December 24, 2017
8:30 PM Service
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
301 N JEFFERSON ST
KITTANNING PA 16201
724-548-4312
E-MAIL:
WEBSITE:
PASTOR: Pastor Wade Berkey
ACCOMPANIST: Emily King
ADULT CHOIR DIRECTOR: Emily King
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Thursday 8:00-4:00 PM
If you are visiting for the first time today,
WELCOME!
We are so glad that you are here! Should you need any kind of assistance during the service, please contact one of the ushers or the attendant at the Welcome Center. We would love to answer any questions that you may have. Please be sure and complete the Connect Card (a bulletin insert) and place it in the offering plate later in the service. You can check us out at or on our Facebook page to find out more information about us.
Our prayer is that you have felt welcomed today and that your week will be blessed.
We Gather Together and Praise God
Music to prepare us for worship!
The Lighting of the Advent Wreath Insert
Call to Worship
All nights can look the same…
if we don’t know how to look. Jesus was born on a night not unlike this one. Love took flesh in the watches of the night. The light of that birth continues to shine in the darkness.
All nights can look the same…
If we don’t know how to look.
What do we see on this night?
What do we see on this night?
*Opening Hymns: “Silent Night, Holy Night” No. 239
“Angels From the Realms of Glory” No.220
*Opening Prayer (Psalm 96, Isaiah 9)
We are not always prepared. O God, to receive the Christ child into our hearts. We do not always look to see your light shining in the darkness of our world. We are reluctant to leave our flocks behind and search for the glory you reveal. Overcome our fear, Holy One, and inspire us to sing with the heavenly host as we seek the Christ child this night. Prepare our hearts, O God, to behold your precious gift in awe and wonder. Amen.
Special Music: “Noel, Noel! Adult Choir
We Hear God’s Word
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-10 (N.T. p. 58)
Sermon Series-The Christmas Experience!
Sermon Title-Immanuel!
Special Music: “Carol of the Cradle” Adult Choir
We Respond to God’s Word
Praying Together
Silent Prayer/Altar Time/Pastoral Prayer
Invitation to the Offering
What greater gift could we receive than the gift of God’s own child—a child who is our light and our salvation. We, who have received so much, are called to join the shepherds in sharing our joy; we are challenged to join the magi, in offering our gifts to the Christ child. Come! Let us give out of our abundance.
Offering Prayer
Gathering of the Offering
*Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
A Service of Holy Communion
Going Forth to Serve God
Distribution of the Light:
As the acolytes pass the light to members of the congregation, pass it to the person next to you. Please, DO NOT TIP a lighted candle.
*Closing Hymns: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” on the screen
“Sing We Now of Christmas” on the screen
The Blessing/Sending Forth
Music to send us forth for God’s purpose!
*Congregation stands if able.
Ask an usher for a large print hymnal or bible or personal hearing device.
The church offices will be closed until Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Please feel free to call the parsonage if you need pastoral care.
Remember to pick up your poinsettias after worship tonight.