January 5, 2014 - Epiphany Sunday

PRELUDE

In Dulci Jubilo, Johann Sebastian Bach
Puer Natus Est (A Boy is Born), Everett Titcomb

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* Gloria Patri  (pew card)     

* CALL TO WORSHIP AND SALUTATION – from Ps. 8    Ray Durney

Leader:  O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
People:  You have set your glory above the heavens.
Leader:  When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established;
People:  What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
Leader:  Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor.
People:  You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet.  O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Leader:  Grace and peace to you from God our Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen     

* HYMN No. 182:  Brightest and Best of the Stars

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)

Holy and merciful God, in your presence we confess our sins.  You alone know how often we have wandered from your ways, wasted your gifts, and forgotten your love.  Have mercy on us, O Lord.  Forgive us, and help us to live in your light and to walk in your ways.  We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior.    Amen

* KYRIE (pew card)
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
* SUMMARY OF THE LAW

JUNIOR SERMON

ANTHEM:  We Have Seen His Star, Everett Titcomb

We have seen His star in the East, and are come with our offerings to worship the Lord.

* HYMN No. 185:  We Three Kings of Orient Are

SCRIPTURE LESSONS

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Pew Bible, page 537

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with.

He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.

Revelation 21:1-6a, Pew Bible, page 1007

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.

THE SERMON:  Who Holds Your Future?, Rev. Douglas Estella

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
    Offering
   Offertory:  There Shall a Star, Felix Mendelssohn

RECITATIVE: When Jesus, our Lord, was born in Bethlehem, in the land of Judaea; behold, from the east to the city of Jerusalem there came wise men, and said:

TRIO: Say, where is He born, the King of Judaea? For we have seen His star, and are come to adore Him.

CHORUS: There shall a star from Jacob come forth, and a sceptre from Israel rise up, And dash in pieces princes and nations. As bright the star of morning gleams, So Jesus sheddeth glorious beams of light and consolation! Thy Word, O Lord, Radiance darting, Truth imparting, Gives salvation; Thine be praise and adoration!

    * The Doxology  (pew card)
    * Prayer of Dedication

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 
    * Apostles’ Creed (pew card)        

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
    Remembering with Love and Hope  (pew card)
    Invitation
    Communion Prayer
        Sanctus  (pew card)
        Mystery of the Faith (unison)
            Christ has Died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again. 
    Words of Institution

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING & INTERCESSION
    Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
    Prayer Response, Felix Mendelssohn

As bright the star of morning gleams, So Jesus sheddeth glorious beams Of light and consolation! Thy Word, O Lord, Radiance darting, Truth imparting, Gives salvation; Thine be praise and adoration.

* HYMN No. 181:  As With Gladness Men of Old

* BENEDICTION 
    Response:  Fanfare for Christmas, Martin Shaw

Gloria in excelsis deo. (Glory to God in the highest!)

POSTLUDE:  In Thee is Gladness, Johann Sebastian Bach

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE WELCOME back the Rev. Douglas Estella to the pulpit.  Rev. Estella served as pastor of the Sunnyside Reformed Church from 2000 to 2006. Currently he is a teacher at the Academy of Urban Planning in Brooklyn. Doug and his wife, Janet, live in Sunnyside with their daughter, Renee.

THE COFFEE HOUR is hosted by the Sunday School staff.  “King Cakes” will be served to celebrate Epiphany Sunday.

2014 OFFERING ENVELOPES are at the back of the church.  If you don't see your envelopes and would like a box, please sign the list and a set will be available for you next Sunday.

VAN SERVICE: If you need a ride to church on Sunday, speak with Gerry Mendler.  The van service for grocery shopping will resume in the Spring. 

OUR APPRECIATION FOR TODAY’S VOLUNTEERS:

Van Drivers: Gary LiBert (AM), Gerry Mendler (PM)
Greeters: Joan Pearson and Debra Rossi
Ushers: Ginny and Hong Chan, Jeanne and Steve Sarran and  Jerry Good
Children and Worship: Kathy Bracken and Sharon Rivilli

YEAR-ROUND COLLECTIONS – 

Donations for the Food for Kids Ministry should be brought to the Church office.  This food will be given to families in need in Jamaica, New York. 

