The Nativity of our Lord
Christmas Eve Family Worship
December 24, 2019 | 5 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church | Salisbury, NC
Welcome to St. John’s!
Please note that today’s service is printed entirely in this worship booklet. Occasionally you will be invited to turn to a hymn in the red book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Congregation responses are in bold.
A SPECIAL WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS! We hope that you will feel a warm sense of welcome today. If you are without a church home, we invite you to become a part of the ministry of St. John’s. Please complete the Friendship Pad found on the pew so that we might get to know one another better. For more information, visit our website at stjohns-salisbury.org.
HOLY COMMUNION. All baptized and communing Christians are welcome to receive God’s gift of grace through the sacrament of Holy Communion. We will commune by intinction (dipping the bread into the wine). All stations will be on the chancel floor. Please follow the directions of the ushers. For those with special needs, please note that grape juice as well as non-gluten wafers will be available at the front of the center aisle. Those with walking difficulties may receive the bread and wine by sitting in the reserved front pew.
WE GATHER TOGETHER in this sacred space to set aside a time to worship the Lord. Please feel welcome and invited to greet your neighbors and enjoy this time together, but as the prelude begins let us be silent and prepare ourselves for worship. Because this is a time of worship, we ask that you turn off all electronic devises and limit picture-taking to before or after the service.
Please join us!
Worship on Sunday mornings at 8:30, 9:27, and 11:00 Our 11:00 service is broadcast live. Visit stjohns-salisbury.org, click “watch live”, Youtube.com (search “SJLC”), or Facebook live.
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onight we join with nearly three billion Christians from around the world in celebrating T the birth of Jesus. We’re glad God has brought you to worship tonight, and pray that you will be filled with the love, hope, and promise that the Christ Child brings to all creation. Many people are searching for a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. If that happens to be you, we invite you to contact one of our pastors at your convenience. God’s blessings to you this night!
Gathering The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
Preludes A Christmas Carol Tapestry arr. R. Durocher
Do You Hear What I Hear arr. Stephen De Cesare
Madison Hines and Steven Schmoll, trumpets
Silent Night traditional
Luke and Landon Mesimer, baritone
O Holy Night arr. Stephen De Ceasare
Madison Hine and Steven Schmoll, trumpets
Do You Hear What I Hear Noel Regney
Rebecca and Mark Lewis, duet
Silent Night arr. Rosemary C. Kinard
Flute Ensemble
Joy to the World arr. Joel Raney
Rosemary C. Kinard, piano and Rob Durocher, organ
One Small Child by David Meece
Ondria Durocher Witt, soloist
Proclamation of the Birth of Christ. During this age-old proclamation, the light of Christ is placed in the center of our worshipping congregation. Our readers are Emma Ryerson and Noah Hines.
Entrance Carol 283 O Come, All Ye Faithful ADESTE FIDELES
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
Let us pray. Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 3
Welcome
Children’s Procession The Story of Jesus’ birth includes the procession of shepherds, angels, kings, and more. Tonight, during the announcements, children are invited to gather in the narthex (the entrance lobby) to participate in a grand procession to the manger. They will remain at the front of the church to hear the Christmas story.
Hymn 270 (please remain seated): Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
Hearing the Story The angel said, “I am bringing you good news of great joy.” Luke 2:10
Our readers this evening are Donna Groce, Matt Woolly, and Lauren Stephenson.
Luke 2: 1-20 1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
8 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. 9 Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. 10 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: 11 A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. 12 This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
13 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: 14 Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
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15 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” 16 They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17 Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.
19 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. 20 The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
“Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale” by Martin Waddell
Congregational Carol Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
During the second and third verses, children are invited to return to their seats.
The cattle are lowing; the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
Responding to God’s Gift They offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
Prayers of Intercession: Offering the prayers this evening is Claire Allen.
Collection of our Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Solo Mary, Did You Know? Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene Luke Brown, soloist 5
Presentation of Gifts
As the following carol is sung, gifts of money, bread and wine are presented at the manger — a manger that becomes an altar as we ponder God’s great gift, his Son Jesus Christ. The congregation stands and sings:
Let us pray. Good and loving God, We rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be a blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Sharing in God’s Meal Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Mark 14:22
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Eucharistic Prayer, followed by the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
The gifts of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Distribution of Holy Communion. Communion this evening is by intinction, in which the bread is dipped into the wine. Please proceed down the center aisle, following the lead of the ushers. Gluten-free bread is available at the top of the aisle. Our acolytes are holding chalices of grape juice. Specific instructions are found on page 2 of this bulletin.
