Christmas Eve Family Service A Homemade Nativity

December 24, 2016 5:00 PM

 

No matter who you are, No matter where you are On life’s journey, You are welcome here.

The prelude is a time of reflection and preparation for the worship of God.

Please silence cell phones. Bibles for use during worship are available at each entrance to the Sanctuary.

PRELUDE O Little Town of Bethlehem Lewis Redner Kris Hansen, soloist arr. Carl Strommen Gospel Trio WELCOME Sarah Garcia

* WELCOMING EACH OTHER

* CALL TO WORSHIP One: The impossible is about to happen in a stable. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; All: Jesus is coming, Merry Christmas! One: This is the moment when the infinite enters our time and space. God does the most intimate thing. All: Jesus is coming, Merry Christmas! One: God embraces humanity from the inside, as one of us. All: Jesus is coming, Merry Christmas! One: Even now, God is coming into our lives in a new way. Watch and listen, for Jesus is drawing near.

DUET O Holy Night Adolphe Adam Duet, Breanna and Todd Coe

* Please stand if you are able to do so.

 

THE STORY BEGINS

O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by: Yet in the dark streets shineth the everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

MARY AND JOSEPH TRAVEL TO BETHLEHEM AND BABY JESUS IS BORN

Scripture Reading Luke 2:1-7 Away in a manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay; The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay. The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my side 'til morning is nigh.

THE SHEPHERDS HEAR THE GOOD NEWS

Children dressed as shepherds and animals are invited to come forward now. What Child Is This?

What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this, the angels sing, is Christ, God’s holy offering; Haste, haste your praise to bring the babe, the child of Mary!

THE ANGELS GLORIFY GOD

Scripture Reading Luke 2:8-17 Children dressed as angels come forward now.

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have on heard high, sweetly singing o’er the plains. And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo Gloria in excelsis Deo.

 

KINGS BRING GIFTS TO JESUS Children dressed as stars and royalty come forward now.

We Three Kings

We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night, Star of royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, following yonder star.

GOD LOVES EVERYONE

Any child who would like to come forward is now welcome.

O Come All Ye Faithful O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem; Come and behold him, born the King of angels; O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

SHARE THE GOOD NEWS

During the following song, children return to the pews.

Go Tell It On the Mountain Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born. While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night Behold throughout the heavens there shone a holy light.

Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.

OFFERTORY O Come, O Come Emmanuel 15TH century French chant Kris Hansen, soloist arr. Bradley Sowash Gospel Trio

 

THE CHRISTMAS EVE PRAYER

* Silent Night Silent night, Holy night All is calm, all is bright 'Round yon virgin, mother and child Holy infant so, tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

Scripture Reading John 1:1-5, 14-18

* Joy to the World Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing And heaven, and heaven and nature sing. He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love And wonders and wonders of his love.

BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Toccata from Symphony V Charles Marie Widor

Kevin Dzierzawski, organ Special thanks to: Jeffrey Matthew, Narrator Pastor Jeff Carlson, Eithne and Micah McMenamin, as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS WE WELCOME YOU TO WORSHIP. If you are our guest and want more information about St. Pauls, please fill out the fellowship card in the pew rack and drop it in the offering plate. We invite you to join us on a Sunday morning for worship at 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM starting January 8. THIS YEAR The entirety of our CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING will help UCAN hire a Chaplain. UCAN was founded by Saint Pauls as an orphanage during the Civil War and has since grown into the largest provider of social services to children in Chicago. UCAN is at the forefront of the effort to curb the violence that kills and stings so many Chicago youth each year. Our hearts break at the violence in our city. UCAN believes that youth who have suffered trauma can become our future leaders. Their work heals and saves lives. It will be more powerful with a chaplain ministering to UCAN children and staff. POLAR PEACE MARCH® TO BENEFIT UCAN on Sunday, January 15, 2017. This family friendly event will start at 4:00 PM with a program in the Sanctuary honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of peace followed by the 1.5 mile March. The evening concludes with a cup of soup in the Gym. Invite friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to be a part of your team for this fun and inspirational event. Funds raised will benefit UCAN and its violence prevention initiative in Chicago. We can make a difference!

•   Go to www.polarpeacemarch.org by December 31, 2016 to register for a chance to win a $500 Target gift card!

•   Raise $100 in donations by January 13, 2017 for a chance to win 4 tickets behind home plate to see the 2016 World Series Champion CHICAGO CUBS on July 4, 2017!

•   You can also volunteer, start or join a team for the March, donate, or get more information about UCAN.

JANUARY IS BIBLE STORY THEATRE MONTH for St. Pauls. In January we immerse ourselves in the story of Tobit and make it come to life through music, dance, acting, costumes and sets. All children and young people and their teachers from the JK/Kindergarten through High School classes participate in a series of four theatre workshops beginning on January 8. Adults are also invited to help make costumes, create sets, play instruments, and use their talents. The Bible Story Theatre production will be on February 5. Contact Pastor Sarah for more information at sgarcia@spucc.org.

