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PLEASE NOTE: If needed, large pr int hymnals and sound amplification devices are available in the

Narthex. Please see an usher for assistance in obtaining these items.

Welcome to South Aiken Presbyterian Church! We are very glad that you are here this morning to join in

offering a service of worship to the Lord. We believe all people are children of God. We believe that the

redeeming grace of God can bring each of us into a new day. We believe all people are loved with a love that

has no end in Jesus Christ. Today, may our eyes be opened again to these truths. May we each do our part to

make this a place of grace for all. May the blessings of joy and hope that can only come from the nearer

presence of God fill each of our hearts. Let us worship God!

Nursery & Children’s Church

Children will remain in the Christmas Eve service tonight in order to more fully experience worship with their

families. Worship activity bags for children are available at each entrance. Bags are divided for older children

(blue handle) and younger children (purple handle). Although we encourage children to remain in the service,

childcare is available. If childcare is needed, please take your child to the nursery/toddler room. The nursery/

toddler room is located in another building within the SAPC complex. To find it, please exit the front (main)

entrance to the sanctuary and turn left (towards Security Federal Bank). The entrance to the nursery/toddler

room is around the corner in the next building. You will see the sign for the entrance at the door on the side of

the building.

If you need assistance, please feel free to ask an usher.

REV. FRANK CUNNINGHAM

We welcome the Rev. Frank Cunningham to SAPC. Frank will officiate at tonight’s service. He is a graduate

of Union Presbyterian Seminary where he earned a Masters Degree, Divinity/Ministry. Frank has most

recently served as the Interim Pastor and Pastor (Stated Supply) for Barnwell Presbyterian Church. Being a

minister is Frank’s second career. He spent the first part of his professional life in the banking world. Frank

is no stranger to South Aiken Presbyterian and has long enjoyed a personal association with the church.

LOVE

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Christmas Eve

December 24, 2017 7:00 p.m.

(Please stand, if able, when indicated by an *)

GATHERING

Pre-Service Music

Prelude O Magnum Mysterium Lauridsen/arr. Dackow The King's Strings*

Chiming of the Hour

Welcome & Announcements Shirley Colburn

Choral Introit Love Has Come French Melody

PREPARATION FOR THE WORD

*Call to Worship & Lighting of the Christ Candle (Responsive) The Kevin Pethick family

One: We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ,

who is called the Son of the Most High,

and of whose kingdom there will be no end.

About the hour of Christ's coming no one knows;

therefore, keep awake, for you do not know when the time will come.

Hear the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

With John the Baptist we testify to Christ the light,

so that all might believe through him.

With Mary, we pray: Let it be with us according to your word.

For nothing will be impossible with God.

Now fear not, for there is good news of great joy for all people:

to us is this day in Bethlehem a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord.

All: Heaven and earth will pass away,

but the Word of God endures forever.

*Hymn #95 Prepare the Way of the Lord

Prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord,

and all people will see the salvation of our God.

*Prayer of the Day (Unison)

Good and gracious God, on this holy night you gave us your Son, the Lord of the universe,

wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Savior of all, lying in a manger. On this holy night draw us into

the mystery of your love. Join our voices with the heavenly host that we may sing your glory on

high. Give us a place among the shepherds that we may find the one for whom we have waited,

Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever. Amen.

*Hymn #133 O Come, All Ye Faithful

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Prayers of the People & the Lord’s Prayer Hymnal Page 35

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.

LESSONS AND CAROLS

Prayer for Illumination (Unison)

Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the scriptures are read, and

your praises are sung, and your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us tonight.

Amen.

First Lesson Micah 5:2-5a Dale Stephens

Carol #121 O Little Town of Bethlehem

Second Lesson Luke 1:26-38

Carol #123 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Third Lesson Matthew 1:18-25

Carol #145 What Child Is This

Fourth Lesson Luke 2:1-20

Carol #119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Fifth Lesson Matthew 1:1-12

Carol #151 We Three Kings of Orient Are

Sixth Lesson Isaiah 9:2-7

Carol #134 Joy to the World

Homily “Reliving the Story” Rev. Frank Cunningham

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OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

Offering of Tithes and Gifts

Offertory Gesu Bambino Pietro A. Yon Kendall Lee Driscoll, Flutist: Rita Rostron, Organist

*Doxology Hymnal Page 606

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

praise him, all creatures here below;

praise him above, ye heavenly host;

praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*Prayer of Dedication

SENDING

Litany of Christ’s Candle (Responsive)

One: God of light, in whom there is no shadow, Your gifts to us are from the very beginning of time.

All: They began with creation, when Your Spirit gave form to the chaos of energy and matter, and

when Your Word brought forth light on the face of the earth.

