welcome to worship at...
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to worship at Northminster!
Thank you for worshipping with us tonight. If you are visiting with
us this evening we hope you feel the presence of God and the
hospitality of this congregation. If you have any questions about our
church please ask one of the pastors or a greeting host wearing a
red “Ask Me” badge.
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
December 24, 2017
CHRISTMAS EVE
10:30pm
«««««««««««««
*Those who are able, please stand.
Congregation responds in bold.
Please, silence your cell phone before worship begins.
1660 Kessler Boulevard, East Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46220
317-251-9489
www.northminster-indy.org
CENTERING THOUGHT
A World …
damaged … appearing to float aimlessly in the cold void of space
… groping in the darkness unaware of its blindness or just not
caring.
A people …
called from that world to glimpse a hint of the light
that would come to pierce the murky gloom.
Our Savior … Light of the World
born out of those people – yet eternal –
parting the clouds … lifting the shade …
filling our hearts with rays of hope
and the promise of Restoration!
Jennifer Richter
APPROACHING GOD
WELCOME Carol McDonald
PRELUDE
Rorate caeli ancient plainsong
Antiphon: Rorate caeli desuper,
et nubes pluant justum.
Ne irascaris Domine,
ne ultra memineris iniquitatis:
Ecce civitas Sancti facta est deserta:
Sion deserta facta est: Jerusaelm desolata est:
Domus sanctificationis tuae et gloriae tuae,
ubi laudaverunt te patres nostri. Antiphon
Antiphon: Drop down dew ye heavens, from above,
and let the skies pour down righteousness.
Be not angry, O Lord,
and remember no longer our iniquity:
Behold, the holy city is a wilderness
Sion is a wilderness: Jerusalem is desolate:
The house of your sanctification and your glory,
where our fathers praised you. Antiphon
Peccavimus, et facti sumus tamquam immundus nos,
et cecidimus quasi folium universi:
Et iniquitates nostrae quasi ventus abstulerunt nos:
Abscondisti faciem tuam a nobis,
et allisisti nos in manu iniquitatis nostrae. Antiphon
We have sinned, and are become as one that is unclean,
and we have all fallen as a leaf:
And our inquities, like the wind, have taken us away:
You have hidden your face from us,
and have crushed us, because of our iniquities. Antiphon
Vide Domine afflictionem populi tui,
et mitte quem missurus es:
Emitte Agnum dominatorem terrae,
de Petra deserti ad montem filliae Sion:
ut auferat ipse jugum captivitatis nostrae. Antiphon
Behold, O Lord, the affliction of your people,
and send forth Him who is to come:
Send forth the Lamb, the ruler of the earth,
from Petra of the desert, to the mount of the daughter of Sion:
That He may take away the yoke of our captivity. Antiphon
Consolamini, consolamini, popule meus:
Cito veniet salus tua:
Quare moerore consumeris?
Quia innovavit te dolor?
Salvabo te, noli timere, ego enim sum Dominus Deus tuus,
Sanctus Israel, Redempto tuus. Antiphon
Be comforted, be comforted, my people:
My salvation comes quickly:
Why will you waste away in sadness?
Why has sorrow seized you?
Fear not, for I will save you, for I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Redeemer. Antiphon
Domine Deus (from Gloria) Antonio Vivaldi
(1678 - 1741)
Domine Deus, rex coelestis, Lord God, heavenly king,
Deus Pater omnipotens, God the Father almighty.
And the glory of the Lord (from Messiah)
George Frederick Handel
(1685 – 1759)
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
Catalonian Carol Traditional Catalonian
arr. Dale Warland
(born 1932)
Tanta ran tan.
What can we give to the Child of Mary? What lowly gifts will
both honor and please?
We will give figs to him, raisins and olives: We will give honey,
fresh bread and cheese.
Tanta ran.
What can we give to the Child of Mary? When in our
searching to him we are led?
Softest wool, a small coat that will warm him, and a wee cap
that will cover his head.
