TODAY’S SCRIPTURE Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
DECEMBER 24, 2017 NEWDAY PRAISE WORSHIP - 9:50 A.M.
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”
WHOSE IS HE?
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
The lyrics of the famous Christmas carol, What Child Is This?, were written in 1865 by an Englishman named William Chatterton Dix. The song poses an important question worth pondering: “Who is this baby in the Bethlehem manger?” while working one’s way through the various stanzas of the hymn. It is interesting to note the characters mentioned overtly such as the Christ child, His mother Mary, shepherds, angels and even two forms of feeding livestock. While not specifically named, the recognizable actions of the wise men are referenced as the ones who brought their well-known gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh. All the characters normally present in a Nativity display are accounted for except one. Who is missing from the stable scene?
MATTHEW 1:18-25 (NRSV)
MATTHEW 1:18-25 REV. ELIZABETH GILBERT
Joseph. There is no mention of the man who would help raise the “Son of Mary.” The primary man who would love and invest himself in the life of this special child is not mentioned in this classic Christmas song. Even in Scripture only a few of Joseph’s actions are recorded during the early years of his relationship with Mary and into Jesus’ early life, and none of Joseph’s words remain in print. Only Joseph’s actions of obedience, care, and presence are mentioned. But Joseph was present at the manger. He was present before the manger. He was present after the manger. He was present at least up through Jesus’ twelfth birthday as recorded in Luke 2:41-52. What child is this? He is a child adopted by a father who loved him. What child is this? The One who makes the way for us to enter into God’s family, too.
CLASSIC WORSHIP DECEMBER 24, 2017 - 8:30, 9:50 & 11:00 A.M. Prelude Mikayla, Cameron and Andrew Zick Welcome * Hymn of Preparation 240 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing * Call to Worship Leader: Leave your darkness at the door. People: The season of light is dawning. Leader: It is a time of celebrating. People: The birth of hopes, Leader: The flame of compassion, People: The cradle of wonder, Leader: The bud of peace. People: The darkness is fading. Leader: We are finished with waiting. All: Bring in the season of light! Lighting of the Advent Wreath Anthem (8:30 & 9:50 a.m.) Kristina Zick (11:00 a.m.) Mikayla Zick Scripture Red Pew Bible, p. 832 Luke 2:1-5 Message Is This a “Long” Trip? Rev. Charlie Wilfong Hymn of Response 245 The First Noel v1 Time for Prayer Pastoral Prayer The Lord’s Prayer 895 Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy 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 thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Giving Offertory (8:30 & 9:50 a.m.) O Holy Night Women’s Ensemble * Hymn of Parting 234 * Dismissal & Blessing * Postlude
(11:00 a.m.) Sometime at Christmas Gage Samaddar, singer
O Come, All Ye Faithful vs 1, 4 & 5 O Come, All Ye Faithful
Brandon Rodarmel & Jaime Carini piano-organ duet
(*) asterisk indicates time for persons, who are able, to stand. Bold indicates congregation recites
We happily sing, “Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go!” If only holiday travel today were as easy. Did we pack everything? Do we have snacks? Did we get our tickets? Are the flights on time? What’s the weather forecast? Is there a traffic jam? Countless obstacles and barriers stand between us and a relaxing out-of-town Christmas visit. And what about Mary and Joseph’s days-long journey to Bethlehem so late in her pregnancy just before the first Christmas? Was it really necessary? Does their journey have anything to teach us about the “journey” of the Christian life? Check your fuel gauge and buckle up!
