Christmas Eve December 24, 2015

Emanuel Lutheran Church

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

324 College Avenue, Modesto, California 95350

(209) 523-4531 www.emanuellutheran.org

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Staff

Presiding Minister

Pastor Lyn Crase

Organist & Choir Director

Barbara Vukich

Day Care Director

Laura Marquez

Bookkeeper

Robin Swearingen

Secretary

Paula Braxton

Council Officers

President David Holtz

Vice President

Jim Barton

Treasurer

Bob Reuter

Secretary

Debbie Van Diepen

Welcome to Emanuel Communion Service 5:00 and 11:00 pm. ................. Page 3

Welcome Guests and Visitors!

Welcome in the name of Jesus Christ. We are glad that you have come to worship with us. Please help us to know you by filling out a worship attendance form (located in your

bulletin) and placing it in the offering plate.

• Large print bulletins are available. •

(Please ask an usher)

Children/Youth & Family:

Council member – Hailey Rios

Spiritual Life:

Council member – Lois Owen and Teri Scott

Worship:

Council member – Dianne Santana

Outreach:

Council members – David Holtz and Karl Williams

Resource:

Bob Reuter, Treasurer

Council members – Tom Hardin and Brian Skustad

Fellowship:

Council member – Rue Knoll and Susan Hall

Social Media:

Council member – Mike Epting

Volunteer Coordinator:

Council member – Debbie Van Diepen

Endowment Team

Bob Reuter, Chairman

Team members: Dick Norquist, Rob Shank, Bill Reinheimer

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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

December 24, 2015 5:00 pm & 11:00 pm

PRELUDE Let All Together Praise Our God J. S. Bach From Heaven Above Johann Pachelbel Offertoire sur deux Noels Alexandre Guilmant

11:00 PM CALL TO WORSHIP Of the Father’s Love Begotten Wilbur Chenowith

WELCOME

ENTRANCE HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful Red Book #283

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

the Maker of heaven and earth, the Word made flesh, the Lord and giver of life.

C Amen

P Let us come into the light of Christ, confessing our need for God’s mercy. (silence for reflection) God of peace, ...

C we confess that we are not at peace— with others or with ourselves. We bring to you all that tears us apart: discord in our families, violence in our world, our own conflicted hearts. In your mercy, mend us. Reconnect us to one another and to you. Let peace reign over all the earth, through the Prince of peace, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

P In the Word who has come to dwell with us, God has given us grace upon grace: forgiveness that is stronger than our sins, love that can heal every broken heart. Hear this word of God’s pardon and peace:

in the name of ☩ Jesus our Savior,

you are free from all your sins. Rise, shine, for your light has come.

C Amen

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GREETING

P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God sent from heaven above, be with you all.

C And also with you.

P Let us pray together ... Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C Amen

P Please be seated.

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FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:2-7 This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah’s king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God’s passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

11:00 pm Love Came Down at Christmas Robert Wetzler

Choir

PSALM 96

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord, bless the name of Lord;proclaim God’s salvation from day to day.

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Declare his glory among the nations, and his marvelous works among all the peoples.

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.

As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols, but you, O Lord, made the heavens.

Majesty and magnificence are in your presence; power and splendor are in your sanctuary.

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his holy name; bring an offering, and come into the courts of the Lord.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.

Say among the nations, “The Lord is king!” The one who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved will judge the peoples with equity.”

Let the heavens be rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder, and all that fills it; let the field be joyful, and everything in it.

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy at your coming, O Lord; for you come to judge the earth.

ALL: You will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with your truth.

SECOND READING: Titus 2:11-14

The appearance of God’s grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently, in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior’s final appearance.

11The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

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GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE GOSPEL: Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]

P Please stand.

The Holy Gospel according to Luke, Chapter 2.

C Glory to you, O Lord.

God’s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the “good news of great joy” and proclaim God’s blessing of peace.

1 In those days a decree when out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be

registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of

Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of

Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was

descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to

whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time

came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in

bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by

night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around

them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am

bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; 11 to you is born this day in the city of

David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child

wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a

multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

“Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has

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made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child

lying in a manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about

this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary

treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

P The Gospel of the Lord.

C Praise to you, O Christ.

P Please be seated.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (REPEATED)

SERMON Pastor Lyn Crase

SERMON HYMN From Heaven Above Red Book #268

5:00...verses 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 14 11:00...verses 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 14

P Please stand.

RESPONSIVE PRAYER

A Gracious God, you come from heaven above into the midst of our world.

C Fill our hearts with the joy of the angels at your birth.

A You come from heaven above to the lowliest of human conditions.

C Watch over those in need, the sick, the hungry, the grieving.

A You come from heaven above to walk the way of the cross.

C Guide us to follow your path of forgiveness, mercy, and peace.

A You come from heaven above to become flesh and live among us.

C May we see your glory, full of grace and truth.

A Amen

P Please be seated as we collect the offering.

TITHES & OFFERINGS 5:00 pm Silent Night Norman Dello Joio 11:00 pm Ding Dong! Merrily on High Ken Berg

OFFERING

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OFFERTORY PRAYER A Good and loving God,

we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

C Amen

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING P The Lord be with you.

C And also with you.

P Lift up your hearts. C We lift them to the Lord.

