29 Dec Worship Bulletin – 12/29/19
McPherson First Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God’s creation.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
First Sunday after Christmas – New Year
“Immanuel: God with us.
In this tiny baby, this vulnerable child, we find our hope, our light, our comfort.
Joy to the World! God is Born Again!”
Gathering Music
“Christmas Selections”
Ada and Ari Prose, pianists
Sharing Time
…a time of greeting and sharing those things which inform who we are as a community of faith and how God is moving among us. You are invited to welcome visitors, share joys, prayer requests and announcements.
Advent Candle Lighting | “People Look East”
People look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east. Prepare the way. God, the Child, is here today.
Welcome | “Beginnings” | Roddy Hamilton
*Opening Song | “Go Tell it on the Mountain” | Insert
Invitation to Give
Giving Music | “Roses in December | Jim Brickman
Anne Kirchner, pianist
Giving Prayer
Scripture Reading | Isaiah 63: 7-9 | the Message
Communion Song | “God Let us Be a Bridge of Care”
God let us be a bridge of care connecting people ev’rywhere.
Help us confront all fear and hate and lust for powers that separate.
God, let us be a table spread with gifts of love and broken bread,
Where all find welcome, grace attends, and enemies arise as friends.
Invitation to Communion
Unison Words for the Bread and Cup:
Come, Bread yet unbroken! Seed of the Golden Wheat, in us, be sown.
Come, Wine yet undrunk! Flesh of the Ripened Vine, in us, come to full maturity.
Eat the Bread, Drink the Cup
Communion Music | “Ave Maria” | Schubert
Ben Hopkins, Tuba with Jean Hendricks, Piano
Prayer for the Bread and Cup
Congregation sings the Amen | “AMEN (Threefold)”
Children’s Story
Following story: Childcare provided for infant thru Kindergarten in the Education Building
Scripture Song | “Bring a Torch Jeannette, Isabella” | Insert
Scripture Focus | Matthew 2:13-23 | the Message
Message | “New Beginnings” | Kathryn Whitacre
After an intentional pause – please rise for the Sending Song
*Sending Song | “He is Born the Divine Christ Child” | Insert
*Sending Words
Please be seated for the Sending Music
Sending Music | “Hallelujah Chorus” | Handel
Ben Hopkins, Tuba; Isaac Hopkins, Trumpet; Kyle Hopkins, Horn; Jean Hendricks, piano
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Pastoral Staff – Jerry Bowen, Chris Whitacre & Kathryn Whitacre
Coordinator of Music and Organist/Pianist/Accompanist – Ellen Gilbert
Director of Bells – Kendra Flory
Director of Worship Choir – Becky Snell
Bulletin Cover – Christopher Kirchner
Chancel Décor – Advent/Christmas Team
Pianists – Jean Hendricks & Dan Masterson
Acolytes – Paul & Renata Prose Family
Sharing Time – Deb C. Wagoner
Worship Leader – Chris Whitacre
Children’s Time – Barbara Wagoner
Screens – Ira Whitacre
Director/Camera – To Be Determined
Sound – Shane Kirchner
Greeters – LaMonte & Brenda Rothrock
Ushers – Bruce & Janell Clary; Jim & Lisa Hoffman
Head Usher – Glenn Gayer
Balcony Usher – Mike Goering
Childcare Attendant – To Be Determined
Reminder: The bulletin announcements/weekly newsletter are sent to your email address every Friday with “COB Communications” caption in the address line. You may pick up a paper copy from the stand on the sanctuary level or from the literature rack immediately inside the Education Building front door.