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Home , Nine Lessons and Carols

PROVIDENCE

UNITED METHODIST

HURCH C

A SERVICE OF

NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

Sunday, December 20, 2020 The Fourth Sunday of Eleven O’ Clock in the Morning

VOLUNTARY Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming arr. Johannes Brahms

† CALL TO WORSHIP Praise be to God! Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who has visited and redeemed the people. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

† CAROL Once in Royal David’s City IRBY For he is our life-long pattern; daily, when on earth he grew, He was tempted, scorned, rejected, tears and smiles like us he knew. Thus he feels for all our sadness, and he shares in all our gladness.

LIGHTING OF THE

BIDDING PRAYER

THE LORD’S PRAYER (in unison) 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. Amen.

FIRST LESSON Lillie Judge Genesis 3. 8-15

God announces in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve’s punishment for their rebellion and that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head. CAROL This Is the Truth Sent from Above arr. This is the truth sent from above, The truth of God, the God of love; Therefore don’t turn me from your door, but hearken all, both rich and poor.

The first thing, which I do relate, that God at first did man create the next thing, which to you I tell, woman was made with him to dwell.

Then after this, ‘twas God’s own choice to place them both in Paradise, there to remain from evil free except they ate of such a tree.

But they did eat, which was a sin, and thus their ruin did begin; ruined themselves, both you and me, and all of their posterity.

Thus we were heirs to endless woes, till God the Lord did interpose for so a promise soon did run that He’d redeem us with a Son. —English Traditional

SECOND LESSON Alexandra Blackwood Genesis 22. 15-18

God promises to Abraham that by his descendants all the nations of the earth shall obtain blessing.

CAROL Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming arr. Paul Manz

THIRD LESSON Benjamin Ward 9. 2, 6-7

The prophet announces the birth of a king to a people in darkness.

CAROL Air (from Messiah) Georg Frideric Handel The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light, and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

FOURTH LESSON Stephen Ware Isaiah 11. 1-9

The king is coming and will usher in a reign of justice for the poor and peace for all of God’s creation.

CAROL Air (from Messiah) Georg Frideric Handel He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

Come unto Him all ye that labor. Come unto Him, ye that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest

Take his yoke upon you and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart. And ye shall find rest unto your souls. FIFTH LESSON Adam Ward Luke 1. 26-35

The angel announces to the virgin Mary that she will give birth to God’s promised Son whose kingdom shall never end.

CAROL Ave Maria Simon Lindley Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, . Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen.

SIXTH LESSON Brandon Dirks Luke 2. 1-7

Against a backdrop of emperors and taxes, Jesus is born.

CAROL Gustav Holst In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan, Angels and archangels may have gathered there, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, But his mother only, in her maiden bliss, In the bleak midwinter, long ago. Worshipped the Beloved with a kiss.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him, What can I give him, poor as I am? nor earth sustain; If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb, Heaven and earth shall flee away If I were a wise man I would do my part, when he comes to reign; Yet what I can I give Him — give my heart. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed —Christina Rosetti The Lord God incarnate, Jesus Christ.

SEVENTH LESSON Teresa Dunn Luke 2. 8-16

The shepherds go to see the Savior of the world, lying in a manger.

CAROL Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella arr. Keith Chapman Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella! Bring a torch, to the cradle run! It is Jesus, good folk of the village; Christ is born and Mary's calling; Ah! ah! beautiful is the Mother. Ah! ah! beautiful is her Son!

EIGHTH LESSON Bill Jeffries Matthew 2. 1-11

The wise men follow a star to find the child Jesus, the King of the Jews.

CAROL The Jesus Gift Gilbert Martin Shall I gather emeralds? Shall I bring him gold? Shall I gather diamonds? White hard? Bright cold? Shall I spangle jewels like stars above?

Give him laughter Simple warm laughter Offer him warm laughter and love Simplest of gifts; gentlest of hearts Kindness he'll use as he leads So, give him these gifts; hand him your hearts Honor his birth and you'll need no: Emeralds nor rubies. Silver nor gold Neither bright diamonds, white hard, bright cold Spangle not rich jewels like stars above.

Give him laughter Sweet, peace-filled laughter Offer him warm laughter and love.

† NINTH LESSON Randy Harry John 1. 1-14

John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.

