Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

December 24, 2016 9:00 PM

 

No matter who you are, No matter where you are On life’s journey, You are welcome here.

Worship begins with chimes. The prelude is a time of reflection and preparation for the worship of God.

Please silence cell phones. Bibles for use during worship are available at each entrance to the Sanctuary.

THOUGHT FOR PREPARATION "At Christmas we find that the whole system of the universe turns on the sort of love we find in a helpless child." ~ Rowan Williams PRELUDE Sospiri Edward Elgar Monty Adams, flute; Phyllis Adams, harp; Kevin Dierzawski, organ Sure On This Shining Night Samuel Barber Breanna Coe, mezzo-soprano; flute, and harp

Sure on this shining night

Of star made shadows round, Kindness must watch for me

This side the ground. The late year lies down the north.

All is healed, all is health. High mystery holds the earth.

Hearts all whole. Sure on this shining night

I weep for wonder wand'ring far alone Of shadows on the stars.

THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS CANDLES

Toccata from Symphony V Charles Marie Widor

Kevin Dzierzawski, organ * Please stand if you are able to do so.

 

* PROCESSIONAL 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! Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, forever be Thy name adored; Word of the One God, 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

* WELCOME Matt Fitzgerald

* CALL TO WORSHIP

One: The prophets have proclaimed it and the angels have announced it: Unto us a child is born. Unto us a savior is given. Glory to God in the highest!

All: And on earth peace, goodwill. One: Go tell it on the mountain. All: Go tell it in the city. One: This is good news of great joy. All: Jesus Christ is born!

CHOIR Soon and Very Soon Andraé Crouch

Chancel Choir Nathan Streeter, tenor

Soon and very soon,

We are goin’ to see the King. Hallelujah,

We’re goin’ to see the King.

 

THE CHRISTMAS STORY IN SCRIPTURE AND SONG Isaiah 9, 11, 40, and 60 CHOIR And the Glory of the Lord George Frideric Handel from Messiah

And the glory or the Lord shall be revealed,

And all flesh shall see it together, For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Isaiah 11: 5 Luke 2:25-26 and 2:1-7 CONGREGATION O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by: Yet in the dark streets shineth the everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of the heavens; No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Luke 2:8-14

CONGREGATION 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!"

 

CHOIR Thy Little Ones, O Savior Dear Danish Carol Chancel Choir Johann Peter Abraham Schultz

Her komme Jesus, dine små, Til dig i Bethlehem at gå:

Oplys enhver i sjoel og sind At finde vejen till dig ind!

Thy little ones, O Savior dear To thee in Bethlehem draw near Enlighten us in soul and mind

That we the way to Thee may find. Luke 2:15-20 CONGREGATION Away In A Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay; The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

CHOIR Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace Gustav Nordqvist Chancel Choir Text-Edvard Evers English-Norman Luboff

Jul, Jul, strålande jul, glans över vita skogar,

Himmelens kronor med gnistrande ljus, Glimande bågar i alla Guds hus,

Psalm, som är sjungen från tid till tid, Eviga längtan till ljus och frid!

Jul, Jul, strålande jul, glans över vita skogar!

Peace, peace, wonderful peace, Peace to the world is given. Hushed are the angels, so still is the night. Then in the East shone a heavenly light.

Join in the chorus, His praises sing! Glory to God, to the newly born King!

Peace, peace, wonderful peace, Peace to the world is given!

 

CONGREGATION The First Nowell

The first Nowell, the angels 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!

And by the light of one bright 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!

Matthew 2: 1-12 CHOIR Mary Had a Baby African-American Spiritual Nancy Pifer, soprano arr. William Dawson

Mary had a baby, My Lord!

Where was he born? Born in a manger.

What did they call him? King Jesus.

He is called King Jesus, Mighty Counselor, King Emanuel, Mighty God, Everlasting Father.

Mary had a baby, My Lord! SERMON "The Heart of the Universe" Matt Fitzgerald

* CONGREGATION Joy to the World

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 us our 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.

THE PRESENTATION OF OUR GIFTS

CHOIR Wexford Carol arr. Gary Fry

Monty Adams, flute; Phyllis Adams, harp Nancy Pifer, soprano; Nathan Streeter, tenor;

and Lee Lichamer, bass

Good people all this Christmas time, consider well and bear in mind, What our good God for us has done, in sending his beloved Son.

