Round Hill Community Church

ORDER OF SERVICEDecember 24, 2015 – 4:00 pm

PRELUDE Concerto in F Major Albinoni David Glukh, Trumpet

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks HandelGeorge Mazzoli, John Mazzoli, Charlie McKean, Jack McKean

WORDS OF WELCOME

INTROIT See Amid the Winter’s Snow Goss

CALL TO WORSHIP Ginger JewettLeader: Let us go, just as we are, to see what has happened.

Let us go with the shepherds. All: Let us go and find the One of whom the angels sang. Leader: Let us go with those who are wise. All: Let us go and find the One who brings God’s truth to us. Leader: Let us go with our friends and family, All: Let us go with our neighbors and with strangers, Leader: Let us go with all the children of God. All: Let us go to the Babe of Bethlehem. Let us adore him!

*The congregation is invited to stand

*OPENING PRAYER

O God, on this night when heaven reaches down to embrace creation with healing, we join the angel choirs who sang your glory. We join your people in every time and place, caroling the good news that is ours.

*THE LORD’S PRAYER Elise and Davis FriedOur Father who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name.Thy kingdom come.Thy will be doneon earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread,and forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us,and lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.For Thine is the kingdom,and the power, and the glory,forever and ever. Amen.

*HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful O Come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels;

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger, We would embrace thee, with love and awe;

Who would not love thee, loving us so dearly? O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be all glory given;

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord! Amen.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE The Rev. Dan Haugh

HYMN Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King;

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;

With the angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings, Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING LUKE 2: 1-7 Miller DavolIn 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.

HYMN Away In a Manger Away in a manger, no crib for His bed, the little Lord

Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look

down from the sky, And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

SCRIPTURE READING Luke 2: 8-14 Sonali Rye

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!”

HYMN Angels We Have Heard on High Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains,

And the mountains in reply Echo back their joyous strains. Glo-ori-a

in excelsis De-o, Glori-a in ex-cel-sis De-o.

Shepherds, why this Jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? Say what may the tidings be, Which inspire your heavenly

song. Glo-ori-a

in excelsis De-o, Glori-a in ex-cel-sis De-o.

Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ, the Lord, the newborn

King. Glo-ori-a in excelsis De-o, Glori-a in ex-cel-sis De-o.

SCRIPTURE READING Luke 2: 15-20 Sam Alexander

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherdssaid to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see thisthing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” Sothey went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lyingin the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had beentold them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at whatthe shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words andpondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying andpraising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

ANTHEM Rise Up Shepherd Hayes

POEM [little tree] Nicole Piper

little tree little silent Christmas tree you are so little you are more like a flower

who found you in the green forest and were you very sorry to come away? see i will comfort you because you smell so sweetly

i will kiss your cool bark and hug you safe and tight just as your mother would, only don't be afraid

look the spangles that sleep all the year in a dark box dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine, the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,

put up your little arms and i'll give them all to you to hold every finger shall have its ring and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy

then when you're quite dressed you'll stand in the window for everyone to see and how they'll stare! oh but you'll be very proud

and my little sister and i will take hands and looking up at our beautiful tree we'll dance and sing "Noel Noel"

e.e. cummings

HYMN The First Nowell The First Nowell, the Angel did say, Was to

certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s

night that was so deep. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star Shining

in the East, beyond them far, And to the earth it gave great light, And so it con-

tinued both day and night. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star Three Wise men came from country far; To seek for a

king was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest, O’er Bethlehem it took its rest, And there it Did both stop and stay, Right over the

place where Jesus lay. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those wise men three, Full Reverently upon their knee, And offered There, in his presence, Their gold and

Myrrh and frankincense. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King

of Israel!

OFFERING Invitation and Offertory Prayer Parker McKeeWe give thanks, Holy One, for the world of wonder you have made - forest and field, sea and sky, and for the gift of grace that you have given - a little child,

lying in a manger. receive these gifts of tenderness and love, of gratitude and praise, and use them for your glory; in the name of Jesus Christ, the child of Bethlehem, we pray. Amen.

Anthem While By My Sheep Hugo Jungst*Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE James, Nancy, Nicholas, Andrew and Caroline Breckenridge

Leader: We wait with hope for the justice and righteousness of God. All: We wait with peace for God’s shalom to fill the world. Leader: We wait with joy, celebrating all that God has done

for us and our world. All: We wait with love, humbled by the love that

God shows to all people. Leader: Tonight we light this candle to celebrate the energy

that God has sent into the world through the love and life of Jesus.

