14 Dec Worship Bulletin: 12/17/23
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.
Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ 10:15 a.m. 3rd Sunday in Advent – JOY
Music of the Season | Student Duets
Gathering Music | “Fling Wide the Door” vs 1 & 4 | # 186
“O Come all ye Faithful” vs 1 & 3 | #212
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Video Welcome
Sharing Time | Joys & Concerns | Deb Wagoner
Centering Music | “Shepherds Pipe Carol” | John Rutter
Worship Choir
Going through the hills on a night all starry – On the way to Bethlehem
Far away I heard a shepherd boy piping – On the way to Bethlehem
CHORUS
Angels in the sky brought this message nigh: “Dance and sing for joy that Christ the newborn King
Is come to bring us peace on earth – And He’s lying cradled there at Bethlehem.”
“Tell me, shepherd boy piping tunes so merrily – on the way to Bethlehem
Who will hear your tunes on these hills so lonely – On the way to Bethlehem? CHORUS
“None may hear my pipes on these hills so lonely – On the way to Bethlehem;
But a King will hear me play sweet lullabies – When I get to Bethlehem.” CHORUS
“Where is the new King, shepherd boy piping merrily – Is He there at Bethlehem?”
“I will find Him soon by the star shining brightly – In the sky o’vr Bethlehem.” CHORUS
“May I come with you, shepherd boy piping merrily – Come with you to Bethlehem?
Pay my homage too at the new King’s cradle – Is it far to Bethlehem?” CHORUS
Opening Responsive Litany | “Blessing of JOY” | New Kilpatrick Parish Church, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
In this beginning time – this primal flush of Holy Joy – may the WORD in this season of promise –
journey with you IF you are prepared to let it shape each step
the WORD;
counsellor – everlasting – mighty – God – step – step – step
may the WORD – in its need for fulfillment – its enthusiasm for light
come alive on the path – to promise and expectation
the WORD;
peace – incarnation – magnificat – annunciation – step – step – step
may the birthed-WORD invite each moment to be replayed and reborn towards our future –
fashioning a neighborhood where incarnation and flesh – negotiate & come together
in the bi-ways of the world
the WORD;
shelter – welcome – invitation – manger – step – step – step
may such a beginning – such a WORD – accompany us this day
for here – and only here – in our journey –
can WORD be born – can WORD become flesh – can WORD become JOY!!
Opening Song | “Joy to the World” | #318
Organ & Brass Ensemble – Sing vs. 4 in unison
Story for the Children | Barbara Wagoner
Video Invitation to Give
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
Musical Offering | “What a Wonderful Child” | Mary McDonald
Worship Choir
Mary had a baby, O Lord (x2) – Mary had a baby (x2) – Mary had a baby, O Lord
What did she name him, O Lord (x2) – She named him King Jesus, (x2) – Named him King Jesus, O Lord,
BRIDGE
Jesus, O Jesus, My Lord what a wonderful Child! Jesus, O my Jesus, so lowly meek and mild
New life, new hope, new joy He brings! Won’t you listen to the angels sing?
Glory, glory, glory to the newborn King (x2)
He was herald by the angel, he was born in a lowly manger
The Virgin Mary was his mother and Joseph was his earthly father
Three Wise Men came from afar, they were guided by a shining star
To see King Jesus where he lay, in a manger filled with hay. BRIDGE
Glory, glory, glory to the newborn – Mary had a baby, O Lord
Scripture Focus | Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 & Luke 1:46-56
The Year of the Lord’s Favor
61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. God has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim
freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for God has been mindful of the humble state of God’s servant. From now on all generations will call me
blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is God’s name.
50 God’s mercy extends to those who fear, from generation to generation. 51 God has performed mighty deeds with an arm; God has scattered those who are proud in their
inmost thoughts. 52 God has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 God has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away
empty. 54 God has helped this servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as God promised our ancestors.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
♫Scripture Song | “Oh, How Joyfully” | #209
Message | “Sing a New Song” | Jerry Bowen
♫Sending Song | “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” | #210
Sending Words
♫Sending Music | “Go Tell It On the Mountain” | arr. Luther Henderson
Brass Ensemble: Lindy Reynolds, Allan van Asselt, Seth Schoming, Winona Godfrey, Eric Goering, LaMonte Rothrock
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