† CAROL Air (from Messiah) Georg Frederic Handel Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, shout, O daughter of Jerusalem, behold, thy King cometh unto thee.

He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen.

† (in unison) Eternal God, by the birth of Jesus Christ you gave yourself to the world. Grant that, being born in our hearts, he may save us from all our sins, and restore within us the image and likeness of our Creator, to whom be everlasting praise and glory, world without end. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

ORGAN MEDITATION Marcel Dupré

† BENEDICTION

† CHIMING THE TRINITY

VOLUNTARY In Dulci Jubilo ______

† Please rise in body or in spirit.

The cover graphic is part of the fifteenth century painting, “Madonna with Child and Angels,” by Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato.

2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211 704.366.2823, www.ProvidenceUMC.org PARISH NOTES

Welcome We extend a warm welcome to all who share in this meaningful and holy service today. Whether you are a guest or a lifelong member, whether you are in-person or worship- ping via livestream, your presence is important. If you would like more information about Providence UMC and its many ministries for all ages, please visit our website, www.providenceumc.org.

A of Nine Lessons and Carols, based on ancient sources, was composed for Eve in 1880 by the Right Reverend , then Anglican of , England. In 1918, it was adapted for the chapel of King’s College, , by its Dean, Eric Milner-White, who also wrote the Bidding Prayer. The Blessing after the ADVENT Lord’s Prayer, added by Milner-White, was first included in its present form in 1930. The Nine Lessons given this morning have been customarily used in recent years at King’s Col- AT lege, Cambridge. The scripture lessons lead followers of Christ from the fall of mankind to PROVIDENCE mankind’s ultimate salvation through Christ. Each carol is chosen to illuminate the scripture lesson that precedes it.

Monday, December 21 Faithful Giving Thank you to everyone who has contributed toward our 2020 church budg- et. Providence is able to continue to change lives, provide comfort, guidance and support to Longest Night Service, our congregation and community because of your faithful giving.

7:00 pm End of Year Giving Guidelines Please consider the following information when making *In-person and livestream any gift to the church or completing your pledge commitment for 2020. End of year dona- tions are credited for IRS purposes in 2020 if: (a) gifts of stocks and bonds are given with enough time to allow for your financial institution to process the transfer to ensure we re- Thursday, December 24 ceive them into our account no later than December 31 (contact Carlos Canarte at ccanar- [email protected]); (b) contributions are dropped off to the church business office by Thursday, December 31 at 3:00 pm; (c) mailed contributions are postmarked by Thursday, Children’s Christmas Eve Service, December 31. Please contact the church office with any questions. Thank you for your con- 11:00 am tinued support of Providence UMC! Broadcast This year’s Christmas Eve offering will go to support Our Bridge for Kids, a local non- Traditional Festival Service profit who is supporting the refugee and immigrant community. The Our Bridge for 5:00 pm Kids dream is a community garden, outdoor drama center, and a chicken coup. The Al- Livestream only dersgate Retirement Community has shared their vast property so that Our Bridge for Kids may have a permanent home there, and have also given permission to enhance the Contemporary Service green space. For more details and to donate, www.providenceumc.org/events. You may 7:00 pm also donate with a check made payable to Providence UMC with Our Bridge for Kids Livestream only or Christmas Eve offering on the memo line. Donations for this wonderful mission will be accepted through Christmas Eve.

Candlelight Christmas Service The church office will be closed Friday, December 25 and Monday, December 28, in ob- Outside, 11:30 pm servance of the Christmas holiday and also Friday, January 1, in observance of the New *In-person Year‘s holiday.

* A reservation is required On Sunday, December 27, Providence UMC will broadcast a conference-wide virtual wor- to attend an in-person service. ship service presented by the Western NC Conference. Bishop Paul Leland will offer a homi- ly; music and liturgy will be presented from pastors and churches around our conference. Look for livestream, broadcast and You may access the service at your convenience via the link at www.providenceumc.org. In- person worship will not be offered on this day. in-person service reservation links at www.providenceumc.org More Mission Opportunities There are many mission opportunities to consider this Ad- vent season: Roof Above (Room in the Inn), Heart of Giving Mission cards, Our Bridge for ______Kids (Christmas Eve offering). Please check out the details at www.providenceumc.org/ events. Thank you for your gifts to missions!

