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Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason. All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Carol Smith ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Presents unwrapped, People: Batteries are all run-down. Leader: Christmas trees are turning brown. People: Still, one present glows so bright -- Leader: The Child in a manger with heavenly light. People: Christmas continues the whole year round Leader: Whenever love and kindness abound. People: So gather your wits and sing loud and strong. Leader: Christmas continues, so raise up your song!
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Good morning! We're so glad you decided to join us on this Sunday morning! When we meet together in person, we share our joys and concerns before we focus on our Sunday school lesson. Think about your needs and concerns right now, and if you like, you can share them in the comments. Today’s lesson is from the Old Testament prophecy of Nahum. It is about God’s judgment on the nation of Assryia and its capital city of Nineveh after Assyria wielded its power over God’s people and other nations. By extension, it is about how God sometimes punishes God’s people because God loves them but how that punishment does not last forever. The following prayer was written by Matt Erikson and posted on his blog, “Renovate”. It can be found at here. LORD God, King of the earth, You have created all peoples and reign over all the nations that inhabit this earth. When the nations rage and put themselves forward as mighty, You still have the final word, promising to put all the prideful in their place. Although tempted to trust in our own strength, we turn to You, even as the psalmist says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God’ (Psalm 20:7). Teach us to live with trust in light of the prophet Nahum’s words, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7). All this we pray, through Jesus Christ, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. This week's lesson is on Nahum 1:1-3, 6-8, 12-13, 15.
JOINT WORSHIP SERVICE NORTH BUFFALO UPPER BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES WELCOME YOU December 24, 2021 7:00 P.M. Enter in silence Wait in Prayer Worship in Reverence Go in Peace Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Welcome and Merry Christmas! We extend our greeting for a very blessed Christmas and happy holiday season. May each of you experience the true meaning of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! PRELUDE A Medley of Carols 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Matthias Hirst, musician Rev. Mason, recorder THE RINGING OF THE CHIMES 7:00 PM PLEASE STAND THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE The Herschell Family Leader: The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, the son of God is born this night. People: God's word has been made flesh among us. Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. People: Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness - on them a light has shined. Leader: You, O Lord, have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. People: His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Leader: He is also called Emmanuel, for in him God is with us. UNISON: We honor Messiah with Christ candle's flame Our Christmas Eve candles glad tidings proclaim. O Come all you faithful, rejoice in this night, As God comes among us, the Christian's true light. Lessons and Carols *CAROL O Come, All Ye Faithful all verses 193 Leader: Let us Pray. People: Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. May the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love represented by the birth in Bethlehem this night fill our lives and become part of all that we say and do. PLEASE BE SEATED FIRST LESSON LUKE 1:26-38: The Angel Visits Mary Cheryl Bell 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”[a] 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 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 father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?”35 And 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[b] will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. CAROL What Child is This? All verses 180 SECOND LESSON LUKE 1:39-45 Mary and Elizabeth Don Herschell 39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechari′ah and greeted Elizabeth.41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” CAROL Away In A Manger All verses 185 THIRD LESSON LUKE 2:1-7: The Birth in Bethlehem Bob Fisher In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirin′i-us was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. CAROL O Little Town of Bethlehem v. 1, 2 178 FOURTH LESSON Luke2: 8-14 The Angels & The Shepherds Dana Wilson 8 And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11 for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” PLEASE STAND CAROL Angels We Have Heard On High All verses 192 PLEASE BE SEATED FIFTH LESSON LUKE 2:15-20 The Shepherds Worship Don Hanes 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. CAROL: Go, Tell It On the Mountain v. 1, 2 205 SIXTH LESSON John 1: 1-5, 10-12, 14 St. John unfolds the mystery of Christ’s birth Rev. Mason In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. 