JOINING ST. PAULS CHURCH

ONE-SESSION NEW MEMBER CLASS - January 29, 2017, 12:30 PM in the Parlor. Learn more about St. Pauls’ 173-year ministry of Making a Joyful Sound in the City, meet others exploring membership, find out what we believe and how you can become more engaged. New Members join on February 12, 2017. The next class is scheduled for Sunday, March 19, 2017. Contact Pastor Matt at mfitzgerald@spucc.org to be registered. ALL CHURCH RETREAT - SIGN UP NOW - August 4-6, 2017 at the beautiful Lakeside Inn in Lakeside, MI. A weekend of fun, relaxation and bonding with your church family. All ages welcome. $300 per room includes 2 nights lodging, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts. Financial assistance available. Sign up by December 15 on our website. Contact Pastor Sarah sgarcia@spucc.org for more information.

 

CHILDREN AND YOUTH NO CHURCH SCHOOL OR CHILDCARE on December 25. Children are invited to attend to worship and are encourage to come in their cozy pajamas. Childcare will be available on New Years Day but there will not be Church School. YOUTH MISSION TRIP - You chose South Dakota!!! Youth in 8th through 12th grade are invited to be part of this awesome adventure to serve those in need on the Lakota reservation in South Dakota. Trip dates are June 24 to July 2, 2017. Contact Pastor Sarah to apply sgarcia@spucc.org. YOUTH ROCK CLIMBING NIGHT is being rescheduled for Thursday, January 5, 2:00 - 4:00 PM at First Ascent, 3516 North Spaulding Ave., Chicago, IL. Contact Pastor Sarah at sgarcia@spucc.org. LITTLE LIGHTS is a preschool program in a progressive Christian environment. Classes for 2 and 3-year-olds meet at St. Pauls Nursery. We are a program built to encourage independence, socialization, and introduce basic classroom routine to prepare for further education. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. We currently have only 2 spaces available for January 2017. For more information, or to download the application, visit http://www.spucc.org/littlelights or email Leigh Borge at lborge@spucc.org. WATERPARK WINTER RETREAT – 8-12 graders, February 24 – 25. Meet at church at 5:00 PM on Friday, February 24. We will return by 8:00 PM the following day. For more information, contact Pastor Sarah, sgarcia@spucc.org.

PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES For more information contact, Corie Gallemore at corie.gallemore@gmail.com.

ST. PAULS PLAY GROUP for children from birth to 3-years-old in the church Nursery and Toddler Room. Drop in anytime from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Wednesdays.

YOUNG ADULTS A group for fun and fellowship for folks in their twenties and thirties. All are welcome!

Email youngadults@spucc.org to be added to the mailing list. CRAFT BEER NIGHT - Saturday, January 21, 7:30 PM - Come join us as we sample a variety of craft beers at Jen Kew and Jon Pagac's place. They'll provide the beer - please bring a snack to share. If you have a beer you've been wanting to share with fellow beer nerds, you can bring it but please bring no more than one beer. RSVP to the Punchbowl invitation, which also has the address. If you did not receive an evite or have questions, please email youngadults@spucc.org. MONTHLY BRUNCH – Sunday, January 22, 12:00 PM – Join us for brunch after the 11:00 AM service. We are resuming our monthly brunches after the holiday season. We will gather during Social Hour and walk to Hopcat, 2577 N. Clark Street. Contact Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org with questions and to RSVP.

 

FUTURE EVENTS – Volunteers needed! Do you have ideas for an event you'd like to organize? Maybe it's exploring a new neighborhood, seeing a show, hosting a game night, attending a wine tasting or completing a 5K. The group needs your help. At this point, no events beyond what you are currently reading about are planned. Pick a date, coordinate the details, write a description for the bulletin and newsletters and share with Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org. She will promote to the wider group and help make the event a success!

LAY CARE GIVING STEPHEN MINISTRY AT ST. PAULS is Christ caring for people through people. If you’re in need of support during the holidays or any time, or if you’d like to learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Avena Ward (award@spucc.org). CONNECTORS provide networking and support for members and friends of St. Pauls. We send cards and care packages, make telephone calls, provide food and meals, give rides to doctor’s appointments and the store. Membership is open to all who have the time and the inclination to help. Meetings are held once a month, except in July and December.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS CALENDAR SUNDAY, DECEMBE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day ONE SERVICE 10:00 AM One Worship Service No Church School/Nursery Closed Children are invited to wear their pajamas. SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 New Years Day ONE SERVICE 10:00 AM One Worship Service No Church School SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 Polar Peace March, 4:00 PM in the Sanctuary & Gym

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please send any announcements you would like in the following week’s bulletin to announcements@spucc.org no later than 10:00 AM on Tuesday. Please limit announcements to 70 words. Thank you.

 

SAINT PAULS PRAYS

•  Prayers for the family of Michelle Drew and Bill Rodriguez on the death of Michelle's grandfather. He died after a house fire, in which the family farmhouse was lost.