CLASSIC WORSHIP NOTES Today marks the fourth Sunday of Advent, a season of waiting and preparing. If you are new to worship at Plainfield United Methodist Church, a special word of welcome to you in these final hours of Advent. This morning, we welcome a number of youth from the congregation to provide music for our worship. Although we closely associate Christmas carols with this festive season, the tradition of carols being a part of the sacred (and secular) festivities is relatively new, stemming from increased popularity in the past two centuries. The opening hymn, “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” features text written by Charles Wesley, brother of the Methodist founder John Wesley, written in 1739. Initially called “Hymn for Christmas Day,” the text was set to slow and somber music, relative to the music we use today – a hymn tune written by Felix Mendelssohn. Interestingly, Mendelssohn’s composition initially was for secular purposes, and only was later arranged for sacred use and paired with Wesley’s text. The closing hymn and postlude feature the hymn tune “Adeste Fideles,” the origins of which are foggy at best. Whether sung as a congregational hymn, or as a piano-organ duet concluding c o n gre gat i o n a l wo r sh i p, the popular carol melody is intertwined in our Christmas celebrations each year. Christmas Eve worship tonight at Plainfield UMC includes a range of services as noted elsewhere in your worship folder. We especially hope you will consider attending the 5:00 p.m. “Lessons and Carols” worship which is added this year to our evening worship experiences. Scripture, Christmas carols and music by choir and organ unite for reverent, stately Christmas Eve worship at “Lessons and Carols.”
WORSHIP SCHEDULE CHANGES AT PUMC IN 2018! We are so glad to welcome you to worship this morning!
CONNECT
Thank you for spending time at Plainfield United Methodist Church today! We hope that you enjoyed worship and were able to experience God’s presence in this place. Please stop by the Welcome Center in the South lobby to talk with a PUMC member, learn more about PUMC, and receive a free gift.
COFFEE & REFRESHMENTS
In Clayton Hall, you’ll find great coffee, refreshments and a place to chat and meet people. Please make yourself at home.
PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN
The children’s programs of PUMC are well supervised and offer warm, caring, and fun atmospheres. INFANT AND TODDLERS care is in room 15 from 8:30 a.m.-12:00
p.m. every Sunday.
THREE - PRE K AGED CHILDREN Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m. in
room 20.
CHILDREN GRADES K-5 “Bible Explorers” begins at 9:45 in the south
The New Year will bring a new schedule to PUMC’s worship ministry. In PUMC’s desire to give the greatest opportunity for people to experience the full love and grace of Jesus through the worship ministries of PUMC - without burdening worship and ministry teams - January will see an adjusted worship schedule. Beginning January 7, 2018, PUMC’s Sunday morning worship schedule will be adjusted in the following ways:
•
Classic Worship will be at 8:45 and 10:00 a.m.
•
NewDay Praise Worship will be at 8:45 and 10:00 a.m.
•
A new “Preaching Chapel” will be held in the sanctuary at 11:15 a.m.
hallway. Classrooms are marked. Children may begin arriving 9:30 a.m. in room 107, the Gathering Place, for worship and music before class.
•
During all worship in the sanctuary, activity bags for children are available from the ushers.
STUDENT MINISTRY PROGRAMS
Middle and High School students will find a worship experience led by Youth Pastor Bob Preusch and the student worship team at 9:45 a.m. every Sunday upstairs in room 200.
•
ADULT SMALL GROUP LIFE
Learn more about the many adult small groups at PUMC by picking up a brochure from the information rack in the south lobby.
SPIRITUAL SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Stephen Ministers are church members trained to be confidential, listening, prayerful encouragers to anyone needing extra support for life’s challenges. Please contact a Stephen Minister by phoning the church office.
WEEKDAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
PUMC offers weekday children’s programs for ages 12 months—age 5. Please email Director Sigrid Schuld at sschuld@pumc.org.
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
For children in Grades K-5 from 6:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. For more information, email Director Carissa Wooden at cwooden@pumc.org.
CONTACT US
600 Simmons Street, Plainfield IN 46168 PUMC.ORG | 317.839.2319 | pumc@pumc.org
•
This 30-minute experience will include a hymn, prayer, and message in a more casual, intimate style This experience will not require tech or media support, and limited hospitality and music support.
Children and Yo u t h programming will be 10-11:00 a.m.
Existing Sunday Adult Groups and Classes may choose to meet at any time that best suits the members of their group, being mindful that children and youth programming and support is primarily at 10-11:00 a.m. Note: Infant and Toddler care will continue to be available throughout the morning for 8:45 and 10:00 a.m. Worship and for 11:15 a.m. Preaching Chapel. PUMC’s Worship ministry is of the highest quality, engaging, and relevant. Invite and bring a friend to join you for worship in January so that they can also experience the full embrace of the grace and love of God in Jesus Christ through worship at PUMC.
