Welcome to Worship!

December 25, 2016

Christmas

A Meditative Worship Service

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First United Methodist Church 605 Broadway St. Baraboo, WI 53913

Phone: (608) 356-3991 Email: fumc@barabooumc.org Website: www.barabooumc.org

Helping People ‘Say Yes’ to God Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Pastor’s Email: marianne@wisconsinumc.org Cell: (608) 843-9641

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

“In the small house were captives of God’s love. But we were truly free, liberated by the same love.”

From “Christmas Moccasins” by Ray Buckley Welcome †Call to Worship

The Star over Bethlehem is God's sign of peace to all of humanity. P: We welcome the arrival of the Prince of Peace in our midst. L: The baby born to a poor peasant girl is God's gift of love. Christ came into this world; he lived and died for us while we were yet sinners. That proves God's love toward us. All: We thankfully accept God's gift; we rejoice over God's love for us!

†Hymn “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” United Methodist Hymnal #224

†Sharing the Peace of Christ A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you

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as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. The Story of the Incarnation John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And

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the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. Sung Response to the Word “O Come, All Ye Faithful” United Methodist Hymnal #234 Verse 6 & Refrain Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesus to thee be all glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Luke 2:1-14 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’

†Messiah’s Grand Entry (read by liturgist)

(The Rev. Roger Scott is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. His poetic interpretation of Luke 2:8-11 draws upon his experiences from the pow wow culture

within Native America. Copyright © 2007 Roger Scott. Used by Permission.)

Hear me, my friends and relatives, Hear me, all you people.

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An honor is bestowed upon me to be the Master of Ceremony to the greatest grand entry of all time. You who walk in darkness, come to the arena where there is great light.

The Messiah is making His way to the arena, And His give-away to all is the good news that will bring you much joy.

He is coming in from the east, wrapped in a star quilt and cradled in His mother's arms.

Rise to your feet, all you people, in honor of the "Great One", as the father and mother step to the beat of the drum. The song that is rendered has been composed by heavenly hands.

Coming into the arena behind the child are a host of heavenly angels, adorned in their ceremonial garments; behind them are the family lineage of the child, followed by our own ancestors, dressed in their finest regalia, dancing proudly.

Come, all you people, let us enter the arena, dance to the beat of His song; our time has come to celebrate, to greet the future with traditional dignity.

This sacred circle will make us one, for unto us a Savior is born. (Luke 2:8-11)

†Hymn “Twas In the Moon of Wintertime” United Methodist Hymnal #244

Message for the Child in Each of Us “Christmas Moccasins” By Ray Buckley

Prayer for Peace (Unison) By Pamela C. Hawkins (adapted) I WANT TO BE AT PEACE, O God, protector of the frightened, refuge for the wandering. I want to speak for peace, O Christ, hope whispered to the bruised, welcome sung to the embattled.

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I want to live in peace, O Spirit, forgiveness in my heart, kindness in my hands; trusting, trustworthy; loving, beloved. I want to be at peace, O God with you, with me, with others. This is my prayer. Amen.

Offering "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" Rex Flygt, Vocalist

†Offering Response “In the Bleak Midwinter” United Methodist Hymnal #221 Verse 4 What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give him; give my heart.

†The Lord’s Prayer United Methodist Hymnal #895 The Peace of Christmas Meditation by Pastor Marianne Announcements

†Hymn “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” United Methodist Hymnal #229

†Sending Forth (Unison) Dear Lord, long ago, you sent your son to take on frail human flesh in order that all who believe in Jesus might be saved. You sent angels to herald his birth in Bethlehem and a star to proclaim it to the ends of the earth. Send us now as messengers of your good news and proclaimers of your peace. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

†Postlude

† = Please rise if you are able

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Welcome to worship at First UMC Baraboo. Our mission is “Helping people ‘Say Yes’ to God.” We try to live by the three simple rules of

United Methodism: do no harm, do all the good you can and stay in love with God. As you wait for worship to begin, please sign the pew pad

register. If you are a first time guest, please provide your contact information if you would like to know about our church programs.

Children are always welcome in worship; ‘busy bags’ are available just outside the door to Fellowship Hall. Our staffed nursery is available for

children infants through age five.

SERVING YOU TODAY… Pastor……………………….……….……….……………………..….……..Marianne Cotter Liturgist...……………………………………..………………………..…………......Keri Olson Church Opener.………………………………………..……….…………….....….Jim Cotter Greeter………....……………………………………………..……………………Gladys Orton Ushers………………………………………………………………….Gary & Jacki Crawford Worship Music……………………………………………………..……..…..Charlene Flygt Special Music…………………………………………………………………………….Rex Flygt

Thank you to Rex Flygt for providing today’s special music!

ANNOUNCEMENTS – December 25, 2016

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER UPDATE FUMC will host the 13th Annual Baraboo Area Community Christmas Dinner today at noon. Thank you to all who have been involved in making the event a success. 2016 CONTRIBUTIONS DEADLINE Pastor Marianne Today is the final day to make contributions to the church in 2016. CHURCH CANCELLATION POLICY Pastor Marianne In the event of bad weather, members and friends of Baraboo First United Methodist Church Baraboo are encouraged to use good judgment in deciding whether to travel to the church for worship and other events. Please err on the side of caution! Your safety and well-being are very important to us. If the Sunday service is going to be cancelled, a notice will be placed on our website (www.barabooumc.org) and Facebook page by 8:00 a.m. You can also call 356-3991 or 843-9641 for more information.

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GROWING THROUGH GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Keri Olson The 2017 series of the Growing through Grief support group will begin on Sunday, January 8, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., here at Baraboo FUMC. The free, six-week series will be facilitated by Judy Ellington.

Growing through Grief has been offered in Sauk County for more than 30 years as a free service to anyone who has experienced loss due to death, divorce or other life circumstances. Each session incorporates the use of a variety of audiovisual materials, including the “When Mourning Dawns” video series.

“Anyone with issues of grief or loss is invited and welcomed to attend,” noted Ellington. “No prior registration is necessary. There is also no obligation to attend all six sessions. Grief is a personal journey with a timeline of its own.”

For more information, contact Ellington at (608) 356-5495 or jmjsellington@charter.net.

THIS WEEK AT FUMC Sunday ............................................................................................ Dec 25 CHRISTMAS. No classes today. 9am Worship Noon 13th Annual Community Christmas Dinner Monday ........................................................................................... Dec 26 OFFICE & NEIGHBORLY CLOSED Tuesday ........................................................................................... Dec 27 NEIGHBORLY CLOSED 9am-2pm Office Hours Wednesday ...................................................................................... Dec 28 Thursday .......................................................................................... Dec 29 9am-2pm Office Hours Friday ............................................................................................... Dec 30 6:45am Conversation Group Saturday .......................................................................................... Dec 31 Sunday ............................................................................................... Jan 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY 10:30am Worship. No classes today.

Pastor Marianne will be on vacation December 28-30. In case of an emergency call George Burgess at 356-4639.