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. First United Methodist Church
Welcome! We are a Congregation Caring For and About God’s Community
December 24, 2020 – 10:00am - ONLILNE WORSHIP
Christmas Eve
GATHERING AND PRAISE
The Extended Prelude:
“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” – The Bell Choir arr. Martha Lynn Thompson
“Twas In The Moon In Wintertime” – Nathan Bieber, Violin & Catherine McMichael, Piano
by St. Jean Brebeuf; arr. Catherine McMichael
“We Three Kings / The Christmas Song / Peanuts Theme” – Lance Coyle, Piano & Arranger
“Angels From the Realms of Glory” – Piano Duet by Bryan Latimer & Catherine McMichael
by James Montgomery; arr. Jenifer Cook
Welcome
*Opening Carol: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (vs. 1-3, 6) UMH #234
For those who need to see the full music, it is attached at the end of this document
CCLI License # 1003593
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) True God of true God,
Light from Light Eternal,
Lo, he shuns not the Virgin's womb;
Son of the Father, begotten, not created;
[Refrain]
3) Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
[Refrain]
6) Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born on Christmas morning,
Jesus, to thee be all glory given.
Word of the Father,
now in flesh appearing: [Refrain]
PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE
The Advent Wreath Lighting Prayer: (adapted from Derek Weber, https://www.umcdiscipleship.org)
O Lord, Advent hope moves us; Advent love leads us; Advent joy stirs us; Advent
peace stills us, and tonight, we affirm our Jesus as our King, our Lord, our Savior. It
is time we affirm our Christmas faith in Emmanuel by lighting the Christ Candle.
Leader: Luke tells us that when Jesus was born, an angel appeared to lowly shepherds, and a
great light consumed the darkness of night around them. And with the angel, there came a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God and singing: “Glory to God in the Highest, and
on earth, Peace and Goodwill to all humankind!”
We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. He was born of the Virgin Mary in
Bethlehem of Judea. He was the long-awaited Messiah whose coming was
prophesied. The same Jesus lives tonight in our hearts, Great God of Light. He
deserves our highest loyalty and total commitment, so Lord, make us faithful. In
Jesus Christ our hope is fulfilled; our love is enfleshed; our joy is complete; and our
peace is sealed. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome
it! We rejoice to welcome the Savior and Center of our lives! Amen.
Prayer Chorus: “On Christmas Night” (vs. 1 & 4) W&S #3064
On Christmas night, all Christians sing, to hear the news the angels bring;
On Christmas night, all Christians sing, to hear the news the angels bring;
News of great joy, news of great mirth, news of our merciful King’s birth!
All out of darkness, we have light, which made the angels sing this night;
All out of darkness, we have light, which made the angels sing this night;
“Glory be to God, on earth be peace, goodwill to all shall never cease!”
Time of Silent Meditation
The Pastoral Prayer for Christmas Eve
The Lord’s Prayer – 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass
against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is
the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Special Music: “A Baby Just Like You” w/m by John Denver / Joe Henry
Dr. Robert Miller, Guitar/Vocals
The season is upon us now,
A time for gifts and giving;
And as the year draws to its close,
I think about my living.
The Christmastime when I was young;
The magic and the wonder.
But colors dull and candles dim,
And dark my standing under.
Oh little angel, shining light,
You've set my soul to dreaming.
You've given back my joy in life;
You've filled me with new meaning.
A savior king was born that day;
A baby just like you.
And as the Magi came with gifts,
I've come with my gift too.
That peace on earth fills up your time;
That brotherhood surrounds you;
That you may know the warmth of love,
And wrap it all around you.
It's just a wish, a dream I'm told,
From days when I was young.
Merry Christmas little Zachary;
Merry Christmas everyone!
Children’s Message – A special moment with the Pastor just for kids
Living Our Gratitude
♫ Please continue to support your church family during this time
of “social distancing”. Enjoy the musical selection as a time
to give thanks to God for all with which you have been blessed.
Use the QR code to the right or give online here:
https://www.firstumcsaginaw.org/give
Rung Offertory: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by L.H. Redner; arr. Cynthia Dobrinski
“Do You Hear What I Hear” by Regney & Shayne; arr. Douglas E. Wagner
Scripture Lesson One: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 Karen Constan, reader
* Carol: “What Child Is This” UMH #219
1) What child is this who, laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?
Chorus: This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard
and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
2) Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. [Chorus]
3) So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
come, peasant, king, to own him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
let loving hearts enthrone him.
[Chorus]
Scripture Lesson Two: Luke 2:1-7 Nic Courier, reader
Special Music: “Joseph’s Song” w/m by Michael Card
Josh Keeler, Vocals – Bryan Latimer, Piano
This baby in my arms,
Sleeping now, so peacefully The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be?
Lord, I know He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father, let this baby be The son of my love.
Chorus: Father show me where I fit
into this plan of yours
How can a man be father
to the Son of God Lord, for all my life,
I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king?
How can I raise a king? He looks so small
His face and hands so fair
And when He cries
The sun just seems to disappear
And when He laughs it shines again How could it be? [Chorus]
How could it be,
This baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said How could it be?
How could it be?
Scripture Lesson Three: Luke 2:8-14 Sue Johnson, reader
* Carol: “Angels We Have Heard on High” UMH #238
1) Angels we have heard on high
sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
2) Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
which inspire your heavenly song?
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
3) Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Scripture Lesson Four: Luke 2:15-20 Lou Constan, reader
Special Music: “Lord of Glory” by Francis Patrick O’Brien
Terry Moon & Peg Wilken, Vocals – Bryan Latimer, Piano
Winter winds are blowing,
sunlight fades away Love beyond our knowing
leads us into day.
