Worthington Presbyterian Church THE SERVICE FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

December 24, 2019 5:30 & 9:00 P.M.

Welcome on this holy evening! Childcare is available for infants and toddlers (see an usher to guide you to nursery).

Hearing Loop: switch hearing aid to t-coil. Please silence electronic devices.

Note on lighting candles: be sure candle extends above cup rim.

* Please rise in body or in spirit.

(5:30) PRELUDE Hark! The Herald Angels Sing On Christmas Night

The First Noel I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve

Sing Noel (French Carol) In the Bleak Midwinter

Daniel Burton Dan Forrest

Catherine Rollin James Biery

May Hogan Cambern Mary Lynn Thompson

Stephen Jacoby, organ; Janet Thompson, harp The Celebration Ringers ~ Jennifer Fry, director

(9:00) PRELUDE On Christmas Night

The First Noel I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve

Sing Noel (French Carol) Angels We Have Heard on High Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

Dan Forrest Catherine Rollin

James Biery May Hogan Cambern

Wayne Wold McDonald/Wood

Stephen Jacoby, organ; Janet Thompson, harp

INVITATION TO A FESTIVAL OF ADORATION Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont One:

All: One: All:

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness–on them a light has dawned. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a son is given; Authority rests upon his shoulders; And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

* CAROL #133 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” ADESTE FIDELES

CHRISTMAS PRAYER/THE LORD’S PRAYER (5:30) Dr. Tom Rice; (9:00) Rev. Wayne Morrison

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

ANTHEM “Away in a Manger” Ola Gjeilo

The Chancel Choir; Martha Duersten-Petit, soloist

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing the poor Baby wakes but little Lord Jesus no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus look down from the sky and stay by my side, until morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care and take us to heaven to live with Thee there.

(5:30) MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN Dr. Tom Rice & Jenni Whitford

SCRIPTURE LUKE 2:1-7 Our Savior Is Born (5:30) Kennedy O’Brien

(9:00) Evan Miller

ANTHEM “All My Heart This Night Rejoices” arr. Trevor Manor

The Chancel Choir; Grace Wilcox, French Horn All my heart this night rejoices as I hear far and near sweetest angel voices. “Christ is born,”

their choirs are singing, till the air everywhere now with joy is ringing. Softly from His lowly manger Jesus calls one and all, “You are safe from danger, children, from the sins that grieve you. You are freed; all you need I will surely give you!” Come, then, banish all your sadness; one and all, great and small, come with songs of gladness. Love Him who with love is glowing; Hail the Star, near and far light and joy bestowing.

SCRIPTURE Luke 2:8-20 Angels Guide the Shepherds (5:30) Natalie Moog

(9:00) Andrew Rice

ANTHEM “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow” Mark Hahn

The Chancel Choir; Deanna Olson and Harper Markiewicz, soloists

There’s a star in the East on Christmas morn, rise up, shepherd and follow. It will lead to the place where the Christ was born, rise up, shepherd, and follow. Follow the star of Bethlehem, rise up, shepherd and follow. If you take good heed to the angel’s words, you’ll forget your flocks, you’ll forget your herds. Leave your ewes and leave your lambs, leave your sheep and leave your rams.

CHRISTMAS OFFERING (5:30) Rev. Betsy Rice; (9:00) Dr. Tom Rice Offertory (5:30) “While by My Sheep”

Celebration Ringers Cynthia Dobrinski

(9:00) “What Child Is This?” Russ Nagy, piano; Phil Heveron, bass

traditional; arr. Nagy

* Doxology ANTIOCH 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 the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

* Prayer of Dedication

SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 2:1-12 Wise Men Bring Gifts Nicholas Robison

CAROL RESPONSE (remain seated) “We Three Kings”

Stanza 1 KINGS OF ORIENT

CHRISTMAS MEDITATION “Four Gifts at the Manger” Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont

* CAROL #145 “What Child Is This”

Stanzas 1 and 3

GREENSLEEVES

SCRIPTURE VERSES FROM JOHN 1 God’s Word, the Light of All People (5:30) Rev. Betsy Rice (9:00) Rev. Wayne Morrison

* THE CEREMONY OF SPREADING GOD’S LIGHT Please hold your candle (extended above the cup rim) at an angle to receive the light,

then hold it upright as you give light to the next person.

