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December 24, 2020 │ of 5

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 25 West Main Street, North East PA

December 24, 2020, 7: 30 PM Christmas Eve

Gregg D. Townsend, Pastor Jane Livingston, Music Director Service Note: Please gather 5 candles for the Lighting of the Advent candles and the Christ Candle, as well as a candle for each household member to use in singing “Silent Night.” GATHERING MUSIC: “How Beautiful Are the Feet of Them” G.F. Handel

“Noel, Noel!” J.S. Bach “Break Forth Into Joy” J.S. Bach “Overture” from “Unto Us a Child is Born” J.S. Bach PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP: “O Holy Night” Arr. By Erik Foster and Dan Galbraith GREETING: Pastor Gregg Townsend CALL TO WORSHIP AND LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE Leader: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; the one who follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” Congregation: We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Leader: 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.

—Isaiah 9:2, NRSV


Congregation: I will lead the blind by a road they do not know, by the paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do and I will not forsake them.

—Isaiah 42:16, NRSV Leader: The Lord says to his servant, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

—from Isaiah 49:6, NRSV Congregation: Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

—Isaiah 58:8, NRSV Leader: Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For the darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

—Isaiah 60:1-3, NRSV Leader: Come, Lord Jesus, our light and our salvation. Congregation: Let us walk in the light of the Lord. CAROL: “O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)” O come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant. O come ye O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him born the King of angels. O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation, O sing all ye bright Hosts of heav’n above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest! O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Yea, Lord we greet Thee born this happy morning. Jesus to Thee be all glory giv’n. 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. CAROL: “Angels We Have Heard on High (Gloria)” Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o’er the plains. And the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains. Gloria… in excelsis Deo! Gloria… in excelsis Deo! Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be, which inspire your heavenly song? Gloria… in excelsis Deo! Gloria… in excelsis Deo! Come to Bethlehem and see Christ whose birth the angels sing. Come adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord the newborn King. Gloria… in excelsis Deo! Gloria… in excelsis Deo!


See Him in a manger laid whom the choirs of angels praise. Mary, Joseph lend your aid while our hearts in love we raise. Gloria… in excelsis Deo! Gloria… in excelsis Deo! OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Isaiah 9:2-7 CAROL: “Joy to the World (Antioch)” Joy to the world! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room. And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven and nature sing. Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns. Let men their songs employ. While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows 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. 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. EPISTLE LESSON: Titus 2:11-14 SPECIAL MUSIC: “When Love Was Born” Arr. by Mike Speck and Tim Parton PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION GOSPEL LESSON: Luke 2:1-14 MESSAGE CAROL: “What Child Is This (Greensleeves)” What Child is this who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary. Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear for sinners here, the silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, the cross be borne for me for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary. 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. CHRISTMAS EVE PRAYER


CAROL: “Silent Night (Stille Nacht)” 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. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.” Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing: Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born. BENEDICTION POSTLUDE: “O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adam

* * * * * * * * * * * * * All Music Used with Permission │Church Copyright License #1496394 │+ Streaming License #20537695 “Joy to the World” by George Frideric Handel | Isaac Watts CCLI Song # 24016 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Edward Shippen Barnes | James Chadwick CCLI Song # 27721 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “O Come All Ye Faithful” by C. Frederick Oakeley | John Francis Wade CCLI Song # 31054 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “What Child Is This” by Unknown | William Chatterton Dix CCLI Song # 30983 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “Silent Night” by Franz Xaver Gruber | John Freeman Young | Joseph Mohr CCLI Song # 27862 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain

CHURCH NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS MAY YOUR HEART BE LIFTED IN PRAISE THIS CHRISTMAS for the wonderful gift of Jesus and the joy and peace He brings to our lives. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Blessed 2021! PASTOR GREGG WILL LEAD US IN AN ONLINE CHRISTMAS DAY COMMUNION SERVICE AT 10:30 AM (EST). Open your gifts, gather communion supplies, and join us on Facebook LIVE to celebrate the greatest gift of all. END 2020 AND USHER IN 2021 BY JOINING US FOR ONLINE WORSHIP on Sunday, December 27 at 10:30 AM (EST). Come prepared to sing, as we are planning a service filled with readings and carols. JOIN US FOR WEDNESDAY EVENING PRAYER & DEVOTION on Facebook LIVE each week at 7:00 PM (EST).


