Dorchester United Church DECEMBER 24th, 2017 - 7:00 pm
A CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE OF
LESSONS AND CAROLS
Pulpit Supply Minister: Rev. Keith Rameshwar
Music Director: Kathleen Hyde
Door Greeters And Handing out
the Tea light Candles Keith and Mary Kaiser, Ernie and Carol Reid
GATHERING AS GOD'S PEOPLE
DECLARATION OF GOOD NEWS
PROCESSIONAL CAROL:
"O Come, All Ye Faithful" V.U. 60
CALL TO WORSHIP
Like the shepherds, we come to the stable, uncertain of what we have heard
and seen.
We long to hear a word of peace and joy.
Like the Wise Ones, we have journeys to make, gifts to offer and hope in
our hearts.
Can this world change for the better?
Here, in the stillness of a winter's night, we gather to share the light of
Christ, a light that shines in the night.
We gather in the wonder of this night to share our joy and thanks for
new life.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
Kim, Ashleigh and Brandon Malcolm
Advent, the season of preparation, is nearly over. Our waiting is nearly
finished. Now is the time of fulfillment and celebration.
In the darkness of night, we give thanks for light.
We light a candle of hope: hope for ourselves and for God's
beloved world.
We light a candle of peace: peace in our hearts and peace on
earth.
We light a candle of joy: joy to the world and joy in our whole
being.
We light a candle of love: the promise of God's love for us and
for all creation.
The hour has now come and the season is fulfilled.
We light the Christ candle, the light of the world, the light of possibility.
SOLO
"Sweet little Boy Jesus" Shannon Wakeling
SIGN OF PEACE
"Even as the heavens opened and angels spoke, the first word they sang was
'Peace.' Even as confused shepherds came from their hills and flocks,
uncertain but hopeful, they greeted one another with 'Peace.' In the midst
of our preparation and excitement, we take a moment to greet one another
with a word of peace: peace in this place, peace in our homes. peace in
this world. . . " Peace be with you.
And also with you.
SOLO
"A Christmas Hallelujah" Tia Tessier
A SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS
Dating back to the nineteenth century, and made popular by King's College,
Cambridge, a format that began in 1918, this Service pairs Scripture
readings with carols to tell the whole story of God's loving promise and
redemptive work. The Scriptures chosen help to tell the story of faith,
including creation, promise and incarnation.
The First Lesson 2 Genesis 1: 26 - 2:4 Joyce Holland
Carol
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
(VU 1 vs 1,3,7)
The Second Lesson Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7 Keith Finnigan
Carol
"Once in Royal David's City"
(VU 62)
The Third Lesson Luke 1: 26-35 Kim Malcolm
Carol
"Hark! the Herald Angels Sing"
(VU 48)
The Fourth LessonLuke 2: 1-20 Brian Courtis
Carol
"Away in a Manger"
(VU 69)
Duet
" Mary, did you know?" Tia and Theresa Webster
The Fifth LessonJohn 1: 1-14 Rev. Keith
Carol
Joy to the World
(VU 59)
REFLECTION
"An Iconic Tableau"
RESPONDING IN LOVE
DOXOLOGY What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise [one], I would do my part; yet what can I give Him - give Him my heart. (VU 55)