* Carol #134 “Joy to the World” ANTIOCH

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, And heaven, 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, repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love And wonders, wonders of his love.

* Carol #122 “Silent Night, Holy Night” STILLE NACHT

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! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face, With dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King: Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born.

* BLESSING

* POSTLUDE “Joy to the World” David Cherwien

Please extinguish your candle before leaving your seat, and return all candles and cups to the ushers as you leave.

5:30 P.M. ADDITIONAL WORSHIP LEADERSHIP

Candle Lighters: Luke Gilbert, Mitchell MacDowell, Katie MacDowell, Natalie Moog, Conor O’Brien, Kennedy O’Brien, Andrew Rice. Usher Team E: John Gray and Dick Jones, Co-Captains; Andy Balser, Spencer Budros, Dennis Decker, Jack Dicke, Cliff Frasher, Joyce Hinkle, Laurie Holden, Simmey Ketchum, Shirley Lambert, Larry & Leslie Snyder, Joann & Dury Sudduth; Audio/Lighting: George Leonard; Carillon: Bill Allman

9:00 P.M. ADDITIONAL WORSHIP LEADERSHIP

Candle Lighters: Olivia Cook, Will Cooper, Elliott Hartwick, Andrew Rice, Dan Rice, Andrew Surface, Evan Surface, Spencer Surface. Usher Team A: Gregg Russell and Dan Foley, Co-Captains; Jeff Appel, Brendan Beck, Dan Bevan, Diana & Bob Clouse, Dan Gibson, George & Cindy Leonard, Harry Pukay-Martin, Don Sandoval, Mark & Betsy Senff; Audio/Lighting: Duane Cable; Carillon: Debb Wilson Cover Art: We thank WPC member Jack Haunty for the original art that graces our Christmas Eve bulletin.

MINISTRY DIRECTORY

Rev. Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Tom Rice, Pastor for Discipleship Rev. Wayne Morrison, Parish Associate for Visitation Rev. Betsy Rice, Pastor for Member Ministries Ms. Jenni Whitford, Director for Children’s Ministries Dr. David Rives, Director of Music Mr. Nicholas Robison, Director for Youth Ministries Dr. Stephen Jacoby, Organist Mr. Russell Nagy, New Connections Music Leader

A full staff directory may be found on our website.

JOIN US ON SUNDAYS

8:00 a.m. ~ Communion Worship Service in the Chapel 9:00 a.m. ~ Youth & Adult Education in Classrooms

10:00 a.m. ~ Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary 10:15 a.m. ~ Children's Education in Classrooms

5:00 p.m. ~ New Connections Casual Service in the Chapel 6:00 p.m. ~ Junior and Senior High Youth Group in the Youth Room

The Sanctuary is equipped with a hearing loop.

Switch hearing aid to t-coil.

Christmas Poinsettias and Greens are given to the glory of God as follows:

Given By In Honor of Jeff & Linda Barber John & Jacque Wright; Laura, Derek, Guinevere & Thaddeus Purvis;

Samantha & Danny Stanley Richard & Debbie Birnie Our Children and Grandchildren Bob WW II Veterans; Korean War Veterans; WPC Elders Bob & Diana Clouse Our Mothers, Children, and Grandchildren Debbie & Steve Dieringer Our Children and Grandchildren, Erin Dieringer; Sara, Jac, Maddie,

Emma & Lilah Currie; Our Mothers, Jean Korfhage and Shirley Dieringer Judy & Walt Furnas Patty Borg; Sandy Byers; Tom Forsha; Stan Ickes; Herb Mishler; David

Rives; Sharon Stohrer John & Judy Gray Our Wonderful Children and Precious Grandchildren Tom, Happy, Payton, Tatum & Quinn Heise

Phil & Carol Giessler; Greg, Amy & Graham Giessler

Cheryl & Duane Hilty Marvin Hilty Steve & Sandy Hindall Our Children and Grandchildren George & Cindy Leonard Our Children and Grandchildren Andy, Tracy, Ellie, Mitchell & Katie MacDowell

