ORDER OF WORSHIP | DECEMBER 24, 2021 | 5:00 PM HYBRID SERVICE
Before the service: You may light a candle for the joys and sorrows in your heart. Please respect those seeking silence.
Gathering
Welcome & Greeting
Susan Marcinkus, Worship Associate
Opening Hymn
“Joy to the World”
Joelle Griffin Russell, Piano
Call to Worship
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Lighting the Chalice
with words by the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman
Susan Marcinkus
I will light Candles this Christmas,
Candles of joy despite all the sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all year long.
Telling the Story, Part 1
Luke 2:1–7, New Revised Standard Version
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Hymn
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Joelle Griffin Russell, Piano
Telling the Story, Part 2
Luke 2:8–14, The Unvarnished New Testament, trans. Andy Gaus
The Richards-Thomas Family
Song
“Go, Tell It on the Mountain”
Performed & arranged by the Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir, based on an arrangement from the Hoover Street Church in Watts, Los Angeles
Telling the Story, Part 3
Matthew 2:1–12, New Revised Standard Version
Susan Marcinkus
Hymn
“It Came upon the Midnight Clear”
Joelle Griffin Russell, Piano
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
Tonight’s offering will go to our Journey to Asylum program, in support of refugee families in need, just as Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus were a long, long time ago. Thank you for your generosity.
Offertory Music
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” arr. David Lanz
Joelle Griffin Russell, Piano
Meditation & Prayer, Sung, Spoken & Silent
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Hymn
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
Joelle Griffin Russell, Piano
Wisdom Story
“Night Tree,” written by Eve Bunting; illustrated by Ted Rand
Austen Petersen, Director of Religious Education
Lighting the Candles
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Hymn
“Silent Night”
Joelle Griffin Russell, Piano
Extinguishing the Chalice
Susan Marcinkus
We extinguish this flame,
but not the light of truth,
the warmth of community,
or the fire of commitment.
These we carry in our hearts
until we are together again.
Closing Circle & Benediction
“The Work of Christmas,” by the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
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