Christmas Eve, 2020

You are with us, O God, in darkness and in light.

Merry Christmas! Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here…

To join worship via Zoom app, click this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83928727469?pwd=WFhzWkJFQjBhTlp4UEUvdWRhS2lKdz09 (If you are asked for a password, it is: 979035.) To dial in by phone call 1 312 626 6799. When prompted, enter 839 2872 7469#. Next, you will be prompted to enter your participant ID or to push #; simply push # again. Hymns are from the New Century Hymnal. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-704086. Cover images: Top, left to right: “Longest Night,” “Waiting for the Revealing,” “In the Beginning”; bottom, left to right: “And the Glory Shone Around,” “As on a Day of Festival,” “Christ in my Dreaming.” © Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com. Used with permission. Nativity images used with permission from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN Thanks also to those serving in the following roles tonight: Technical Support: Jean Chagnon, Hikaru Peterson, Annie Schenck Readers: Tim Danz, Ann Flom, Darrick Niccum, Sally Wingert Solo Guitar: Jeff Stone Vocalists: Hikaru, Soren and Jeff Peterson, Linda Valerian Violin: Soren Peterson Dance: Eirik Peterson

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December 24, 2020 • Christmas Eve PRELUDE SOLO “Night of Silence” by Daniel Kantor

Cold are the people, Winter of life, We tremble in shadows this cold endless night, Frozen in the snow lie roses sleeping, Flowers that will echo the sunrise, Fire of hope is our only warmth, Weary, its flame will be dying soon. Voice in the distance, call in the night, On wind you enfold us you speak of the light, Gentle on the ear you whisper softly, Rumors of a dawn so embracing, Breathless love awaits darkened souls, Soon will we know of the morning. Spirit among us, Shine like the star, Your light that guides shepherds and kings from afar, Shimmer in the sky so empty, lonely, Rising in the warmth of your Son’s love, Star unknowing of night and day, Spirit we wait for your loving Son.

GATHERING PRAYER Adapted from “A Litany of Darkness and Light” from A Procession of Prayers: Meditations and Prayers from Around the World

We wait in the darkness, God, anxiously, longingly, thoughtfully, expectantly. The darkness is our friend. In the darkness of the womb, we have all been nurtured and protected. In the darkness of the womb, the Christ-child is made ready for the journey into light. You are with us, O God, in darkness and in light. It is only in the darkness that we can see the splendor of the universe—gleaming ribbons of our galaxy, blankets of stars, the solitary glowing of neighboring planets. It was the darkness that allowed the Magi to find the star that guided them to where the find the star that guided them to where the Christ-Christ-child lay. You are with us, O God, in darkness and in light. In the darkness of night, desert peoples find relief from the cruel, relentless heat of the sun. In the darkness of sleep, we are soothed and restored, healed and renewed. In the darkness of sleep, dreams rise up. In the solitude of darkness, we remember those who need God’s presence. In the solitude of darkness, we remember those who are near to our hearts. In the solitude of darkness, our fears and concerns, our hopes and our visions rise to the surface.

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In that same darkness, we come face to face with ourselves and with the unknown road that lies ahead of us. In that same darkness, we sometimes allow ourselves to wonder and worry whether we will make it at all. And in that same darkness, we find companionship for the journey. You are with us, O God, in darkness and in light.

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE CHORAL RESPONSE On Christmas Night All Christians Sing

From out of mystery came the Light, which made the angels sing this night; From out of mystery came the Light, which made the angels sing this night: “Glory to God and peace to all, forevermore, Alleluia!”

WELCOME Joy and Jim Gullikson CAROL Joy to the World

Joy to the world; the Lord is come; Let earth receive her king.

Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the savior reigns;

Let all their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground.

Christ comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found.

SCRIPTURE Isaiah 52:7–10

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted God’s people, God has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared God’s holy arm before the eyes of all the nations;

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and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

SOLO O Holy Night Music by Adolphe Adam, 1847; French poem by Placide Cappeau, 1843 English translation by John Sullivan Dwight, 1855

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth; Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices! O night divine! O night when Christ was born. O night, O holy night, O night divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming; With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand: So, led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here come the wise men from Orient land, The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our friend;

He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger! Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend! Behold your King! your King! before him bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is Love and His gospel is Peace; Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, And in his name all oppression shall cease, Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we; Let all within us praise his Holy name!

Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we! His power and glory, evermore proclaim! His power and glory, evermore proclaim!

READING “Amazing Peace,” a Christmas poem by Maya Angelou

Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes And lightning rattles the eaves of our houses. Flood waters await us in our avenues. Snow falls upon snow, falls upon snow to avalanche Over unprotected villages. The sky slips low and grey and threatening. We question ourselves. What have we done to so affront nature? We worry God. Are you there? Are you there really? Does the covenant you made with us still hold?

