ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
MAYTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
The Rev. Robert M. Lescallette, Pastor
Keith Smith, Organist & Choirmaster
JoNan Shirk, Parish Secretary
Becky Fleckenstein, Parish Sexton
Susan Frank, Youth Director
CHRISTMAS EVE December 24, 2005
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD 6:30 p.m.
THE PRELUDE MUSIC –
Musical offerings provided by our young musicians.
“O Come All Ye Faithful” William Weller
“Good King Wenceslas”
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Chris & Amy Chapman
“I Wonder As I Wonder” Katie Frank
“Dance OF The Sugarplum Fairies Amy Chapman
“Silent Night” Katie Frank & Garreth Broucht
THE WESTMINSTER CHIMES
(All rise at the chimes sound.)
THE CHRISTMAS POEM (Read by Pastor from the balcony)
“The Bells Of Christmas”
by Bishop Nikolai F. S. Grundtuig of
The Lutheran Church of Denmark
(1783 – 1872)
THE OPENING HYMN “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful”
(Verses 1 and 3 only.) (All rise and sing)
1 Oh, come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant!
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem;
come and behold him
born the king of angels:
Refrain
Oh, come, let us adore him,
oh, come, let us adore him,
oh, come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
3 Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God
in the highest: Refrain
PASTOR: The people who walked in darkness have
seen a great light.
PEOPLE: THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS AND THE DARKNESS HAS NOT OVERCOME IT
PASTOR: Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on
them the light shined.
PEOPLE: WE HAVE BEHELD CHRIST’S GLORY, GLORY
AS OF THE ONLY SON FROM THE FATHER.
PASTOR: To us a child is born,
To us a Son is given.
PEOPLE: IN HIM WAS LIFE, AND THE LIFE WAS THE
LIGHT OF ALL PEOPLE.
PASTOR: Let us sing with the Angels,
His birthday song.
THE HYMN “Angels We Have Heard On High”
(Verses 1 and 3 only)
1 Angels we have heard on high,
sweetly singing o'er the plains,
and the mountains in reply,
echoing their joyous strains.
Refrain
Gloria in excelsis Deo;
gloria in excelsis Deo.
3 Come to Bethlehem and see
him whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn king. Refrain
THE OPENING PRAYER
Pastor: Almighty God, you made this Holy Night shine with the brightness of the true light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the Light of Jesus’ presence, and in the last day wake to the Brightness of His Glory; through your only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, the Babe of Bethlehem, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
PEOPLE: AMEN. (All sit following the prayer.)
THE HYMN “I Love To Tell The Story” (Verse 1 only)
1 I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story,
because I know it's true;
it satisfies my longings
as nothing else would do.
Refrain
I love to tell the story;
I'll sing this theme in glory
and tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
THE SCRIPTURE LESSON – LUKE 2:1-20
THE CAROL - “Away In A Manager”
1 Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
the stars in the sky looked down where he lay;
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
2 The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes,
but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky
and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay
close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care
and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
(As verse 4, written by Pastor, is sung, children come forward and sit on the steps near the manger, and await the arrival of the story-teller. Kids – remember to leave a pathway for the story-teller.)
4 O come new Lord Je-sus
and teach us a – gain.
Speak through a new stor-y
the truth now as then.
A clown is no clown
When he shows us your love
O bless us O Je-sus
Send light from a-bove! -R. M. Lescallette, 2005
THE CHRISTMAS STORY – SERMON
Based on “The Clown Of God”
An old story from the middle ages
told and illustrated by Tomie de Paola
Story-teller: Roberto The “Fool”
THE HYMN
“I AM SO GLAD EACH CHRISTMAS EVE,
THE NIGHT OF JE-SUS’ BIRTH!
THEN LIKE THE SUN THE STAR SHONE FORTH,
AND AN-GELS SANG ON EARTH.
THE LITTLE CHILD IN BETH-LE-HEM,
HE WAS A KING IN-DEED!
FOR HE CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN A-BOVE
TO HELP A WORLD IN NEED.
GIO-VANNI LEARNED A LESS-ON LARGE
THAT FRAN-CIS TOO HAD FOUND:
IN LOV-ING OTHERS BY SHAR-ING GIFTS
GOD’S LOVE FOR ALL DOES RESOUND!
HE DWELLS A-GAIN IN HEAV-EN’S REALM,
THE SON OF GOD TO-DAY;
AND STILL HE LOVES HIS LIT-TLE ONES
AND HEARS THEM WHEN THEY PRAY.