2020 POINSETTIAS In Honor of: Given by: Brittany & Andrew Joseph and

Peter Seymour & Autumn Stevens Steve & Beth Seymour

Colleen & Richard Gilbert Dianne, Don & Sophie Tyler Jane Livingston The FPCNE Bell Choir Kay Tyler & Family Dianne, Don & Sophie Tyler The Family of David Randall David Randall The FPCNE Bell Choir Jane Livingston The FPCNE Chancel Choir Jane Livingston The 2020 World Series Champions LA Dodgers Gregg Townsend In Memory of: Given by: Alan McClure Cathy McClure Albert L. Decker Janice & Neil Hirneisen Bob & Lois Norris Bob & Sally Murray Bob & Louise Murray Bob & Sally Murray Charles & Ruth Fink and Wayne Seymour Steve & Beth Seymour Cleon & Patricia Livingston Jane Livingston & Gregg Townsend Emelyn Olson Dianne, Don & Sophie Tyler Families of Douglas Reid & Joseph Trojanowski Jan Trojanowski James & Elizabeth Burch Cathy McClure Larry & Dolly McClure Cathy McClure Marian Lucille Hopkins Dianne & Fred Lucore Sharon Wheeler Dianne & Fred Lucore In Gratitude for: Given by: Pastor Gregg Townsend & Jane Livingston Dale & Gloria Townsend


December 25, 2020, 10: 30 AM (EST) Christmas Day

Gregg D. Townsend, Pastor Jane Livingston, Music Director Service Note: Prior to the start of service, please gather any kind of bread and juice or wine to use for communion. If you do not have these items, any commonly used food or drink will do. GATHERING MUSIC: “The First Noel” Arr. by Bill Wolaver WELCOME: Pastor Gregg Townsend CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 98 CAROL: “Good Christian Friends Rejoice (In Dulci Jubilo)” Good Christian friends rejoice with heart and soul and voice. Give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today. Ox and ass before him bow and He is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today! Good Christian friends rejoice with heart and soul and voice. Now ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this. He hath opened Heaven’s door and we are blest forevermore. Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this! Good Christian friends rejoice with heart and soul and voice. Now ye need not fear the grave. Jesus Christ was born to save. Calls you on and calls you all to gain the everlasting hall. Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save! OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Isaiah 52:70-10

EPISTLE LESSON: Hebrews 1:1-4 CAROL: “Joy to the World (Antioch)” Joy to the world! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her 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. Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ. While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows 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. 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. GOSPEL LESSON: John 1:1-14 MESSAGE CAROL: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing (Mendelssohn)” Hark the herald angels sing: “Glory to the newborn King!” Peace on earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled. Joyful all ye nations rise. Join the triumph of the skies. With the angelic hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem. Hark the herald angels sing: “Glory to the newborn King!” Christ by highest heaven adored. Christ the everlasting Lord. Late in time behold Him come. Offspring of the Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see. Hail the incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. Hark the herald angels sing: “Glory to the newborn King!” Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace. Hail the Sun of Righteousness. Light and life to all He brings. Risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birth. Hark the herald angels sing: “Glory to the newborn King!” HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation

CAROL: “O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)” O come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant. O come ye O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him born the King of angels. O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation, O sing all ye bright Hosts of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest! O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. 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.

Words of Institution Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial. Amen. (Luke 11:2b-4) Sharing the Bread and Cup (Please eat the bread and then drink the cup.)

Prayer AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: “The Heidelberg Confession” (Q&A’s 35-36) Leader: What does it mean that he “was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary? Congregation: That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, and truly human nature so that he might also become David’s true descendant, like his brothers and sisters in every way except for sin. Leader: How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you? Congregation: He is our mediator and, in God’s sight, he covers with his innocence and perfect holiness my sinfulness in which I was conceived. CAROL: “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” Go tell it on the mountain over the hills and everywhere! Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night. Behold throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. (Chorus) The shepherds feared and trembled when lo above the earth. Rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth. (Chorus) Down in a lowly manger, the humble Christ was born. And brought us God’s salvation that blessed Christmas morn. (Chorus) BENEDICTION AND POSTLUDE All Music Used with Permission │Church Copyright License #1496394 │+ Streaming License #20537695 “Good Christian Friends Rejoice” by John Mason Neale CCLI Song # 85158 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “Joy to the World” by George Frideric Handel | Isaac Watts CCLI Song # 24016 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley | Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy CCLI Song # 27738 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “O Come All Ye Faithful” by C. Frederick Oakeley | John Francis Wade CCLI Song # 31054 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “Go Tell It on the Mountain” by John W. Work, Jr. CCLI Song No. 29080 © Public Domain

December 27, 2020 │ Page 1 of 7


December 27, 2020, 10: 30 AM (EST) First Sunday of Christmas

Gregg D. Townsend, Pastor Jane Livingston, Music Director GATHERING MUSIC: “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” Arr. by Bill Wolaver WELCOME: Pastor Gregg Townsend CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 148 CAROL: “Angels We Have Heard on High (Gloria)” Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o’er the plains. And the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be, which inspire your heav’nly song? Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! Come to Bethlehem and see Christ whose birth the angels sing. Come adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord the newborn King. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!