11 He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. PLEASE STAND CAROL: Hark the Herald Angels Sing v. 1,2 184 PLEASE BE SEATED THE OFFERTORY PRAYER THE OFFERTORY “The Birthday of a King” by W.H. Neidlinger Rev. Mason, tenor THE DOXOLOGY 809 PLEASE STAND THE DEDICATORY PRAYER Thank you, Lord, for the gifts of giving and service in your name. AMEN THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES On that cold night 200 years ago, Franz Gruber had to play his guitar because the church organ was not functioning. Tonight, in respect for tradition, I will sing a verse of “Stille Nacht” in German. During this, the Pastor will light his candle from the Christ candle, the ushers will light their candles from the Pastor’s candle, then the ushers will light the candle of the worshiper in each pew nearest to the aisle. Please hold all lighted candles upright (dripping?) Our singing of “Silent Night” will commence once all the candles have been lit. Bless you! THE HYMN “Silent Night, Holy Night “ Franz Gruber “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht” Rev. Mason INTRODUCTION Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, ‘round you 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 Al-le-lu-ia; 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, Al-le-lu-ia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born. (Please extinguish all candles and deposit them in the vestibule as you leave the service.) THE BLESSING Leader: May He who by His incarnation gathered into one thing all earthly and heavenly, grant you the fullness of inward peace and goodwill, and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. PEOPLE: AMEN! PASSING OF THE PEACE THE POSTLUDE Joy to the World 171 Watts/Handel THE RINGING OF THE CHIMES * Late Arrivals may be seated by the ushers.  Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason. All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Introit **Mary Had A Baby** Choir ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: A voice in the dark, an image in a dream, a bright light in a clear sky -- People: Wonders and signs that turn our hearts toward God, Leader: Holy mysteries that cause our hearts to sing, People: Soul-felt grace that radiates through our lives. Leader: Young and old alike feel the awesome presence of God and join with Mary in proclaiming the greatness of God. People: Our hearts rejoice and our souls magnify the One who visits us again and again. Good morning! We're glad you've decided to read our Sunday School lesson for the fourth Sunday of Advent. We are not meeting in person for a Sunday School lesson this morning. Instead, we're having a special Christmas program. “Special Sunday School Hour for Christmas!" On the Sunday before Christmas (December 19) we’ll have a special time together! We’ll gather at 10:00 in the sanctuary and we will have a Christmas Carol Hymn Sing with a reading of the Christmas Story from the Bible! A relaxed fun time for all as we prepare for morning worship and the final week of Advent. Everyone is welcome! When meeting in person, we share our joys and concerns together. Take some time to consider your last week, and any prayer requests you have. If you would like, you can share with a comment on this post. When you are ready, you can use the prayer below (source) to get started. Prince of Peace, we seek you. In far off lands, your children flee their homes pursued by violence. In our community, we know not all our neighbors are safe from brutality. Prince of Peace, we seek you. You sent your son, Jesus, to bring your peace and comfort to the world. In this season of Advent, renew and strengthen us in a commitment to your peace that surpasses all understanding. Prince of Peace, we seek you. May your peace fill our hearts and grace our lips so that we might be agents of your peace in the world. Amen. Today's lesson is on Isaiah 9:2-7.
Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Dr. Stephen Smith, from First Presbyterian Church in Washington. All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Choir ANNOUNCEMENTS LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Clear away the unnecessary. PEOPLE: Put aside the unimportant. Leader: Lay down the unrealistic. PEOPLE: Keep your ears open for angel songs. Leader: Cut the lists in half. PEOPLE: Practice saying, “no thanks.” Leader: Look for the moments of stillness. PEOPLE: Keep your eyes looking for a star, your hands ready to give, your voice filled with song and your heart longing for joy. Good morning! We're so glad you've joined us for the third Sunday of Advent! As we meet in person, we share together our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider the past week, and what prayer requests you might have to share. If you would like, you can add them in the comments so that we can all pray for them. When you are ready, use this prayer (source) to get started: God of hope, you call us home from the exile of selfish oppression to the freedom of justice, the balm of healing, and the joy of sharing. Make us strong to join you in your holy work, as friends of strangers and victims, companions of those whom others shun, and as the happiness of those whose hearts are broken. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. This week's lesson is on 2 Samuel 9:1-7, 9-12.
Today’s guest speaker is Nellie Baker. All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Introit **How Will We Know Him** Choir ANNOUNCEMENTS Lighting of the Advent Candle CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then we were like those who dream. People: Then our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues with shouts of joy; Leader: Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." People: The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoice! Good morning! We're so glad you're joining us today on the Second Sunday of Advent. We are meeting together in person, and sharing our joys and concerns. If you are still reading from home and have prayer requests, you can add them as a comment so we can all prayer. When you are ready to get started, use the prayer below from the Revised Common Lectionary: God of timeless grace, you fill us with joyful expectation. Make us ready for the message that prepares the way, that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. This week's lesson is on Deuteronomy 5:1-3; 10:12-13; 27:1-10.
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