With Mary holy we should pray to God with love this Christmas Day; In Bethlehem upon that morn there was a blessed Messiah born.

Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep,

To whom God’s angels did appear, which put the shepherds in great fear. “Arise and go,” the angels said, “To Bethlehem, be not afraid;

“For there you’ll find this happy morn, “A princely babe, sweet Jesus born.”

With thankful heart and joyful mind, and as God’s angels had foretold, They did our Savior Christ behold. within a manger He was laid,

And by His side, the virgin maid, as long foretold, upon that morn There was a blessed Messiah born.

THE CHRISTMAS EVE PRAYER

CHOIR Stille Nacht Franz Grüber

Chancel Choir

 

THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES The pastors will light the candles of those seated on the aisle. Worshipers will pass the light to each other down the row.

* CONGREGATION Silent 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! 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.

* BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Pat-a-pan Burgundian Carol Alegria Traditional Puerto Rican Monty Adams, flute; and Phyllis Adams, harp

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May you receive God’s Christmas presence and may the presence of Christ shine in you and through you in the coming New Year. We are glad you worshiped with us on this

holy night and hope you will return to St. Pauls on a Sunday morning soon. You can also visit us at www.spucc.org for information on

who we are, what we believe, and what we do.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS WE WELCOME YOU TO WORSHIP. If you are our guest and want more information about St. Pauls, please fill out the fellowship card in the pew rack and drop it in the offering plate. We invite you to join us on a Sunday morning for worship at 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM starting January 8. THIS YEAR The entirety of our CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING will help UCAN hire a Chaplain. UCAN was founded by Saint Pauls as an orphanage during the Civil War and has since grown into the largest provider of social services to children in Chicago. UCAN is at the forefront of the effort to curb the violence that kills and stings so many Chicago youth each year. Our hearts break at the violence in our city. UCAN believes that youth who have suffered trauma can become our future leaders. Their work heals and saves lives. It will be more powerful with a chaplain ministering to UCAN children and staff. POLAR PEACE MARCH® TO BENEFIT UCAN on Sunday, January 15, 2017. This family friendly event will start at 4:00 PM with a program in the Sanctuary honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of peace followed by the 1.5 mile March. The evening concludes with a cup of soup in the Gym. Invite friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to be a part of your team for this fun and inspirational event. Funds raised will benefit UCAN and its violence prevention initiative in Chicago. We can make a difference!

•   Go to www.polarpeacemarch.org by December 31, 2016 to register for a chance to win a $500 Target gift card!

•   Raise $100 in donations by January 13, 2017 for a chance to win 4 tickets behind home plate to see the 2016 World Series Champion CHICAGO CUBS on July 4, 2017!

•   You can also volunteer, start or join a team for the March, donate, or get more information about UCAN.

JANUARY IS BIBLE STORY THEATRE MONTH for St. Pauls. In January we immerse ourselves in the story of Tobit and make it come to life through music, dance, acting, costumes and sets. All children and young people and their teachers from the JK/Kindergarten through High School classes participate in a series of four theatre workshops beginning on January 8. Adults are also invited to help make costumes, create sets, play instruments, and use their talents. The Bible Story Theatre production will be on February 5. Contact Pastor Sarah for more information at sgarcia@spucc.org.

JOINING ST. PAULS CHURCH

ONE-SESSION NEW MEMBER CLASS - January 29, 2017, 12:30 PM in the Parlor. Learn more about St. Pauls’ 173-year ministry of Making a Joyful Sound in the City, meet others exploring membership, find out what we believe and how you can become more engaged. New Members join on February 12, 2017. The next class is scheduled for Sunday, March 19, 2017. Contact Pastor Matt at mfitzgerald@spucc.org to be registered. ALL CHURCH RETREAT - SIGN UP NOW - August 4-6, 2017 at the beautiful Lakeside Inn in Lakeside, MI. A weekend of fun, relaxation and bonding with your church family. All ages welcome. $300 per room includes 2 nights lodging, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts. Financial assistance available. Sign up by December 15 on our website. Contact Pastor Sarah sgarcia@spucc.org for more information.

