Together for Christmas
Today International Brunch 10:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall
December 20 Festival of Joy Sunday School, 9:00–10:15 a.m. Happy Birthday, Jesus Party (Elementary) Fellowship, 10:15 a.m.–10:45 a.m., Fellowship Hall Single Service, 10:45 a.m.–noon, Sanctuary Happy Birthday, Jesus Party (Preschool) No Evening Service
December 24 Christmas Eve Service 5:00 p.m., Sanctuary Child care: 2 years old & under
December 24–26 & January 1–2, 2016 Church offices closed for Christmas & New Year's
December 27 Festival of Anticipation Single Service, 10:45 a.m.–noon, Sanctuary No Sunday School; No Evening Service Child care: 2 years old & under
January 3 Festival of New Beginnings Single Service, 10:45 a.m.–noon, Sanctuary No Sunday School; No Evening Service Child care: 2 years old & under Good News!
Great Joy! A Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols 27th Annual Celebration at First Evan
December 13, 2015
presented by First Evan Worship Choir with orchestra Elementary Children Singers Philip Webb, Tenor Soloist Readers from the Congregation Orchestral Prelude
Choral Introit CAROL TO THE KING French carol
Can you hear the distant music sounding from the pipe and horn, Bearing news of joy and gladness “Christ, the King of heav’n is born.” Angels, too, resound the anthem to the children of the earth, Calling all to hear the tidings of the blessed Savior’s birth,
Hear them sing, “Ta-ra-ra, ta-ra-ra, ta-ra-rè-re, li-tam-pon, la-dé-ri-tam-pon,” The fife and angel voices ring. “Ta-ra-ra, ta-ra-rè-re, li-tam-pon, la-dé-ri-tam-pon,” They all rejoice with songs they sing to bring the world a newborn King!
Feel the music stir your senses like a mighty trumpet call, Wakening the world from slumber calling out to one and all. From the village, from the country let us join the holy throng, As we hasten to the manger that we, too, may join the song.
As we sing, “Ta-ra-ra, ta-ra-rè-re, li-tam-pon, la-dé-ri-tam-pon,” The fife and angel voices ring. “Ta-ra-ra, ta-ra-ra, ta-ra-rè-re, li-tam-pon, la-dé-ri-tam-pon,” We all rejoice with songs they sing to bring the world a newborn King!
Enter now the holy stable to behold the blessed sight, This is Christ, the Lord, the Savior, pure and filled with holy light. Tune your heart to hear His music, feel the glory of His love, Let us worship and adore Him, wondrous Child of God above.
Raise your voice, “Ta-ra-ra, ta-ra-rè-re, li-tam-pon, la-dé-ri-tam-pon,” The fife and angel voices ring. “Ta-ra-ra, ta-ra-ra, ta-ra-rè-re, li-tam-pon, la-dé-ri-tam-pon,” They all rejoice with songs they sing to bring the world a newborn King!
“Ta-ra-ra, Li-tam-pon, la-dé-ri-tam-pon, Ta-ra-ra, li-tam-pon,” we all rejoice with songs we sing To tell us all to rise and sing To bring the world a newborn King, a newborn King, a newborn King! Welcome & Opening Prayer Cole Huffman, Senior Pastor
Elementary Singers JOY HAS DAWNED UPON THE WORLD
Joy has dawned upon the world promised from creation: God’s salvation now unfurled, hope for every nation. Not with fanfares from above, not with scenes of glory, But a humble gift of love: Jesus, born of Mary.
Sounds of wonder fill the sky with the songs of angels, As the mighty Prince of Life shelters in a stable. Hands that set each star in place, shaped the earth in darkness, Cling now to a mother’s side, vulnerable and helpless.
Shepherds bow before the Lamb, gazing at the glory; Gifts of men from distant lands prophesy the story. Gold: a King is born today; incense: God is with us; Myrrh: His death will make a way, and by His blood He’ll win us!
Son of Adam, Son of Heaven given as a ransom, Reconciling God and man, Christ our mighty Champion! What a Savior! What a Friend! What a glorious mystery: Once a babe in Bethlehem, now the Lord of history!
Joy to the world! Joy to the world! Joy to the world! Sing joy! Carol O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL
(all, standing) 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 exulatation, O 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, With joy we embrace Thee, with awe and love; 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! (please be seated) Lesson 1 The Fall Genesis 3:8-15
O COME, O COME EMMANUEL
(choir & soloist) O come, O come, Emmanuel, Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, And ransom captive Israel, Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, That mourns in lonely exile here Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, Until the Son of God appear. A long way from home, Rejoice! Rejoice! A long way from home. Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
Lesson 2 The Promise Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
COME, THOU LONG-EXPECTED JESUS
(all, standing)
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee.