See Him in a manger laid whom the choirs of angels praise. Mary Joseph lend your aid while our hearts in love we raise. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! CAROL: “The First Nowell” The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay. In fields where they lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel. They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far. And to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel. And by the light of that same star, three wise men came from country far. To seek for a king was their intent and to follow the star wherever it went. Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel. This star drew nigh to the northwest o’er Bethlehem it took its rest. And there it did both stop and stay right over the place where Jesus lay. Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel. PRAYER OF CONFESSION Leader: Today we celebrate that Jesus, our Lord, came to earth as a human, just like us but without sin. He came so that we who sin may be freed from sin. With the peace that comes from knowing Jesus came, let us confess our sins and be forgiven. Congregation: God of love, all year long we pursue power and money, yet you come in weakness. All season long we covet great material gifts, when you alone offer what is lasting. Through the work of this Lord Jesus, who comes among us full of grace and truth, forgive us, heal us, correct us. Then open our lips, that we may sing your praise with the angels, and remake our lives, that we may witness to your transforming love. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON Leader: God has caused light to shine in our hearts, the light that is knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Congregation: Thanks be to God!

- based on 2 Corinthians 4:6 CAROL: “Good Christian Friends Rejoice (In Dulci Jubilo)” Good Christian friends rejoice with heart and soul and voice. Give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today. Ox and ass before him bow and He is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today! Good Christian friends rejoice with heart and soul and voice. Now ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this.


He hath opened Heaven’s door and we are blest forevermore. Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this! Good Christian friends rejoice with heart and soul and voice. Now ye need not fear the grave. Jesus Christ was born to save. Calls you on and calls you all to gain the everlasting hall. Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save! CAROL: “Away in a Manger (Mueller)” Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay. The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing the baby awakes but little Lord Jesus no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care and fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

CAROL: “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (Carol)” It came upon the midnight clear that glorious song of old. From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold. Peace on the earth, good will to men from heaven’s all gracious King. The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing/ Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled. And still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world/ Above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing. And ever o’er its Babel sounds, the blessed angels sing. And ye beneath life’s crushing load whose forms are bending low. Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow. Look now for glad and golden hours, come swiftly on the wing, O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing. For lo the days are hastening on by prophet bards foretold. When with the ever-circling years, comes round the age of gold. When peace shall over all the earth, its ancient splendors fling. And the whole world give back the song, which now the angels sing. OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 CAROL: “What Child Is This (Greensleeves)” What Child is this who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.


Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear for sinners here, the silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, the cross be borne for me for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary. 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. EPISTLE LESSON: Galatians 4:4-7

CAROL: “O Little Town of Bethlehem (Saint Louis)” O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting Light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above. While mortals sleep the angels keep, their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth. And praises sing to God the King and peace to men on earth. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given. So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming but in this world of sin. Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in. O holy child of Bethlehem descend to us we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in. Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels. The great glad tidings tell. O come to us abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel. GOSPEL LESSON: Luke 2:22-40 SPECIAL MUSIC: “Simeon’s Song” MESSAGE CAROL: “Lo How A Rose E’er Blooming” Lo how a rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung. Of Jesse’s lineage coming by faithful prophets sung. It came a floweret bright amid the cold of winter when half spent was the night. Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, the rose I have in mind. With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.


To show God’s love aright, she bore for us a Savior when half spent was the night.

O Flower whose fragrance tender, with sweetness fills the air. Dispel in glorious splendor, the darkness everywhere. True man yet very God, from sin and death now save us and share our every load.

PASTORAL PRAYER: 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.