 

CHILDREN AND YOUTH NO CHURCH SCHOOL OR CHILDCARE on December 25. Children are invited to attend worship and are encouraged to come in their cozy pajamas. Childcare will be available on New Year’s Day but there will not be Church School. YOUTH MISSION TRIP - You chose South Dakota!!! Youth in 8th through 12th grade are invited to be part of this awesome adventure to serve those in need on the Lakota reservation in South Dakota. Trip dates are June 24 to July 2, 2017. Contact Pastor Sarah to apply sgarcia@spucc.org. YOUTH ROCK CLIMBING NIGHT is being rescheduled for Thursday, January 5, 2:00 - 4:00 PM at First Ascent, 3516 North Spaulding Ave., Chicago, IL. Contact Pastor Sarah at sgarcia@spucc.org. LITTLE LIGHTS is a preschool program in a progressive Christian environment. Classes for 2 and 3-year-olds meet at St. Pauls Nursery. We are a program built to encourage independence, socialization, and introduce basic classroom routine to prepare for further education. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. We currently have only 2 spaces available for January 2017. For more information, or to download the application, visit http://www.spucc.org/littlelights or email Leigh Borge at lborge@spucc.org. WATERPARK WINTER RETREAT – 8-12 graders, February 24 – 25. Meet at church at 5:00 PM on Friday, February 24. We will return by 8:00 PM the following day. For more information, contact Pastor Sarah, sgarcia@spucc.org.

PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES For more information contact, Corie Gallemore at corie.gallemore@gmail.com.

ST. PAULS PLAY GROUP for children from birth to 3-years-old in the church Nursery and Toddler Room. Drop in anytime from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Wednesdays.

YOUNG ADULTS A group for fun and fellowship for folks in their twenties and thirties. All are welcome!

Email youngadults@spucc.org to be added to the mailing list. CRAFT BEER NIGHT - Saturday, January 21, 7:30 PM - Come join us as we sample a variety of craft beers at Jen Kew and Jon Pagac's place. They'll provide the beer - please bring a snack to share. If you have a beer you've been wanting to share with fellow beer nerds, you can bring it but please bring no more than one beer. RSVP to the Punchbowl invitation, which also has the address. If you did not receive an evite or have questions, please email youngadults@spucc.org. MONTHLY BRUNCH – Sunday, January 22, 12:00 PM – Join us for brunch after the 11:00 AM service. We are resuming our monthly brunches after the holiday season. We will gather during Social Hour and walk to Hopcat, 2577 N. Clark Street. Contact Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org with questions and to RSVP. FUTURE EVENTS – Volunteers needed! Do you have ideas for an event you'd like to organize? Maybe it's exploring a new neighborhood, seeing a show, hosting a game night, attending a wine

 

tasting or completing a 5K. The group needs your help. At this point, no events beyond what you are currently reading about are planned. Pick a date, coordinate the details, write a description for the bulletin and newsletters and share with Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org. She will promote to the wider group and help make the event a success!

LAY CARE GIVING STEPHEN MINISTRY AT ST. PAULS is Christ caring for people through people. If you’re in need of support during the holidays or any time, or if you’d like to learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Avena Ward (award@spucc.org). CONNECTORS provide networking and support for members and friends of St. Pauls. We send cards and care packages, make telephone calls, provide food and meals, give rides to doctor’s appointments and the store. Membership is open to all who have the time and the inclination to help. Meetings are held once a month, except in July and December.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS CALENDAR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day ONE SERVICE 10:00 AM One Worship Service No Church School/Nursery Closed Children are invited to wear their pajamas. SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day ONE SERVICE 10:00 AM One Worship Service No Church School SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 Polar Peace March, 4:00 PM in the Sanctuary & Gym

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please send any announcements you would like in the following week’s bulletin to announcements@spucc.org no later than 10:00 AM on Tuesday. Please limit announcements to 70 words. Thank you.

 

SAINT PAULS PRAYS

•  Prayers for the family of Michelle Drew and Bill Rodriguez on the death of Michelle's grandfather. He died after a house fire, in which the family farmhouse was lost.