Come to us, redeem and cleanse us, show us mercy, grant us peace. Heir unto the throne of David, fear and strife shall ever cease. By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all-sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. (please be seated) Lesson 3 The Fullness of Time Galatians 4:4-5
CAROL OF JOY
(choir) Green leaves all fallen, withered and dry; Brief sunset fading, dim winter sky; Lengthening shadows, dark closing in; Then through the stillness, carols begin.
O fallen world, to you is the song! Death holds you fast, and night tarries long. Jesus is born, your curse to destroy; Sweet to your ears a carol of joy!
Pale moon ascending, solemn and slow; Cold, barren hillside shrouded in snow. Deep empty valley, veiled by the night: Hear angel music, hopeful and bright.
O fearful world, to you is the song! Peace with your God and pardon for wrong. Tidings for sinners, burdened and bound, A carol of joy: a Savior is found!
Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes! Thrill to the chorus filling the skies. Look up, sad-hearted! Witness God’s love; Join in the carol swelling above!
O friendless world, to you is the song! All heaven’s joy to you may belong! You who are lonely, laden, forlorn: O fallen world, O fearful world, O friendless world, Now unto you a Savior is born! Lesson 4 The Birth Luke 2:1-7
O HOLY NIGHT (solo & choir) O holy night, the stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth; Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine! O night when Christ was born!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand; So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here came the wise men from Orient land. The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our friend; He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger. Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine! O night when Christ was born! O night divine, O holy night divine! Lesson 5 The Shepherds Luke 2:8-12
THE FIRST NOEL
(all, standing) The first Noel 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. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! 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 continued both day and night. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel.
Then let us all with one accord, sing praises to our heavenly Lord That made heaven and earth of naught, And with His blood mankind hath bought. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel. (please be seated) Lesson 6 The Angels Luke 2:13-14
GLORY TO GOD (from Messiah by G. F. Handel)
(solo & choir) And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude Of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest, And peace on earth, goodwill towards men!" Lesson 7 The Child Luke 2:15-20
NOE! NOE! French carol (choir) Shepherds rise – look up and see new light yonder breaking, Brighter than the noonday sun, all your sheep awaking. Wonder, whisper, “Ah, Noe!” Christ is born this holy day! He is come to you, lowly shepherds, true! He is come unto you; He is come unto you, Morning Star and New Day! Wonder, whisper, “Ah Noe!”
Shepherds, turn your eyes and see in the manger, sleeping, Prince of Peace and Heavenly King, in His mother’s keeping. Worship Him who brings Noe—He who turns the night to day! He is come to you, lowly shepherds, true! He is come unto you; He is come unto you, Morning Star and New Day! Worship Him who brings Noe!
Shepherds, look about and see in the darkness pining All God’s children long to hear of the new Light shining. Witness of the true Noe! Share glad tidings of this day! He is come to you, lowly shepherds, true! He is come unto you; He is come unto you, Morning Star and New Day! Witness of the true Noe!
Shepherds, run to us and see here we are awaiting Thee. Let your voices ring for aye, Christ is born! Noe! Noe!
Lesson 8 The Word Hebrews 1:1-3a
Orchestral Meditation P. I. Tchaikovsky Lesson 9 The Savior Hebrews 1:3b-6
PEOPLE WAIT
(soloists & choir) O come, Messiah come; people wait, people wait. You’re God’s Anointed One; people wait, people wait for You.
As angels fill the sky, people wait, people wait. The shepherds join their cry, “Christ has come. Christ has come for you.”
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
There upon the cross, people wait, people wait; To hope in spite of loss, people wait, people wait for You.
Then in the ground You lay; people wait, people wait. The Light by darkness slain, people wait, people wait for You!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
You rise, like the morning sun, from the grave, from the grave! The crown of life is won! Celebrate, we celebrate for You!
(all, standing) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
(soloists)
To Heaven You ascend; now we wait, now we wait For You to return again. How we wait; Lord, how we wait for You! (please be seated) Lesson 10 Love & Joy 1 Peter 1:8-9
DOWN FROM HIS GLORY
(solo) O how I love Him, how I adore Him; My breath, my sunshine, my all in all. The great Creator became my Savior; And all God’s fullness dwelleth in Him.
Down from His glory, ever living story My God and Savior came, and Jesus was His Name. Born in a manger, to His own a stranger, A Man of sorrows, tears and agony.
O how I love Him, how I adore Him; My breath, my sunshine, my all in all. The great Creator became my Savior; And all God’s fullness dwelleth in Him! Message Cole Huffman, Senior Pastor Carol JOY TO THE WORLD
(all) 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. (continued on next page) 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.
No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground: He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found.
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!
