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Why Christmas?
The Feast of the Nativity was the official name for the celebration of
Jesus’ birth. The more common name was the “Christ Mass” which
for obvious reasons became known as Christmas. Christmas is
both a day and a season. It begins on Christmas Day and
continues for “The Twelve Days of Christmas” until the
Epiphany on January 6 when we celebrate the Magi and their
gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The word Epiphany
originally meant manifestation and is currently understood to
mean insight or awakening. Jesus is the very incarnation of
God. “The Word became flesh and lived among us.” (John
1:14) God chose to come and be with humanity. Through
Christ, God knows our burdens and feels our pain and our
joy. God is present in the person of a child born in a stable.
Why December 25th?
We don't know the exact birthday for Jesus; we don't even know
the exact year. By tradition our current calendar starts with the
birth of Christ, but research suggests that his actual birth may have
been between four and six years earlier than originally estimated.
Christmas was first celebrated on December 25 in Rome during the
mid fourth century. The date coincides with a festival of the winter
solstice. The solar celebration recognized the triumph of the sun
over the darkness of the longest night of the year. Christians
adapted many of the solstice traditions and gave them new
meaning. Rather than celebrating the sun overcoming darkness, the church celebrates
the Son of God overcoming the darkness of sin and death. “The light shines in the darkness
and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5) The Church has often adapted the
meaning of traditions from the surrounding culture.
Why Christmas Eve?
Many churches celebrate Christmas with a worship service during the day
on December 25th. Since the calendar day begins at midnight, “Midnight
Mass” is also popular in several congregations. We often forget that in the
Hebrew tradition a day is not from midnight to midnight, nor is it from sunrise
to sunrise. According to Jewish custom a day is from sunset to sunset. For this
reason it is quite appropriate that we celebrate in the evening on the 24th. An
evening celebration also allows us to worship in the midst of darkness.
Why Communion?
Since the name of our celebration derives from the “Christ
Mass” and since the Roman Catholic Mass always includes
the Sacrament of Holy Communion, it is most fitting that
we share the Eucharist as a part of our celebration. One of
the titles bestowed upon Jesus is “Emmanuel” which means
“God with us.” The Sacrament of Holy Communion is a sign of
Christ’s presence with us and of his sacrifice for us. When we
break the bread and share the cup it is indeed a
manifestation of Emmanuel. In the United
Methodist tradition everyone is welcome to
share in the Feast of the Lord’s Supper. All we ask
is that you receive the gift with an earnest desire
to grow close to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Why Candles?
Christmas is a celebration of light overcoming darkness.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great
light.” (Isaiah 9:2) Early in our Christmas Eve
worship service we proclaim that Jesus Christ
is “the light of the world” (John 8:12) as we
light the Christ candle. At the conclusion
of our service we not only remember
that Jesus is the light, we also remember
that Jesus calls us to let our “light shine
before others.” (Matthew 5:16) For this
reason we light the first individual candles
directly from the Christ candle. Then the light of
Christ is offered to others who in turn pass the light along. The message of
Christmas is that Christ came for the whole world, but If we don’t share our
faith with others, how can the world come to know the one true light? Carrying
the light of Christ is both a blessing and a responsibility. Through the simple act of
receiving and passing a flame we accept the birth of Christ as a gift for ourselves
and then we share Christ’s love and light with others. We obviously ask that you use
extreme caution during the candlelight portion of the service.
