Prelude: “For Children At Christmas” by James Southbridge, based on “Away in a Manger” by James Kirkpatrick
Welcome and Announcement: Dorothy Berry
Hymn: “O Come All Ye Faithful”
1 O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold him,
born the King of angels.
Refrain:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
2 Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heav!n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest:
Refrain
3 Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be all glory giv!n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
Refrain
Call to Worship and Invocation
Lighting of Advent Candle Two
Light the Advent candle, two: Think of humble shepherds, who
Filled with wonder at the sight of the child on Christmas night.
Candle, candle, burning bright, Shining in the cold winter night;
Candle, candle, burning bright, Fill our hearts with Christmas light.
Words and music by Mary Lu Walker. Paulist Press, 1975. Used by permission. CCLI#460144
Moments of Prayer
Scripture: John 1:15-16
Video Presentation (audio only)
Sermon: “We Have Been Surprised by God’s Glory” by Ketly and Vital Pierre
Hymn: “Here At Thy Table, Lord”
1 Here at thy table, Lord, this sacred hour,
O let us feel thee near, in loving power;
calling our thoughts away from self and sin.
As to thy banquet hall we enter in.
2 So shall our life of faith be full, be sweet;
And we shall find our strength for each day meet.
Fed by Thy Living Bread, all hunger past,
We shall be satisfied and saved at last.
3 Come then, O holy Christ, feed us, we pray;
touch with thy pierced hand each common day;
making this earthly life full of thy grace,
till in the home of heav’n we find our place.
Reading of our Church Covenant: Congregation
Hymn: “How Great Our Joy”
- While by the sheep we watched at night,
Glad tidings brought an angel bright.
? Refrain:
How great our joy! Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heav!n on high!
Praise we the Lord in heav!n on high! - There shall be born, so he did say,
In Bethlehem a Child today.
Refrain - There shall the Child lie in a stall,
This Child who shall redeem us all.
Refrain - This Gift of God we!ll cherish well,
That ever joy our hearts shall fill.
Refrain
Benediction
Postlude: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Lani Smith, based on the tune “Adeste Fideles” from Wade’s “Cantus Diversi”
Organist: Ms. Marilyn Glover
We welcome to the pulpit Vital and Ketly Pierre. The Pierres work with the Alliance of Baptist Churches within the Haitian community of the Dominican Republic. They serve as a link, matching volunteer groups from the US and Puerto Rico with churches and ministries on the East Coast of the Dominican Republic.