2014 Christmas Poinsettias In Honor Of: Loved Ones Our Family Members Our Christian Ed. Teachers Shirley Ibbs, for her friendship to Evelyn Jean Davis, for her friendship to Evelyn Our Shut-Ins People of Stoneboro Pres. Church Given By: Mark Schroth Dennis & Anna Rickert Their Students Joe & Robin Chalmers Joe & Robin Chalmers The Deacons The Rodgers family In Memory Of: Loved Ones My wife, Helen My parents, James & Laura Loved Ones Loved Ones Loved Ones Loved Ones Loved Ones Verna Wilson Loved Ones Given By: Maxine Amos James Reither James Reither The Ibbs Family Dennis & Anna Rickert Nancy Henderson Roberta H. McClelland Ted & Michele Reiser The Wilson family Mark Schroth For those who purchased a poinsettia, they may be taken home following tonight’s service. Remaining poinsettias will be removed from the sanctuary after worship on December 28th. ________________________________________________________ A special thank you to the individuals who participated in this evening’s worship service. Also, a special thank you to the members in this evening’s choir and for their participation throughout the year in providing monthly choral anthems. _________________________________________________________ Local Mission Focus: Lakeview Area Helping Hands Center, Inc. Established in 1984, Helping Hands faithfully serves “the least of these” in the Lakeview and Commodore Perry School Districts. Along with a variety of social work assistance, they operate a food warehouse, a clothing boutique, and a home furnishings store. They also provide Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gifts to families. They are staffed by lots of committed volunteers but always welcome more help. Be sure to “like” them on Facebook. Stoneboro Presbyterian Church “Participating in the mission & ministry of Jesus Christ” 7 Linden Street, Stoneboro, PA 16153 724.376.2021 [email protected] www.stoneboropres.org Find us on Facebook Pastor: Adam J. Rodgers _________________________________________________________ Wednesday, December 24, 2014 6 o’clock worship Christmas Eve Childcare is not available. Let us worship together as a family, young and old alike. _________________________________________________________ PRELUDE Alissa Pesavento, harpist LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH & THE CHRIST CANDLE CALL TO WORSHIP ◊ OPENING HYMN #178 O Come, All Ye Faithful ◊ OPENING PRAYER GREETING {◊ If able, you are invited to stand.} PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION CHRISTMAS PRAYER A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF JOHN The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION Access to the Lord’s Table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love. In preparing to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the believer is to confess sin and brokenness, seek reconciliation with God and neighbor, and trust in Jesus Christ for cleansing and renewal. Those who doubt or whose trust is wavering may come to the Table in order to be reassured of God’s love and grace in Christ Jesus. SERMON HYMN OF RESPONSE #193 It Came upon the Midnight Clear ◊ CONFESSION OF FAITH Philippians 2:5-11 WE BELIEVE in Jesus Christ and his gospel, born to us all so long ago in Bethlehem of Judea. WE BELIEVE in Him whose birth glorified Bethlehem, but for whom there was no room in the Inn. WE BELIEVE in Him whose guiding Star brought together to his Manger the humble Shepherds and the Wise Men. WE BELIEVE in Him whose guiding Star can bring together in his Name the humble and the wise everywhere. WE BELIEVE in Him who walked among the common people, and who was welcomed by those with open minds and yearning hearts, whom the poor, the oppressed, the discouraged, the sick and afflicted, welcomed and accepted as their Lord and Savior. WE BELIEVE in Him whose life changed the course of history, over whom kings had no power, whose life humbled the proud, toppled the mighty, and elevated those of low degree. WE BELIEVE in Him whose love changed human hearts for the better, and whose life and death on the Cross proved that it is more important to serve than to be served, and that the greatest are those who give their lives in service for others. WE BELIEVE in Him who is the Prince of Peace, whose spirit makes for justice and peace among all peoples, everywhere. WE BELIEVE that the Christmas spirit - the spirit of Christ - is the spirit that can change the world for the better through the power of love, faith and hope. A Song of Adoration THE OFFERING & OFFERTORY ANTHEM The entire Christmas Eve offering will go to support Lakeview Area Helping Hands Center, Inc. Please give generously to this important local ministry. ◊ CHRISTMAS EVE CAROL—SILENT NIGHT A recitation of Thou Wilt Light My Candle (Grace Noll Crowell, 1936) Lighting of the Christmas Eve Candles 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! Please extinguish your candle at the conclusion of the hymn and return it to the ushers/greeters as you leave the sanctuary. Thank you. ◊ BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Lindsay Rodgers, pianist