PIZZA FUNDRAISER The Adult mission trip to Costa Rica is making fresh 14 inch “Home Fire” pizzas just in time for New Years. Orders will be taken at the North & South PUMC Lobby entrances after worship on December 10, 17, and 24. Pizzas are being made fresh on December 30 and will be available for pickup on December 30 and 31.
2018 STEWARDSHIP & GIVING If you are a regular financial supporter of this ministry, please find your 2018 giving envelopes in the hospitality area in Clayton Hall. If you have questions about giving, stewardship, or church finances, please contact Brenda Barnett, PUMC Financial Administrator, through the church office or at bbarnett@pumc.org.
LAST SATURDAY LUNCH You are invited on Saturday, December 30, for a nourishing lunch and some great fellowship. Lunch is provided by members of PUMC. This is a free meal to all the community served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Clayton Hall. Please enter through Door 14.
CALENDAR Go to pumc.link/5217 to see upcoming events at Plainfield UMC.
what s next ?
Matthew 2:13-23
Sunday, December 31 Classic Worship
POINSETTIAS GIVEN BY AND IN LOVING MEMORY
Kathleen List in memory of Mary Edwards Hanna Jeanine Maloney in memory of Tom Maloney
POINSETTIAS GIVEN BY AND IN CELEBRATION
Susan & Sterling Ament in memory of Richard & Nan Ament
Treva Marcum-Rubsam in memory of an amazing man, Dan Rubsam
Chuck & Gloria Bowman in celebration of Gaylord Conrad
Betty Barding in memory of Keith Barding and loved ones
Gladys & Russell McCann in memory of Virginia J. Marshall
Shirley & Dick Belcher in memory of parents & family
Marjorie Morris in memory of my grandson Philip Sullenger
Donna Cameron in celebration of my husband Mark and Gwen & Brett, my grown-up “kids”
Kay Blevins & family in memory of Jack Blevins
James & Sandy Pennington in memory of our parents
Ruth Anne Bowen in memory of Noble L. Bowen
Tony & Debbie Perona in memory of our parents
Chuck & Gloria Bowman in memory of Alton & Berniece Bowman and Maxine Conrad
Ed & Lisa Rhodes in memory of Lisa's sister Debbie Shay
Jerry, Heather, Mallory & Zayne Courtney in memory of Phyllis Haack Charles Crawford in memory of Gene & Ruth Crawford Troy & Heather Crum in memory of Delmas Crum and our grandparents David Durell family in memory of James & Suzanne Durell Jim & Johanna Edmondson in memory of Carol and Jeff Edmondson Jean Ellis in memory of my husband Tom Ellis Mary & Norm Geible in memory of our son Nick Baar Bud & Anita Green in memory of our parents Gail Lyons Grier in memory of my father, Hasker D. Lyons Inessa Hansen in memory of my grandparents Tim Hansen in memory of my father and grandparents Phil & Judy Heffelman in memory of our parents Kathy Helms in memory of my parents, Herb & Barb Cox and William & Juanita Huddleston Judy Karstens in memory of husband Eugene W. Karstens and mother Sarah C. Kessler Karen Kehrein & Gary Curtis in memory of our grandparents Daniel & Debi Kinnamon in memory of Carol Edmondson and Jeff Edmondson Mick & Linda Linn in memory of William Belser and Don & Erma Linn
Ed & Lisa Rhodes in memory of our parents, Lucian & Mary Rhodes and Edward & Beverly Shay Marcia Rodarmel in memory of Bennie Joe Rodarmel Lori Sargent and Mary Bazan in memory of Thomas & Tommy Bazan, Fred & Ruth Sargent, and Maggie Albright Sandie Shelton in memory of Terry Shelton Mike, Jamie, Kate & Tyler Simek in memory of Michael & Suzanne Simek Vern & Lou Sullenger in memory of our son Philip Sullenger
Troy & Heather Crum in celebration of our children, our families and friends Sue Doty in celebration of Helen Wallen Bud & Anita Green in celebration of our children and grandchildren Karen Kehrein & Gary Curtis in celebration of our family Kathleen List in celebration of Mary Winters and Janet Young Treva Marcum-Rubsam in celebration of my 2 granddaughters and my 8 grandsons James & Sandy Pennington in celebration of our children and grandchildren Jim & Martha Roath in celebration of our grandchildren: Olivia, Ben, Elena, Emma and Elyssa Gene & Janet Young in celebration of our wonderful family and our 65th wedding anniversary
Open It: What was your most frightening brush with death? Explore It: Why was it necessary for Joseph to take his family and flee? Get It: Why is it important to listen to God? Apply It: In what area of your life would you benefit from more diligently seeking God’s direction?
PRAISE & PRAYER
Known in the hospital this week: Oma Buckner Amy Cronin Hospitality Volunteers include: Ben & Justin Laver, Frank Davis, Russ & Sandy Combs, Martha Roath, Betty Denton, Carol Kersey, Sara Thrasher, Norma Lantz, Tamara Miller, Mary Ann Hamilton, Shirley Overton, Greg Hole, Jim Rodarmel, Joe Bennett, Larry Rudy, Tim Hansen, Leanne Tam, Mark Preis, Mike McFarling, John Bizeau, Kevin Gray, Brooks Wagler, Gerald Rhodes, Lance Burris, Orville Stenger, Todd Sprinkle, Clint Groeschen, Mike & Laurie Rohrer, Steve & Karen Best Acolytes 8:30 a.m.
Victoria Kinnamon Brock Kinnamon
Liturgists: 8:30 a.m. 9:50 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Mary Raver Bree Dunscombe Michael Gilbert
Infant/Toddler Room this Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Kathy Everman 9:50 a.m. Becca Mount 11:00 a.m. Kathy Everman
Eleanor Vermillion & family in memory of Ed Vermillion Bonnie Walton in memory of Cecil & Pauline Walton Judy Watts in memory of Robert R., Charlotte M. and Robert C. Watts Jane Webster & family in memory of Dan & Tabb Webster Don & Sarah Willis in memory of our parents and siblings Dotty Wilson in memory of Dick Wilson, Terri Lynn Wilson-Raynes and Dr. Tyler J. Wilson Janice Wilson in memory of David E. Wilson & Mike Feeney and Herbert & Virginia Wilson Vicky Wilson in memory of my parents, Jesse & Helen Williams Willadean Wooldridge in memory of Patricia Rock Gene & Janet Young in memory of our loved ones
PUMC VITAL SIGNS GIVING
WAYS TO GIVE
DECEMBER 17, 2017: TOTAL YTD 2017: TOTAL YTD 2016: ONLINE GIVING FOR NOVEMBER
$9,389 $977,193 $987,486 $10,130
GIVE IN PERSON IN WORSHIP ON SUNDAY MORNING.
IN-PERSON
CASH/CHECK
ATTENDANCE
DECEMBER 17, 2017: 459 IN-PERSON PREVIOUS 52 WK AVG: 445 CASH/CHECK IN SERVICE TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF THIS CONGREGATION LAST WEEK: 42 IN-PERSON
CASH/CHECK
ONLINE SECURE
ONLINE SECURE
ACH AUTOMATED BANK DRAFT
ACH
ONLINE AT PUMC.ORG OR VIA ONLINE AUTOMAT SECUREGIVE ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE. BANK DRA SECURE
ACH
PHONE BRENDA BARNETT IN AUTOMATED DRAFT THE CHURCH BANK OFFICE TO SET UP, 317.839.2319.
GIVE VIA THE PLAINFIELD UMC APP. GET THE APP ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE AT PUMC.LINK/GETAPP
CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY CELEBRATION DECEMBER 24, 2017 - 4:00 P.M. SANCTUARY
Welcome Hymn 211
Rev. Ken Loudenback O Come, O Come, Emmanuel v1
Joseph & Mary Travel to Bethlehem Hymn 230
O Little Town of Bethlehem v1
The Birth of Jesus
Rev. Charlie Wilfong
Silent Night, Holy Night
Bible Explorers Singers
The Shepherds Are Visited Hymn 245
The First Noel v1
The Angels Bring Good News Hymn 238
Angels We Have Heard on High v2&3
The Shepherds Visit O Come, All Ye Faithful
Bible Explorers Singers
Offering He Is Born
Bible Explorers Singers
Dismissal Hymn 251
Go, Tell It on the Mountain v3
CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION WITH NEWDAY PRAISE DECEMBER 24, 2017 - 5:00 P.M. WORSHIP ANNEX
Welcome Song Scripture
Joy to the World/Unspeakable Joy
The Birth of Jesus
Song Scripture
The Shepherds & Angels
Scripture Song Scripture
The Magi Visit
Song Kids Time
What Child is This?