To the Glory of God in Memory Of:
Dave Abels, by Marcheta Abels
Ruth Barrett & Alta Cantrell, by Dale & Wanda
Cantrell
Geraldine Brewster, by The Brewster Family
Matt & Elizabeth Campbell, Matt's parents,
by Matt & Barbara Campbell
Susan Crawford, Sister of Martie, by Lanny & Martie
Uden
Ellen & Al Dudley, by Marles & Steve Dudley
Verlin Edwards, My Late Husband, by Betha Regan
Russ Flynn, by Pat Flynn
Doris Greco, by Marles & Steve Dudley
Milbert & Frieda Grenz & Harvey Schroeder, by Ken
& Jeanette Grenz
Charles & Anne Hahne, Barbara's Parents,
by Matt & Barbara Campbell
John & Pat Haynes, Parents of Jeanne Smith,
by Jeanne Smith
Gene Haun, by The Haun Family
Dan & Montie Heigele, My Parents, by Jan Heins
Terry Heigele, My Brother, by Jan Heins
Edgar Holt, by Sandra Holt
Our Parents, Martha & Bud Hosford and Caroline
& Bruce Richardson, by Lyn & Blair Hosford
My Parents, Bert & Helen Howard, by Pat Howard
The Hughes & Dieffenbach Families, by Linda
& Warren Dieffenbach
Shari's Parents, Myrl & Wynema James; Danny's
mother, Dorothy Garlick, by Danny & Shari
Nicholas
Jim Kreuzberger, by Doris Kreuzberger
Our Parents, by Dean & Toni Bennington
Albert & Virginia Richerson and Albert Palmer,
by Robin & Rindy Richerson
Carol Roth, by Steve Roth, Cheryl Schmitz & Family
Jim Scott, by Delene Scott & Rose Lloyd
Russell & Wilma Shipps, by Phil & Carri Whitaker
George & Hazel Simpson, My Parents, by Donna
Stecher
Russ Flynn, by Allen & Lori Flynn-Johnson
Betty Klein, Dave’s Mother; Melvin & Fern Tedstrom,
Sharon’s Parents; & Joy Brown, Sharon’s Sister;
by Dave & Sharon Klein
To the Glory of God in Honor Of:
Kay Arnott, by Emily Berns, Ed Hoyt, Nicholas
& Alister Berns-Hoyt
Pat Flynn, by Allen & Lori Flynn-Johnson
Our Family, by Jon & Peggy Davis
Our Extended Family, by Jim & Marilyn Binter
Elizabeth Franklin, Susan Rader, & Heather
Hammig, Our Daughters, by Matt & Barbara
Campbell
Jennifer, Bill, Vaughn and Clare Gessley,
by Libby Gessley
Our Grandchildren, Kennedy, Easton, & Jack,
by Rich & Jana Moore
Our Grandchildren, Miami, Henry, Brady, Darby,
Graham & Isaac, by Lanny & Martie Uden
Mike & Miki Herrmann, by Craig & Jennifer
Herrmann & Family
Theo Prugh Moorman’s 5th Birthday, by Bill & Leaf
Prugh
Mary, Bill, Emma & Kate Nixon, by Libby
Gessley
Clara Palmer, Mother of Debbie Brunk & Rindy
Richerson, by Rindy & Robin Richerson
Charlie Regan, by Betha Regan
Iola Schroeder, by Ken & Jeanette Grenz
Miss Shelley, Mrs. Murphy & Miss Karin, by the
Ottesen Family
The Teachers of Valley View Parent's Day Out
Marilyn Wilkerson, by Pat Howard
Rev. Dr. Thomas & Julia Young, by Craig &
Jennifer Herrmann & Family
Rev. Richard & Mary Louise Taylor, by Keith &
Mary Haas
Megan Taylor, Lewis and Grace Taylor, Howard
and Irma Spainhour, by Bill & Marilyn Taylor
Donald Vaughn, by Nancy Vaughn
Amy Wicke, by Jim & Pat Wicke
Don & Nancy Whitaker, by Phil & Carri Whitaker
Loyce Wright, by Donald Wright
Annamarie Young, by Bernie Young
Jerry Wille, by Sarah Wille
Poinsettias 2014
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
5:00 PM
“Angels We Have Heard on High”
“Joy to the World”
Lighting the Christ Candle
“Carol of the Bells”
Greeting and Sharing Peace
Children’s Moment
“Away in a Manger”
Luke 2:1-20
Isaiah 9:2-7
Sermon
Sacrament of Holy Communion
“O Holy Night”
“Silent Night”
(Sharing the Light of Christ)
Benediction
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
7:00 PM & 11:00 PM
Prelude to Worship 7:00 PM “The First Noel” arr. Hayes Jan Barger
11:00 PM “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Linda Lamb Handbell Choir
The Light of Christ Enters
Greeting
Leader: The Lord is with you;
People: And also with you.
Musical Call to Worship “O Come, All Ye Faithful” vs. 1, 234 UMH
Welcome to Worship
Lighting the Christ Candle
Leader: This is a night of light.
People: We love the warm glow of the candles.
Leader: The light that announced the Messiah’s birth was overwhelming radiant.
People: When the light of Christ in each of us is multiplied by one another the
brightness is amazing.
Leader: We light the Christ candle and behold the great light.