Hymn Lamb of God
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace, grant us peace.
7 Communion Songs He Shall Reign Forevermore Chris Tomlin Bradley Chestnut, soloist
ELW 276 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly W ZLOBIE LEZY
ELW 289 Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA
Following the distribution of communion, please stand for the blessing:
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen.
Let us pray. We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life. In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, that we may see your light shining in the dark and embrace it as children of the light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We are sent into the World The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God. Luke 2:20
Candle Lighting. The ushers light the candle of the person near the aisle. Please pass the light by holding your burning candle upright for the person next to you, allowing them to light their unlit candle from your flame.
We sing “Silent Night,” raising our candles during the third stanza to symbolize our acceptance of Jesus’ call to us to be a light to the world. Please extinguish your candle after the Benediction and place it in a box in the narthex as you leave.
Carol Silent Night
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, heav'nly hosts sing, alleluia! Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
8 Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light radiant beams from your holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth.
Benediction
Sending Carol Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; let ev'ry heart prepare him room and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all 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 sin and sorrow 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.
Dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the newborn King! Thanks be to God!
Postlude
9 ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the Glory of God by Donna Weinhold and family—John, Jody and Marianna. In memory of the Weinhold family, Don and Merrea, Don Jr., Pat, Melena, Brandt, Claudia, and Dr. John Painter .
Poinsettias Given in Honor of
If you purchased a poinsettia, you may take it home with you after the 8 pm Candlelight Service.
Anne and Bob Loeblein by Tim and Carolyn Byrd Barbara Sims by children and grandchildren Becky Auten by Kevin, Kelly, and Kim Auten Betty Woodle by John Odell Bill Safrit by Meg, Jay, Archie and Maggie Dees Bo Ketner and family by Glenn and Susan Ketner Brenda and Reggie Munday by the Corriher, Sims, and Kirchin families Carol Hair by Darryl and Barbara Corriher Cullen Bolyea by Anne Whitton Bolyea David and Jennifer, Gray and Allison, Katie and John by Kay Wilson Gary and Angela Graham by Brett and Lauren Henson George and Margaret Kluttz by Cindy Fink George and Margaret Kluttz by Meg, Jay, Archie and Maggie Dees Jane Britt by Carol Miller and family Janie Rollins by Charles Dabbs John Ketner and family by Glenn and Susan Ketner Julius and Barbara Waggoner and George Hines by Madison and Noah Hines Kathryn, Linda, John, Sallie and Mollie by Wade and Peggy Rouzer Kent and Carol Brown by Gary, Scott, and Davey Rhodes Larry and Jane Britt by Cindy Fink Lib Page by Tommy, Mary Willis, Steven and Anna Page Madleyn Jones, Elizabeth Jones, and Charles Gerst by the Gerst and Jones families Marvin L. Jones by Tommy, Mary Willis, Steven and Anna Page Metin Kurkeu by Anne Whitton Bolyea Mimi and Papa Rusher by Bobby and Kathy Rusher Nancy Shirley by Russell and Sarah Michalec Ott and Julie Pinkston by Darryl and Barbara Corriher Pastor Rhodes Woolly by Charles Dabbs Rand and Yvonne Yost by Jake, Carole, Carolina, Carsyn, and Harrison Parrott Rev. David and Mary Ann Nelson by Gary, Scott, and Davey Rhodes Rob Durocher by Charles Dabbs Rosemary Kinard by Charles Dabbs Seth Iverson by Anne Whitton Bolyea Spencer Sheets by John Odell St. John’s Chancel Choir by Charles Dabbs St. John’s Men’s Chorus by Charles Dabbs Stamie and Harold Overcash by Davey Rhodes Stan and Sandy Jordan by Russell and Sarah Michalec 10 Taylor Hutchins by Deborah and David Hutchins Victoria Messick by John Odell Violet Bost by Tracy Potts Whitton family by Anne Whitton Bolyea
Poinsettias Given in Memory of