Luke 2:1-7 Mary Did You Know Luke 2:8-12 Luke 2:13-20 Glory In The Highest Matthew 2:1-11 O Come All Ye Faithful Rev. Elizabeth Gilbert
Offering Song Message
What Child Is This?
What Child Is This Rev. Elizabeth Gilbert
Candle Lighting Song Closing
O Holy Night
CLASSIC WORSHIP NOTES Good evening and welcome to Christmas Eve worship at Plainfield United Methodist Church. If you are a guest, we offer you particular welcome – please let an usher know if we can assist you in any way. The tradition of Lessons and Carols is neither a new style of Christmas worship within Christendom, nor is it new to this congregation. After a period of absence, it returns this year to PUMC’s Christmas Eve offerings, acknowledging the 100th year since the storied introduction at King’s College, Cambridge (England) where the tradition continues today. The order of our worship this evening has been modified slightly to fit United Methodist worship practices, while still retaining the spirit of this liturgy. As is the tradition of Lessons and Carols, following the pipe organ prelude, worship begins with a single voice of a child singing the first verse of the hymn “Once in Royal David’s City.” A successive order of worship composed of prayers, scripture, choral anthems and congregational singing unfolds the Christmas story. Words ranging from reverent, elegant, thoughtful, touching and timeless come to mind when experiencing Lessons and Carols. The two primary choral anthems – written by English composer and choir director Philip Stopford, and American composer Dan Forrest – illustrate the strong tradition of sacred music writing that thrives for Christian worship today. Born in 1977 and 1978 respectively, these gifted composers expand the repertory of music available for modern worship in a sacred setting while stimulating both worshiper’s hearts and minds alike. Worship concludes with an electric, energizing toccata of fast-moving hands and the familiar melody of “Adeste Fideles” intertwined amongst the p e r p e tu a l m ot io n . Throughout worship, listen for the wide-ranging color palate and expressivity emanating from our recently-completed pipe organ. Merry Christmas.
CHRISTMAS EVE LESSONS & CAROLS DECEMBER 24, 2017 - 5:00 P.M. SANCTUARY Prelude Once in Royal David’s City David Willcocks * Processional Hymn 250 Once in Royal David’s City vs 1, 2 & 4
v1 Suzanne Swinger, treble vs 2 & 4 Congregation
* Bidding Prayer
Rev. Charlie Wilfong
Beloved in Christ, this Christmas Eve it is our duty and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels, and to go in heart and mind to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. Therefore let us hear again from Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our sin until the glorious redemption brought us by this holy Child; and let us make this house of prayer glad with our carols of praise. But first, because this of all things would rejoice Jesus’ heart, let us pray to him for the needs of the whole world, and all his people; for peace upon the earth he came to save; for love and unity within the one Church he did build; for goodwill among all peoples. And particularly at this time let us remember the poor, the cold, the hungry, the oppressed; the sick and them that mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love. Lastly let us remember all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one. These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in the words that Christ himself has taught us.
* The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy 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 thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
* Blessing
The almighty God bless us with divine grace, Christ give us the joys of everlasting life, and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all. Amen.
Welcome The First Lesson: Promise to Abraham
Genesis 22:15-18
God promises to Abraham that by his descendants all the nations of the earth shall obtain blessing.
Anthem The Second Lesson: Unto Us a Child Is Born
A Child Is Born in Bethlehem
Philip Stopford
The prophet announces the birth of a king to a people in darkness.
Anthem
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
The People that Walked in Darkness from Messiah G. F. Handel K. Allen Davis, bass
The Third Lesson: The Spirit of Messiah and Peace of the Messianic Reign Isaiah 11:1-4a, 6-9 The king is coming and will usher in a reign of justice for the poor and peace for all of God’s creation.