*Hymn of Praise “Joy to the World” 246 UMH
*Passing the Peace
Children’s Gathering Song “Once in Royal David’s City” vs. 3, 250 UMH
Children’s Message
Song “Carol of the Bells” Gately Family
Gospel Lesson Luke 2:1-20 Pew Bible, New Testament Page 58
Anthem 7:00 PM “What Child Is This“ Heather and Ted Hammig
11:00 PM “Mary’s Lullaby” by Rutter Chancel Choir
Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 9:2-7 Pew Bible, Old Testament Page 638
Message
Hymn of Preparation “Angels We Have Heard on High” 238 UMH
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory 7:00 PM “Away in a Manger” Arr. Hayes Jan Barger
11:00 PM “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” Susan Brown, flute
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” 94 UMH
*Prayer of Dedication
Prayer of Confession
God of our salvation, you come to us at many times and in many places, but we fail
to recognize your presence among us. Preparing for Christmas can be so frantic, that we are
overwhelmed with relief, rather than overfilled with joy when the day finally arrives. As
we come to this your table, reveal to us once more the Word made flesh, so that we may
truly celebrate the simple way that you gave yourself to the world through the birth of Jesus
the Christ. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance
Sacrament of Holy Communion Word and Table III pages 15-16, UMH
*Hymn of Commissioning “Silent Night, Holy Night” 239 UMH
(Sharing the Light of Christ)
*Benediction
*Benediction Response “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” vs. 3, 251 UMH
*Postlude “Rejoice!” Arr Hayes Jan Barger
*Please stand, as you are comfortable.
Hymns are from The Faith We Sing, (black book)
The United Methodist Hymnal (purple book), and Worship & Song (green book)
Millenials and Friends: Coffee & Conversation For Current College Students & Young Adults Just Out
of College on Sundays Jan. 4, 11 and 18. Join us at the 10:30 AM Praise Worship and/or at 11:30 AM in
youth room 12. Bring your friends!
Year End Giving Just a friendly reminder that contributions for 2014 must be received in the church
office by noon on December 30 or be postmarked by December 31 for credit in 2014.
Church Building and Office Closed: December 31 and January 1
Valley View Youth & Youth Alumni Reunion: Sunday, January 4
Join us for the Praise Worship at 10:30 AM and/or stop by the Youth Lounge at 11:30 AM. We'll catch up,
enjoy lots of yummy food and much more. Invite your family as well!
2015 Confirmation Orientation: Sunday, January 11 (12:00 - 12:45 PM)
Calling all 7/8th grade or older Youth and their families! Join us as we share about Valley View’s
12-week Confirmation Class study. Contact Susann at [email protected] or 642-4400 x321.
Gregarious Gray Gang for Guys and Gals: Tuesdays, Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Feb. 3 & 10 (2—3 PM)
This class includes walking laps, doing stretching circuits with light weights, and more!
Online Giving at Your Finger Tips: Scan this QR code with your smart phone or tablet
to set up automatic giving or to make a one-time gift.
Please recycle
Welcome Guests
We’re Glad You’re Here!
Valley View United Methodist Church
8412 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS 66212 913-642-4400 valleyviewumc.org
Rev. Neil Gately Co-Pastor- 913-642-4400 ext. 313 or [email protected]
Rev. Bridget Gately, Co-Pastor- 913-642-4400 ext. 312 or [email protected]
Mary Haas, Chancel Choir Director- 913-642-4400 ext. 316 or [email protected]
Jan Barger, Organist– 913-642-4400 ext. 316 or [email protected]
Ray Martin, Praise Worship Leader- 913-642-4400 ext. 316 or [email protected]
Sunday Worship Schedule
9:00 AM: Traditional Worship 10:30 AM: Praise Worship
Children
Caring nursery for infants and toddlers at 9:00 and 10:30 AM in room 104
Children’s Sunday School for Preschool through 5th grade at 10:30 AM
Children/Family Ministry Director: Janet Loos (913-642-4400 ext. 320 or [email protected])
Youth
6th-12th graders meet Sundays at 11:30 AM. Check the Web for a detailed schedule.
Youth Team Leader: Susann Bendrick (913-642-4400 ext. 321 or [email protected] )
Adults
Adult Sunday School at 9:00 and 10:30 AM. Check the Web or brochure racks for classes and times.