I AM SO GLAD ON CHRISTMAS EVE!
CHRIST’S PRAISES THEN I SING;
HE OPENS THEN FOR EVERY CHILD
THE PALACE OF THE KING!
(All Children return to their families’ pew as Keith plays through the hymn once more without singing.)
THE OFFERTORY – “Christmas Lullaby” arr. C. Taylor
THE OFFERING
THE OFFERTORY HYMN “WHAT CHILD IS THIS?”
(sung standing)
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
the virgin sings her lullaby;
joy, joy, for Christ is born,
the babe, the son of Mary!
THE PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE HYMN #65 “SILENT NIGHT”
(The pastor and acolyte will get fire from the Christ candle and walk down the center aisle, passing it to those on the end of each pew. The congregation then passes the fire down the pew from neighbor to neighbor. Parents should decide if young children should have a candle or not. Incline unlit candles to lit ones so as to avoid wax spills.)
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,
heav'nly 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 your holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at your birth,
Jesus, Lord, at your birth.
THE BENEDICTION
PASTOR: MAY YOU BE FILLED WITH THE
WONDER OF MARY, THE OBEDIENCE
OF JOSEPH, THE JOY OF THE ANGELS,
THE EAGERNESS OF THE SHEPHERDS,
THE DETERMINATION OF THE WISE
MEN, AND THE PEACE AND LOVE OF
THE CHRIST CHILD. ALMIGHTY GOD,
FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT
BLESS YOU NOW AND FOREVER.
PEOPLE: AMEN.
(The lights are turned on full force.)
THE CLOSING HYMN #39 “JOY TO THE WORLD!”
1 Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive its King;
let ev'ry heart prepare him room
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing.
2 Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3 No more let sin and sorrow grow
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.
4 He rules the world with truth and grace
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.
THE ORGAN POSTLUDE –
“Glory to God in the Highest with Angels We Have Heard on High”
arr. C. Taylor
“HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS, ONE AND ALL!”
THE BULLETINS… …are given to the Glory of God with a grateful heart for the blessing of beloved family and wonderful friends, by Betty Henny.
IF YOU HAVEN’T CHECKED YOUR ELEVATOR LOBBY MAILBOX FOR AWHILE …please do so after the service. You may have cards or other mail awaiting you.
DONORS ARE NEEDED… …to place flowers on the altar for 2006. …to pay for weekly bulletins in 2006.
OPEN HOUSE REPORT
Only 20 visitors visited our church last Sunday afternoon, but those who came seemed very appreciative of the opportunity. Thanks to our docents: Jim, Margie, Joyce, and Janie; to our hostess, Jan; to our Sunday School program presenters, Missy and Ann; and to all our musicians: The Rehkuglers, The Chapmans, The Franks, The Junior choir, and The Senior Choir.
WORSHIP ATTENDANCES
December 18 10:30 am 118
6:00 pm 29
147
THIS WEEKEND IS YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY...
...to help our church get into the “black” with regard to our financial obligations in 2005. As we go to press, here is what we need to get caught up in the 3 offerings remaining:
Current $13,120.
Benevolence 1,373.
World Hunger 345.
Building Fund Goal already met (extended by $850.)
Pastor has asked that all of St. John’s households who can afford to do so give the church an extra $100 to current and $20 more to benevolence. Do not give to the building fund because we have already met our annual goal there. Thanks for your help.
THANKS...
...to all those who bought poinsettias to decorate our church. 69 were ordered - a record!
...to all those who helped decorate the church on December 17 and earlier this week. Thanks to Janelle, Butch and Joyce, Pat V., Pat K., Janie, Jamie, George and Vicki, and Shirl. (Our workers gave 2 - 5 hours of their time!)
...to our 14 carolers who visited 20 houses on Monday night - and to our cookie/pie and hot chocolate servers, Pauline, Charlie, Jim and Jo. (Thanks to the Donegal High Singers who lent such beautiful voices to our traveling choir!) Where were all our younger kids? You guys really missed some fun. See you next year?
VERY SAD NEWS
On Tuesday of this week, our Temporary Shelter burned down. The family is fine (housed in another shelter in Mount Joy), but the house is a total loss. There was insurance but we do not yet know to what extent. Stay tuned - and help us provide “room in the inn” when the opportunity arises.
