December 24, 2017 11:00 AM Service

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 301 N JEFFERSON ST KITTANNING PA 16201 724-548-4312 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.firstchurchkittanning.com 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 www.firstchurchkittanning.com 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! Ringing of the Call to Worship Bell

The Lighting of the Advent Wreath Insert

Call to Worship The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined. We are that people. Christ is that light. For a child has been born for us. God’s own Son has been given to us. He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace through his glorious reign. Let the trees of the forest shout for joy. Let heaven and nature sing.

*Opening Hymns: “Watchmen, Tell us of the Night” Insert “Joy to the World” No. 246

*Opening Prayer (Isaiah 9, Luke 2) Holy and glorious One, we have come to sing our praise with the trees and the forests for the birth of your Son this night. As the earth rejoices, let all people shed tears of joy, for Christ judges the world with righteousness and the peoples with truth. We offer our thanksgiving for the child who leads us—our Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. Amen.

We Hear God’s Word Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-10 (N.T. p. 58) Special Music: “The Friendly Beasts” Children’s Choir Sermon Series-The Christmas Experience! Sermon Title-Immanuel!

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.

Going Forth to Serve God *Closing Hymns: “Angels We Have Heard on High” No. 238 “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” No. 240 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.

THANK YOU to the following individuals for assisting with today’s service: Usher Team: Epworth/Melissa Flanders Worship Sound System: Scott Hogamier Acolyte: Ryan Bish/Isaac Zielinski Welcome Center: Beverly Patton Scripture Reader: Karen Scaife Bell Ringer: Ashley Yankasky

Traditional Candlelight/Communion Service Sunday, December 24, 8:30 PM

The church offices will be closed until Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Please feel free to call the house if you need pastoral care.

Please pick up your poinsettias after the 8:30 PM service tonight so everyone can enjoy them.