CAROL: “Joy to the World (Antioch)” Joy to the world! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her 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. Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows 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. 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. CAROL: “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” Go tell it on the mountain over the hills and everywhere! Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night. Behold throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. (Chorus) The shepherds feared and trembled when lo above the earth. Rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth. (Chorus) Down in a lowly manger, the humble Christ was born. And brought us God’s salvation that blessed Christmas morn. (Chorus) BENEDICTION AND POSTLUDE


All Music Used with Permission │Church Copyright License #1496394 │+ Streaming License #20537695 “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Edward Shippen Barnes | James Chadwick CCLI Song # 27721 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “The First Nowell” CCLI Song No. 31047 © Public Domain “Good Christian Friends Rejoice” by John Mason Neale CCLI Song # 85158 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “Away in a Manger” by James Ramsey Murray | John Thomas McFarland | Martin Luther CCLI Song No. 38583 © Public Domain “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” by Edmund Hamilton Sears | Richard Storrs Willis CCLI Song No. 31078 © Public Domain “What Child Is This” by Unknown | William Chatterton Dix CCLI Song # 30983 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Lewis Henry Redner / Phillips Brooks CCLI Song No. 27879 © Public Domain “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” by Harriet Krauth Spaeth | Theodore Baker CCLI Song # 3860933 © Public Domain “Joy to the World” by George Frideric Handel | Isaac Watts CCLI Song # 24016 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain “Go Tell It on the Mountain” by John W. Work, Jr. CCLI Song No. 29080 © Public Domain

CHURCH NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS BECOME A MEMBER OF FPCNE! Do you consider FPCNE your church home? Is FPCNE where you receive pastoral care? Is FPCNE where you are fed on God’s Word? Then you should speak with Pastor Gregg about becoming a member. It doesn’t matter where you live. The church is not a building… the church is the people. WEDNESDAY EVENING PRAYER & DEVOTION is held on Facebook LIVE each week at 7:00 PM (EST). FEBRUARY IS FPCNE’S MONTH TO WORK AT THE NORTH EAST FOOD PANTRY. During the month of February, we need a couple of volunteers that can help pack food on Friday mornings from 9:00 to 10:30 AM. We also need a few others to help with distribution on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to noon. Please email Steve Seymour at [email protected] if you can help. THE SESSION IS WORKING TO CLEAN OUT VARIOUS ROOMS AND HAVE A NUMBER OF ITEMS THAT SOMEONE MAY FIND USEFUL. Please contact Steve Seymour or Cindy Lilly if you have interested. Please note that you must arrange to pick up and haul from the church. Here are the items that are free to a good home: Stand-alone foosball table Air hockey/pool/foosball 3-in-1 mini table Guitar Hero for Sony Playstation (not sure if it works) Sony boombox with CD/cassette/radio VHS/DVD player

Tan 6-piece sectional couch

JOIN PASTOR GREGG ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 AT 7:30 PM (EST) VIA ZOOM FOR AN ONLINE BOOK DISCUSSION, “SIMPLIFY YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.” If your Bible study seems tedious and your prayer life wearisome, stop and rediscover how rewarding the simple Christian life can be. Pick up the book at your favorite book seller. Check the church Facebook page for a Zoom link.

OFFERING OUR TENTH AND GIFTS BEYOND For our online worshippers: there are four easy ways to give your financial gift to the church:

1. Send in your financial support via the US mail. 2. Contact the church office (814-725-8641) to set up direct deposit from your bank account to the

church. 3. You can also now give through PayPal. Just click on the link: paypal.me/fpcne. Or click on the

“Shop Now” button on the church Facebook page, which will take you to the link. 4. Download the “Give Plus Mobile” app from the App Store. Enter our zip code (16428) and select

“First Presbyterian Church.” It takes about five minutes to set up your account and connect with the church. Then simply select the ‘’ sign at the top to add your giving.


IF YOU HAVE A PRAYER REQUEST, JOY OR CONCERN TO SHARE, please speak with Pastor Gregg or call or text his cell phone at (814) 460-3123. You can also email our prayer chain at [email protected].

CHURCH CALENDAR

DATE TIMES (EST) EVENT

The church office is closed to the public due to the pandemic, except by appointment. Please contact Pastor Gregg if you need assistance.

Monday, December 28 7:00 PM - Session Meeting (via Teleconference)

Wednesday, December 30 7:00 PM - Evening Prayer & Devotional (via FB LIVE)

Happy New Year!

Sunday, January 3, 2021 10:30 AM (EST) - Sunday Online Worship Service with Communion (via FB LIVE)

CONTACT INFO YOU MIGHT NEED Contact Pastor Gregg anytime at (814) 460-3123 (call or text) and [email protected]. Contact music director Jane Livingston at (814) 504-1135 (call or text) and [email protected]. Please send announcements or calendar events to Jane.

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