All: O God of hope, and peace, and joy, and love, from that stable so long ago your light shines into every corner of the world. Help us to sing with the angels at the joy of your coming. Help us to live by your light not only today, but throughout the whole year, so that tidings

of peace and goodwill to all will truly renew the whole creation.

HYMN Silent Night, Holy Night 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 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.

POEM I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Robert Drysdale

I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along th’unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head: ‘There is no peace on earth, ‘ I said ‘For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.’

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: ‘God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men.’

Till, ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, Of peace on earth, good will to men.

--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

*HYMN Joy to the World, the Lord is Come Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature

sing, And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns: Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the

nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His

love, And wonders, wonders, of His love. Amen.

BENEDICTION AND CHORAL RESPONSE

POSTLUDE Toccata Giambattista Martini

The Staff of Round Hill Community Church wishes you and your family a most joyous and peaceful Christmas!

Thank you to Janet and Joe Huley and Alice Fisher for ushering this afternoon.

This year’s Christmas Eve offerings will be dedicated to Syrian Refugee Relief through Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), a program of the Episcopal Church of Connecticut. IRIS resettles approximately 200 legally-admitted refugees each year. IRIS also provides some services to asylum-seekers and other immigrants. Currently, IRIS’s refugee clients come from Afghanistan, Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria and other countries.

CHRISTMAS EVE PARTICIPANTS

Sam Alexander, confirmed in 2002, lives in Paris and works in investment banking

Andrew Breckenridge, confirmation class of 2016, is in the seventh grade at Brunswick.

Caroline Breckenridge is in the third grade at Greenwich Academy.

Nicholas Breckenridge is in the tenth grade at Brunswick.

Miller Davol, confirmation class of 2016, is an eighth grader at Western Middle School.

Ginger (Drysdale) Jewett, baptized 1981, lives in Rowayton, CT and is the owner of CPC Designs, a children's apparel line. 

Robert Walker Drysdale, baptized in 1981, lives in Brooklyn, NY and is a fine artist and designer.

Davis Fried, a first grader from Los Angeles, CA. Grandson of Fred Mason.

Elise Fried, a fourth grader from Los Angeles, CA. Granddaughter of Fred Mason.

George Mazzoli, confirmed in 2002, works for a digital advertising agency in New York City.

John Mazzoli, confirmed in 2005, works as a web developer in Boston.

Charlie McKean, confirmed in 2002, lives in Houston and is working for a tech start-up.

Jack McKean, confirmed in 2004, lives in Astoria and works in the broadcast division of Publicis Kaplan Thaler, an ad agency in New York.

Parker McKee, confirmed in 2002, lives in Manhattan and works at Societe Generale in New York City.

Nicole Piper, confirmed in 1978, is vice-president of marketing and licensing for TCC Retail Marketing in Westport and is the mother of 11-year-old Alex.

Sonali Rye, confirmed in 2009, is a senior at Greenwich High School.

ROUND HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH MISSION STATEMENTWe, the members of the Round Hill Community Church, a self-governing, non-denominational body, seek to foster a community of faith where people of all ages and backgrounds pursue spiritual growth; where God is worshipped in Word and praised in music; where friends are made and hurts are healed. We seek to be a community where individuals commit their time and resources to education, fellowship, and to helping those in need among our Church family and in the broader world. We are a church where faith, hope, justice and love are valued, and above all, Jesus is Lord.

ROUND HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH CREEDI believe in God, the one universal Father of all mankind, revealed supremely in Jesus Christ, our Lord, and present with us to guide, comfort and inspire in the Holy Spirit. I believe in the Kingdom of God; and in the mission of the Christian Church to proclaim the Gospel to all the world, exalting the worship of the Lord our God, and laboring for

the progress of knowledge, the promotion of righteousness, the reign of peace, and the realization of human brotherhood. United in Christian love, we pray and labor for the coming of the Kingdom, the triumph of righteousness and the life everlasting. Amen.

Moonless darkness stands betweenMoonless darkness stands between.Past, the Past, no more be seen!But the Bethlehem-star may lead meTo the sight of Him Who freed meFrom the self that I have been.Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy;Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly;Now beginning, and always:Now begin, on Christmas day.

--Gerard Manley Hopkins

Senior Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Edward G. HorstmannAssociate Pastor: The Rev. Dan Haugh

Minister Emeritus: The Rev. Dr. Ralph AhlbergMinister of Music: Christopher Kabala

Church School Coordinator: Connie Blunden

Round Hill Community Church

395 Round Hill Road, Greenwich, CT 06831203.869.1091 roundhillcommunitychurch.org