(choir) And wonders, wonders of His love! Benediction
Readers Lesson 9:00 A.M. 10:45 A.M. 1. Pastor Ismail Kunda, South Sudan Lyn McWhorter 2. Shweta Duggirala, India Jacob Zywicki 3. Laura Christison, Scotland Sally Klinke 4. Dhiren Adhikari, Nepal Drew Silvas 5. Wendy Motte, Belgium Elisabeth Collier 6. Pastor Xuan Phan, Vietnam Claire Hopkins 7. Margo Varela, Argentina Julie Seay 8. Betty Baird, Jamaica Scott Arnwine 9. Graziella Fichthorn, Italy Kathryn LaVire 10. Jalia Kumtor, South Sudan Mary Page The Lord has blessed our church with a wonderful diversity of people, reflected as we honor those in our midst who were born in other countries by having them read the Lessons during the 9:00 a.m. service. We want to also give testimony thereby to the fact that Jesus came into the world for ALL the peoples of the earth. At the 10:45 a.m. service we are using readers from a broad spectrum of age groups in our congregation. Orchestra Members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and friends; Bob Westbrook, Contractor Instrumentalists from First Evan Bass Betsy Man Organ Leesa Wilkinson Bass Guitar Bikram Ranapheli Piano Jamie Scholik Bassoon Susanna Whitney Percussion Bob Westbrook Cello Sarah Nowlin Trumpet Jeff Findlay French Horn Doris Shifflette Violin Daniel Gilbert Guitar Bucky Walters Violin Lori Gilbert First Evan Worship Choir Ron Man, Pastor of Worship/Missionary in Residence, Director David Allen April Fichthorn Eileen Hughes Phil Sistrunk Judy Baird Genalee Findlay Linda Lambert Hugh Spell Becky Banks Loren Friesen Jacob Laurence Jan Spurlin Martha Banks Audrey Fuhrman Colleen Lipscomb Annette Stevenson Teresa Blanton Fran Gralow Peggy Massey Barbara Stewart Allan Bowden Deborah Graves Thomas Mayberry Myrna Storck Heidi Branam Charlie Hammond Mark McKenzie Christie Taylor David Brumfield Jeanette Haney John McWhorter Greg Thompson Garry Butler Nancy Hart Felicity Meadows Kathy Thompson Sara Butler Glenda Hartmann Calvin Ozier Debora Thurman Laura Christison Jamie Henwood Sarah Pierce Dan Torvik Sara Coates Shirley St. Hilaire Darrell Raber Sharon Wappler Linda Cook Chip Hill Rachel Rogers Susanna Winter Twyla Dixon Lorinda Hill JemmiLou Rushing Sara Wright Jeff Fendley John Hodges Kassie Sanborn Michelle Fenske Bernie Housholder Olivia Grace Sistrunk Special Thanks To Church Decorations Amy Person, Joan Johnston, Sarah Scott, Kari Smith, Carolyn Bowden Cover Artwork Emily Ozier Printing John Dawson (Hot Graphics, Memphis, TN) Program Design & Layout Stephanie Johnson Soloists JemmiLou Rushing, Philip Webb, Debora Thurman, Amy Carlisle, Jessica Tinsley Sound Ryan Wiley, Chase Fullerton Worship Ministry Assistants April Fichthorn, Jan Spurlin
“Carol to the King,” Words and Music by Jim Christian/arr. by Mack Wilberg; © 2006, Oxford University Press, Inc. CCLI #47316 “Joy Has Dawned Upon the World,” Words and Music by Stuart Townend/Keith Getty; © 2005 and this arrangement © 2008, ThankYou Music/Lorenz Publishing Co.; CCLI #47316 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” arranged by David Cherwien; © 2012, Birnamwood Publications (div. of MorningStar Music Pub.); CCLI #47316 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” adapted and arranged by Dan and Heidi Goeller; © 2008, Dan Goeller Music (BMI); CCLI #47316 “Carol of Joy,” Words and Music by Eileen Berry/Dan Forrest; © 2007, Beckenhorst Press, Inc.; CCLI #47316 “O Holy Night,” Words and Music by John Dwight/ Adolphe Adam/ arr. by Bob Krogstad “The First Noel,” arranged by Mack Wilberg; © 2001, Oxford University Press, Inc.; CCLI #47316 “Glory to God,” by G.F. Handel; CCLI #47316 "Noe! Noe!,” Words and Music by David Warner/arr. by Mack Wilberg; © 2008, Oxford University Press, Inc.; CCLI #47316 “People Wait,” Words and Music by Brett and Emily Mills/arr. by Gary Rhodes; © 2013 Word Music, LLC (ASCAP); CCLI #47316 “Joy to the World,” Words and Music by Isaac Watts/Lowell Mason/arr. by Mack Wilberg; © 2001, Oxford University Press, Inc.; CCLI #47316