Anzonetta Edwards by Meg, Jay, Archie and Maggie Dees Barbara Benton by Bobby and Kathy Rusher Bernard, Madaline, Douglas, and Greg Cesario by Larry Cesario Bill Marcum by Gary and Betty Pinkston Bryce and Almeda Barger by Jane Jones Children and grandchildren by Becky Williams Russell Children and grandchildren by Charles Russell Children and grandchildren by Joe Ivan Sims Chris Pinkston by Gary and Betty Pinkston Chris Whitton by Meg, Jay, Archie and Maggie Dees Christine Peeler Whitton by Anne Whitton Bolyea Cole Buckwell by John and Betsy Riley, and Griffin Myers Corinna Gardner by Conrad Gardner Corinna Gardner by Sandra, Rob, Robert and Katherine Sullivan Corinna Gardner by Steve, Chris, Jack and Brad Gardner David Henson by Brett and Lauren Henson Della and Shorter Parker by Wade and Peggy Rouzer Dick Nelson by Pat Nelson Dot Miller by Bobby and Kathy Rusher Dot Miller by Nancy Martin Dr. Hilda Bailey by Kevin, Becky, Kelly, and Kim Auten Elma Dinker Dabbs by Charles Dabbs Eric Scott Lentz by Howard and Diane Everhart Evelyn Delaney by Florence Rabe Flossie Peele by Brett and Lauren Henson Gladys Van Poole by Kevin, Becky, Kelly, and Kim Auten Glenn and Addie Ketner by Glenn and Susan Ketner Inez Sloan by Barbara Wagoner and family J.B. and Gladys Graham by Brett and Lauren Henson John Robert Crawford III by Anne, Amy, and Rob Crawford Lillian and Clifford Peeler by Kathryn Ohley and Linda Wilson Margaret and Tom Borland by Rudy and Dave Koehler Mary and Allan Rouzer by Wade and Peggy Rouzer Mary Ruth Van Poole by Kevin, Becky, Kelly, and Kim Auten Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Barger by Steve Barger and Jane Jones
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Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wallace by Raymond and Kay Coltrain Mr. and Mrs. Emmette Thompson Jr. by Judy Moore Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Coltrain by Raymond and Kay Coltrain Nancy Hines by Madison and Noah Hines Nate and Olga Peterman and Jesse and Patsy Holden by Tyler, Elaine, Shelby, and David Holden Reba Mayfield Jones by Tommy, Mary Willis, Steven, and Anna Page Roy and Sarah Snider by Howard and Diane Everhart Ruth Uzzell by Barbara Wagoner and family Steve and Betty Parrott by Jake, Carole, Carolina, Carsyn and Harrison Parrott Virginia and Douglas Jones by Jane Jones W. L. Stirewalt by W. L. Stirewalt family William T. Page by Tommy, Mary Willis, Steven, and Anna Page
Wreaths Given in Honor of
Bill and Linda Safrit by George and Shirley Everhart Bobby and Kathy Rusher, Joey and Cindy Rusher by Bobby and Joan Rusher Carolyn and Perry Hood by George and Shirley Everhart Dave Roof by Haze and Asher Sheets Johnny and Carol Miller, Mark and Lindsay Wineka by Nancy Martin Ott and Julie Pinkston by Steve and Celia Jarrett Pastor Rhodes and Krista Woolly by George and Shirley Everhart Pastor Rhodes and Krista Woolly by Meg, Jay, Archie, and Maggie Dees St. John’s musicians by Dottie and Geoffrey Hoy The Woolly family by Bobby and Kathy Rusher
Wreaths Given in Memory of
Araminta Epting Harris by Burt Harris Bill and Evelyn Jarrett by Steve and Celia Jarrett Claude and Ruth Trexler, Lucy and Worth Rusher by Bobby and Joan Rusher Clifford and Lillian Peeler by Cliff and Amy Ritchie Dot and John Miller by C.K. and J.K. Miller Gene Auten by Kevin, Becky, Kelly, and Kim Auten Jerry Barger by Kevin, Becky, Kelly, and Kim Auten Mary Katharine and Earle Kluttz by Meg, Jay, Archie, and Maggie Dees Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Williams by Perry and Carolyn Hood Mr. and Mrs. James L. Safrit by Perry and Carolyn Hood Mr. and Mrs. Kern Carlton and Mr. and Mrs. James Krider by Mimi and Tommy Carlton My husband by Lorna Reasor
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Norde Wilson by Kay Wilson Norman “Wag” Wagoner by Barbara Wagoner and family Raymond and Shirley Ritchie by Cliff and Amy Ritchie Raymond and Shirley Ritchie by Steve and Celia Jarrett
Candles Given in Honor of
Asher Sheets by John Odell Haze Sheets by John Odell Hollie Sheets by John Odell Pastor Laura Henrik by John Odell Pastor Rhodes Woolly by John Odell Saylor, Sophie, Sam, Mollie, Ella, Graham by Kay Wilson
Candles Given in Memory of
Don Brown by Sherry Mason Brown Bertie Wilhelm Mason by Sherry Mason Brown Buford Mason by Sherry Mason Brown Logan Grubb by Penny, Chris, and Aiden Moss
We gratefully acknowledge all other donations for our holiday decorations
Decorations Given in Honor of
Ashley and Devon Phipps, Lauren and Brett Henson by Gary and Angela Graham By Tim and Carolyn Byrd Grandchildren – Jalen, Jordan, Allison, Elizabeth, and Kannon by Larry and Jane Britt Peggy Smith by Harold and Peggy Mowery
Decorations Given in Memory of
Betty Munday, Jamie Munday Simmons, Douglas Cesario by Reggie and Brenda Munday Jim Emerson by Emerson, Bonnie, Ike, Geof, Christine, Kemp, Heather, Claire, Sadie, and Oliver John and Dot Miller, Nancy Penley, Lloyd and Hazel Graham, Andy and Hazel Britt by Jane and Larry Britt Raymond and Shirley Ritchie by Harold and Peggy Mowery
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Other Acknowledgments
The Peeler Hall nativity scene is given in memory of Dot Miller.