Our Parents and Grandparents

The Mehl Family Our Parents and Grandparents John & Tricia Merrill Our Children and Grandchildren David & Alice Miskell Our Children Mike & Debbie Murphy Murphy Reese Seidel Deanna Olson Mother, Mary Florence Don & Jill Sandoval Eugene & Joann Flick Mark & Betsy Senff Our Children and 9 Grandchildren Cindy & Joe Smiley Our Lovely Daughters, Casey & Sarah Larry & Leslie Snyder Our Precious Children & Grandchildren; the Wilcox & Lynch Families Mara Stark Andrew; Tate & Lulu Stark Carol & Eric Sterbenz Carolyn Simpson; Joan Khatib; Robert Sterbenz Diane & Jeff White Our Mothers, Joan Humphrey and Wilma White

Given By In Loving Memory of Peggy & James Albright My Parents, Dr. & Mrs. Jack Albright Jeff & Linda Barber Hal, Joan & Cheryl Barber Don & Jean Beckett Maxwell & Mabel Bowman; Raymond & Dorothy Beckett Rose Pusecker & Rich Berendt John & Garnet Ashburn; Joe & Mary Jo Berendt Bob My Mother & Dad; Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein Charlotte Briggs & Family Marvin Briggs; Annie Briggs; Evelyne Cain The Conway Family Merle & Roberta Conway; Richard & Donalda Latham Ann Cupp Robert C. Cupp Jack & Beckie Dicke Louise & Frank Dicke; Marge & Bus Bruner Dorie-Ellen Eisenman & Family Mark Eisenman Mom, Dad, Ashley & Jack Feucht Jarret Feucht, Loving Son & Brother Jim, Susan, John & Kristan Finn Finn, Davies and Leedy Families Peggy Foster Ray Sanborn Joan, Debbie, Bob & Abby Freeman Dick “Papa” Freeman Judy & Walt Furnas Our Parents; Dick Borg; Tom Byers; Ruth Forsha; Ann Ickes;

June Mishler; Ken & Claudia Wilkinson Dan & Karen Gibson Our parents, George & Mildred Angel and Jim & Anne Gibson Doug, Amy & Brooks Gilmore Jack McDaniel; Clara McDaniel; Brooks Gilmore John & Judy Gray Our Beloved Parents John & Audrey Hall Our Fathers: Percy Hall and Jack Tatro The Harrison Family Juanita Harrison Judy Hazelton & Family The Reverend Dr. Philip M. Hazelton Cheryl & Duane Hilty Mary Hilty; Sarah & Joseph Richard; Noah & Elizabeth Hilty Stanton Ickes Ann M. Ickes Carl & Kathy Krantz & Family Clarence & Helen Reinhard; Carl, Sr. & Mildred Krantz

Given By In Loving Memory of Connie Lewis & Family Tom T. Lewis Rex, Brenda, Amanda & Don Lynne Joan Lynne Andy, Tracy, Ellie, Mitchell & Katie MacDowell

Kevin MacDowell

Dominic & Lisa Maxwell Jane Caldwell; Tom Maxwell John & Tricia Merrill Our Parents Barb, Brad, Jake & Savannah Montgomery

Scott Wickiser

The Montgomery & Jennings Families Bob Montgomery Mike & Debbie Murphy Alex & Virginia Matthews; Jan Seidel; John & Louise Eby; H.P. Murphy Deanna Olson Father, Martin W. Olson Carolyn & Dan Owens Anna & William E Owens; Clara & Williams F. Owens;

Estelle & Walter Brahm; Jean & Wilson (Tex) Houston Wade & Heather Page Stephen Butsko; Michael Page Wendy, Seth & Ana Reichenbach Dad/Grandpa Robert Walton Don & Jill Sandoval Al, Velma and Susie Sandoval Mark & Betsy Senff Loved Ones Lou Ann Shearer Loren Shearer The Slicker, Woodruff & Mottice Families

Beloved Parents & Grandparents: Charles & Virginia Fetzer, Elwood & Mildred Slicker

