Blue Christmas Service 7Pm Dec 20

Blue Christmas/The Longest Night Service

Creating Community | Connecting to God | Committed to the City

PRELUDE: In the Bleak Midwinter Holst

We Approach God WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth. In him was life, and that life was the light of all. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never been able to extinguish it.

OPENING PRAYER (Responsive) We look for light but find darkness, for brightness, but walk in gloom. We grope like those who have no eyes; we stumble at noon as in the twilight. You are the light of the world; be light in our darkness, O Christ.

If I say, “Let only darkness cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you, the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. You are the light of the world; be light in our darkness, O Christ.

Blessed be your name, O God, forever. You reveal deep and mysterious things; You are light and in you is no darkness. Our darkness is passing away, already the true light is shining. You are the light of the world; be light in our darkness, O Christ. Amen.

HYMN: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Neale Red Hymnal #133 Brief silence

Stories of Light—Words of God’s Promises

Genesis 1:1-5 “The Light of Creation”

Comment: In the beginning God created the earth; out of void and darkness God brought forth light. And God said that it was good.

Sometimes we feel that our lives are filled with only darkness. Our days stretch before us as a void that has no boundaries. We forget who created us, who gave us the world in which we live. We see only the darkness of our hurts and our loss. And so we light this candle; a reminder of the light of creation. A visible symbol to assure us that God’s love has been present since the beginning of time. We are never alone in the darkness of our pain or despair, for God’s light is there waiting patiently to break into that darkness. To break over our darkness and void bringing with it hope and new life.

[Light candle] Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world.” Anyone who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

HYMN: O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright Ambrose of Milan Red Hymnal #27 Brief silence

Exodus 13:17-22 “The Light of Exodus”

Comment: From time to time during our lives we find ourselves wandering in the wilderness. It may be a wilderness of our own making. It may be a wilderness caused by forces beyond our control. When the Hebrew people escaped from the bondage of the Pharaohs in Egypt God led them into the wilderness. The people didn’t know what lay before them. They didn’t know how their faith would be tested in that time of wandering. They didn’t know that these years would shape and form them into a strong nation—God’s chosen people. As we live and move through our wilderness experiences these same things happen to us. God asks us to trust, to put our faith in the pillar of cloud and fire that goes before us. God’s presence is in that sign and in the darkness of our lives, the light of this fire leads us on. As we light the candle of the Exodus may we see before us the comforting assurance of God’s love as it leads us through our journeys in the wilderness.

[Light candle] Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world.” “Anyone who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

MEDITATION: I Am What You See Morton Brief silence

Isaiah 60:1-3 “The Light of the Prophets”

Comment: At certain times in the midst of the preparation, joy and celebration of Christmas, we find it hard to sustain our enthusiasm. The loss, the hurt, the pain that is so very real to us in this season overwhelms us. We may find ourselves sinking into the darkness of our past, our sorrows, our losses and our memories. We hear the words of God’s love; we may even be aware of God’s presence in our wandering but the darkness of the moment wipes all that way. And so we need to hear, one more time, the cry of the prophet, Isaiah, telling us to “arise, shine; for your light has come.” This birth we await; the coming of the Christ child into our homes and hearts, this is the light that will banish our darkness. The candle of the prophets, the light of hope and renewal, stands before us as a sign that within each of us is the power to banish darkness. Within each of us is the light of Christ’s coming and that light shines through us to others.

[Light candle] Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world.” “Anyone who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

MUSICAL RESPONSE: I Will Arise Hart Brief silence

Luke 1:46-55: “The Light of Hope and New Birth”

Comment: Mary knew what it was like to be afraid. Mary knew also the wonder of God’s presence. And so Mary sings this song of praise to her God. A song filled with hope; a song expressing her trust in God and the knowledge that the child she bore would banish forever the darkness of this world. As we celebrate Christmas this year may we also have that same sense of hope—that knowledge that the Christ child can bring light into our darkness. The sorrow and the hurts of our lives will pass. They will not disappear but they will be healed and like Mary we will sing our own songs of praise. As we light Mary’s candle, the light of hope and new birth, let us remember that this light can never be extinguished when we carry it in our hearts.

