19 Dec Worship Bulletin: 12/22/24
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 22, 2024 @ 10:15 a.m.
Fourth Sunday of Advent – LOVE
♫Music of the Season | Jean Hendricks
♫Gathering Music | “Christmas Lullaby” | Jason Robert Brown
Laila Samland, vocal; Kevin Jones, piano
I’ll never have the power to control the land or conquer half the world or claim the sun.
I’ll never be the kind who simply waves her hand and has a million people do the things I wish I’d done.
CHORUS
But in the eyes of heaven my place is assured. I carry with me heaven’s grand design.
Gloria, Gloria I will sing the name of the Lord and He will make me shine.
And I will be like Mother Mary with a blessing in my soul and I will give the world my eyes so they can see.
And I will be like Mother Mary with a blessing in my soul and the future of the world inside of me. X2
And I will be like Mother Mary with the power in my veins to believe in all the things I’ve yet to be.
And I will be like Mother Mary and I’ll suffer any pains for the future of the world; for the future of the world inside of me.
Video Welcome
Sharing Time – Joys and Concerns | Kevin Jones
♫Centering Music | “Love Came Down at Christmas” | arr. Dan Masterson
Resonance Trio: Dan Masterson, piano; Bruce Wagoner, cello; Bryan Hess, violin
Responsive Opening Words
Blessings nourish us, feed our creativity, and elevate our self-esteem
Blessings deepen our relationships, communications, perceptions and awareness.
May God’s blessings teach us to trust; unafraid to feel deeply and seek wisdom.
May God’s blessings teach us to live our best and highest dreams and imaginings into reality;
thru tangible expressions of love and healing.
May God’s blessings illuminate the path toward greater spiritual awareness and closeness with our Creator.
♫Opening Song | “Oh, How Joyfully” | #209
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 | “O Little Town of Bethlehem” | arr. Dan Forest
Worship Choir and Bruce Wagoner, cello; Bryan Hess, violin; Westen Gehring, clarinet
Scripture Focus | Luke 1:39- 55 | Mary Visits Elizabeth & Mary’s Song
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 In a loud voice she exclaimed:
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
♫Scripture Song | “O, Little Town of Bethlehem” | #191
Message | “Blessed is She” | Kathryn Whitacre
♫Sending Song | “O Holy Night”
Sending Words
♫Sending Music | “Ding Dong! Merrily on High” | Todd Kendall
Ellen Gilbert, piano
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