ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
MAYTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
Keith Smith, Organist and Choirmaster
Janie Mohr, Junior Choirmaster
Vicki McConnell and Charlie Johns, Junior Youth Ministry
Diane Leonard, Parish Secretary
Becky Fleckenstein, Parish Sexton
Seventh
Day of Christmas 11:oo
AM A Service of Lessons and Carols together with two Rites of Dedication.
All Hymns are found in the RED Hymnal, unless copied from
other sources and contained in this bulletin.
THE PRELUDE MUSIC – “The Shepherds’ Christmas” - B. Price
THE WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE OPENING HYMN #44 – “Long Ago and Far Away”
Sung standing.
THE DIALOG
PASTOR: The light shines in the darkness,
PEOPLE: And the darkness has not overcome it!
PASTOR: The word became flesh and lived among us,
PEOPLE: And we have beheld Christ’s glory.
PASTOR: To us a child is born, to us a son is given
PEOPLE: In the word was life,
And the life was the light of all people.
THE HYMN #31 – “Angels from the Realms of Glory”
Verses 1 and 2 only.
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY
Pastor: Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the word who became flesh and lived among us.
Let the light of our faith shine in all we do; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, whose coming has put a song in our heart that the world’s darkness cannot take away and which the world’s beauty echoes.
PEOPLE: AMEN. All sit, following the prayer.
THE LESSONS AND CAROLS OF CHRISTMASTIDE
FIRST READING – Isaiah 9:2-7
THE CAROL - #38 “Lo, How A Rose” Verses 1 and 2 only.
SECOND READING – Micah 5:2-5a
THE CAROL - #27 “O’ Little Town of Bethlehem”
THIRD READING – Luke 1:26-36, 38
THE CAROL - #48 “What Child Is This” Verse 1 only.
FOURTH READING – Luke 2:1-7
THE CAROL – #47 “Away In A Manger”
FIFTH READING – Luke 2:8-20
THE CAROL - #24 “While Shepherds Watched”
SIXTH READING – Luke 2:21-36
THE CAROL – “O’ Lord, Now Let Your Servant”
Sung to the tune of Valet will ich dir geben.
O Lord, now let your servant depart in heav’nly peace.
For I have seen the glory of your redeeming grace:
A light to lead the Gentiles unto your holy hill.
The glory of your people, your chosen Israel.
Then grant that I may follow your gleam, O glorious Light,
Till earthly shadows scatter, and faith is changed to sight;
Till raptured saints shall gather upon that shinning
shore,
Where Christ, the blessed daystar, shall light them
evermore.
SEVENTH READING – Matthew 2:1-11
THE CAROL - #40 “The First Noel”
EIGHTH READING – Matthew 2:13-18
THE CAROL – “I Wonder As I wander”
NINTH READING – John 1:1-14
THE CAROL - #17 “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”
Verses 1, 2, and 4 only.
THE ORGAN OFFERTORY – “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
- D. Wells
THE OFFERING
THE OFFERTORY FOR CHRISTMAS – Hymn #48
Verse 3 only, sung standing.
THE BLESSING OF THE NEW PARAMENTS
PASTOR: Let us pray.
Blessed are you, O’ Lord our God, King of the universe. You have enriched our lives with every good and perfect gift; you have commanded us to show your splender to our children and to praise you with lives of love, justice, and joy. As Moses and Solomon adored your tabernacle and temple with the finest of earth’s linens and fabrics, so do we clothe your church and it’s minister in like manner. Accept these paraments and vestments, which we offer in thanksgiving to you, and in memory of your servant, our brother, James Johnstin; may they adorn this house, show us the beauty of holiness, and so proclaim the glory of your majesty.
PEOPLE: Amen.
THE RESPONSE PRAYER
LEADER: Glory to God in the highest.
PEOPLE: And peace to God’s people on earth.
LEADER: Blessed are you, Prince of Peace, you rule the earth with truth and justice.
PEOPLE: Send your gift of peace to all nations of the world.
LEADER: Blessed are you, son of Mary. You share our humanity.
PEOPLE: Have mercy on the sick and dying, and all who suffer this day.
LEADER: Blessed are you, son of God. You dwell among us as the word made flesh.
PEOPLE: Reveal yourself to us in word and sacrament that we may bear your light to all the world.
THE ANTHEM – “The Lord’s Prayer”
Sung to the tune of “Auld Lang Sine”.