IMAGE “Mary and Baby Jesus” by Kathleen Peterson

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SCRIPTURE Luke 2:1–7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. Joseph went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

CAROL Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (p. 11) (verses 1, 2)

READING “Amazing Peace,” continued

Into this climate of fear and apprehension, Christmas enters, Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air. The world is encouraged to come away from rancor, Come the way of friendship. It is the Glad Season. Thunder ebbs to silence and lightning sleeps quietly in the corner. Flood waters recede into memory. Snow becomes a yielding cushion to aid us As we make our way to higher ground. Hope is born again in the faces of children It rides on the shoulders of our aged as they walk into their sunsets. Hope spreads around the earth. Brightening all things, Even hate which crouches breeding in dark corridors.

SOLO Some Children See Him Lyric by Wihla Hutson; music by Alfred Burt

Some children see Him lily white, the baby Jesus born this night Some children see Him lily white with tresses soft and fair Some children see Him bronzed and brown, the Lord of heav’n to earth come down Some children see Him bronzed and brown, with dark and heavy hair Some children see Him almond-eyed, this Savior whom we kneel beside Some children see Him almond-eyed with skin of golden hue Some children see Him dark as they, sweet Mary’s Son to whom we pray Some children see him dark as they, and, oh they love Him too The children in each different place will see the baby Jesus’ face Like theirs, but bright, with heavenly grace and filled with holy light Oh lay aside each earthly thing and with thy heart as offering Come worship now the infant King, ‘tis love that’s born tonight

IMAGES “Angel” by Natal’ia Goncharova

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SCRIPTURE Luke 2:8–12

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”

READING “Amazing Peace,” continued

In our joy, we think we hear a whisper. At first it is too soft. Then only half heard. We listen carefully as it gathers strength. We hear a sweetness. The word is Peace. It is loud now. It is louder. Louder than the explosion of bombs.

IMAGE “Annunciation to the Shepherds”

created by Filipino artists in the Manila Cathedral SCRIPTURE Luke 2:13–14

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favors!”

CAROL Angels We Have Hear on High (verses 1–3)

Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply, echo back their joyous strains.

Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? Say what may the tidings be, which inspire your heavenly song.

Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Come to Bethlehem and see Christ whose birth the angels sing. Come adore on bended knee, God, our world now entering.

Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.

READING “Amazing Peace,” continued We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled by its presence. It is what we have hungered for. Not just the absence of war. But, true Peace. A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies. Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.

IMAGE “The Birth of Jesus with Shepherds” from The Life of Jesus Mafa

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SCRIPTURE Luke 2:15–16

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

PLACING JESUS IN THE MANGER READING “Amazing Peace,” continued

We clap hands and welcome the Peace of Christmas. We beckon this good season to wait a while with us. We, Baptist and Buddhist, Methodist and Muslim, say come. Peace. Come and fill us and our world with your majesty. We, the Jew and the Jainist, the Catholic and the Confucian, Implore you, to stay a while with us. So we may learn by your shimmering light How to look beyond complexion and see community. It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time. On this platform of peace, we can create a language To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other.

IMAGE “Mary and Baby Jesus” by Kathleen Peterson SCRIPTURE Luke 2:17–20

When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

IMAGE “Nativity” by unidentified Kenyan artist READING “Amazing Peace,” continued

At this Holy Instant, we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ Into the great religions of the world. We jubilate the precious advent of trust. We shout with glorious tongues at the coming of hope. All the earth’s tribes loosen their voices To celebrate the promise of Peace. We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Non-Believers, Look heavenward and speak the word aloud. Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud. Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation. Peace, My Brother. Peace, My Sister. Peace, My Soul.

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CAROL Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (verses 1, 3)

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”

Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies, With th’angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem.” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings,

Ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by,

Born that we no more may die, Born to raise us all from earth, Born to give us second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

SERMON

CAROL ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (p. 12)

CHRISTMAS PRAYER CHRISTMAS OFFERING December’s Special Offering is divided between the UCC Christmas Fund and the Mission at San Lucas Tolimán. The Christmas Fund offers emergency support to retired UCC clergy and supplements the income of those with inadequate pensions. The San Lucas Mission supports the community of San Lucas Tolimán in Guatemala through a variety of projects directed by the local people. You can make a gift on our website www.firstchurchmn.org. You can also give by texting 612-255-4109: “$(amount) Special” (for the monthly offering) or “$(amount) General Fund. If you give by check, please make it out to First Church with “Christmas offering” in the memo line, and send to the church office. Thank you! OFFERTORY ANTHEM “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord” Randall Thompson’s The Nativity According to St. Luke