[Light candle] Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world.” “Anyone who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

HYMN: Gentle Mary Laid Her Child Cook Red Hymnal # 156 Brief silence

Responding and Going Forth

Prayer: God of Creation, God of the Exodus and of the prophets, God of hope and new birth, give us this night the knowledge and the wisdom we seek. Come into our hearts and our minds bringing us comfort, consolation, health and healing. Come into our lives creating anew a sense of joy and thanksgiving as your love seeps into every corner of our being. We know that Christ is indeed the “light of the world.” We are drawn toward the warmth and assurance that this promise holds out for us. As we openly acknowledge our pain, our sorrow, our sense of loneliness and the confusion of our lives in this time of celebration, may we also, just as openly, accept the gift of your gracious and freely given love, O God. Each year this gift comes to us through the birth of a Babe in a humble stable. And each year this gift remains with us through the care, concern, and support of others. May we reach out to each other, just as you reach out to us most Gracious God. Together may we walk from the midst of our darkness to the light of your promised peace and new birth. Together may we find joy and hope in the love of this Christmas season. In the name of the one whose birth we are about to celebrate, we pray. Amen.

OFFERING (Give online at: www.fortwashingtonchurch.org/give/) Offering plates are not passed through the congregation at this service. For your offerings, offering plates are located on a stand in the center aisle.

OFFERTORY: Winter Song Bareilles/Michaelson

THE CHRIST CANDLE IS LIT

INVITATION TO LIGHT CANDLES: (All who wish may come forward to light a candle from the Christ candle in memory of someone or something or as a sign of hope.)

Brief silence

HYMN: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus Wesley Red Hymnal # 135

BENEDICTION The light has splintered the darkness, Hope is ours once more. The light calls us forward; Remembering the past and walking Confidently into the future. Go from this place filled with peace and love; God’s gift to us all. Amen

POSTLUDE

Thank you to Chris Whittaker, piano and Sarah Kervin, voice for leading our musical worship this evening.

Welcome to Fort Washington Collegiate Church; a place of diversity, hospitality and grace. We open our doors to everyone! We welcome all people regardless of race, culture, sexual orientation, social or economic status. As a church family we celebrate our diversity and our connection to God. We seek to follow Christ's example and exemplify the love of Christ; therefore, as a faith community, we value grace over judgment. Although we represent many cultures and points of view, our diversity does not drive us apart, but gives us the opportunity to be enriched by the gifts and leadership of all. Together, by word and deed, we proclaim the good news that there is new life in Christ.

UPCOMING WORSHIP SCHEDULE December 24th/Christmas Eve, 5:30pm January 1st/New Year’s Day, 11:00 am A Service of Lessons & Carols Reflection & Communion

December 25th/Christmas Day, 11:00 am No Evensong on December 25th & January 1st Carols & Communion

ABOUT ADVENT Things look different in church this time of year. We use blue or purple cloth and candles, and we have evergreen wreathes and garland. This time of year, when we start getting ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas, is called Advent. Advent is a time of expectation. “Expectation” means “looking forward to something,” and during Advent, we are looking forward to Jesus being born.

Feasting on the Word: Advent Companion, David L. Bartlett, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Kimberly Bracken Long, Editors 6

SUNDAY MORNING CHILDREN & WORSHIP AT FORT WASHINGTON CHURCH Nursery Care: The nursery is open and care is available for infants and toddlers between ages 0-3 with Hilda McCrillis in the nursery just behind the Sanctuary. Care is available before and during worship (10:30am - 12:15pm) Godly Play®: After the Children's Time and during the Passing of the Peace, children 4 years of age through 4th grad are invited to the Second Floor for Godly Play® in Classroom #208. Caregivers and parents are invited to pick up their children after service. Children's Choir: All children who love to sing are invited to rehearse with Eric Alderfer in the Second Floor Meeting Room #205 from 10am-10:45am. Sunday School: All youth (grades 5th - High School) are invited to join the Associate Minister Bridget Kelso Anthony upstairs in Room #209 after the Passing of the Peace. Fall Playgroup: All children and caregivers are welcome free of charge on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 11:30 am for songs, games and time to play in Fellowship Hall or in the yard (weather permitting). Crawlers are invited to a time of free play on the jigsaw mat set up in the atrium as Mr. Eric accompanies on the keyboard. IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS Sonia Alston Evelyn Day Jane Wai Anna Svahn Sylvia Rodriguez Violetta Proano Faught Family Joe Tigner Mesina Family Brenda Jon Margarita Vince- Allen Branco Family Alexis Agliano Sanborn Whittaker Family Vaughn Family Sonia Ashmeade Barbara Marin Jorge Mantorell Sandra Catena Alderfer Famiy Marco Antonio & Marilin Calderon Louise Tatum Angela Espinal Joan Bovers Rosalyn Cuzco Gwen Wood Benigno Rodriguez Marquez

Our prayer partner today is: a member of the SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT GROUP Congregational Care Team The next meeting will be on Sunday, January 8th, at If you would like to add someone to the 12:30 pm, in the Worship Arts Room prayer list or have a prayer concern please contact Rev. Dr. Scott M. Kenefake at GOD TALK [email protected] or Join us Wednesday nights for dinner and a lively Bridget Anthony at discussion. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm, followed by a [email protected] or call Scripture reading and discussion at 7:00pm. The full (212) 568-4014 schedule for 2016-2017 is on our website. Next meeting is on December 21st. INFORMATION & PRAYER CARDS IN PEWS NOON PRAYER If you would like to share your information with Noon prayer will meet on Wednesdays in the North us or share a prayer request; please fill out the Room, led by Devora Jones white information card or the green prayer cards. 7

STARBUCKS COFFEE BEFORE CHURCH NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Join us for coffee and conversation in the Glass We need nursery volunteers willing to help with Pavilion before the morning worship service childcare in both the morning and evening service. from 10:30 to 10:59 am. EVENSONG SPEAKER (REFLECTORS) Needed for January 8, 15, 22, & 29

CONSISTORY MINUTES ONLINE Minutes of monthly Fort Washington *Consistory Minutes and bi-monthly **Collegiate Church Consistory Minutes can be found on our website: www.fortwashingtonchurch.org

FALL STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN Pledges for 2017 are now being received. Have we received yours? Electronic Pledge Cards and on-line giving can be found on our website at: www.fortwashingchurch.org/pledge/ Paper copies are available in the entrance to the sanctuary (vestibule).

HELP US SERVE YOU BETTER! We need your volunteer and financial support to keep all of our excellent community, fellowship, and educational programs healthy and strong. If you have any questions regarding volunteering or making a financial gift, please speak with Rev. Dr. Scott Kenefake, or Associate Minister Bridget Anthony. We thank you for you support!

CHURCH STAFF Rev. Dr. Scott M. Kenefake, Interim Senior Pastor • Bridget Kelso Anthony, Associate Minister • Eric Alderfer, Director of Children’s Ministry • Chris Whittaker, Director of Music • Laurrinda Hatcher, Treasurer • Diana Morales, Administrative and Operations Manager • Mary Lora, Parish Administrator • Lazaro Rodríguez, Sexton • Amable Morales, Evening Receptionist • Wilfredo Serrano, Sexton

CONSISTORY Elders: • Victoria Dillard • Jamie Cacciola-Price • Beverley Sheares Deacons: • Lorenzo M. Alsberry • Brian Plane • Zoe Reyes Intersections Ministry Deacons: Jay Godfrey • Anna Svahn