The nativity scene at the pulpit was given by Fran Hoke.
The brass nativity scene in the balcony was given by Tippie Miller.
The beaded Nativity scene at the Baptismal font was made and given by Eleanor Sifford.
Thank you to the Decorating Team for the many ways they have beautified our worship spaces this Christmas season. Soli Deo Gloria!
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“Kissing the Face of God” by Morgan Weistling
Christmas Blessings to you and your family! 15 Worship Participants
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: Wesley Rhyne, Elaine Gerst GREETERS: Franco and Brenda Goodman, Rosalind and Noah Hines ACOLTYES/TORCH BEARER: Luke Mesimer, Layton Barber ELEMENT BEARER: Aiden Moss CRUCIFER: Chris Kafitz BANNER BEARER: Landon Mesimer USHERS: Team #5—Steve Puckett, captain;David Phillips, Wayne Norris, Gary Pinkston, Gary Epperley, Darryl Corriher, Jody Sedberry, Luther Sowers, Franco Goodman, Glenn Terry, Stan Honeycutt INSTRUMENTALISTS: Bradley Chestnut, guitar; Madison Hines and Steven Schmoll, Trumpet:; Davis Brown, percussion SONG LEADERS: Rosemary C. Kinard, Luke Brown SOUND: David Wilson and Mike Agee STREAMING: Taylor Hutchins
Today’s service uses the fourth setting of Evangelical Lutheran Worship and is reproduced by permission of Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #26999. St. John’s Lutheran Church 200 West Innes Street ● Salisbury, North Carolina 28144 ● 704.636.3431 stjohns-salisbury.org ● To contact a staff member: first [email protected]
Pastoral Ministry Senior Pastor………………………………………………………………………………...... The Rev. Rhodes Woolly Pastor for Youth and Discipleship………………………………………………….………………………………………..…..The Rev. Laura Henrik Visitation………………….……………………………………………………………….……..…...………………………………………………..Wade Rouzer Worship and Music Ministry Minister of Worship and the Arts…………………………………………...……………………………………….…………Rob Durocher, deacon Associate Parish Musician ………………………………………………………………….….…………………………………………..Rosemary Kinard 9:27 Worship Leader…………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………..…Bradley Chestnut 8:30 Organist………………………..……………………………….…………………………………………………………………..….Deanna Boksleitner Production Manager…..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…...Taylor Hutchins Director of Music Emeritus………………………………………………………………..……………………………………….....Karl Kinard, deacon Program Ministry Youth……...…………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………….....…...The Rev. Laura Henrik Children……………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………...Stacey Shafer Adults……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Danny Hines Senior Adults …………...……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………...Diane Poole St. John’s Kindergarten (4 and 5 year olds) ……………………………………………….…...... Teresa Stoner Child Development Center (infant through 4 and after school) ………….…...….………………………………………....Courtney Bost Administrative Team Business Manager ………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………….Ruth Ann Diehl Office Manager……..……………….…………………………………………………………….…………………………………………...….Deborah Cross Communications Specialist ……………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………....Angel Owens Accounting…………...………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………….Brenda Munday Facilities Manager…………...…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Jon Koppe Maintenance...……………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..David Ellenburg
16 Let’s connect faith and life. Together.