Traditional
Give us this day our daily bread
And please forgive our debts
As we forgive our debtors and lead us
Not into temptation
For thine is the kingdom, the power and
The glory forever and ever, Amen. Amen.
…repeat last two lines.
THE BLESSING
PASTOR: Let us bless the Lord.
PEOPLE: Thanks be to God.
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 Magi, and the peace of the Christ Child.
Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now, in 2007, and forever.
PEOPLE: Amen.
THE RECESSIONAL HYMN – “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
See insert, page 6.
The Crucifer, Acolyte, and Pastor lead the Choir and congregation out of the sanctuary, singing, and down the Annex steps to the “Saints’ Cinema” for a brief Dedicatory Rite. You are, of course, welcome to use the elevator, if that is necessary or desirable.
THE BULLETINS
…are given as a thank you to everyone in my “St. John’s family” for their prayers, get well cards, visits, transportation service, surprise 75th birthday card shower and surprise party on that big day…you are the greatest.
by Betty Henny
THE FLOWERS
…are given to the Glory of God and wishing everyone health, happiness and God’s blessings throughout the coming year. by Norm and Alice Leas
SERVING GOD’S PEOPLE TODAY
Lector – Glenn Bachert
Acolyte – Kristen Sipling
Crucifer - Paul Rehkugler
Head Usher – Charlie Johns
Altar Care – The Vogels
Greeter – Esther Brown
Flowers – Alice and Norm Leas
Bulletins – Betty Henny
Offering Counters –Joyce Boyer, Paul Purnell, and Ruth Sweitzer
HELP! HELP! Help!
After today’s service concludes, we must, unfortunately, dismantle all the Christmas decorations. It is a big job and requires lots of volunteers. Please stay and help, if you can…or rush home, change your clothes, grab a quick bite to eat, and come back. No experience is necessary. There are plenty of “vets” to show you how it’s done. Thank you.
CHECKED YOUR MAILBOXES LATELY?
…if not, please do so. Diane printed new labels for them and many of you have unclaimed Christmas cards, etc. awaiting you.
OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2007
…await you in the parlor. Please pick up yours today, so that there will be no problems in transitioning from one year to the next. The church counts on your weekly support. Thank you.
THE SOCIAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE
…and their spouses will leave church at 6:00 PM on Thursday for a Christmas dinner at the Progress Grill in suburban Harrisburg. We shall take the church van and car pool, forming a caravan. Reservations have been made for 30.
BOB WARNER’S FUNERAL
…will take place at our church on Friday at 10:00 AM. A United Methodist minister will conduct the service. Bob was a native of Maytown who grew up within sight of St. John’s and his mother, Myrtle, was a St. Johner. He and Bill Earhart were good friends. May Easter peace enfold all who mourn.
BIBLE STUDY ON JOHN, AT LONGWOOD MANOR
…resumes on Wednesday, at 10:00 AM. Bring your Bible and join us!
THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S:
Today 9:00 AM Contemporary Communion
10:00 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Traditional Carol Service with
Dedication of New Paraments and
Theater Seating
Noon ACFLB
Monday Happy New Year 2007!
Tuesday 6:30 PM Praise Band rehearsal
Wednesday 10:00 AM Bible Study – at Longwood
6:45 PM Junior Choir Rehearsal
7:30 PM Senior Choir Rehearsal
Thursday 6:00 PM Leave for Social Ministry night out
at Progress Grill
Friday 10:00 AM Warner Funeral
SYG leave for Synodical
“Winterfest”
Next Sunday 9:00 AM Contemporary Service
10:00 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Traditional Service Communion
SYG Return early afternoon
Noon After Church for Lunch Bunch
TOOLS ANYONE?
Pastor is continually frustrated by the lack of tools at church to do little jobs. If you have a tool that you aren’t using, think about donating it to the church toolbox. We need a couple of Phillips screwdrivers, a wrench or two, and a couple of pliers. Thank you!