One: They continued with our ancestors, like Sarah and Abraham, whom You blessed with a child whose

descendants, as many as the stars of the sky, were to be a light to the nations.

All: At last, You sent Your light into the world in the form of a tiny child, fragile and vulnerable,

Who grew up to be the very light of light, full of grace and truth, revealing Your glory on earth. We

thank You, O God, that You have sent Jesus Christ to bring life and immortality to light. Help us

receive Your gift with joy and humility. Be born among us, that we may give Christ's love to the

world, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Sharing of Christ’s Light (Officers light their candles at the Christ candle)

*Candle lighting (The light is shared from person to person)

*Candle Hymn #122 Silent Night, Holy Night!

*Benediction & Dismissal

*Postlude Joy to the World arr. Davis/Longfield

*The King’s Strings:

Violins - Kendall Driscoll, Dan Fetterolf, Regan Gregory, Liam Culp, Savanna Dale, and Joyce Culp

Violas - Sharde’ Hawkins and David Culp

Cellos - James Dale and Marlee Hare

Bass - Bishop Hare

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Those Serving in the Military

Daniel Bartlett - grandson of Ron & Sandy Bartlett

Kris Cloud - son of Ed & Robin Coward

Ian Fields - husband of Tracy Kelly-Fields

Robert Kocis - son of Andrew & Jodi Kocis

Tom Kocis - nephew of Andrew & Jodi Kocis

Ben McCullough - son of Lisa McCullough

Louis Wilson - son-in-law of Brenda Martin Morgan

The family of Tom Pons as they mourn his loss

Jan Auernheimer as she heals from a hip fracture

Steve Kuhl as he continues to recover

Katie (Pam & Dave Pethick’s daughter ) as she receives treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma

The family of Kimberly Craig (Sandy & Ron Bartlett’s niece) as they mourn her loss

Wayne Durden (Brenda Martin Morgan’s brother-in-law) as he continues to fight cancer

Chris Parnell (Emma Parnell’s son) as he deals with multiple health issues

Joe Lookabill as he continues to recover at home

LaVerne Price as she heals and undergoes rehabilitation at Anchor Rehab after a fall

Prayer is a powerful force for those in need of

healing, comfort, strength, and encouragement. It

can also be a blessing for those offering prayer. If

you have a prayer request after office hours, on

weekends, or during holidays or would like more

info, contact Emily Lockard. You can either call

Emily at (803) 649-0473 or email her at:

emilybim@bellsouth.net. If you have a prayer

request during office hours (M-TH; 8am-5pm),

please contact Denise at the church office at 648-

9574 or at 1denisesap@gmail.com.

2018 Giving Envelopes are available in the narthex

for pick-up. They have been placed (more or less!)

in alphabetical order. If you don’t find your

envelopes in one of the boxes, please contact Denise

and she will provide you with a packet.

Also, if you plan to mail your tithe to the church this

month, please ensure that you place it in the mail so

that it arrives in the office no later than December

31st. Payments that are dated and/or postmarked

after December 31st will be credited to your 2018

giving statement. Also, it’s not too late to make your

pledge for 2018! Pledge forms are available in the

narthex and church office.

Thank you for your support!

The church office will be closed from Monday,

Dec. 25th, through Monday, Jan. 1st. The office

will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2nd.

The SAPC Session, Diaconate, and staff wish

everyone a wondrous Christmas and happy

New Year!

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Dec 24th No Youth - Christmas Eve

Dec 31st

No Youth - New Years

Jan 7th-Feb 25th - Worship Class for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd graders

A LOOK AT THE WEEK AHEAD Sunday, Dec 24th

8:45a - Worship Service (Sanctuary) 10:00a - Sunday School (Campus) 7:00p - Worship Service (Sanctuary)

Monday, Dec 25th

Merry Christmas! SAPK Christmas Holiday - No School/Office Closed

No activities are currently scheduled

Tuesday, Dec 26th

SAPK Christmas Holiday - No School/Office Closed

6:00p - Basketball Practice (Gym) 6:00p - Girl Scouts (F207/209/212) 6:45p - M’Aiken Music Practice (Choir Room) 7:00p - Boy Scouts (F205)

Wednesday, Dec 27th

SAPK Christmas Holiday - No School/Office Closed

6:00p - Basketball Practice (Gym)

Thursday, Dec 28th

SAPK Christmas Holiday - No School/Office Closed

6:00p - Basketball Practice (Gym) 7:00p - Swingsation Practice (Choir Room)

Friday, Dec 29th

SAPK Christmas Holiday - No School/Office Closed

No activities are currently scheduled

Saturday, Dec 30th

No activities are currently scheduled

If you haven’t been in the church library lately, take

a minute and stop by. We have a whole new

collection of books on the Red Cart. Take one and

pass it on, no need to return. We also have some

Christmas books with great holiday decoration

ideas!