We have heard the singing
songs of peace to earth;
We have known the wonder of a royal child’s birth
Age to age is waiting
with a steadfast hope
Come again, Lord Jesus,
make the earth your home.
Let your love surround us, drive the dark away;
Visit now your people
who have longed to know your day.
Weakened eyes shall open,
broken lives will mend Tongues that once were silent
learn to speak again.
Lamb and lion sleeping
near the child at play;
On the day of glory every tear is wiped away.
Earth has still to follow
in the Savior’s way
Yet within our struggle,
we behold God’s face.
Here among the lowly with the weak and poor
Is the Lord of glory
being born to us once more.
Christmas Meditation Rev. Amy Terhune
Special Music: “The Night Before Christmas” w/m by Steven Curtis Chapman
Lance Coyle – Piano; Mark Ode – Guitar/Vocals
It was the night before Christmas
and all through the world Everything looked like business as usual
Shepherds sat on a hillside
looking up at the stars
While the world fell asleep
unaware just how deep
Was the darkness
the night before Christmas
And the night before Christmas
it seemed to be just a night
But the wind blew
like something was coming
And like children with secrets
that they're bursting to tell
The cedars danced in the breeze
while all of nature it seemed
Held its breath
on the night before Christmas
And hope, hope long awaited
The hope of the ages
Would break with the dawn
And the song
that all of creation was anticipating
Would start with a baby's first cry
And on the night before Christmas
Mary laid down to rest
While Joseph, he paced the floor praying
And in an everyday stable,
in an everyday town
In the hours to come
God would wrap Himself up
And come down from heaven
and the world would forever be changed
After the night before Christmas
WE GO AS WITNESSES FOR CHRIST IN THE WORLD
Benediction: (by Bruce Prewer, https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-benediction.html)
L: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in deepest
night, are lit up with a brilliant sight. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. The
spread of his influence and of his peace will never end. Therefore, beloved, return to the
world with great joy, and the grace of Bethlehem’s matchless Child, the love of the God
who never ceases to amaze, and the fellowship of the Spirit who never wearies, will be
with you this holy night and evermore. Thanks be to God! Merry Christmas!
Closing Hymn: “Silent Night” UMH #239
1) 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.
2) 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!
3) Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light;
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
4) 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!
* You are invited to stand if you are able
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Follow us on Social Media!
YouTube: Saginaw First UMC Twitter: FirstUMCofSaginaw
Instagram: saginawfumc Facebook: First United Methodist Church of Saginaw
Even virtually, be sure to check in on Facebook! The more of us that do so, the more people learn about
who we are!
PLEASE HOLD IN YOUR PRAYERS: Mark Abbe, Connor Ashmall, Ed Babinski, David Barker,
John & Myrna Cammin, Jim Cloud (now at Hoyt Skilled Nursing Facility), Bill Cowdry, Bonnie &
Pat Dole, Chris Everett, Esther Cavendish Fisher, Glenn Hinds, Barb Kropp, Walt & Joyce Maltman,
Camille Marek, David & Cheryl Marks, John Mertz, Merlyn Mondol, Bob & Sharon Mueller, Dave
& Jean Nelson, Ron Perry, Al & Teddy Reichard, Anne Ruffle, Eugenia Shek, and Louise Yeager.
Also, please pray for UMCOR and other organizations who are working to alleviate suffering caused
by flooding in our area, healing from the Covid-19 Virus, all those grieiving this holiday season, and
for a way to peace and equality for all people in God’s world.
IN-PERSON WORSHIP/ACTIVITIES TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED due to rising Covid-19
cases in Saginaw County. Though it grieves us to do this, our leadership feels it’s the safest course.
PLEASE TURN IN YOUR 2021 PLEDGE CARDS. This helps the Finance Committee put together
a realistic budget for 2021. Pledge on the church website at www.firstumcsaginaw.org/pledge or by
going online HERE. You can also submit your pledge card in person or through the mail to the
main office at Saginaw First UMC, 4790 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, MI 48638. You may also give
online at www.firstumcsaginaw.or/give. Thank you!
CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OFFERING – Because we cannot collect toys and gifts for our backpack
children, and because the school social workers have communicated with us that there are several
families in financial difficult this holiday season, the Christmas Miracle Offering this year will go to
our 48 backpack children. We are hoping to receive enough financial support to provide 48 families
with a gift card that will enable them to buy gifts or food for their family at Christmas. Please give
to help us make the holiday a little brighter for needy families right here in our own community.
HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS: The office is closed the week of December 21-25, and also on Dec.
31st and Jan. 1st. If you need to get into the building, please contact Pastor Amy at (989) 274-6363.
First United Methodist Church
4790 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, MI 48638-6242; (989) 799-0131; Fax (989) 799-4240 e-mail: [email protected] website: http://firstumcsaginaw.org
Senior Pastor ...................................................................................................... Rev. Amy Lee Brun Terhune
............................................................. [email protected] / (989) 274-6363 (cell phone)
Office Administrator/Treasurer ..................................................................................................... Dina Draper
Custodian......................................................................................................................................... Tina Castle
Director of Music & Chancel Choir ................................................................................................ Rod Bieber
Organist ...................................................................................................................................... Bryan Latimer
Bell Choir Director ......................................................................................................... Catherine McMichael
Praise Band Director ..................................................................................................................... Lance Coyle
Nursery Supervisors .......................................................... Diane Maturen, Aimee Priem, & Carolyn Rottiers
Audio Visual Technicians ........................................ Nic Courier, Brian Hatch, Andy Sharrow, Izzy Terhune
