trinity united church lighting of the christ...
TRANSCRIPT
TRINITY UNITED CHURCH New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
December 24, 2019 Christmas Eve Family Service
Prelude Focus on Community and Passing the peace
Hymn: O Come All Ye Faithful VU 60
Opening sentences: A woman expecting, a man accompanying, an ordinary moment and God slips in. A shepherd on a hillside, a sky full of stars, an ordinary night, and God slips in. A town full of tourists, a commercial opportunity, road weary travellers, and God slips in. A baby’s first cry, a mother exhausted, loves first sight, and God slips in. Mystery surrounding, everything is new, a moment to ponder, God among us, God with us, God beyond our dreaming, God’s presence slips in.
Opening Prayer:
O God, we gather as we anticipate the birth. Like a dancer waiting to make the next movement, we center ourselves, extending our arms, reaching toward your light in the shadows of night. May our hands be open to receive you among the ordinary, the poor, curious, hopeful; all who show up to see the Christ Child, with their need and their dreams. Interrupted with this simple birth, may we pay attention to the signs of your presence, and rest in your abundant love. Amen.
Lighting of the Christ Candle: In a life revolving around the mundane, we are called to wonder, and sacred mystery surrounds us. We remember the weeks of waiting,
of hoping and longing for peace, of embracing joy and extending love.
We light these first four candles again, and we remember. We’ve come to the anticipated evening. May we remain filled with wonder, as the Christ candle glows.
Hymn: A Candle is Burning VU 6
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7 Special Music: The Trumpet Shall Sound from Handel’s Messiah
Nick Higgs, Luke Henderson, Karen Crowley
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 Special Music: Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow Mark Hayes Music Team: Lori Miller, Jane Jones, Charlie Tourneur, Eoin Dewar
Learning Time: Dramatic Dialogue: “The Innkeepers Reflection” Mary Henderson and Luke Henderson
Special Music: The Glory of Christmas Lloyd Larson Trinity Choir
Offering: Offertory Pastoral Prayer and Our Lord’s Prayer
Hymn: Joy to the World VU 59
Blessing:
Let us go from this place tonight, mindful of how we might make room for God to slip in. May we never be so self focussed that our vision of the holy is narrowed. May we go forth remembering that God is with us. Let’s leave feeling the blessing of hope, peace, joy and love and spread the good news throughout the world. Amen.
Please join us tonight at 10pm for a reflective candlelight service.
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” Martin Luther King Jr.
A special welcome to all those worshipping with us this holiday season.
If you are a visitor, we invite you to sign our guest book in the Narthex.
We rejoice in the birth of Jesus who was called Emmanuel meaning “God-with-us”.
May this Christmas story speak to your heart and guide you to discover Christmas anew this season.
Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas!
Rev. Donna, Karen, John & Lynne
Thank you to Luke Henderson, Nick Higgs and Mary Henderson as well as our Choir and members of the Music Team. Thank you to our sound persons, EasyWorship operators, greeters, candle lighters and readers. Throughout the fall, winter and spring we have volunteers who provide hospitality before the services. We appreciate all our volunteers and their sharing of time, talents and treasures year round!
Poinsettias in the sanctuary are placed in loving memory of Allison Lockhart by Lynne, Bruce & Family,
Alex Sutherland by Vivian & Family and Keith (Paddy), Anna, and Nancy Fraser by the Family,
The office will be closed December 25, 26, and 27, reopening Monday, December 30 at 9 am.
Sunday, December 29th 10:00 am A Service of Stories and Carols (The office will be closed on Wednesday, January 1st)
Sunday, January 5th 10:00 am Epiphany Sunday
Sunday, January 12th 10:00 am Communion
Minister: Rev. Donna Tourneur Ph: 902-755-3856 Email: [email protected]
Director of Music: Karen Crowley Ph: 902-695-5406 Email: [email protected] Caretaker: John Gillis Trinity Website: http://trinityuc.weebly.com/ Church Administrator: Lynne Lockhart Voice Mail: 902-752-1472
2nd Line: 902-752-4475 Email: [email protected]