Christmas Eve Worship: 12/24/22

Christmas Eve Worship: 12/24/22

Welcome to Worship at the McPherson 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.

Saturday, December 24, 2022
Gathering Music @ 6:15 p.m. | Worship @ 6:30 p.m.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP | We Seek the Child

Gathering Music

Welcome/Instructions

Opening Prayer | Seeking Light | Grace Church in Ealing, London (adapted)

Opening Music | “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” | Arr. Anderson/Kramlich
Kendra Flory, handbell solo

Opening Words | “Listen” | Pamela Frantz Barnes © December 2022

Gathering Song | “Do You Have Room” | Shawna Belt Edwards

Joseph Scripture | Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph Narration | Joseph’s Search” | Pamela Frantz Barnes © December 2022

Joseph Song | So Far from Home | Tom Mousin, 2015
Amidon Singers

Mary Scripture | Luke 1:26-38

Mary Narration | “Mary’s Heart” | Pamela Frantz Barnes © December 2022

Mary Song | Born in the Night | Jeffrey Ainger
Amidon Singers

Jesus’ Birth Scripture | Luke 2:1-7

Jesus’ Birth Narration | “The Promise” | Pamela Frantz Barnes © December 2022

Jesus’ Birth Song | Infant Holy, Infant Lowly | Polish carol, arr. Elizabeth Alexander
Words: Traditional, additional lyrics by Elizabeth Alexander

Shepherd’s Scripture | Luke 2:8-12 & 15b-18

Shepherd’s Narration | “Finding the Manger | Pamela Frantz Barnes © December 2022

Shepherds Song | “Angels we have heard on High” | #197
(verses 2 & 4, congregation & organ)

Angel’s Scripture | Luke 2:13-14

Angel’s Narration | “Tidings | Pamela Frantz Barnes © December 2022

Angels Song | “Angels we have heard on High” | #197
(verses 1 & 3, congregation & organ)

Magi’s Scripture | Matthew 2:1-10

Magi’s Narration | “The Seekers” | Pamela Frantz Barnes © December 2022

Magi’s Scripture | Matthew 2:11&12

Magi’s Song | Brightest and Best | Reginald Heber
Amidon Singers                                             

Nativity PowerPoint
Pictures taken December 11 | Kids Angels, Shepherds, Wise People, Mary, Joseph, Baby, Cradle
Anne Kirchner, photos; Shane Kirchner, PowerPoint
“O Holy Night” music by Adolph Adam, arr. by Shawn Kirchner and performed by The Vancouver Youth Choir, under the direction of Carrie Tenant

Sending Words | “The Search” | Pamela Frantz Barnes © December 2022

Stille Nacht | Mannheim Steamroller
Bryan Hess, violin; Ellen Gilbert, piano; Bruce Wagoner, cello

Silent Night | #193
(verses 1 & 2, congregation & organ)

Sending Blessing


Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert

Choir Director: Becky Snell
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre
Chancel Decoration Team: Jill Brax, Colleen Gustafson, Michele Johnson, Shane Kirchner & Lara Schoming