P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C It is right to give our thanks and praise.

PREFACE

P It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. In the wonder and mystery of the Word made flesh you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your glory, that, beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God whom we cannot see. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

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HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

P In the night in which he was betrayed,

our lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;

broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,

and gave it for all to drink, saying:

This cup is the new covenant in my blood,

shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:

C Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

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P With this bread and cup we remember your Word

dwelling among us, full of grace and truth.

We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection.

We look with hope for his coming.

C Come, Lord Jesus.

P Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us.

Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us.

Awaken your people. Fill us with your light.

Bring the gift of peace on earth.

C Come, Holy Spirit.

P All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel,

Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High,

one God, now and forever.

C Amen

THE LORD’S PRAYER P Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

C Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen

INVITATION TO COMMUNION P The mystery hidden for the ages is revealed for us in this meal. Come, behold and receive

your God.

Please be seated. We will practice continuous communion at the altar rail. All baptized Christians are welcome to commune.

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LAMB OF GOD

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS Away in a Manger Red Book #277

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear Red Book #282 O Little Town of Bethlehem Red Book #279

COMMUNION BLESSING P (Please rise.) The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in

his grace.

C Amen

POST COMMUNION PRAYER A We give you thanks, O God,

that in this bread and cup of Christ’s very life, you give us food for our journey. As you led the magi by a star, as you brought the holy family home again, guide us on the way unfolding before us. Wherever we go, may our lives proclaim good news of great joy in Jesus Christ our Lord.

C Amen

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CANDLELIGHT CAROL Silent Night Red Book #281

Candles are lit as the organ begins to play. When all candles are lit, we will begin to sing.

PRAYER P (Let us pray.) Lord Jesus, let your light so shine in us that all may see your good works in us

and glorify our Father in heaven.

C Glory to God. Amen

BLESSING P May the Word that Mary brought to birth

carry you into new and abundant life. C Amen

P May the Word that Joseph cradled in his arms enfold you with love and strength.

C Amen

P May the Word that angels proclaimed in song bring harmony to our world.

C Amen

P And the blessing of almighty God,

the Father, the ☩ Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be upon you and remain with you always.

C Amen

Candles are extinguished.

SENDING HYMN Angels We have Heard on High Red Book #289

DISMISSAL A Go in peace. Christ is with you. C Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE In Dulci Jubilo Norman Dello Joio

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THOSE WHO SERVED US TODAY

Presiding Minister ......................................................................................... Pastor Lyn Crase Assisting Minister ....................................................... 5:00 David Holtz // 11:00 Paula Barton Lectors ............................. 5:00 Dianne Santana, Lois Owen // 11:00 Mike Epting, David Cline Acolyte ........................................................................... 5:00 Kailyn Knoll // 11:00 Hailey Rios Communion Assistant..................................................... 5:00 Lois Owen // 11:00 David Cline Usher/Greeter ............................................................ 5:00 Owen Family // 11:00 Bob Reuter Altar Team ........................................................................... Debbie Van Diepen, Pat Norquist

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The Holtz family, in memory of Margaret.

The Owen family, in memory of Buzz & Millie Calkins and Harlan & Betty Owen.

Susan McCready, in memory of Al McCready.

Sherm and Connie Petersen, in honor of family.

Tom and Jeanne Hardin, in memory of Buddie & Carrie Hardin and Duilo & Jennie Pierini.

Marsha Waggoner, in memory of Carl and her parents, Phil & Norty Benner.

Yvonne Troedson, in honor of the families of Troedson and Beasley and all honor and glory to God and in honor of her grandson Ryan Powell USN, stationed on Groton, CT.

Mike and Rose Epting, in memory of Grace & Vivian Epting and Bette & Dick Fassett.

Van and Sue Allen, in memory of Charlie Allen.

Mary Lou Dieterich, in memory of Robert Dieterich and in honor of her children & grandchildren.

RG and Zac Crawford, in memory of their grandparents, Val Johnson and Richard & Cathy Crawford.

Pastor Lyn Crase, in honor of the ministries of Emanuel Lutheran.

Rue & Gary Knoll, in memory of Tana Knoll.

Jack and Pat Smith, in memory of loved ones and in honor of family.

Dick and Pat Norquist, in memory of their parents, Margaret & Tenney Norquist and Ethel & Glenn Bradshaw and Robert Bradshaw.

The Castleberry family, in memory of Don and Arline Castleberry.

Barbara Bauman, in memory of her whole family and in honor of the Baumans, Romanos & Sandersons.

Suzanne Wilke, in memory of her parents, George & Dorothy Anderson; her brother and sister-in-law, David & Jodie Anderson.

Dave, Kristine and Karl Kraft, in memory of Gerald & Dorothy Klee and Kurt Kraft.

Paula & Jim Barton, in memory of Beth Langhoff and Hugh Barton.

James and Linda Nelson, in honor of their children & grandchildren.

Lisa Poston, in memory of her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Gunnar Bergström and her brother, Jan Bergström.

Tom and Barbara Norquist, in memory of parents Tenney & Margaret Tenney and Lois & Ken Jeske.

Martha and Dennis Strand, in memory of Thomas Ferreira, Martha's brother.

Mike and Jeanine Clarke.

Jane Espland, in memory of Francis Espland.

Poinsettias are given to the glory of God by…