DECEMBER 29, 2024 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
Mother Mary, Did Someone Sling Mud at You? | by Randi Fretague "Mary, exhausted from searching for Jesus and the mix of feelings and accusations that come with missing a child, is comforted in the desert. My assignment of Jesus comforting his mother after she lost him in the Temple, changed as I painted it, to indicate that Mary was slandered. The paint, smeared over her face, was a physical accident, but I left it there. "
THE CHURCH GATHERS Pre-Service Music
Still, Still, Still
arr. Lloyd Larson
Call to Worship
Christ is born! Alleluia! Jesus is among us! Alleluia! The Word has become flesh! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Hymn
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
UMH #240
Prayer of Confession
adapted from Feasting on the Word Almighty God, we confess that our hearts have not been open to all that you have revealed to us in the nativity of your Son. You sent Christ to be born as a helpless Child, and yet we have not attended to suffering of children. You chose humble Mary to be mother of our Lord Jesus, and yet we have not attended to the struggles of women. The holy family could find no room in Bethlehem but a stable, and yet we have not attended to the cry of the homeless. You announced your birth to lowly shepherds, yet we ignore those who tend our farms and fields. Forgive our lack of attention, and free us for joyful compassion, that we may know Christ in serving others. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. silent prayer
Words of Assurance
Break forth into singing, for the Lord has redeemed you. See the salvation of God; find comfort in God’s strong arms. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Amen.
TO HEAR THE WORD AND REFLECT Children's Time
Where Children Belong
TFWS #2233
SHARING IN WORSHIP TODAY
TODAY'S FLOWERS ARE GIVEN
Acolytes - Andrew Aryeetey, RJ Aryeetey Liturgists - Nkechi Mezazem, William Ponder Reader - Ana Francisco-Cabus Musician - Julia Hanna Ushers - David Potts, Mae Potts, Ian Griffiths
WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY 2025
Scripture Reading Matthew 25:31-46 This is the Word of Life. Thanks be to God. Sermon
Rev. Tayler Necoechea
TO RESPOND IN FAITH Hymn
Away in a Manger
UMH #217
Prayers of the People
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Offertory
In the Bleak Midwinter
Hymn
arr. Mary MacDonald
Doxology
UMH #94
Prayer of Thanksgiving
AND SCATTERS TO BE IN THE WORLD Hymn
Go Tell It on the Mountain
UMH #251
Go Tell It on the Mountain
arr. Mark Hayes
Benediction Postlude
PRAYER CONCERNS
Prayers for the sick, hospitalized, lonely, homeless and depressed, and for all who care for them. Prayers for the people of Syria, as they enter a new chapter after the overthrow of their authoritarian regime. May all people on earth know freedom and peace, and may all nations become places for human rights to flourish. Prayers for people of Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Ukraine, and Russia and all other places in war. Pray for their leaders to come to peaceful resolutions. Prayers for our leaders during this contentious political season. May those in elected office engage in constructive rhetoric that seeks to bridge, rather than exacerbate, our partisan divides, and may a peaceful transfer of power take place.
HAVE PRAYER CONCERNS?
For our Prayer Chain, call Yvonne Macdonald at 609-577-8369 or email her at yvonnee.mac@verizon.net. Email Pastor Tayler Necoechea at tayler@princetonumc.org when you or a family member is in the hospital or in need of a pastoral call.
WELCOME TO
Princeton United Methodist Church We are a diverse faith community, engaged in enlivening spiritually thirsty people to joyfully respond to God’s love and grow as disciples of Christ, so that together we may experience the fullness of life.
SCAN TO GIVE OR TEXT YOUR GIFT AMOUNT TO 609-554-1128
SCAN TO CONNECT WITH US OR TEXT 'PUMC' TO 609-542-2192
ANNOUNCEMENTS DIAPER DRIVE
Please bring diapers to place under the Chrismon Tree. All diapers will be donated to Maker’s Place for local distribution to help families’ littlest members stay healthy and dry. The drive will end next week, Jan. 5 with a Diaper Bundling party. All sizes are welcome but larger sizes are especially needed.
JANUARY SPECIAL OFFERING
Our special offering for January is supporting Human Relations Day. Human Relations Day is a special Sunday across our denominations that focuses on fostering better relationships and supporting community and youth outreach.
FOLLOW US ON
SOCIAL MEDIA
CHURCH CALENDAR www.princetonumc.org/calendar
www.facebook.com/princetonumc www.instagram.com/princetonumc