Donations for pets brought to the church office will be given to Worthy Pause to be distributed to local animal shelters.   

Christmas cards (with Forever Stamps on the envelopes) are collected in a basket in Gessner Hall.  These cards will enable inmates at the Nassau County Correction Center to correspond with their loved ones.                        

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Ruth Bailey, Letty Delgado, Ed Diercks, Dombrowski Family, Edythe Durney, Alfred Gessner, Lisa Gessner, Jenny Hampton, Robert Keller, Hope Kingman, Fritz Kunisch, Ann Martin, John Molino, Josephine Rivera, Janice Serra

December 29, 2013

PRELUDE:  Greensleeves, arr. Richard Purvis

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* SANCTUS (pew card)             

* CALL TO WORSHIP AND SALUTATION, Dorien Day

Leader:  The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
People:  On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Leader:  Jesus Christ is our life and light.
People:  In his name and in his power, let us worship God
Leader:  Grace and peace to you from God our Creator, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

-- based on Isaiah 9:2

* HYMN No. 146:  Joy to the World! the Lord Is Come

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)    

O God, in the beginning you spoke and creation was born, the object of your loving care. In the fullness of time you spoke, and the Word became flesh, Jesus, gift of your love. We wonder at the miracle of creation; we stand in awe before the mystery of the incarnation. Forgive us earthbound creatures, feeble in faith, empty of hope, lacking in love. This year let the miracle and mystery of Christmas happen for us again. We wait upon you with ready hearts, O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

* KYRIE (pew card)
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
* SUMMARY OF THE LAW
    * Gloria Patri  (pew card)

ANTHEM:  Love Came Down at Christmas, John Carter

Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love divine; Love was born at Christmas, Star and angels gave the sign.  Worship we the Godhead.  Love incarnate, Love divine; Worship we our Jesus: But wherewith for sacred sign?  Love shall be our token, Love be yours and love be mine, Love to God and all men, Love for plea and gift and sign.  Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love divine.

JUNIOR SERMON           

MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
    Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
    Prayer Response, Felix Mendelssohn

As bright the star of morning gleams, So Jesus sheddeth glorious beams Of light and consolation! Thy Word, O Lord, Radiance darting, Truth imparting, Gives salvation; Thine be praise and adoration.

* HYMN No. 152:  Angels We Have Heard on High

SCRIPTURE LESSONS

Isaiah 63: 7-9, Pew Bible, page 605

I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of theLord, because of all that the Lord has done for us, and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely”; and he became their savior in all their distress. It was no messenger or angel but his presence that saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Hebrews 2:10-18, Pew Bible, page 971

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Matthew 2:13-23, Pew Bible, page 784

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.”Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”

THE SERMON:  Out of Egypt, Norman Haight                   

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
    Offering
    Offertory:  Christmas Welcome, John Ness Beck

Welcome, welcome, Child of Bethlehem; Welcome, newly-born King! There's a crown of stars for your diadem, choirs of angels are singing, "Welcome, welcome, one and all, to the lowly manger stall." Welcome, neighbor, and welcome, stranger, and welcome, all we hold dear. Welcome, glad time of the year!

Welcome, children, and welcome, shepherds, and welcome, animals, too!  Whether young or old, come in from the cold; love is waiting for you.  Welcome, welcome, Holy night, stars and candles shining bright.

May this blessed birth bring us peace on earth, health and wealth and good cheer.  Welcome, all ye who hear, come and draw near for the Season of Christmas is here!

    * The Doxology  (pew card)      
    * Prayer of Dedication

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         
    Apostles Creed  (pew card)

* HYMN No. 171:  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

* BENEDICTION 
    Response:  Fanfare for Christmas, Martin Shaw

Gloria in excelsis deo. (Glory to God in the highest!)

POSTLUDE:  Carillon de Westminster, Louis Vierne

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE WELCOME ELDER NORMAN HAIGHT BACK TO THE PULPIT.  Elder Haight, is a Candidate for Word and Sacrament in the RCA under care of the Classis of Rockland-Westchester.  He is a recent graduate of New Brunswick Theological Seminary this past May, having served for a year as Student Minister at historic Old First Reformed Church of Park Slope, Brooklyn.   He is a resident and native of Peekskill, NY. 