POINSETTIAS...
...may be picked up after the 10:30 PM service on Christmas Eve or after the 9:00 AM service on Christmas Day. Please do not leave them at church beyond the 25th because they cannot be properly cared for. Also - please take only the number of plants that you have donated. Check the bulletin to remind yourself of the number.
LAST COMMUNION OF 2005...
...will be held on Christmas Eve at 10:30 PM. Persons who have not communed at least 1 time in 2005 will no longer be able to vote or hold office in the congregation.
POINSETTIAS
Shirl Reich – In memory of my dad Richard Lease (2)
Butch & Joyce Boyer – In memory of Eugene C. & Jean E. (1)
Bob & Wanda Long –Happy Birthday Jesus. (2)
Cliff , Sheri & Kelsey Hafer – On the birth of our Savior. (1)
Pastor – In Thanksgiving to God for the Birth of our Savior. (2)
Charleen & Mike Smeltzer – In loving memory of Kenneth Landis and Henry T. Smeltzer; and in honor of our grandchildren, Alyssa & Ashlyn. (3)
Pat & Gene Kirchner – In loving memory of our parents George Jacobs and Merhl and Isabel Kirchner. (1)
Hazel Bachert – In loving memory of my dear husband. (1)
Gladys Ney – In memory of my loved ones. (1)
Richard & Louise Baker – In celebration of our Lord’s birth and in memory of loved ones. (1)
The Chapmans – Given to the Glory of God in honor of the birth of Jesus. (2)
Harold & Janie Mohr – In loving memory Helen Engle. A blessed Christmas and Happy New Year to all. (1)
Dick & Esther Shirk – In honor of Jesus’ birthday. Merry Christmas to everyone. (2)
Steve & Cathy Manley – To the Glory and Thankful praise of our precious Lord. (3)
Jim and Diane Leonard – For the wonderful gift of our children and grandchildren God has shared with us - …God Bless us everyone. (3)
Jack & Ann Frank – Happy Birthday Jesus . (1)
Frank & Ginny Zimmerman – To the Glory of God and in honor of the Christ Child. (1)
JoNan Shirk – In thanksgiving to God for wonderful friends and family, Merry Christmas to all. (1)
Dolores Arnold – To the Glory of God and in loving memory of my mother, Ethel O’Reilly. (1)
Michael & Jamie Sine – In memory of our loved ones. Let’s all thank God for the best Christmas present ever, His Blessed Son. Merry Christmas. (1)
Bruce, Linda, Kristen, Eric & Rachel Sipling – In celebration of the birth of or Savior Jesus Christ. (2)
Jeff & Christine Meckley – For those we hold in our hearts. (2)
Jamey, Buffy, Kaycee & Tanner Shirk – Merry Christmas to all! (3)
John & Rose Leas – In loving memory of our parents and sister Wanda. (2)
Victricia McConnell – To the Glory of God for the gift of Christmas and the many blessings throughout the years. (1)
Karen Mayers – In loving memory of Fred Angiolillo. (2)
The Ross Family – To the Glory of God and in thanksgiving for His Son. (2)
Betty Henny – In thanksgiving for God’s greatest gift, His Son, our Lord and Savior! (1)
Katie Lehman – In loving memory of Ruth Gilbert. (1)
Ruth & Natalie Ebersole – In celebration of our Savior’s birth and in loving memory of those we hold close in our hearts. (1)
Ani Leonhart – For my dear family with love. (1)
Alice & Norm Leas – In memory of loved ones. (1)
Harriet Smith – In memory of my family. (1)
Sandy & Bill Wittick – In memory of our mothers and fathers, and to the Glory of God, the birth of our Lord and Savior. (1)
Ronald E. Peirson – To the Glory of God and in grateful appreciation for the love, care and support given to me since becoming part of St. John in 1962. (5)
Sue Young – In memory of my beloved husband C. Kenneth Young. (2)
Connie Longenecker – We thank God for our 3 grandchildren and anticipate the coming of the birth of the fourth child this July. (6)
Dottie, Todd & Amanda Allen – To the Glory of God and in memory of Esther E. Shirk and David Allen. (1)
Charlie & Pauline Johns – To the Glory of Jesus’ Birth and in memory of all our loved ones. (1)
Anna Houseal – To the Glory of God and in memory of loved ones. (1)
Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Wallander – In memory of Walter L. Wallander, II. (2)