What can we give when the darkness is falling?
What can we give when he cries in the night? Lullabies,
glorias, glad alleluias,
Treasures of song that are joyous and bright. Tanta ran.
There is no rose Paul Hillier (born 1949)
There is no rose of such virtue as is the rose that bare Jesu,
Alleluia.
For in this rose contained was Heaven and earth in little space,
Res miranda.
By that rose we may well see there be one God in persons
three, Pariforma.
The angels sungen the shepherds to: Gloria in excelsis deo,
Gaudeamus.
Leave we all this worldly mirth, and follow we this joyful birth,
Transeamus.
The First Nowell Traditional English
arr. Mack Wilberg
(born 1955)
The first Noel 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.
Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, 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. Refrain
Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heav’nly
Lord
That hath made heav’n and earth of nought, and with his blood
mankind hath bought.
Refrain.
A Savior from on High Stephen Paulus
(1949 – 2014)
O sweet was the song the Virgin sang when she to Bethl’em
Judah came.
And was delivered of a son and Jesus was his name.
Lulee, lully, lullo, lullaby. And Jesus was his name.
“O sweet babe,” sang she, “my son.” And so a Savior is born,
who was given from on high to visit us that were forlorn.
Lulee, lully, lullo, lullaby.
The Word Was God Rosephanye Powell
(born 1962)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
The same was in (uh) the beginning with God.
All things were made that have been made. Nothing was made
He has not made.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
*OPENING SENTENCES
The grace of God is with us now.
Girls and Women: The Savior of the world has come.
Boys and Men: Shine in our lives, Lord Jesus Christ.
All: Let us worship God.
*HYMN NO. 140 Once in Royal David’s City IRBY
( Soloist sings stanza 1; All sing stanzas 2-4)
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
Our season of preparing is nearly over.
Our time of waiting is nearly finished.
Now is a time of fulfillment and promise.
On this holy night, we give thanks for light.
We light a candle of hope: hope for ourselves, and for God’s
beloved world.
We light a candle of peace: peace in our hearts, and on earth.
We light a candle of joy: joy to the world, and within our whole
being.
We light a candle of love: the promise of God’s love for us, and
for all creation.
And now the hour has come and the season is fulfilled.
We light the Christ candle, the light of the world, the light
of possibility.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
HYMN NO. 110 Love Has Come BRING A TORCH
LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
FIRST READING Isaiah 11: 1-2 (Pg. 640)
PSALM 72: 1-7, 18-19
SECOND READING Matthew 1: 1, 17 (Pg. 1)
REFLECTIONS The Grandmothers of Jesus
Sarah — who started it
Ruth — who showed faithfulness
*HYMN NO. 138 Who Would Think That What Was Needed
WHITE RHOSETTES
THIRD READING Luke 1: 39-42 (Pg. 57)
Luke 2: 6-12, 15-8, 36-39 (Pg. 58)
REFLECTIONS The Grandmothers of Jesus
Elizabeth — who birthed the forerunner
Anna — who spoke of redemption
ANTHEM What Sweeter Music John Rutter
(born 1949)
What sweeter music can we bring than a carol, for to sing
the birth of this our heavenly King? Awake the voice! Awake
the string!
Dark and dull night, fly hence away, and give the honour to this
day,
that sees December turned to May.
Why does the chilling winter's morn smile, like a field beset
with corn?
Or smell like a meadow newly-shorn, thus on the sudden?
Come and see the cause, why things thus fragrant be:
'Tis he is born, whose quick’ning birth gives life and luster,
public mirth, to heaven, and the under-earth.
We see him come, and know him ours, who, with his sunshine
and his showers,
turns all the patient ground to flowers. The darling of the world
is come,
and fit it is, we find a room to welcome him.
The nobler part of all the house here is the heart,
which we will give him; and bequeath this holly, and this ivy
wreath,
to do him honour, who's our King, and Lord of all this reveling.
