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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. 
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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 Choir ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: We gather together for worship, and People: We come with questions we cannot answer. Leader: We wonder about what we believe – People: How can there be war when Jesus brought peace? Leader: How can there be life everlasting? People: We gather for worship, and Leader: We come uncertain, yet expectant. People We come wary, yet wondering. Leader :We come doubtful, yet open to receive. Today’s guest speaker is Renny Domske. 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 Choir ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: We gather as a community of compassion and hope. People: Jesus calls us to care for each other tenderly and willingly. Leader: By this caring and sharing we will be known as followers of Jesus. People: By our example others may be led to lives of peace. Leader: Lord, open our hearts and minds this day to your word. People: Teach us to serve you with all our gifts and talents. Amen. Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Clare Jean Haury. 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. INTROIT
WELCOME AND MORNING GREETING GATHERING Call To Worship: L: When the people of God were hungry P: God rained manna upon them, and the ate until they were full L: When the people of God are hungry P: God calls us to taste the goodness of God’s gifts, and to share our bread With one another. Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Liddy Barlow, who is from Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania. You can find more information on this organization on their website or Facebook page. 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. INTROIT
WELCOME AND MORNING GREETING CALL TO WORSHIP: One: Hungering and thirsting, we come to the Lord. Many: Jesus is the living bread! One: Feed us with your love and healing power, O Lord. Many: Give us the bread of hope and compassion that we may also feed others. One: Let us praise the Lord together, celebrating God’s abundant provision. Many: Let us praise the Lord together, celebrating God’s steadfast love. Today’s guest speaker is Jack Snodgrass. 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. INTROIT:
CALL TO WORSHIP: Responsive Reading Psalm 104 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, 10 He sends the springs into the valleys; They flow among the hills. 11 They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild donkeys quench their thirst.12 By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches.13 He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works.14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the service of man, That he may bring forth food from the earth, 15 And wine that makes glad the heart of man, Oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart. 16 The trees of the LORD are full of sap, The cedars of Lebanon which He planted, 17 Where the birds make their nests; The stork has her home in the fir trees. 18 The high hills are for the wild goats; The cliffs are a refuge for the rock[d] badgers. INVOCATION Today’s guest speaker is Jack Snodgrass. 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 Prelude:
ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP: From Lamentations 3: 22-27, 55-58 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. I called on Your name, O Lord, From the lowest pit. 56 You have heard my voice: “Do not hide Your ear From my sighing, from my cry for help.” 57 You drew near on the day I called on You, And said, “Do not fear!” 58 O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul; You have redeemed my life.
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:
ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP: Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, come. Be the wind and fire that transform our lives. People: Breathe upon us as we study your word of life. Leader: Kindle faith from our believing doubt. People: Cleanse us from our waywardness. Leader: Deepen our passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. People: Give us voice to proclaim your mighty works in every tongue. All: Fill your church with power. Come, Holy Spirit, come!
INVOCATION
HYMN: “All Creatures of Our God and King” #347 CALL TO CONFESSION: Beloved, on the day we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us confess our sins before our loving God. PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Holy Spirit, our lives would be lost without your precious voice whispering to our hearts and minds. Yet we so often dismiss those nudgings as our conscience or our own human thoughts. Forgive us for dismissing you, for not recognizing your presence. We often miss you altogether because we are so distracted by our own comings and goings. How little time we take to stop and listen for your voice. Spirit, we know that you are alive and working, and we don't want to miss the messages you have for us. Thank you for truly knowing our hearts. We love you, Holy Spirit. Amen. Time of Silent Prayer ASSURANCE OF PARDON: We know love by this, that Jesus laid down his life for us. Friends, hear the good news and believe: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Passing the Peace L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. Response – Gloria Patri CHILDREN’S CHAT AWARDS TO SENIORS Preston Fisher Blake Lindley Jordan Chappel Lyndon Herschell Brittany Hanes
The Word of God
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:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
LEADER: Praise to the Holiest in the height, PEOPLE: And in the depths be praise; LEADER: In all his words most wonderful, PEOPLE: Most sure in all his ways.
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
Prelude
CALL TO WORSHIP: One: Come to worship God whose love was revealed in Jesus. Let all the ends of the earth turn to our God. All: We will worship the Almighty and sing praises. We will proclaim good news to others. One: Beloved, we are called to love as God loves us. We are to love one another as sisters and brothers. All: Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. We seek to let God’s love be perfected in us. One: Remember that you have been baptized. God claims you and has high expectations of you. All: Christ is the vine; we are the branches. We will bear fruit when we abide in the vine. |
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