•  Animals suffering in the cold. •  Bonnie, Rafa, and Brandon Brill at the death of husband and father, Mike Brill. •  Ed Zasadil recovering from another fall. •  Charles May at the death of his father. •  Jennifer Heiney and her family at the passing of her grandmother. •  Jan Womack as her mother enters hospice. •  Prayer for Edward Wosylus’ brother, Bill, on the loss of his wife. •  Rob and Shannon Castle at the death of Rob’s father on Thanksgiving. •  Cheryl Kennedy’s brother in law, Jim. •  Betty Voice, at St. Pauls House, after additional surgery on her knee. •  Dirk R. and family, uncle of Laura Nowack, who has multiple myeloma. •  Betty Beckers recovering from an infection. •  Abby, granddaughter of Penny Trowbridge’s friend Dorne, who has leukemia and is in hospice. •  Sylvia Pine’s grandfather, Terry Barton, recovering from strokes. •  Edith, Anita, Kim and all others who struggle with chronic pain and progressive illnesses. •  Carlos and Cynthia Cata’s friend, a mother of three with stage 4 lung cancer. •  Candi Huber's niece, Kathryn, continuing treatments for cancer. •  Juanita Barlow’s aunt, Sol; her grandchildren’s other grandmother, Rose, with cancer. •  Michelle’s friends Michael, Chris and Jerry, all sick with chronic illnesses. •  Diane Massie’s friend, Ashley, battling brain cancer and in need of a miracle. •  Lorri Gunn Wirsum, for her husband, Karl Wirsum, and her brother, Jim. •  Mary Train and her nephew Carl and family. •  Philip Smedley’s father, for health issues. •  Jonah, Sean and Kevin and all homeless individuals with mental illness living in this city. •  For all those touched by violence in Chicago. •  The Renfrow family as they walk with Wayne, in hospice care. •  Del Arsenault, in hospice care at home. •  Carole Crowley recovering from a stroke. •  Steve Warsh, undergoing chemotherapy. •  Tom Palkon being treated for cancer. •  For young adults as they try to make their way in life moving away (physically) from family. •  For those involved in research trying to find a cure for cancer. •  Those killed and injured in terrorist attacks around the world and all others in need of prayer. •  All service members and their loved ones before, during and after deployment. (Prayer cards are available in the pew racks. Fill one out and drop it in the offering plate.)

NEARLY 1 IN 5 ADULTS STRUGGLE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE. Contact one of the pastors today for information about mental healthcare advocacy and resources that can help you and your loved ones. Contact information for the pastors is at the back of this bulletin.

 

NOTES

 

NOTES

 

ABOUT ST. PAULS

Making a joyful sound in the city

Saint Pauls UCC has a vibrant history in the city of Chicago. Founded in 1843, we are one of the city's oldest churches. In 1989 we became one of America's first congregations to declare ourselves "Open to and Affirming of” LGBT women and men.

From founding Chicago's largest provider of social services to at-risk children to starting a home for the elderly, from housing protestors at the 1968 Democratic Convention to hosting Lincoln Park's first MLK day march against violence on Chicago's streets we are proud to make a joyful sound in the city.

Most importantly, over the past 172 years we are glad to have introduced thousands of children and adults to the amazing, inclusive, life changing, uplifting love of God. We do so in worship that is traditional, but far from conventional.

St. Pauls United Church of Christ 2335 North Orchard Street Chicago, Illinois 60614

(773) 348-3829 FAX (773) 348-3858 www.spucc.org

Matt Fitzgerald, Senior Pastor, mfitzgerald@spucc.org

Avena Ward, Associate Pastor, award@spucc.org Jeff Carlson, Associate Pastor, jcarlson@spucc.org

Sarah Garcia, Associate Pastor for Children and Youth, sgarcia@spucc.org Tom Henry, Pastor Emeritus, emeritushenry@gmail.com

Kurt R. Hansen, Music Director, kurtsingsbach@gmail.com Kevin Dzierzawski, Organist, kdzierza@att.net

Brendan Henry, Pianist, brendanphenry@hotmail.com Nancy Voigts, Children’s Choir Director, nvoigtsgod@att.net

Kecia Waldschmidt, Youth Choir Director, keciagerman@hotmail.com Karen E. Johnson, Joyful Sounds Choir Director, kejpiano@aol.com

Mark Mosley, Intergenerational Orchestra Director, mwmosley@gmail.com Kevin O’Brien, Lay Liturgical Administrator, kob48@att.net

Free Parking is available on Sundays at Children’s Memorial Hospital

2300 Block of North Lincoln Ave. – Vouchers Not Needed

 

         

   

 

           WELCOME  TO  SAINT  PAULS  UCC!      

Welcome to those whose hearts are on fire with faith, and to those who bring their doubt inside our doors.

Welcome to our first time guests and our longtime members.

Welcome to single people, tiny children, grandparents and families of all configurations.

Welcome to those who rejoice and to those who grieve. Welcome to each and to everyone.

We are an Open and Affirming church. We welcome all.

We are blessed by your presence and we are glad you are here!