 31: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
MENDELSSOHN
Christmas Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
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 Offering
Choir: The Blessed Son Of God
Ralph Vaughan Williams
The blessed son of God only in a crib full poor did lie; With our poor flesh and our
poor blood was clothed that everlasting good. Kyrie eleison. The Lord Christ Jesus,
God’s son dear, was a guest and a stranger here; Us for to bring from misery, that we
might live eternally, Kyrie eleison. All this did he for us freely, for to declare his great
mercy; All Christendom be merry therefore, and give him thanks for evermore, Kyrie
eleison.
* Congregational Response 36: In the Bleak Midwinter (Verse 4)
What can I give Him, Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: Give my heart.
CRANHAM
Sharing the Christmas Light
Leader: The God who said, “Let there be light,” has caused light to shine in
our hearts. That light is the glory of God reflected in the face of Jesus Christ. As our candles become a sea of light from the one light
of
of Christ, so may the Church reflect Christ’s light and love in the
world
world. The author of the first epistle of John wrote: “That which is
from from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with
our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands,
co
concerning the word of life...we proclaim to you:
Friends
God is light and in him is no darkness at all. If we walk in the light,
and he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.”
Friends, let us love one another, for love is of God.
The ushers will come forward and receive their light from the ministers, then the ushers pass the light through the congregation.
You are invited to share the light of Christ through the Christmas candles. For your
safety, please tilt your UNLIT candle toward the upright lit candle. All are asked to
assist children sitting nearby, and to keep special watch on the candles children hold.
Please extinguish all candles following the Benediction. We then go forth to let the
light of Christ shine in our hearts.
Choir: Away in a Manger
CRADLE SONG
Arranged by Walter L. Pelz
Away in a manger, no crib for His bed, The Little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet
head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on
the hay. The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying
He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, And stay by my side
until morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever
and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And fit us for
heaven to live with Thee there.
*Carol Medley
What Child is This (verse one)
What Child is this, who laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe the Son of Mary!
Joy to the World (verse one)
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 sing.
GREENSLEEVES
ANTIOCH
Angels We Have Heard on High (verse one)
GLORIA
Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plans,
and the mountains in reply
echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Silent Night, Holy Night
STILLE NACHT
Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing “Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born, Christ, the Savior is born.”
Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King:
Christ the Savior is born. Christ the Savior is born.
*Christmas Prayer of Adoration
Leader:
The Lord be with you.
People:
And with thy spirit.
Leader:
Let us pray.
All:
God, who makes us glad with the yearly remembrance of
the birth of your only Son, Jesus Christ: Grant that as we
joyfully receive him as our redeemer, so we may with
sure
sure confidence behold him, when he shall come to be our
judge; who lives and reigneth with you and the Holy
Spirit
Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
*Benediction
*Organ Postlude: Angels We Have Heard On High
French Carol
arranged by Diane Bish
Acolytes for tonight’s service
Christian Heyer-Rivera
Dani Howard
§
Worship Service Schedule
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Worship
Celebration Sunday
10:00 AM
Sunday, January 4, 2014
Second Sunday After Christmas
Worship Service with Communion
10:00 AM
The poinsettias in the sanctuary are in memory
and honor of our loved ones and friends.
George and Julia Abbott
Robert M. Aiken, Sr.
Robert M. Aiken, Jr.
Jamie Alexander
Mr. and Mrs. John L. Asher, Sr.
Dorothy Ayers
Mr. and Mrs. Earl J. Ball, Jr.
Mrs. Eleanore S. Berrington
Doris Bindrim
Joan Brown
Romeo Cascarino
Captain Michael P. Cassidy, U.S.A.
Robert and Vera Cato
John A. Chandler
Clifford C. David
Edward M. David
Mr. and Mrs. William M. David
Samuel and Vera Deas
Mrs. Elma Devine
Ann DiNardo
Mattie Drum
Roy H. Fahs, Jr.
Martha H. Egly
Virginia Von Frankenberg
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Geiger
Sandra Cato Gohr
Mr. and Mrs. James Gregg
Margery W. Guenthoer
Jason Guggolz
Betty A. Henze
Mercedes H. Irwin
Mrs. Annie Jackson
The Reverend Freddie Jackson
Mr. Reginald A. Jackson
Mr. William Jackson
Charles and Ora Kaylor
Mary & Paul W. Keibler
Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Kleiser
Kotto family members who died in 2014
The Reverend Charles F. Krimmel
Mr. and Mrs. Miles W. Krimmel
Constance A. Lane
Joseph J. Leube, Sr.
Linda M. Leube
Margaret M. Leube
Virginia Linden
Albert G. McClay, Sr.
Jessie E. McClay
McIlvain Loved Ones
Mr. and Mrs. R. Lincoln McNeil
Virginia Miller
Rose Neuringer
Carolyn Nagel
Betty Oldach
Eleanor C. Parker
George and Margaret Parker
Michael R. Parks
Reimann Loved Ones
Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Reisse
Mr. and Mrs. Garrett H. Rentrop
Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Rosensteel
Ethel Odgen Royce
Jeannette S. Schwartz
Mr. and Mrs. Franklin P. Smith
Miss Edith Stewart
Joanne M. Stroh
Elizabeth H. Thompson
George Paul Thompson
H. George Thompson
Hilma E. Thompson
Patricia K. Thompson
Eleanor Welsh
Gee Gee White
Mr. and Mrs. William G. Young
In Honor of
David C. Daugherty
Winnie Fahs
Bea Gardner
Church Officers
Elders
2015
Sherry Archer
Carolyn Ballard-Freeman
Madeline Valentine
2016
Denise Cowie
Contina Lundy
Lois Nafziger
Faith Wolford
2017
Andrew Hood
Christopher Scott
2016
Delores Solomon
David Wolford
2017
Randy Clever
Susan Mills Farrington
Madeline Valentine
Clerk of Session
Deacons
2015
Sarah Andrews
Donald Carlin
Ruth Cato
Veda Gibbs
Evadney Miller
First Church Staff
Interim Pastor
Director of Adult Education and Community Life
Director of Urban Ministry
Director of Music and Communication
Director of the Gospel Choir
Director of Christian Education
Parish Visitor
Facilities Superintendent
Administrative Assistant
Bookkeeper
Sextons
Randal L. Bremer
Kevin L. Porter
Eileen Jones
David C. Daugherty
Sara Carter-Blanford
Christian Heyer-Rivera
Heidi Mercado-Littles
Jesse Jacobs
Joan Harris
Cindy Osborne
Terry Boyer, Melissa Forrest, Illya (J.R.) Pasture
The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown
35 West Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone 215-843-8811
FAX 888-333-5032
www.fpcgermantown.org