Welcome! Whether you’re just visiting or looking to stay, it is great to have you here! We offer 8:30 and 11:00 am traditional services and a 9:00 am contemporary service, KOINONIA. We pray that you will find a deeper connection with God through one of our three services.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2019 | 9:00am and 11:00am SERVICES LESSONS AND CAROLS Prelude Dreamscape on ‘Still, Still, Still’ arr. B. Childres Bells of St. Paul; Erika Mahlbacher flute, Tanner Leonardo, percussion Lighting of the Advent Wreath (9:00) Jimmy and D'Anna Switzer (11:00) Buchanan Family We wait while the poor are hungry and the rich look the other way. We wait as the strong exploit the weak instead of protect them. We wait in what feels like a wilderness of doubt and despair. We wait and wonder if there is any way things can get better. Hear the prophet Isaiah: The wilderness and the desert will bloom and rejoice. The glory of the Lord will come and strengthen the weak and give courage to the fearful. The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the crippled will dance, and the mute will sing praises to our God. Everlasting joy will come, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 35:1-10) We wait for the coming of joy to replace our sorrow, for the coming of provision to replace our emptiness. Hear the apostles: Be patient as you wait for the coming of the Lord. Look at the farmer who patiently waits for the rains to come and the crops to grow. Keep your hearts firmly committed to our Lord who stands just over the threshold of the door ready to enter. (James 5:7-10) We wait in patient anticipation of the coming of Christ bringing joy and completeness. We light the first Candle as a symbol of Christ our Hope and Coming King. We light the second Candle as a symbol of Christ our Peace. We light the third candle as a symbol of Christ our Joy and Completeness. Even so, Lord , quickly come. *Hymn 250 Once in Royal David’s City IRBY Stanza 1: (9:00) Deborah Elbert, (11:00) Orlaith Lutes, soloists; Stanza 2: Choir; Stanzas 3 & 4: ALL ;Stanza 5: ALL (Stanza 5) Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, we shall see him; but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high; where like stars his children crowned, all in white shall wait around. Offertory In Quiet Joy M. Dupré Dr. Jim McFarland, organ Commissioning of New Staff Member Mary Paige Taylor, Director of Youth Ministry Pastoral Prayer Rev. Darren Brandon The First Lesson Genesis 3:8-15 Cathy Miller God announces in the that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head. Carol Lay Ybounden B. Ord Chancel Choir Adam lay ybounden, Bounden in a bond; Four thousand winter, Thought he not too long. And all was for an , An apple that he took, As clerkes finden Written in their book. Ne had the apple taken been, The apple taken been, Ne had never our lady, A-been heavené queen. Blessed be the time That apple taken was, Therefore we moun singen, Deo gracias! The Second Lesson Genesis 22:15-18 Kennedy Julian God promises to faithful Abraham that through his descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Carol Ding Dong! Merrily on High 16c FRENCH tune Chancel Choir Ding dong! Merrily on high in heaven the bells are ringing: Ding dong! Verily the sky is riven with angel singing. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! E’en so here below, let steeple bells be swungen, And i-o, i-o, i-o, by priest and people sungen. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Pray you, dutifully prime your matin chime, ye ringers; May you beautifully rime your evetime song, ye singers. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! The Third Lesson Isaiah 9:2, 7 Angie Dortch Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah. *Hymn 202 People Look East BESANÇON The Fourth Lesson Isaiah 11:1-9 Allan Sewell The peace that Christ will bring is foretold. *Hymn 196 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus HYFRYDOL The Fifth Lesson Luke 1:26-35, 46-55 Sarah Timm The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will give birth to the Son of God. Carol Breath of Heaven arr. C. Courtney Sopranos & Altos of the Chancel Choir I have traveled many moonless nights, cold and weary with a babe inside. And I wonder what I’ve done. Holy Father, you have come and chosen me now to carry your Son. I am waiting in a silent prayer. I am frightened by the load I bear. In a world as cold as stone must I walk this path alone? Be with me now. Breath of Heaven, hold me together, be forever near me, Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness, pour over me your holiness for you are holy, Breath of Heaven. Do you wonder, as you watch my face, if another should have had my place? But I offer all I am for the mercy of your plan. Help me be strong. Breath of Heaven, hold me together, be forever near me, Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness, pour over me your holiness for you are holy, Breath of Heaven. *Hymn 200 Tell Out, My Soul WOODLANDS Stanza 1: All; Stanza 2: Men; Stanza 3: Women; Stanza 4; All The Sixth Lesson Luke 2:1-7 Tyler Buchanan/Jane Donovan Mary and Joseph journey to Bethlehem and Jesus is born. Carol Magnum Mysterium E. Ramos Tenors and Basses of the Chancel Choir O great mystery, And wonderful sacrament, That animals should see the newborn Lord Lying in a manger. Amen. O great mystery. Amen. The Seventh Lesson Luke 2:8-16 Sam Eblen The angel announces the birth of Christ to the shepherds. Carol The Hush of Midnight D. Music Chancel Choir The hush of midnight here below, the shining stars above, a night of wonder long ago when in the stable lantern’s glow is born God’s gift of love. To all the waiting world belongs the child now brought to birth, who comes to right our human wrongs, his praises told in angel songs, proclaiming peace on earth. Judean shepherds stand in awe, in wide- eyed wonder dumb, to see amid the stable’s straw, fulfilling all the ancient law, the Lamb of God is come. The kings of earth in homage ride to where the child is born; a King to whom a star shall guide, whose throne is at the Father’s side, his crown a crown of thorns. This child, whose birth the angels tell, whose death our life restored, by whom at last shall all be well, is God with us, Immanuel, our Savior, Christ the Lord. *Hymn 240 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN The Eighth Lesson Matthew 2:1-11 Niamh Lutes The wise men visit the young child. Carol A Stable Lamp Is Lighted J. Leavitt Chancel Choir A stable lamp is lighted whose glow shall fill the sky, The stars shall bend their voices, And every stone shall cry. And straw like gold shall shine; A barn shall harbor heaven, a Stall become a shrine. This child through David’s city Shall ride in triumph by; The palm shall strew its branches, And every stone shall cry. Though heavy dull, and dumb, And lie within the roadway To pave his kingdom come. Yet he shall be forsaken And yielded up to die; The sky shall groan and darken, And every stone shall cry. For stony hearts of men: God’s blood upon the spear-head, God’s love refused again. But now, as at the ending, The low is lifted high; The stars shall bend their voices, And every stone shall cry. In praises of the child By whose descent among us The worlds are reconciled. *Gospel Acclamation Choir: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Congregation: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! *The Ninth Lesson John 1:1-5, 10-14 Rev. Darren Brandon John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation. *Hymn 246 Joy to the World ANTIOCH *Benediction Rev. Darren Brandon Postlude People Look East arr. H. Morris Bells of St. Paul; Erika Mahlbacher, flute WORSHIP TODAY TODAY ACOLYTES are Aislin Hair and John Morgan Lasecki at 11:00. 8:30am Coffee & Donuts (Common Cup) 9:00am Lessons and Carols Service (Sanctuary)