Congregational Care For pasto- Providence Endowment Making a gift to endowment is a way of expressing gratitude and ral care; to notify the church of commitment to the church and a way of bringing the church’s mission and vision to life for illnesses, hospitalizations, or generations to come. Endowment gifts also provide the opportunity to make a difference deaths; to pass along a prayer re- during your lifetime and beyond, and make it possible for you to leave your legacy. Pastor quest; please contact Natalie Scott, Randy’s December 9 Wednesday Word video provides excellent information about our Provi- [email protected]. dence Endowment. For more detailed information, please contact Natalie Scott in our Busi-

ness office, 704.366.2823, [email protected] OUR MISSION FLOWERS

To Be the Growing , The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God. All profits will be given to the Christmas Eve offering. Glorifying God and Serving Others IN MEMORY OF GIVEN BY

OUR MINISTERS Nat Beasley Patti Beasley

All of the People of Evelyn and Frank Wyant, Providence United Methodist Church and Gussie and Sam Broome Cynthia and Randy Broome My beloved husband, Len Bullock Anne Bullock D.A. Edwards Linda Edwards Campbell and Jette Campbell OUR MINISTRY STAFF Carl Fisher, Joe Clark, Mr. & Mrs. C.E. Gaither, Sr., and Mr. & Mrs. Gillion L. Fisher Mikki Fisher The Reverend Dr. Randolph Harry Lawrence E. Caldwell, and Senior Pastor William H. and Mary Lee Flowe Laura and Bob Flowe

The Reverend Dr. William Jeffries David Bashor, Bill Gower, Bill McCabe, Senior Associate Pastor Vinson McElhannon, and Elizabeth Wabella Lukau A friend Dot and Ray Bostian Donna and Ralph Haberstock The Reverend Brandon Dirks Barbara L. and William E. Hall Bill Hall Associate Minister Ab Johnston, Leila and LeGrand Bennett,

The Reverend Teresa Dunn LeGrand Bennett, Jr., and Orr and A.C. Johnston Isabel Johnston Minister of Discipleship The parents of Barbara and Bruce Kenyon & Adult Education and Charlie Haum Barbara and Bruce Kenyon My mother, Rebecca (Becky) Smith Jack Mabry Olivia Tobin Carolyn and Troy Robertson Teresa Robertson Director of Youth Ministries Frances C. and Clarence H. Sherwood Kevin Sherwood Karen Wood Dan Wood Anna Smith

Director of Children & Family Ministries, IN HONOR OF GIVEN BY

Director of Weekday School Phyllis Lawing Lake Bartee

Adam Ward, DMA Our fiftieth anniversary Cynthia and Randy Broome Director of Music Ministries Chipley Class teachers, Bob McGarrah, & Terry Wallace, and Frank Sturges Members of the Chipley Bible Class Dulcy Michel Crosstalkers Sunday School Class Dongho Lee, DM Caroline Hare Deborah Circle Organist, Artist in Residence My children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren Mikki Fisher Wilma Dean Caldwell Laura and Bob Flowe For a full staff directory, visit Mary and Adrian Krzykowski, Pat Keyes, www.providenceumc.org/staff. and Una Jeffries Grant, Ross, and Sean Jeffries Caroline, Mark and, Avery Johnston Isabel Johnston Providence All essential workers during the Pandemic Nancy and Mike Kucera United Methodist Church Valerie Wilson Bible Study Class 2810 Providence Road Elaine Foster, Nancy Brown, and Linda Hinderliter Miriam Circle Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211 The Allen Robertson family Teresa Robertson 704.366.2823 www.providenceumc.org Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide you comfort and support when need- Loving God ed, for as long as needed. To connect with a trained Stephen Minister, please contact Worshipping Boldly Gail Shepherd, 704.207.1000, or Bill Jeffries, 704.714.9364. All calls are confidential. Changing Lives ______SERVING THIS MORNING

Check out Providence This Week, Pam Bashor, Teresa Robertson our weekly church newsletter, for the Organist Adam Ward most up-to-date information about Soloists Alexandra Blackwood, Lillie Judge, Stephen Ware the church. To be included on this Audio Visual Dan Wood weekly email, contact Brian Jones, Greeters Isabel Johnston, Lisette Helveston [email protected]. Ushers Mike Bishop, Al Brown, Diana Maa, Byrd Heaton