Lon & Shelley Smith Ken & Lois Smith Larry & Leslie Snyder Our Beloved Parents, the Ridenours and Snyders Bill & Faye Van Vleck Spratley Parents, William A. H. & Audrey Spratley; Ila & Walter Van Vleck Joyce & Ron St. Pierre Our Parents and Grandparents Mara Stark Bill & Amanda Stark Carol & Eric Sterbenz Sandra Sterbenz; Earle & Marijane Mead Karin Stroebel Frank & Nancy Stroebel Lonnie, Tracy, Avery & Addison Tate Gary Tate Don & Jo Vick Our Parents Diane & Jeff White Our Fathers, Homer Humphrey and Willard White Christopher & Sue Wilson Donald & Helen Hilty; Carlton & Bette Wilson; Cindy Wilson Paul & Holly Wilcox Lucien H. & Julia Jean Wilcox Joyce & Rick Zarnoch Paige Zarnoch; Patricia & Delbert Braden; Ethel & Joseph Zarnoch

Worthington Presbyterian Preschool

Our mission is to nurture the social, emotional, educational, and spiritual growth of each child in a loving Christian environment. We offer classes for 3, 4, and 5 year olds, September through May. Registration materials for the 2020-2021 school year are available on-line at www.worthingtonpresbyterian.com/preschool.html or for more information, please call the Preschool Director, Melinda Wood, at 614-885-3765.

Our Gift at the Manger

In honor of our Lord’s birthday and as a gift to our community, Worthington Presbyterian Church has financed the purchase of all extreme medical debt in Franklin County (as identified by RIP Medical Debt – RIPmedicaldebt.org). Families who benefit will be notified by early February that their medical debt is entirely forgiven. Glory be to the One who lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things (Luke 1:52-53).

Sundays at WPC are full of inspirational preaching, joyful music, engaging Christian education classes for all ages and stages, and time to connect with one another.

There are many ways we enjoy being brought together by Jesus to make a difference for Jesus and for the world God so loves.

A sampling of events and programming for the upcoming year:

Pancake Sunday ~ It’s Flying “Chris Cakes”

Chase the winter blahs away on January 26, after the 10:00 a.m. service. “Flying” pancakes will be flipped on your plate by the famous Chris Cakes (boasting their own “gourmet stoneground whole wheat recipe”). Fun for all ages. $4 per plate.

Adult Education ~ Financial Peace University

Increase your financial peace and wisdom by learning skills to reduce debt, increase savings, and expand generosity. This 9-week course features a nationally-acclaimed Dave Ramsey video series. Wednesdays at 7 p.m., January 15-March 18, $99 fee for class/materials. For more information or to sign up, go to fpu.com/1104413. Scholarships and childcare are available: please contact Dr. Rice to arrange either (trice@worthingtonpresbyterian.com).

Mid-Day Two-Part Series ~ “Being Mortal: Talking about End-of-Life Issues”

Back by popular demand, pastors and church members will share wisdom from their fields (biblical, medical, legal) on important topics on end-of-life issues important to everyone. Wednesday, March 11 and 18, 1:00 p.m. (Come at 12:30 for dessert/coffee.)

Vacation Bible School ~ Adventures in God’s World

Join us for a week of crafting, singing, storytelling and games as we learn about God’s love. June 1-5, 9 a.m.-Noon. Ages Preschool through 6th grade.

Youth Summer Mission Trip ~ Camp R.H.I.N.O. (Rebuilding Hope in New Orleans)

High School Students! Come join us this summer at Camp RHINO to serve and support the many people still rebuilding their lives after losses they suffered in Hurricane Katrina. It will be a great opportunity to share and grow in Christian hope. June 13-21.

Habitat for Humanity “House Raising” ~ Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m.-Noon

Join us on the Worthington Village Green to raise a house—that is, to build in one morning all the walls of a Habitat for Humanity house. Anyone age 12 or older can help hammer. There will be a DJ, bounce house, popcorn machine, breakfast, lunch, and activities for children. After a house-blessing at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 26, the walls will be transported to the house site in the Linden neighborhood of Columbus.

Mission in Honduras ~ Montaña de Luz

WPC maintains a strong partnership with an orphanage serving Honduran children affected by HIV/AIDS. Ongoing support includes an annual mission trip to empower children and build international friendships, July 8-15.

773 High Street, Worthington, Ohio 614-885-5355

www.worthingtonpresbyterian.com