Christmas Eve Offering Offertory * Hymn 211 The Fourth Lesson: The Angel Speaks to Mary
Because God gives, we give. Thank you for your generosity. Angels’ Carol
John Rutter
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel vs 1, 4 & 7
Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel announces to the virgin Mary that she will give birth to God’s promised Son whose kingdom shall never end.
The Fifth Lesson: Jesus is Born
Against a backdrop of emperors and taxes, Jesus is born.
Anthem
Luke 2:1-7 O Little Town of Bethlehem
Ralph Vaughan Williams
The Sixth Lesson: Angels and Shepherds
Luke 2:8-20
The shepherds go to see the Savior of the world, lying in a manger.
Anthem The Seventh Lesson: Magi Visit Jesus
While Shepherds Watched their Flocks
Hymn 254 * The Eighth Lesson: God Incarnate in Jesus
We Three Kings
arr. David Willcocks
Matthew 2:1-11
The wise men follow a star to find the child Jesus, the King of the Jews.
vs 2-4
John 1:1-14
John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.
* Collect
O almighty God, by the birth of your holy child Jesus you gave us a great light to dawn on our darkness. Grant that in his light we may see light. Bestow upon us that most excellent Christmas gift of love to all people, so that the likeness of your Son may be formed in us, and that we may have the ever brightening hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
* Hymn 246 * Benediction
Joy to the World
May the Christ who by his Incarnation gathered into One things earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen. Go forth in peace and joy. Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
* Postlude
Toccata on ‘Adeste Fideles’
(*) asterisk indicates time for persons, who are able, to stand. Bold indicates congregation recites
arr. Page Long
CLASSIC WORSHIP NOTES Welcome to Christmas Eve worship at Plainfield United Methodist Church. Whether you are a first-time guest or a longtime member, we welcome you in the spirit of Christmas this evening. Worship begins with an extended orchestral prelude including music by two Baroque composers, Romantic composer Tchaikovsky, English composer Percy Grainer, and American composer Ric Flauding. A continent- and centur yspanning offering of music to prepare you for the Christmas story and a truly life-changing gift. Written by Handel in only 24 days, the oratorio Messiah tells the story of Jesus’ coming, birth, crucifixion and resurrection, and excerpts from the larger, threehour work are included tonight. Listen for the other-worldly energy of the Angels singing “Glory to God!” through Handel’s inspired musical genius. Living composer John Rutter’s original composition “Angels’ Carol” is an elegant, heavenly composition with a recapitulating text “Gloria in excelsis deo” (Glory to God in the highest) for chorus and orchestra. And this fresh, vivid setting of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by American composer Dan Forrest was published just this year and re-imagines the beloved carol anew. Among the many hymns of tonight’s Christmas Eve worship is “Silent Night” which was penned in Austria and heard for the very first time on Christmas Eve 1818, at a small church in the Austrian countryside. The opening hymn and the concluding postlude bookend our evening with the music of “Adeste Fideles.” The electric, energizing toccata and fast-motion of the hands in the pipe organ postlude elevate the classic Christmas carol to new musical heights. Merry Christmas!