What sweeter music can we bring, than a carol, for to sing
the birth of this our heavenly King?
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S 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.
OFFERING
OFFERTORY Sing We Now of Christmas arr. Brant Adams
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
*DOXOLOGY W ZLOIE LEZY
*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Gracious God, accept these gifts we offer.
Use all that we have and all that we are as you bring light in
every darkness.
Turn our endless warring into your endless peace.
In Christ’s name, we ask, Amen.
*SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
(Worshipers may greet one another with words of Christ’s peace.)
*HYMN NO. 122 Silent Night, Holy Night STILLE NACHT
(Your candle lit by a HOST as a symbol of the light of Christ.
Please tilt your unlit candle toward the flame.)
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.
*BLESSING AND CHARGE
The love of God, the light of Christ and the joy of the Holy
Spirit abide with you this holy night and forever.
Friends, go out this night in joy and hope.
We depart with the song of the angels on our lips:
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace.”
POSTLUDE I Saw Three Ships Traditional English
arr. Richard Elliott
(born 1952)
Seasonal Decorations and Poinsettias
Nancy Jarrell—in memory of my parents and in honor of my four
grandchildren
Joe Komenda—in memory of Marianne Komenda, my loving wife
Dick and Pat Dunbar and Family—in memory of P.E. Merriman and
Dorothy M. Merriman
Tim and Molly Craft—in honor of Don and Dolly Craft
Debbie and Chris Everett—in memory of Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Stuart
and Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Everett
Charlotte Chadwick—in memory of Raymond Chadwick
Francis Barrows—in memory of family members
Children and grandchildren of Esther Larson—in loving memory of
Esther
Sharon Lyst—in memory of John H. Lyst and Audrey K. Lyst
Matt and Marci Robinson—in honor of our parents Debby and Bud
Robinson and Kelly and Donna Stanley
Matt and Marci Robinson—in honor of our girls Kate, Lauren,
Caroline and Annie
Bud and Lee Morack—in honor of our pastors and staff
Joe and Sharon Dzwonar—in memory of our parents and sisters,
Anna and Dolores
John Lisher—in memory of Dr. and Mrs. P. C. Sturmon and Mr. and
Mrs. Leonard Lisher
Frank Sauer—in memory of my parents, Frank and Ethel Sauer
Clarice Stegall—in honor of Emily, Megan, Sara and AJ
Will and Todd Gudgel and Amy Gudgel Stults—in memory of
grandparents
Melissa Ann Hopkins—in memory of John and Iola Hopkins; Lynne
and Sam Hopkins; and Rev. Dr. Karel Hanhart
Scott Hawks—in memory of Joan and John Hawks
Jeff and Donna Schmahl—in memory of Shelly Magnus and in
honor of our NPC ministry staff
Karalea Jasiak—in memory of Lois Odell
Tom and Terri Hubbard—in memory of Beryldean Hubbard
Pat Kilbury—in memory of William Kilbury
Sara Sarno—in memory of parents, Kathryn and Denby Gerlach,
and sister, Alice Gerlach
Jackie Schmidt—in memory of Marvin and Ann Schmidt
Carol McDonald—in memory of The Rev. David L. McDonald and
The Rev. Peggy McDonald
Carol McDonald—in honor of the Pastors, Staff, good members of
Northminster Presbyterian Church, my family, and friends who
are family
Rev. Barbara Sloop—in honor of all who have supported and
encouraged me during my illness this year
Rev. Barbara Sloop—in memory of Dave’s, Jill’s and my parents
and grandparents
Bob Smith—in memory of Katherine Smith
Wiemer and Anita Hicks and Douglas Cruzan—in memory of
Eugene and Mildred Cruzan
Mr. and Mrs. Evan E. Steger—in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob E.