THEATER RE-DEDICATION
Our traditional service today concludes with a procession to the renewed “Saints’ Cinema” on the first floor of the annex for a brief Rite of Re-Dedication. Please share in this happy rite and tour the new theater. It was paid for by many contributions to the General Memorial Fund and crafted by John Buffenmyer’s company, Paul Purnell, Dick Baker, Dick Shirk, Pastor, Joe Hicks, Charlie Johns, Glenn and Carol Bachert, Sheri Hafer, Chris Harnish and John and Missy Chapman. The seats were donated to us by the former owners of the demolished “Pacific Theaters” that once stood on North Queen Street in Lancaster. The cinema will be used by Sunday School, catechetical class, the youth groups, and the fellowship group. Thanks to all who made the dream come true!
NEW PARAMENTS
Today, we dedicate new paraments for use on our altar, pulpit, and lectern – plus a matching stole worn by Pastor. The paraments were donated by Pat and Bill Vogel in loving memory of Pat’s Dad, Jim Johnstin, who was a lifelong St. Johner and part of a family that has been leaders of our parish since the nineteenth century. The paraments were fashioned by the C. M. Almy & Sons Company of Connecticut and they use a Bemberg Damask, white, “Agnus Dei” patterned base material, which is articulated with gold metallic symbols and fringes. The pulpit hanging depicts a golden chalice representative of Holy Communion, while the lectern hanging shows the cross and the crown, representative of the cost and goal of discipleship. The altar superfrontal proclaims “Alleluia” (“Praise ye the Lord”, in Hebrew), with the word flanked by equal-armed “Greek” crosses. Pastor’s stole is adorned with a Latin cross.
These paraments will be used in association with the 40-year-old white paraments during the Christmas-Epiphany and Easter seasons, and on All Saints’ Sunday. We thank Pat and Bill for their beautiful and generous gift.
DECEMBER 24TH STATISTICS
11:00 AM Advent IV Service 70
6:30 PM Christmas Eve Family Service 86
10:30 PM Christmas Eve Festival Service 115
Total offerings received $5,002.07
The joy of this Christmas Season! Priceless
NEW FLOWER AND BULLETIN SPONSORSHP CHARTS
…have been posted in the tower Narthex. Please sign-up to provide altar flowers or pay for bulletins on a special Sunday or two in 2007. Bulletin sponsorship costs $20 and altar flowers vary according to your wishes and the florist chosen. See Diane Leonard, our secretary, if you have a question. Thank you for helping to both beautify our church’s worship and save our operating budget an additional expense!
ANYONE WISHING TO JOIN ST. JOHN’S
…as a member, should talk to Pastor as soon as possible, so that a new member class can be organized early in 2007. So far, three people have stepped forward in Scott Mackison, and Janet and Angelica Mohr.
Also…Lent begins on February 21st. Because baptisms are traditionally not done during Lent, parents who desire young children to be baptized should make plans before the 21st, or they must wait until after Easter.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
…of the Annual January Congregational Meeting, which will be held on Sunday, January 21st, at 10:00 AM – Snow date January 28th. Note that the meeting is scheduled for the hour between the two worship services. The agenda will include the reception of reports, approval of membership rolls and a budget, election of a Deacon to replace Al Getz, and consideration of a proposal for a new sanctuary sound system. Please attend this important meeting.
ANNUAL MEETING REPORTS
Diane will be starting the Annual Bulletin of Reports next week for the Congregational Meeting and must have all the committee reports by Tuesday. The following are still needed: Christian Education, Social Ministry, Food Bank, Evangelism, and Finance & Budget. If your committee has a checking account, a report of that will be needed as well. If it would be easier to email your report, you may at jdleonard5@comcast.net Thank you!!
HEAD USHERS
…are needed for 2007. Please sign up on the chart in the tower Narthex. Head ushers are responsible for getting people to serve a Sunday or two in “their” month, at the traditional service. You can be a man or woman, a teen or senior, experienced or a “rookie”. Charlie Johns will train you and answer all your questions. Just sign up! Thanks.
IF YOU DIDN’T PICK UP YOUR POINSETTIA YET
…please do so today. They can’t be properly cared for. Thank you!
SERVING GOD’S PEOPLE NEXT WEEK, JANUARY 7, 2007
Lector Contemporary Service – Joyce Boyer
Lector Traditional Service – JoNan Shirk
Acolytes – Amy Chapman and Spencer Frank
Crucifer – Ashley Funk
Head Usher – Dick Baker
Altar Care –
Greeters – Judy and Paul Purnell
Flowers – Skip and Tina Nell
Bulletins – Frank and Ginny Zimmerman
Offering Counters – Joyce Boyer, Pat Vogel and Vicki McConnell