(View this service: YouTube)
Call to Worship
L: A child has been born for us.
All: A Savior has been given to us.
L: And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, the Prince of Peace.
Once we were no people.
All: Now we are God’s people.
L: Once we have walked in darkness
All: Now we have seen a great light.
Song – Angels from the Realms of Glory – UMH 220
Angels from the realms of glory, wing your flight o’er all the earth;
ye who sang creation’s story now proclaim Messiah’s birth.
Refrain: Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the newborn King
Shepherds, in the field abiding, watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing; yonder shines the infant light.
Refrain
Sages, leave your contemplations, brighter visions beam afar;
seek the great Desire of nations; ye have seen his natal star.
Refrain
Saints, before the altar bending, watching long in hope and fear;
suddenly the Lord, descending, in his temple shall appear.
Refrain
Our Offering Service, prayers, witness, time and resources
Anthem
Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow – UMH 95
Offering Prayer
Prayer:
(all) Holy Parent, you blessed Jesus with a rich line of diverse and interesting ancestors. Bless our families; those related by blood and those brought to us by love. For the sake of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen
Scripture Reading – Matthew 1:1-17
L: For the Word of God in scripture; for the Word of God within us and for the Word of God among us we say:
All: Thanks be to God.
Song – What Child is This – UMH 219
What child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.
Message – Pastor Gayle
Prayer
L: This day is a new day that has never been before. This year is a new year, the opening door.
All: Enter, Lord Jesus Christ, we have joy in your coming. You have given us life and we welcome your coming.
L: Let us now turn to face you, Lord Jesus Christ.
All: As we lift up our eyes, shine upon our faces, Lord. Bless our eyes. Bless all that our eyes look upon. May our neighbors and loved ones be blessed in your sight. May your blessing of peace and health and well-being come upon us all.
L: You, O Lord, have given us life and we welcome your coming.
All: Be with us, Lord, that we may have joy and peace. This year is a new year, the opening door. Be with us, Lord.
Announcements
Song – Good Christian Friends, Rejoice – UMH 224
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say: News, news! Jesus Christ is born today!
Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today, Christ is born today!
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear of endless bliss, News, news! Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath opened heaven’s door, and ye are blest forever more. Christ was born for this, Christ was born for this!
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
now ye need not fear the grave: News, news! Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall. Christ was born to save, Christ was born to save!
Benediction
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The Way of Discipleship
Growing in Grace through study: Sundays following worship. The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas.
Growing in Grace through fellowship and more:
Welcome Table every Second Sunday 11:30 am. Come and share a meal and conversation.
Friday with Friends every Third Friday 11am in Narthex. Bring bag lunch. December 16h.
Growing in Grace through intercessory prayer:
Prayer group meets Mondays at 5:30pm on Zoom. All are welcome to join in prayer. Please send or share prayer concerns with Pastor Gayle.
Prayer Shawls: You may have noticed the throws on the chairs in the narthex. These were made by our own Prayer Shawl ministry. These “shawls” represent prayer and hugs for people in need. If this describes you or yours, please take one.
Growing in Grace through service: A.C.T.S Food Pantry: Canned vegetables 15 oz size, low sodium canned vegetables, snack items, individually packed, Pop-top canned prepared meals suitable for our homeless clients, single serve prepared food suitable for our homeless clients, laundry detergent, dish detergent, cleaning supplies in general, toiletries and personal hygiene items, size 4T pull-ups, size 6 diapers, dog food.
Clothing for Featherstone School: small and medium size sweatpants in blue, gray or black.
You shop, AmazonSmile donates. Shop at smile.amazon.com to generate donations for Cokesbury UMC at no extra cost.
Please keep in prayer: Charles Crist, Kyle Keen and family, Kaye, Charline, Valerie Hoyt, Mike Petitt, Millie, Mary Baker, Donna and Rosier Bailey, Mary Jane Fizer, John Kelly, Louise and Mark Young, Jane Foster, Claire Such-Hutton, Marian Ivy, Ellen and Carlos Kuvasko, Al Firth, Margaret Franklin, Hallman family,
Debbie, Lilli, Ollie, Linda, Chrissie, Toye, Wenona, people living with cancer, battling addictions, struggling with life changes, seeking the Lord. The ministry of Cokesbury. Featherstone School students, teachers, staff, parents.
Licensing *CCLI copyright #21178338 and streaming #21178321.
**One License Licensing Permission # A-741072. All Rights Reserved. Reprint/Streamed.
January 8th Welcome Table following worship. Meal and take down Christmas decorations.
February 25th Discovering the Possibilities workshop 8:30am-3pm.