Thanks to all who have donated books throughout

the year!

Merry Christmas to our church family.

Myra and Leo

I wish to express my deep gratitude to the congregation for all the generous acts of kindness shown to me and all of the staff during the Christmas season. We are grateful and blessed to serve Christ with you.

- Allison Kelly

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IN HONOR OF

Klaehn, Kaeli, Breanna, and Kylie Burkes. Given by Lynn & Greg Burkes

Wayne Culp. Given by David, Joyce & Liam Culp

Alice Kierspe. Given by Lynn & Greg Burkes

Our children and grandchildren. Given by Ken & Jenny Chase

Our friend who lost her home to a fire. Given by Ken & Marilyn Hofstetter

Our granddaughter, Grace. Given by Leslie & Jim Johnston

Our grandparents. Given by Regan & Collyn Gregory

Our parents. Given by Kevin & Carey Pethick

The SAPC choir. Given by Dot & Felder McLaurin

SAPC. Given by Johnnelle Ramsey

IN MEMORY OF

Gene Bagwell. Given by Flo & Jim Carroll

Albert and Vestal Butler. Given by Jerry & Karen Butler

Millie Carroll. Given by Flo & Jim Carroll

Ellen M. Dennis. Given by the Dennis family

John Empie, my dear and beloved husband. Given by Maureen Empie

John Empie. Given by Dot & Felder McLaurin

Tom Fall. Given by Jane Fall

Blair and Lorene Geisler. Given by Jerry & Karen Butler

Scott Gregory. Given by Regan & Collyn Gregory

Marianne Harden - my wife & my love. Given by Jim Harden

Mary & Bill Ice. Given by David Ice

Bob and Marilyn Kierspe. Given by Lynn & Greg Burkes

Marlene Morgan. Given by Mr. & Mrs. Donald Morgan

Our grandparents. Given by Kevin & Carey Pethick

Michael Padgett. Given by Regan & Collyn Gregory

Our parents. Given by Darrell & Patricia Pluff

Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Polatty. Given by Mr. & Mrs. Donald Morgan

Lisa Paxton Raabe. Given by Linda & Steve Hook

Polly and Carl Simpson. Given by David, Joyce & Liam Culp

Jack H. Smith. Given by his family

Robert Taylor. Given by your family with love

Pamela Vaughn. Given by Dot & Felder McLaurin

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SAPC STAFF

Vacant, Pastor : ext. 104

Erin Morgan, Assoc. Pastor for Youth/Outreach: ext. 106

Allison Kelly, Dir . of Children & Families: ext. 105

Phillip Hare, Director of Music

Scott Chappell, Pianist/Accompanist

Tracie Toulson, Financial Manager : ext. 103

Denise Underwood, Secretary: ext. 100

Michelle Lorio, Kindergar ten Director : 648-9895 ext. 107

Cissy Kelley, Assistant Kindergar ten Dir ./ Childcare Coordinator 648-9895 ext.110, Cell (803) 270-5808

ATTENDANCE LAST SUNDAY

Worship Service: (8:45) - 129

(11:00) - 150

VOLUNTEERS FOR TODAY

Flowers: To His Glory, for Jesus’ birth

In honor of the special births of Graham and Teagan. Given by Haley Culp

Pulpit Assistant: Shir ley Colburn

Sound System: (8:45) Alan Riechman (7:00 p.m.) Larry Hinson

Ushers: (8:45) Br ian Marra (H), J im Marra (A), Julie McCrum, Martin McCrum

(7:00 p.m.) Steve Hook (H), Linda Hook (A), Larry Hinson, Mary Ann Hinson, Don Morgan,

Brenda Martin Morgan, John Kelly, Sue Kelly, Dale Stephens

VOLUNTEERS FOR NEXT SUNDAY

Flowers: In memory of Kim Craig and with love for Sandy & Ron Bartlett. Given by Lynn Shepard

Pulpit Assistant: Andy Goslen

Sound System: (8:45) Larry Hinson (11:00) John Kelly

Ushers: (8:45) J im Shaw (H), Shir ley Shaw (A), David Filler , Sharon Filler

(11:00) Phil Lockard (H), Emily Lockard (A), Will Erwin, Shannon Erwin

(H) Head (A) Assistant

CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION

Church Office: 803-648-9574

Fax: 803-648-7972

Web Site: www.southaiken.org

Email: 1denisesap@gmail.com

Follow SAPC activities on Facebook.