TODAY’S COFFEE HOUR is hosted by Rosa Weed and the Congregational Care Committee in honor of the December Birthdays.  All are welcome to share in this time of fellowship.

OUR APPRECIATION FOR TODAY’S VOLUNTEERS:

Van Drivers: Bill Proschel (AM), Simon Walsh (PM)
Greeters: Nina and Bill Proschel, Dorothea Zelnick
Ushers: Charles D’Oria, Tim Hopper, Molly Mahowald, Christina Schaub and Jerry Good
Childcare: Adriene Toy

VAN SERVICE for Sunday worship, call Gina Lombardo at (917) 767-2923.

2014 offering envelopes are at the church entrance.  If you do not see your box and would like one, sign your name on the clipboard.  A set will be prepared and available for you.

CHILDREN AND WORSHIP will resume next Sunday, January 5, 2014.

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Ruth Bailey, Letty Delgado, Ed Diercks, Dombrowski Family, Edythe Durney, Alfred Gessner, Lisa Gessner, Jenny Hampton, Robert Keller, Hope Kingman, Fritz Kunisch, Ann Martin, John Molino, Josephine Rivera, Janice Serra

December 25, 2013 - Christmas Day

PRELUDE:  Carols for Christmas, Hermann Schroeder

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* Gloria Patri  (pew card)     

* CALL TO WORSHIP and salutation    

Leader:  Sing to the Lord a new song
People:  Sing to the Lord, all the earth
Leader:  Declare God’s glory among the nations and God’s wonders among all peoples.
People:  Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
Leader:  Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad.
People:  Let the earth shout for joy before the Lord.
Leader:  Grace and peace to you from God our Creator, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

* HYMN No. 173:  O Come, All Ye Faithful         

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)

Merciful God, we come to you for forgiveness and for help. Forgive us for taking your presence for granted, for treating this special world as if it were ordinary, and for treating one another as if we were not treasured gifts. Help us to see our mistakes. Help us to recognize our fault. Help us to look to you for the strength we need to turn back to the ways you have taught us.

* KYRIE (pew card)
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
* SUMMARY OF THE LAW     

ANTHEM:  Christ is Born, Marvin Curtis

The Chamber Choir

Christ is born!  What do you say?  Born He was on Christmas day. All the angels in Heaven did sing, for born was He, our Savior King!

Wise men and shepherds made the journey afar, following angels and blazing star, finding for us sweet Prince of Peace, finding for us our sins’ release.

Alleluia for His birth we sing, let the whole earth hear the yuletide ring, peace on earth, good will extend unto the world rejoice again.

* HYMN No. 174:  Angels from the Realms of Glory             

SCRIPTURE LESSON

Luke 2: 8-20, Pew Bible, pg. 833

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

The Word of God for the people of God. Let the people of God say - AMEN!

THE SERMON, Dr. Ian Rottenberg

Christ is Born Today! (But What Does that Mean?)

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
    Offering
    Offertory:  Carol of the Star, Donald Moore

A star, a shining star, let wise men on their way to find that Bethlehem town where lay a holy babe.  Venite adoremus Dominum. 

A star, a guiding star, let angels from above.  To seek a tiny babe, surround Him with their love.  Venite adoremus Dominum.

A star, a mighty star, did shine o’er all the earth.  To welcome Him with joy, proclaim His wondrous birth.  Venite adoremus Dominum.

    * The Doxology  (pew card)      
    * Prayer of Dedication

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH   
    * Apostles’ Creed (pew card)  

ANTHEM:  Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming, Michael Praetorius

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hasth sprung!  Of Jesse’s lineage coming as men of old have sung.  It came, a flow’ret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half-spent was the night.

Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind, with Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind.  To shew God’s love aright she bore to us a Saviour, when half-spent was the night.