•  Animals suffering in the cold. •  Bonnie, Rafa, and Brandon Brill at the death of husband and father, Mike Brill. •  Ed Zasadil recovering from another fall. •  Charles May at the death of his father. •  Jennifer Heiney and her family at the passing of her grandmother. •  Jan Womack as her mother enters hospice. •  Prayer for Edward Wosylus’ brother, Bill, on the loss of his wife. •  Rob and Shannon Castle at the death of Rob’s father on Thanksgiving. •  Cheryl Kennedy’s brother in law, Jim. •  Betty Voice, at St. Pauls House, after additional surgery on her knee. •  Dirk R. and family, uncle of Laura Nowack, who has multiple myeloma. •  Betty Beckers recovering from an infection. •  Abby, granddaughter of Penny Trowbridge’s friend Dorne, who has leukemia and is in hospice. •  Sylvia Pine’s grandfather, Terry Barton, recovering from strokes. •  Edith, Anita, Kim and all others who struggle with chronic pain and progressive illnesses. •  Carlos and Cynthia Cata’s friend, a mother of three with stage 4 lung cancer. •  Candi Huber's niece, Kathryn, continuing treatments for cancer. •  Juanita Barlow’s aunt, Sol; her grandchildren’s other grandmother, Rose, with cancer. •  Michelle’s friends Michael, Chris and Jerry, all sick with chronic illnesses. •  Diane Massie’s friend, Ashley, battling brain cancer and in need of a miracle. •  Lorri Gunn Wirsum, for her husband, Karl Wirsum, and her brother, Jim. •  Mary Train and her nephew Carl and family. •  Philip Smedley’s father, for health issues. •  Jonah, Sean and Kevin and all homeless individuals with mental illness living in this city. •  For all those touched by violence in Chicago. •  The Renfrow family as they walk with Wayne, in hospice care. •  Del Arsenault, in hospice care at home. •  Carole Crowley recovering from a stroke. •  Steve Warsh, undergoing chemotherapy. •  Tom Palkon being treated for cancer. •  For young adults as they try to make their way in life moving away (physically) from family. •  For those involved in research trying to find a cure for cancer. •  Those killed and injured in terrorist attacks around the world and all others in need of prayer. •  All service members and their loved ones before, during and after deployment. (Prayer cards are available in the pew racks. Fill one out and drop it in the offering plate.)

NEARLY 1 IN 5 ADULTS STRUGGLE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE. Contact one of the pastors today for information about mental healthcare advocacy and resources that can help you and your loved ones. Contact information for the pastors is at the back of this bulletin.

 

NOTES

 

ABOUT ST. PAULS

Making a joyful sound in the city

Saint Pauls UCC has a vibrant history in the city of Chicago. Founded in 1843, we are one of the city's oldest churches. In 1989 we became one of America's first congregations to declare ourselves "Open to and Affirming of” LGBT women and men.

From founding Chicago's largest provider of social services to at-risk children to starting a home for the elderly, from housing protestors at the 1968 Democratic Convention to hosting Lincoln Park's first MLK day march against violence on Chicago's streets we are proud to make a joyful sound in the city.

Most importantly, over the past 172 years we are glad to have introduced thousands of children and adults to the amazing, inclusive, life changing, uplifting love of God. We do so in worship that is traditional, but far from conventional.

St. Pauls United Church of Christ 2335 North Orchard Street Chicago, Illinois 60614

(773) 348-3829 FAX (773) 348-3858 www.spucc.org

Matt Fitzgerald, Senior Pastor, mfitzgerald@spucc.org

Avena Ward, Associate Pastor, award@spucc.org Jeff Carlson, Associate Pastor, jcarlson@spucc.org

Sarah Garcia, Associate Pastor for Children and Youth, sgarcia@spucc.org Tom Henry, Pastor Emeritus, emeritushenry@gmail.com

Kurt R. Hansen, Music Director, kurtsingsbach@gmail.com Kevin Dzierzawski, Organist, kdzierza@att.net

Brendan Henry, Pianist, brendanphenry@hotmail.com Nancy Voigts, Children’s Choir Director, nvoigtsgod@att.net

Kecia Waldschmidt, Youth Choir Director, keciagerman@hotmail.com Karen E. Johnson, Joyful Sounds Choir Director, kejpiano@aol.com

Mark Mosley, Intergenerational Orchestra Director, mwmosley@gmail.com Kevin O’Brien, Lay Liturgical Administrator, kob48@att.net

Free Parking is available on Sundays at Children’s Memorial Hospital

2300 Block of North Lincoln Ave. – Vouchers Not Needed

 

 

   

 

           WELCOME  TO  SAINT  PAULS  UCC!      

Welcome to those whose hearts are on fire with faith, and to those who bring their doubt inside our doors.

Welcome  to  our  first  time  guests  and  our  longtime  members.  

Welcome  to  single  people,  tiny  children,  grandparents  and  families  of  all  configurations.  

Welcome  to  those  who  rejoice  and  to  those  who  grieve.  Welcome  to  each  and  to  everyone.  

We  are  an  Open  and  Affirming  church.  We  welcome  all.  

We  are  blessed  by  your  presence  and  we  are  glad  you  are  here!