West New Bern Presbyterian Church
Christmas Eve 2014
Communion Candlelight Service
6:00 P.M.
December 24, 2014
Prelude
Selected Christmas Carols
Choral Call to Worship
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Song of Celebration
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Cedars Family
(vs. 1 & 3)
#41
An angel appeared to shepherds who were living in the fields, watching
over their flocks at night.
How did the shepherds react to the angel?
At first they were terrified, but later they rejoiced and praised God.
What happened next?
The angel told the shepherds not to be afraid. The angel was bringing
good news of great joy for all people.
What was this good news of great joy?
That this day in the city of David a Savior is born, who is the Messiah,
the Lord.
Songs of Celebration
God’s People Celebrate the Prophecies
The prophet Isaiah said, “The Lord himself will give you a sign: Look the young
woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel – God is
with us.” (Isaiah 7:10-14)
We look anew for the sign tonight, and know that God is with us.
The prophet Micah foretold the place of the Savior’s birth, the one who would lead
his people to celebrate freedom from sin. (Micah 5:2-5a)
We travel to Bethlehem tonight, seeking the birth of a king.
The prophet Isaiah said, “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.” (Isaiah 9:6)
We sing praises tonight, for the child whose many names brings joy to
the world.
Song of Celebration
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (vs. 1 & 3) #31
Angels and Shepherds Celebrate
The Gospel Remembered
Luke 2:8-20
Why did Joseph leave his town of Nazareth in Galilee and travel to the City of
David?
Because the Roman Emperor required that everyone be registered.
Joseph was descended from the house and family of David and had to
be registered there.
Why did he bring Mary with him to Bethlehem?
Because he was engaged to Mary and she was expecting a child. While
they were there, it came time for her to deliver the child.
Why did Mary give birth in a stable?
Because there was no room for them in the inn at Bethlehem.
What happened to the child?
Mary wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger.
To whom did an angel of the Lord appear after the child was born?
The First Nowell
While Shepherds Watched
Away in a Manger
(vs 1 & 4) # 56
(vs 1 & 2) # 59
(vs 1 & 3) # 25
A Celebration of Faith
(from the Book of Confessions – Presbyterian Church, USA)
In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to
bless all families of the earth.
Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house
of bondage.
Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant.
Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child,
like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still.
As Jesus Christ is God's assurance of the forgiveness of all our sins,
so, in the same way he is also God's mighty claim upon our whole life.
God’s reconciling work in Jesus Christ
and the mission of reconciliation to which he has called his church
are the heart of the gospel in any age.
Our generation stands in peculiar need of reconciliation in Christ.
“Now to him who by the power at work within us
is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations,
forever and ever. Amen.”
Joy Gift Offering
We Celebrate In Prayer
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God.
Praise to the Word who became flesh in the Child of Bethlehem and
lived among us.
Be born anew in us this night, most Holy Child, we pray.
As the angels declared the glory of God, fill our mouths with your
praise.
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God
favors.
Shepherds watching their flocks that night were alert to the needs of
those in their care.
Open our eyes that we may see and respond to those you call us to love in your
name.
Sent forth to behold the Christ Child, the shepherds were first to
witness the Good News.
Inspire in us the joy of proclaiming the good news.
Pour forth your Spirit, Almighty God, empowering us to proclaim Jesus
as Lord. Hail the newborn King! The one who lives forever! King of
kings! Lord of lords! Amen.
The Celebration of Holy Communion
Words of Institution and Distribution
Sacrament of Communion
Communion Prayer
As the shepherds beheld the child in the manger, we hold in our hearts the one who
is the light of the world. Go forth into the night wrapped in God’s love, singing
God’s praises.
The light shines in the darkness as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Amen.
Special Music
A Celebration of Light
Candle Lighting
“Silent Night”)
Song of Celebration
(Torch bearers will light candles at end of pews as we sing
Silent Night
# 60
Benediction
We have seen and heard the good news. Go forth and share it; retell the story;
serve as Christ has commanded us: to be the light of the world for him. In the
name of the Father who loves us, the Son who redeems us, and the Spirit who
gives us new life.
We declare our joy to the world and truly celebrate Christmas. Amen.