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
    Remembering with Love and Hope  (pew card)
    Invitation
    Communion Prayer
        Sanctus  (pew card)
        Mystery of the Faith (unison)
            Christ has Died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again. 
    Words of Institution

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING & INTERCESSION
    Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
    Prayer Response, Felix Mendelssohn

As bright the star of morning gleams, So Jesus sheddeth glorious beams Of light and consolation! Thy Word, O Lord, Radiance darting, Truth imparting, Gives salvation; Thine be praise and adoration.

* HYMN No. 156:  Gentle Mary Laid Her Child         

* BENEDICTION 
    Response:  Fanfare for Christmas Day, Martin Shaw

Gloria in excelsis deo. (Glory to God in the highest.)

POSTLUDE:  Carillon, Louis Vierne

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE WELCOME DR. IAN ROTTENBERG BACK TO THE PULPIT.  Ian is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Saint Leo University near Tampa, Florida.

2014 offering envelopes are at the church entrance.  If you do not see your box and would like one, sign your name on the clipboard.  A set will be prepared and available for you.

SUNDAY SCHOOL and CHILDREN AND WORSHIP will not meet this Sunday, December 29 and will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2014, Epiphany Sunday.

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Ruth Bailey, Letty Delgado, Ed Diercks, Dombrowski Family, Edythe Durney, Alfred Gessner, Lisa Gessner, Jenny Hampton, Robert Keller, Hope Kingman, Fritz Kunisch, Ann Martin, John Molino, Josephine Rivera, Janice Serra

December 24, 2013 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP: Music of the Season

Carol Sing  (1st stanza only)

151. Go, Tell It on the Mountain
152. Angels We Have Heard on High
155. O Little Town of Bethlehem
157. Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
162. The First Noel, the Angel Did Say

ORGAN PRELUDE:  Weinachten, Max Reger

* HYMN No. 173:  O Come, All Ye Faithful

* CALL TO WORSHIP

Minister:  Let us go, in heart and mind, to see what has come to pass.  Let us go with the shepherds:
People:  Let us go to find the Savior!
Minister:  Let us go with the wise ones:
People:  Let us go to find God’s promise, born for us!
Minister:  Let us go with the poor and humble:
People:  Let us go to find our King, born in a lowly manger.
Minister:  Let us go with all the world, with all the peoples of the nations. Come, let us worship; come, let us adore him:
People:  Christ the Lord!

* HYMN No. 145: Of the Father’s Love Begotten

* INVOCATION AND SALUTATION      

FIRST LESSON:  Isaiah 9: 2-7

The people who walked in darkness
   have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
   on them light has shined. 
You have multiplied the nation,
   you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
   as with joy at the harvest,
   as people exult when dividing plunder. 
For the yoke of their burden,
   and the bar across their shoulders,
   the rod of their oppressor,
   you have broken as on the day of Midian. 
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
   and all the garments rolled in blood
   shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 
For a child has been born for us,
   a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
   and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
His authority shall grow continually,
   and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
   He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
   from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 

ANTHEM:  Candlelight Carol, John Rutter

How do you capture the wind on the water?  How do you count all the stars in the sky?  How can you measure the love of a mother, or how can you write down a baby's first cry?  Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow shine on his cradle til breaking of dawn.  Gloria in excelsis Deo!  Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.

Shepherds and wise men will kneel and adore him, seraphim round him their vigil will keep; nations proclaim him their Lord and their Savior, but Mary will hold him and sing him to sleep.  Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow shine on his cradle til breaking of dawn.  Gloria in excelsis Deo!  Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.

Find him at Bethlehem laid in a manger; Christ our Redeemer asleep in the hay.  Godhead incarnate and hope of salvation: a child with his mother that first Christmas Day.  Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow shine on his cradle til breaking of dawn.  Gloria in excelsis Deo!  Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.

SECOND LESSON:  Luke 2: 1-7

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

ANTHEM:  Sing We Now of Christmas, arr. John Leavitt

Sing we now of Christmas, Noel sing we here.  Hear our grateful praises to the Babe so dear.  Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel!  

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Angels called to shepherds, “Leave your flocks at rest, journey forth to Bethlehem, find the lambkin blest.”

