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!