Song of Celebration
Postlude
Joy to the World!
Hallelujah Chorus
(vs. 1 & 4)
# 40
Handel
PRAYER CONCERNS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MEMBERS: Ada Carson, Brenda Haacker, Corrine McCain, Jack McCain,
Vern Miller, Alyce Willis, Peggy Cuddington, Chuck Murphy, Martha
Parker, Jean Phelan, Verna Quidley, Terri Randell
FRIENDS OF THE CHURCH: Bob Whittle (Margaret Brown’s son-inlaw), Nancy Barton (Gerry Teple’s sister), Catherine Ciin’s mother, Trudy
Byrd (Connie Murphy’s mom), Jason Jones (Kristie’s friend), Eliza
Williams (Tillie Jones’s sister), Pam Palmeter (Sue Davenport’s daughter),
Hellon Matthews (former member), Layla Grace (friend of Tonya Cedars),
Virginia Powell (Walter Powell’s mom), Ralph & Leigh Powell (Walter’s
brother & family), Andy and Gail Meehan (Kristie’s parents), Dr. Billy &
Joeann Martin, Charles Anderson (Ellie Burn’s son-in-law), Gladys
Hambright, (Lance Goodrum’s mother), Jimmie Boyd, Deborah Glisson,
Lowell Marsh (Fred Cornford’s brother), Chuck Brown (friend of Ann
Brinson)
ASSISTED LIVING: Betty Harrison (Homeplace), Agnes & Thurman
Brock (Sterling House)
DEPLOYMENTS: Evan Austin (Peggy Cuddington’s grandson)
Margaret, Paula (Whittle), Maria and Cole Brown expresses their thanks
for the visits, food, prayers and support of the church during their time of
loss. The family is grateful for you, both old and new
friends, during this difficult time.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
9:15 am
10:30 am
7:00 pm
6:00 pm
The Presbyterian Women’s morning circle meets on Wednesday, January
7 at 10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. The evening circle will meet on
Monday, January 12 at 6:00 pm in the Multi-Purpose room. We encourage
all women to join us as we continue our study of “Reconciling Paul”.
Educational Hour
Worship
Karate
Christmas Eve Service
Christmas Day
www.westnewbernpc.com
[email protected]
Confirmation Class for Youth - Confirmation classes will resume
with Pastor Juli for young people ages 12 and older on Sunday, January
11th at 9:15 a.m. We are using the curriculum from the PCUSA "We
Believe," series. This will be a fun and thoughtful time together. Please
join us!
Session Planning Day- Saturday January 17th, the Session will have a day
of planning and adopt the budget for 2015. The budget will be presented
to the congregation after worship on Sunday January 25th.
The Christmas Joy Offering is taken during our Christmas Eve service.
This special offering provides financial assistance to current and former
church workers and their families or enabling deserving students to attend
Presbyterian-related racial ethnic colleges and schools. Your generous
gifts to the Christmas Joy Offering will bring Good News of Great Joy to
the poor in circumstance or spirit.
Dedication Sunday Luncheon: Many, many thanks to the Congregational
Care Committee and all its helpers for the wonderful meal last Sunday.
What a treat!
WEEKLY CALENDAR
Sunday
The PW Council will meet on Tuesday, January 6 at 1:00 pm in the MultiPurpose Room.
West New Bern Presbyterian Church
1701 Lucerne Way
New Bern, North Carolina
(252) 638-1005
Noah’s Ark Preschool would like to thank the Presbyterian Women for all
the wonderful gifts! All of your generous donations and gifts are greatly
appreciated by the teachers and students
The Sockwell’s new address is 3165 Glenshire Drive, Winston-Salem, NC
27127. Janet loves Christmas cards!
Save the Date! Empty Bowls-Feb. 19, 2015 at Temple Baptist Church from
11:00 am -2:00 pm. Tickets are $25.00. For more information, call (252) 6382577.
2015 offering envelopes are available in the narthex. Please pick yours up
at your convenience.
Christmas Eve
Communion Candlelight Service
December 24, 2014
“The West New Bern Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) exists to invite people to
enter a relationship with Jesus Christ, grow in their faith,
and go out in the world to share that faith.”