ORDER OF WORSHIP | DECEMBER 24, 2022 | 5:00 PM HYBRID SERVICE
We are committed to being an antiracist, anti-oppressive congregation. We celebrate people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations. We honor our spiritual connection to the earth and all living things.
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
Prelude
Call to Worship
by the Rev. Shari Woodbury
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Minister
Opening Hymn
SLT #235 “Deck the Hall with Boughs of Holly”
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 & Carolyn Greathouse
Hymn
SLT #246 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Telling the Story, Part 2
Luke 2:8–14, The Unvarnished New Testament, trans. Andy Gaus
Susan Fournier
Hymn
SLT #231 “Angels We Have Heard on High”
Telling the Story, Part 3
Matthew 2:1–12, New Revised Standard Version
Sean Klaver
Hymn
“Good King Wenceslas”
Sharing Our Gifts
Online Giving
Text-to-Give: 757-500-0688
In-Person Giving: Place offerings in the dropbox in the Gathering Hall.
This week’s offering will benefit the Minister’s Charitable Giving Fund, which helps people in our congregation and in the larger community who need short-term help paying rent and other essential expenses. Your gifts will help shelter homeless families, pay utility bills in the cold of winter, and offer hope in times of despair. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Offertory Music
Telling the Story, Part 4
Matthew 2:13–15a, New Revised Standard Version
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Hymn
“Coventry Carol”
Wisdom Story
“Refuge,” by Anne Booth
BethAnne Klaver
Meditation
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Hymn
STJ #1061 “For So the Children Come” (adapted)
Lighting the Candles
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Hymn
SLT #251 “Silent Night”
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 Howard Thurman
Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
SLT=Gray Hymnal | STJ=Teal Hymnal
Post-service conversation on Zoom: Zoom participants are invited to stay online for virtual social time.
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