File - Stoneboro Presbyterian Church

2014 Christmas Poinsettias
In Honor Of:
Loved Ones
Our Family Members
Our Christian Ed. Teachers
Shirley Ibbs, for her friendship to Evelyn
Jean Davis, for her friendship to Evelyn
Our Shut-Ins
People of Stoneboro Pres. Church
Given By:
Mark Schroth
Dennis & Anna Rickert
Their Students
Joe & Robin Chalmers
Joe & Robin Chalmers
The Deacons
The Rodgers family
In Memory Of:
Loved Ones
My wife, Helen
My parents, James & Laura
Loved Ones
Loved Ones
Loved Ones
Loved Ones
Loved Ones
Verna Wilson
Loved Ones
Given By:
Maxine Amos
James Reither
James Reither
The Ibbs Family
Dennis & Anna Rickert
Nancy Henderson
Roberta H. McClelland
Ted & Michele Reiser
The Wilson family
Mark Schroth
For those who purchased a poinsettia, they may be taken home
following tonight’s service. Remaining poinsettias will be removed
from the sanctuary after worship on December 28th.
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A special thank you to the individuals who participated in this evening’s worship
service. Also, a special thank you to the members in this evening’s choir and for their
participation throughout the year in providing monthly choral anthems.
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Local Mission Focus: Lakeview Area Helping Hands Center, Inc.
Established in 1984, Helping Hands faithfully serves “the least of these”
in the Lakeview and Commodore Perry School Districts. Along with a
variety of social work assistance, they operate a food warehouse, a
clothing boutique, and a home furnishings store. They also provide
Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gifts to families. They are staffed by
lots of committed volunteers but always welcome more help.
Be sure to “like” them on Facebook.
Stoneboro Presbyterian Church
“Participating in the mission & ministry of Jesus Christ”
7 Linden Street, Stoneboro, PA 16153
724.376.2021
stoneboropres@windstream.net
www.stoneboropres.org
Find us on Facebook
Pastor: Adam J. Rodgers
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Wednesday, December 24, 2014
6 o’clock worship
Christmas Eve
Childcare is not available. Let us worship together as a family, young and old alike.
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PRELUDE
Alissa Pesavento, harpist
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH & THE CHRIST CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP
◊ OPENING HYMN #178
O Come, All Ye Faithful
◊ OPENING PRAYER
GREETING
{◊ If able, you are invited to stand.}
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
CHRISTMAS PRAYER
A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Access to the Lord’s Table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege
given the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love. In preparing to receive
the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the believer is to confess sin and brokenness,
seek reconciliation with God and neighbor, and trust in Jesus Christ for cleansing
and renewal. Those who doubt or whose trust is wavering may come to the Table in
order to be reassured of God’s love and grace in Christ Jesus.
SERMON
HYMN OF RESPONSE #193
It Came upon the Midnight Clear
◊ CONFESSION OF FAITH
Philippians 2:5-11
WE BELIEVE in Jesus Christ and his gospel, born to us all so
long ago in Bethlehem of Judea.
WE BELIEVE in Him whose birth glorified Bethlehem, but for
whom there was no room in the Inn.
WE BELIEVE in Him whose guiding Star brought together to
his Manger the humble Shepherds and the Wise Men.
WE BELIEVE in Him whose guiding Star can bring together in
his Name the humble and the wise everywhere.
WE BELIEVE in Him who walked among the common people,
and who was welcomed by those with open minds and yearning
hearts, whom the poor, the oppressed, the discouraged, the sick
and afflicted, welcomed and accepted as their Lord and Savior.
WE BELIEVE in Him whose life changed the course of history,
over whom kings had no power, whose life humbled the proud,
toppled the mighty, and elevated those of low degree.
WE BELIEVE in Him whose love changed human hearts for
the better, and whose life and death on the Cross proved that it
is more important to serve than to be served, and that the
greatest are those who give their lives in service for others.
WE BELIEVE in Him who is the Prince of Peace, whose spirit
makes for justice and peace among all peoples, everywhere.
WE BELIEVE that the Christmas spirit - the spirit of Christ - is
the spirit that can change the world for the better through the
power of love, faith and hope.
A Song of Adoration
THE OFFERING & OFFERTORY ANTHEM
The entire Christmas Eve offering will go to support Lakeview Area Helping Hands
Center, Inc. Please give generously to this important local ministry.
◊ CHRISTMAS EVE CAROL—SILENT NIGHT
A recitation of Thou Wilt Light My Candle
(Grace Noll Crowell, 1936)
Lighting of the Christmas Eve Candles
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.
Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King;
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
Please extinguish your candle at the conclusion of the hymn and return it to the
ushers/greeters as you leave the sanctuary. Thank you.
◊ BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
Lindsay Rodgers, pianist