Order of Worship

 

Prelude                                                                                   Nancy Gunter

Peace

Greeting/Welcome

 

Lighting of the Christ Candle                       Pastor Ann & Agnes Lantz

 

Call to Worship

Leader: We count it in mere hours now.

People: Soon the Light will shine in the darkness, soon the baby will be born.

Leader: Soon God will once again break into our lives, coming in a way that is expected yet unusual, challenging our expectations and calling us to see life differently.

People: Calling us to come home.

 

Opening Prayer (Unison)

God of birth, God of light, in this time of song and prayer and silence, reawaken in us the awe of Christmas.  As we hear again the story of a young woman and a surprising visitor, remind us that we are called to respond to you in unexpected ways. And when we leave this place, may we be willing to sing praises for a young woman who said YES and the birth that we prepare to celebrate. We pray in the name of the child who invites us to come home.

 

Opening Hymn                                                                            #251 UMH

Go, Tell It on the Mountain

 

Special Music                                                                                   Bell Trio

O Come Little Children

Offering

         Doxology

         Prayer of Blessing

 

Pastoral Prayer

 

Hymn                                                                                          #217 UMH

Away In a Manger

Gospel Lesson   

Luke 2:1-10

 

Special Music                                                                     Carol Blanchard

O, Holy Night

 

Sermon    

Welcome Home!

Holy Communion

Please see insert

       

Closing Hymn                                                                               #239 UMH

Silent Night

Benediction

 

Postlude                                                                                  Nancy Gunter

O Little Town of Bethlehem

 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the EPUMC family to yours!