Sunday, December 29, 2002 - (Service of Carols)

God’s joy is for everyone. Joy is experienced when the poor, oppressed, sick, downcast or heart-weary are lifted up, strengthened, and healed. That not everyone can participate fully in joy confirms what Simeon tells Mary: Her child is a sign that reveals people’s inner thoughts when they oppose or embrace him. We can choose joy, not just for our selves, but for everyone. To affirm that the whole world shall be filled with God’s joy is to work for justice and peace for all creation.

Prelude 

 Sharing Announcements

 A Time of Greeting

 A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship (Responsive)

One:        We enter into worship under the light of God’s star.

All:      We follow in the path of wandering seekers of long ago.

One:        We have experienced Christmas, and now we must centre its meaning in our lives.

All:      Our prayers, our songs, our hopes, even our fears are holy through God’s gift of love.

Prayer of Approach

One:        Let us continue to unite our hearts in prayer.

All:      Gentle God, the tinsel falls, the year turns, the carols fade. The blessing of Bethlehem that touched all the gray in our lives with star-silver is past. In this turning season of long cold nights, we ask your continued presence beyond our holidays into the wintering times of our lives, so that we can begin to grow and become strong, filled with your wisdom.  Amen.

Carol #35 “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”

Carol #69 “Away in a Manger”

Time with the Young & the young at heart

Carol #44 “It Came upon the Midnight Clear”

         God, when the time of anguish comes, strengthen us.  When the time of decision comes, guide us that we may choose the Way of Jesus Christ.  When the time of acceptance comes, stay with us and root out our fear. When the time for speaking out comes, encourage us with your confident Spirit. When the time for action comes, give us generosity of spirit which goes way beyond our local needs…(Silent Confession)

Assurance of Pardon (One)

It seems sometimes that we lack the courage to follow the pattern that Jesus made clear to us. Then, you call us by name, affirm our ability, and set us on the road that is faithful and good. You believe in us! And we set out confidently, knowing your peace in the struggle, as well as in the celebration. You are there for us loving God! Amen.

Men Singers   “Go Tell It on the Mountain”

                        “The Little Cradle Rocks”

Carol Requests

Poem by Ann Weems “Christmas Trees and Strawberry Summers”

Carol #71 “’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime”

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

Dedication “In the Bleak Midwinter” vs 4

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a wise man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give him – give my heart.

 Prayer of Dedication (One)

The season of gift-giving has ended, but we, the people of God, are called to keep giving. And so we bring our weekly gifts this day, asking that they may be blessed to do your work in this church and through your wider church across the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Carol #38 “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Carol Requests

Poem by Ann Weems “Boxed”

Lord’s Prayer #959 (sung)

Commissioning

As we go from our worship:  may the joy of the angels sing in our voices; may the hope of the shepherds enliven our minds; may the strong faith of Mary strengthen our spirits; and may the love of the baby shine in our hearts.

Choral Amen

#43 “Go, Tell It On The Mountain”

Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. 

Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. (x2)

Postlude

Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning

in loving memory of

mother, Vera Cooper

&

husband, Melvin Dixon

by

Marg Dixon & family