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP WITH CHOIR & ORCHESTRA DECEMBER 24, 2017 - 7:00 & 9:00 P.M. SANCTUARY
Prelude Second Brandenburg Concerto Third Movement J.S. Bach
Plainfield Festival Orchestra Patrick Cronin, trumpet
Shepherd’s Hey
Percy Grainger
Canon in D
Johann Pachelbel
Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker Tchaikovsky
The First Noel
arr. Ric Flauding
Welcome * Hymn 234
O Come, All Ye Faithful vs 1, 2, 3 & 6
* Call to Worship Leader: We have come here to celebrate! People: A child has been born for us. Leader: His name is called Wonderful Counselor, People: Good Shepherd, Lamb of God. Leader: He is the babe of Bethlehem and the Mighty Lord. People: His name is called Savior, Author of Life, Leader: Bread of Life, the Light of the World. People: He is called Friend and Guide. Leader: And we call him Everlasting Life, Prince of Peace, People: the One who brings love to each of us and all of us. All: With joyous and thankful praise, we worship the With-us God! Scripture
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Anthem
Scripture
Luke 1:26-38 Excerpts from Messiah
G. F. Handel Adult Choir & Plainfield Festival Orchestra
The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-7
Anthem Scripture
Angels’ Carol John Rutter
The Shepherds & Angels
Hymn 217 Scripture
Luke 2:8-20 Away in a Manger vs 1 & 3
The Magi Visit
Christmas Message
Life-Changing Gifts
Mission Moment Offertory Meditation in the Darkness
Matthew 2:1-12 Rev. Charlie Wilfong O Little Town of Bethlehem
arr. Dan Forrest
Rev. Charlie Wilfong
Candle Lighting * Hymn 239
Silent Night, Holy Night
* Benediction * Hymn 246
Joy to the World
Postlude
Toccata on ‘Adeste Fideles’
vs 1 & 2
(*) asterisk indicates time for persons, who are able, to stand. Bold indicates congregation recites
arr. Page Long
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP WITH CHOIR & ORCHESTRA DECEMBER 24, 2017 - 11:00 P.M. SANCTUARY
Prelude
CLASSIC WORSHIP NOTES
Three Traditional Carols
arr. Ray Pool Melissa Gallant, harp
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night arr. Verlene Schermer
Once in Royal David’s City
Noel Nouvelet
arr. Daniel Burton arr. Erin Freund
Greensleeves
arr. Susan McDonald
Welcome * Hymn 240
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
* Call to Worship Leader: We have come here to celebrate! People: A child has been born for us. Leader: His name is called Wonderful Counselor, People: Good Shepherd, Lamb of God. Leader: He is the babe of Bethlehem and the Mighty Lord. People: His name is called Savior, Author of Life, Leader: Bread of Life, the Light of the World. People: He is called Friend and Guide. Leader: And we call him Everlasting Life, Prince of Peace, People: the One who brings love to each of us and all of us. All: With joyous and thankful praise, we worship the With-us God! Scripture
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Luke 1:26-38
Anthem Scripture
Sussex Carol
arr. Dale Wood
The Birth of Jesus
Hymn 234 Scripture
Luke 2:1-7 O Come, All Ye Faithful vs 1 & 3
The Shepherds & Angels
Luke 2:8-20
Hymn 245 Scripture
The First Noel vs 1 & 2
The Magi Visit
Matthew 2:1-12
Hymn 246 Christmas Message
Life-Changing Gifts
Holy Communion Communion Anthem Meditation in the Darkness
Joy to the World vs 1 & 4
Rev. Charlie Wilfong Gesu Bambino
arr. Samuel Milligan
Rev. Charlie Wilfong
Candle Lighting * Hymn 239
Silent Night, Holy Night
* Benediction * Postlude
Toccata on ‘Adeste Fideles’
(*) asterisk indicates time for persons, who are able, to stand. Bold indicates congregation recites
arr. Page Long
Good evening and welcome to Christmas Eve worship at Plainfield United Methodist Church. If you are a guest, we offer you particular welcome – please let an usher know if we can assist you in any way. Worship begins with an extended prelude featuring music played by the harp. An instrument with a history spanning more than 5 millennia, the harp has evolved to include pedals that allow chromatic playing, expanding significantly the repertoire for the instrument as you will hear tonight. “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” features text written by Charles Wesley – brother of John Wesley, founder of Methodism – who served as a priest in the Church of England. Initially written for secular use by Felix Mendelssohn, the music to which we sing this beloved text today was not Wesley’s initial vision; rather he sought a slower, somber tune to which his text would be sung. The “Sussex Carol” is a lilting, classic carol of the Christmas season. Although featuring text from the 17th century, the hymn was elevated to its place in modern music-making much more recently upon discovery by composer and musician Ralph Vaughan Williams near the town of Sussex in south east England. The hymn begins with the text “On Christmas night all Christians sing to hear the news the angels bring.” Following the Holy Sacrament of Communion, Meditation in the Darkness and the vivid reminder through candlelight of the Holy Babe’s entrance into the world, worship concludes with a festive toccata for pipe organ. This arrangement on the tune “Adeste Fideles” engages the hands in perpetual motion with the familiar carol tune interwoven throughout. Merry Christmas.