10:00am Sunday School

CONNECTION CARDS may be placed in the offering 9:30-11:30am Alternative Gift Fair (McAdams plates or given to ushers at the end of service. Hall) 11:00am Lessons and Carols Service (Sanctuary) CHILDREN 4:00pm Fusion Trip Meeting (319) Childcare is available for infants through pre-k 5:00pm KICS (310) during all morning worship services (2nd Floor). 5:00pm Youth Choir (Choir Room) There is no Children’s Church this week to allow 5:00pm Disciple Study (319) families to experience this worship service together. 6:00pm Youth Group (Sanctuary) 8:00pm AA Meeting (100)

ABOUT WORSHIP • If you are a guest today, please see a greeter after the service for your welcome gift. • If you would like a large print bible, hymnal, and/or hearing device, please see an usher. • When an * appears, please stand if comfortably able to do so. • The Congregation is invited to speak/sing the text in bold.

THIS WEEK: DECEMBER 16-21, 2019 MONDAY THURSDAY Office Open 9-3 Office Open 9-3 Boar's Head Ticket Office 10:30-2:30 Boar's Head Ticket Office 10:30-2:30 12:00pm Line Dancing (Gym) 9:00am Yoga (YC) 5:30pm Yoga (YC) 6:00pm Girl Scouts (CC) 6:00pm AA Meeting (100) 7:00pm Cub Scouts (100) 7:30pm AA Meeting (110) 7:00pm Chancel Choir (302) TUESDAY 7:30pm DBSA (110) Office Open 9-3 Boar's Head Ticket Office 10:30-2:30 FRIDAY 9:00am Yoga (YC) Office Open 9-3 10:00am Faith Quilters (100) 6:00pm Finance Team (319) Boar's Head Ticket Office 10:30-2:30 7:00pm Boy Scouts (WH) 5:30pm LOA Class Christmas Party (McAdams Hall) 7:30pm DBSA (110, 113) 6:00pm Portland Promise Youth Party (FLC) 8:00pm AA Meeting (100) WEDNESDAY SATURDAY Office Open 9-3 10:00am Spiritual Actions AA Group (100) Boar's Head Ticket Office 10:30-2:30 6:00pm Youth Christmas Party (YC, CC) 10:00am-12:00pm Resource Center (100) 8:00pm AA Group Mtg. (100) 10:30am Guided Meditation (Parlor) 5:30pm Yoga (113) 7:00pm Longest Night Service (YC)

LECTIONARY READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:47-55; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 DECEMBER EVENTS BOAR’S HEAD AND YULE LOG FESTIVAL ALTERNATIVE GIFT FAIR | Today from, 9:30-11:30am, BOAR'S HEAD AND YULE LOG FESTIVAL | This year is the McAdams Hall. Need a Christmas gift for the person who 40th Anniversary of our annual Louisville Boar's Head and Yule has everything? Honor them with a gift of support for those Log Festival! There are so many ways to get involved in the in need. You can choose to support the Kentucky United excitement. Help is needed in these areas: join the cast, serve Methodist Children’s Home, Heifer International, Esther dinner, usher for festivals, and more! Volunteer sign up sheets House, or the St. Paul Resource Center. Fair trade coffee and are on the bulletin board across from the church office. chocolates will also be for sale with proceeds benefiting the Festival dates and times: St. Paul Good Samaritan Fund. Sun., Dec. 29: Dinner 6:30 pm, Festivals 5:00 and 8:00pm LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE | December 18, 7:00pm in the Mon., Dec. 30: Dinner 6:30 pm, Festivals 5:00 and 8:00pm Youth Center. This lay-led candlelight service will include Tues., Dec. 31: Dinner 5:00pm, Festival 6:30pm prayers of consolation, Scripture readings, poetry, The ticket office will be open Monday through Friday, meditative harp music, and Holy Communion. It will provide 10:30am-2:30pm. Festival tickets are free — invite your friends a time to gather with others who find the holidays to be and family! Dinner tickets are $25.00. Tickets are also available difficult and recognize that God’s presence can bring light in on Sunday mornings at the information center. our darkness. Come for yourself or to support others who are experiencing life’s struggles. SERVE Christmas Services: THE RESOURCE CENTER | Thank you for your generosity; we 4:00 Paper Bag Christmas | Family Friendly service in have restocked our food supply. Each week we host 25-30 which all participate in the nativity story. Includes homeless brothers and sisters who come through our doors to Communion | Gym eat, shower and get clothes. During this season we try to do a 5:00 Candlelight Service | Candlelight Christmas Eve little extra. $5 McDonald's Gift Cards and Kroger Cards are appreciated. Please continue to support our mission services with traditional music by the adult choir together by also donating canned goods, toiletries, and and string quartet, Communion, and ending in the snacks. We could also use some women’s winter clothes as we singing of Silent Night by candlelight. | Sanctuary are seeing more women come to the Resource Center. The 10:30 Candlelight Service | Candlelight Christmas Eve Resource Team thanks you and so do our guests. If you would services with traditional music by youth and adult like to serve on Wednesday mornings (10-12) please contact choirs and string quartet, Communion, and ending Bob Helvey at [email protected]. in the singing of Silent Night by candlelight. | Sanctuary WESLEY NIGHT SURVEY | We invite your ideas for topics to include for Wesley Night programming. Please pick up paper SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICE ON DECEMBER 29TH | Due copies of the survey at the entrance to the sanctuary and at the to the Boar’s Head Performances there will be one worship Information Center, or visit the Wesley Night page of the St. service at 10:00am in the gym. Come worship with your Paul website. church family as we continue the celebration of Christmas. Wesley Night begins again January 15th. There will be something for everyone. POINSETTIA ORDERS | Each year our worship spaces are decorated with poinsettias placed by our members in memory or in honor of loved ones. Order forms may be found at the information center. Please return to Karla Temple no later than December 18.

CONTACT US 2000 Douglass Blvd Louisville, KY 40205 502-459-1595 | stpaulchurchky.org

Rev. Darren Brandon (270) 570-2004 - cell