From the eastern country came kings from afar, bearing gifts to Bethlehem, guided by a star.

THIRD LESSON:  Luke 2: 8-20

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them

ANTHEM:  All My Heart This Night Rejoices, Z. Randall Stroope

The Chamber Choir

All my heart, all this night rejoices, as I hear far and near sweetest angel voices, "Gloria in excelsis Deo!"  All the air, and everywhere, "Gloria!"  Come let us all both great and small sing "Gloria!"  Hail the star where hope is burning, "Gloria!"  Love Who with love is yearning, ever yearning, "Gloria! 

All my heart, all this night rejoices, as I hear, far and near sweetest angel voices, "Gloria in excelsis Deo!"  All the air, and everywhere, "Gloria!"  Come and dwell in glory forever and ever.  Far on high in joy that can alter never.  Dwell in the house of Love forever, ever and ever gloria!

FOURTH LESSON:  John 1: 1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

ANTHEM:  Christmas Lullaby, John Rutter

Clear in the darkness a light shines in Bethlehem: angels are singing, their sound fills the air.  Wise men have journeyed to greet their Messiah; but only a mother and and baby lie there.  “Ave Maria”: hear the soft lullaby the angel hosts sing.  “Ave Maria, maiden, and mother of Jesus our King”.

Where are his courtiers, and who are his people?  Why does he bear neither sceptre nor crown?  Shepherds his courtiers, the poor for his people, with peace as his sceptre and love for his crown.  “Ave Maria”: hear the soft lullaby the angel hosts sing.  “Ave Maria, maiden, and mother of Jesus our King”.

What though your treasures are not gold or incense?  Lay them before him with hearts full of love.  Praise to the Christ child, and praise to his mother who bore us a Saviour by grace from above.  “Ave Maria”: hear the soft lullaby the angel hosts sing.  “Ave Maria, maiden, and mother of Jesus our King”.

* HYMN No. 146:  Joy to the World! The Lord is Come

MEDITATION:  Meeting God, Meeting Us, Rev. Thomas C.Goodhart

* HYMN No. 152:  Angels We Have Heard on High

CHRISTMAS OFFERING
    Offertory Prayer 
    Lord’s Prayer
    Offertory:  On This Day Earth Shall Ring, H. C. Stewart

On this day earth shall ring with the song children sing to the Son, Christ the King.  Born on earth to save us, Him the Father gave us, Ideo.  Gloria in excelsis Deo.  His the doom, ours the mirth, when He came down to earth, Bethlehem saw His birth, ox and ass beside Him, from the cold would hide Him.  Ideo.  Gloria in excelsis Deo. God’s bright star o’er His head, wise me three to Him led, kneel thy low by His bed, lay their gifts before Him, praise Him and adore Him. Ideo.  Gloria in excelsis Deo.  On this day angels sing, with their song earth shall ring praising Christ, Heaven’s King.  Born on earth to save us, peace and love He gave us.  Ideo.  Gloria in excelsis Deo.

* HYMN No. 155:  O Little Town of Bethlehem

ANTHEM:  Still, Still, Still, arr. Norman Luboff

Still, still, still, one can hear the falling snow.  For all is hushed, the world is sleeping, Holy Star its vigil keeping.  Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth.  The night is peaceful all around you, Close your eyes, let sleep surround you.  Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come.  While guardian angels without number watch you as you sweetly slumber. 

SOLO:  O Holy Night, Adolphe Adam

Glenn D. Alamilla, tenor

PASSING OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT

CAROL:  Silent Night, STILLE NACHT

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 Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour 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 Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.

BENEDICTION  (seated)

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WE WELCOME to the pulpit the Rev. Thomas C. Goodhart, minister of the Trinity Reformed Church in Ridgewood, Queens.  Pastor Tom is our Classis Supervisor until we have a permanent minister in place.

A SPECIAL SOCIAL HOUR will be held downstairs in Gessner Hall following the service.  Hosting this Wassail Hour are the young people of our church.

OUR USHERS are Marion Durney, Jerry Good, Rhoda Jabbour, Buck and Judie Kellaway, Gary LiBert, Jeanne and Steve Sarran