Gillespie
Mr. and Mrs. Evan E. Steger—in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Charles
F. Steger
Eunice and Joni Hughes—in memory of husband and father, John
Hughes
Carol and Rick Campbell—in memory of Rick and Carol
Campbell’s parents and in honor of Stephen Ministers
Terri Hubbard—in honor of father Tom Hubbard and family and
friends
Mary Liz Mitchell—in memory of Jim Mitchell
Barb Weber—in memory of my husband, Bill
Josephine Wright—-in memory of Nancy Wright Pinnick and in
honor of James B. Wright
Betty Sue Drake—in memory of my husband
Sharon Gremel—in memory of Bud Gremel and our parents
John (Jack) and Jan Whiteman—in memory of Margo Whiteman
and Terri Lee
Pat McVey—in memory of Laura McVey Kilcoyne
Netta Mae Browne—in memory of Helen Browne
Rob and Anita Day—in memory of John Busse
Gail and Rob Rothrock—in memory of our parents
Nancy Flamme—in memory of my parents Bill and Jean Flamme
Ev and Jane Fleming—in memory of our departed loved ones
Bob and Anne Nation—in memory of our parents and our Aunt
Hazel
The Personnel Committee—in honor of Northminster Pastors and
Staff
Sharon Parsley—in memory of family and friends
Ellen and John Fosnaught— in memory of our parents
Chancel Choir—in honor of John Wright and Marco Petričić
Hitch and Sandy Learned—in memory of Archie and Bette
Kuoppala and Frank and Caryl Learned
Bob and Barbara Berting—in memory of our sons, Kyle Victor and
Kevin Gregory
Bob and Barbara Berting—in memory of our parents, Bill Sr. and
Victoria Freije and Herman and Vada Berting
Cathy Robinson—in memory of David Robinson
Mary Jane Baxter—in memory of my son, Rick Baxter
Musical Leaders in tonight’s service:
Elisabeth Kleinsmith, Soprano
Robbie Foote and Seung Lee, Psalm cantors
Pam Ajango, Oboe
Chancel Choir and Chamber Ensemble
Advent Wreath Candle Lighters:
Tarry, Heather, Lily, and Sam Banks
Christmas Joy Offering Collection on Christmas Eve.
Your gift is used to support Presbyterian-related racial ethnic
schools and colleges, provides financial assistance to church
workers, and funds the Assistance Program of the Board of
Pensions. Special envelopes are in the pews.
What’s Next?
Sunday Morning Worship
December 31 – Reflections and Hope
January 7 – Baptism of Jesus, Installation of Elders and
Deacons
Mission and Outreach
Christmas Joy Offering – Christmas Eve
Events and Education
Middlers – January 6, 6pm at Tony and Jennifer Dzwonars
home
Fourth Sunday Adult Education – Painting the Stars, 10am
Annual Meeting of the Congregation – January 28, Noon
NorthStars Butler Basketball – February 3, Noon
Sound & Spirit Concert – Philatroi-String Trio – February 11,
4pm FREE
For more information, check out our website
(northminster-indy.org), ask to receive our weekly email,
pick up a newsletter from an information table, or contact the
church office.
To give by text message on a smartphone, text the amount
you would like to give to 317-316-3009. Our online giving
system, ShelbyNext, will prompt you through
a one-time set up for giving.
The building will be closed for the Christmas Holidays
on Monday and Tuesday, December 25 and 26.
MINISTRY
Teri L. Thomas
Pastor
Ruth Chadwick Moore
Associate Pastor
Carol McDonald
Acting Head of Staff
John M. Wright
Director, Music Ministries
Cheryl Plunkett
Acting Director, Christian Education
Maureen Wilson
Acting Director, Youth Ministries
and Kid’s Club
Marko Petričić
Music Associate/Organist
Denise Harrington
Senior Ministry Consultant
Marland Pittman
Seminary Intern
Barbara A. Sloop
Parish Associate
Carol Campbell
John Reed
Tony Dzwonar
Stephen Ministry Leaders
Donald R. Durrett
Associate Pastor Emeritus