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of God’s servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name. God’s mercy is for those who fear God from generation to generation. God has shown strength with the divine arm;

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God has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. God has helped God’s servant Israel, in remembrance of God’s mercy, according to the promise God made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

OFFERTORY RESPONSE “Gloria” refrain from Angels We Have Heard on High

Gloria in excelsis deo

PRAYER OF DEDICATION O Holy child, be born in us this night. Let our bodies be your stable, and our hearts be your manger. May our lips sing your glorias and our lives proclaim your peace. Amen. SHARING THE LIGHT FROM THE CHRIST CANDLE As the music starts, please light your candle CAROL Silent Night A verse of Peace, Peace (by Rick & Sylvia Powell, arr. Fred Bock) will be sung between stanzas 1 & 2 and 2 & 3 of Silent Night.

Silent Night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright

‘Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace

Silent Night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight;

Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior is born.

Silent Night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light

Radiant beams from your holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at your birth. Jesus, Lord, at your birth BENEDICTION POSTLUDE “Waltz of the Flowers” from the Nutcracker Ballet

Music by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreography and direction by Joseph Morrissey

Performed by The Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Company

z z z

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Staff note: Jane McBride will be on vacation Dec 25-Jan 1. She is available; however, if you have a pastoral care need. Please call or text her on her cell phone: 612-598-2432. You’re invited to online prayer and meditation. The following programs are offered weekly on Zoom:

Praying hymns. Sandy Johnson shares the poetry of hymn texts and a brief reflection, followed by community. Mondays at 8p: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87337381871?pwd=cytncDhPS2UrbUlvOGE2d1VoV2ZKUT09 Kundalini yoga. Vicki Snowden leads breath work and meditations from her practice. Tuesdays at noon: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84028373184?pwd=bk43bk02eXF3N2FGV3NzUzlMT21FQT09 Lectio Divina. Jane McBride leads lectio divina, praying the scriptures. Includes times of both silence and sharing. Wednesdays at 8p: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82073060366?pwd=RjIyREQ0SzZBajZ2OHEwRzd3UnNTUT09 Guided meditations with Jean Chagnon. Thursdays at 10:30a: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88639389172?pwd=L2htYitwcU1yMXlZUk9IalVna2pGdz09

All Team Meeting: Jan 3 at noon. Our ministry teams (Worship, Congregational Care, Hospitality and Engagement, Justice and Faith Formation) will meet jointly to share information and collaborate. If you are currently involved in a ministry team, please plan to attend. If you are not yet part of team, attending this meeting is a great way to learn more about what is happening and to become involved.

Coming up this week Sunday December 27 10a: Worship, Sandy Johnson preaching Monday December 28 8p: Praying hymns with Sandy Johnson https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87337381871?pwd=cytncDhPS2UrbUlvOGE2d1VoV2ZKUT09 Tuesday December 29 Noon: Kundalini yoga with Vicki Snowden https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84028373184?pwd=bk43bk02eXF3N2FGV3NzUzlMT21FQT09 Wednesday, December 30 7p: Chancel Choir online gathering (contact Byron for zoom info)

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Thursday, December 31 10:30a: Guided meditation with Jean Chagnon https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88639389172?pwd=L2htYitwcU1yMXlZUk9IalVna2pGdz09 Saturday, Jan. 2 7p: Winter Small group with Francie Domstrand Sunday, Jan. 3 10a: Worship; Christmas 2/Epiphany noon: All-ministry team meeting

Contact Us First Congregational Church of Minnesota, UCC • 500 8th Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414• 612-331-3816; office@firstchurchmn.org; www.firstchurchmn.org Ministers The People of First Church Principal Minister Jane McBride: jmcbride@firstchurchmn.org; ext. 304; cell: 612-598-2432 Minister of Music Byron Almén: balmen@firstchurchmn.org; cell: 512-809-9789 Parish Administrator Sarah Tittle: office@firstchurchmn.org; cell: 612-205-9870 Facilities Manager Brad Schumann: bschumann@firstchurchmn.org; cell: 651-357-8082 Moderator Greg Hubinger: hubinger5@comcast.net; cell: 612-384-2631 Need a listening ear? Befrienders are trained in the ministry of listening. They are available to walk with you in times of illness, grief, crisis, and life change. Contact Jane McBride or Kris Felbeck to learn more. Curious about the UCC? We especially recommend:ucc.org/about-us_ucc-firsts and: ucc.org/about-us_short-course

October 29, 2017 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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CAROL Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (verses 1, 2)

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CAROL ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime