Richmond ’ s First Baptist Church December 28, 2014 • *Eight Thirty & U Eleven O’Clock F I R ST SU N DAY A F T E R CHR IST MAS Preparation for Worship The spiritual life is not a life before, after, or beyond our everyday existence. No, the spiritual life can only be real when it is lived in the midst of the pains and joys of the here and now. —Henri Nouwen Words of Welcome and Invocation Organ Prelude Kitt Allred Hebble “Song of Mary” We keep silence during the Prelude, using this time to make the transition between our relaxed and joyful coming together and our respectful, intentional worship of God. Take this opportunity to fold your hands, to quiet your thoughts, to still your soul, to open your heart. In the sanctity of this moment, prepare yourself for an encounter with the living God. Call to Worship Kitt Allred Leader: Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. People:Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Leader: Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away. People:Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. Leader: The praise of all his faithful servants, the people close to his heart. All: Praise the Lord. Hymn No. 124, “The First Nowell” THE FIRST NOWELL Sharing the Faith Rachel Gaunt The Old Testament Lesson, Isaiah 61:10–62:3 (Pew Bible OT page 846) Ann Carter Pastoral Prayer Ann Carter Hymn No. 125, “Angels We Have Heard on High” Offertory Prayer GLORIA Rachel Boykin Offertory “What Child Is This” Jonathan Kim, Aylett Lipford, Alexandra Szucs Traditional Doxology, No. 706 OLD 100TH Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen Dedication of Gifts Phil Mitchell The Epistle Lesson, Galatians 4:4-7 (Pew Bible NT page 231) Leslie Stephen Anthem “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Church Choir arr. Forrest Sermon “This Is Love” Bart Dalton Hymn No. 112, “Child in the Manger” BUNESSAN The Charge and Benediction Postlude, “Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella” Bart Dalton arr. Chapman Participating in worship today... Kitt Allred is a sophomore at Virginia Tech and studies accounting. She is involved in Reformed University Fellowship and is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Rachel Gaunt is a sophomore at James Madison University and is involved in club sports, Delta Gamma sorority and serves as Cru (Christian community) conference leader. Rachel Boykin is a senior at the College of William and Mary. She is studying psychology and gender studies. After college she will pursue an occupation in the mental health field to counsel families and adolescents. Jonathan Kim is a fourth year student at the University of Virginia majoring in computer science. He will be working at CSX after graduation. Aylett Lipford is a freshman at Virginia Tech majoring in wildlife science. Alexandra Szucs is a senior elementary education major at Bridgewater College. She has also completed an equine minor and will be certified to teach English as a second language. Leslie Stephen is a sophomore at Christopher Newport University, majoring in history with a minor in national security. We are grateful to Chris Ward for leading worship at the organ as Becky Payne is away.