Grafton Community Church

Bill Watson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Christmas Eve at Grafton Community Church

Time: Dec 24, 2024 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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12-24-24, Christmas Eve order of Worship, Grafton Community Church  

Prelude Music: (Music Minister Ken Olsson)   Begins at 4:15 p.m.

Guest Musician: Amy Cann (organ, piano & violin) 

Soloists this evening are: Grace Thompson, David Naughton, Tricia Suriani 

Music of the Season

Announcements:  (Welcome by Linda Robertson, Council Chair)

Good evening & Merry Christmas.  Welcome.

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Let’s worship together.

Hymn #148 “O Come All Ye Faithful”

1 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:

[Refrain]
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

2 Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest; [Refrain]

3 Child, for us sinners, poor and in the manger,
we would embrace thee, with love and awe;
who would not love thee, loving us so dearly? [Refrain]

4 Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born for our salvation,
Jesus, to thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: [Refrain]

What occurred this night two thousand years ago was prophesied seven-hundred years before that by Isaiah. Let’s share his words together as our call to worship.

Isaiah 9: 2; 6-7

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; 

Many: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. 

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; 

One: And he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Many: His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of 

David and his kingdom. 

One: He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time 

onward and forevermore. 

Many: The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.   

*Response:  Hymn #119 “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” -- Verse 4

O come, De-sire of nations bind, all peoples in one heart and mind:
Bid every strife and quarrels cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Special Music: “Comfort Ye My People”, David Naughton Solo

G.F. Handel – Messiah

Bidding Prayer  (reader:  Pastor Watson)

Beloved in Christ, be it this Christmastide, our care and delight, to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Therefore, let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God; from the Prophet’s words that “A Child Shall be Born” and even to the glorious Redemption brought to us by this Holy Child.

But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world; for peace on earth and goodwill among all his people; for unity and brotherhood within the Church he came to build, and especially in this village of Grafton, Vermont

And because this, of all things, would rejoice his heart, let us remember, in his name, the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and them that mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and the little children. Lastly, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no man can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the Lord Jesus we are forever one.

These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the Realm of Heaven, in the words which Christ Jesus himself taught us:

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, the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.

Lesson: Luke 1: 26–35; 38 (reader:  Pastor King )

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.  

Special Music: Ave Maria. Grace Thompson Solo 

J.S.Bach /C.Gounod

Luke 2: 1; 3–7  (reader: Mary Feder )

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 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.  

Hymn 144   O Little Town of Bethlehem  Verses 1-3

1 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.

2 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.
Your voices raise to God in praise; and peace to all on earth.

3 How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the joys of highest heaven.
No ear may hear Christ coming, but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.  

Luke 2: 8-16  (reader:  Mary Feder )

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 God favors!" 

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.  

Hymn 147 Away in a Manger 

1 Away in a manger, no crib for a 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 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.

3 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.

Matthew 2: 1-12  (Steve Nolan)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; 

for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel." 

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Let us follow in the tradition of the Magi and return our gifts to God!

Offerings of the People

You can present your offering for the work of Grafton Community Church, using the “Donate Now” button on our Facebook page at The Grafton Church, or on our web site www.graftoncommunitychurch.org  (The button may actually say “Shop Now,” but it has the same function.  You will not run afoul of Martin Luther’s edicts on indulgences.

Offertory Music (Guest Musician Amy Cann)

“Christmas Peace”  —  Grafton Community Church Christmas Choir

Arr. Joel Raney

Response:   (Hymn 162  What Child IS This?  Verse 3 only)

So, bring him incense, gold and myrrh, come rich and poor to own him,
the King of Kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him.

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
haste, haste to bring him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.  

Offertory Prayer of Dedication:  (Pastor Watson)

Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit we receive these gifts, made this evening in homage of the Child of Bethlehem.  May our stewardship be sound in your sight and worthy of your everlasting grace; especially so, on this Holy Night.  Amen

Special Music: “Rejoice Greatly” — Tricia Suriani

G.F. Handel – Messiah 

Reflection “Christmas Presents” Pastor C.J. King

Synopsis: What is the most valuable gift you have ever received for Christmas?

Hymn #150  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing  

1 Hark! the herald-angels sing, "Glory to the new-born 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 host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Hark, the herald-angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!"

2 Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold him come, offspring of a Virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity,
pleased in flesh with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark, the herald-angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!"

3 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 we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.
Hark, the herald-angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!"

John 1: 1-14  (Pastor Watson)

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. 

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 the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the Creator's only child, full of grace and truth.  

As is, illuminated again for us on this “Silent Night, Holy Night”

 (Hymn 145)  Silent Night Holy Night  (Congregation seated)  

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, heavenly 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 thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace:
Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

4 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: (Pastor King)

(Hymn 143)  “Joy to the World

1 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.

2 Joy to the world, 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 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.

Postlude:   (Guest Musician Amy Cann)

Halleluiah Chorus with soloists and other singers

Halleluiah Chorus – Messiah (G.F. Handel)

Please greet your neighbors as you leave the Sanctuary or Zoom with peace and good will for all God’s creation and remembering those we pray for each day.

Grafton Prayer List:

Our Planet Earth *Those with PTSD & their families *Those enduring times of stress * *Beloved pets of Grafton *Mary Karam, & the Humes family *Arlene & Ron Carey *Gaelle McLoud *The Rowley family *Carol Bason *Bob Haseltine & the Haseltine families *Arthur Park *Galen Pinkham *Michael Brown (Matt Brown’s brother) *Pastor Harold Noyes *Sylven Lang *Kenny King (Pastor King’s brother) *Norm Robertson *Robert Johnson (Ken Olsson’s father-in-law) *Nancy Merrill *Dick Warren *Dave Robinson *Michelle Dufort *Joyce Olsson (Ken’s mom) *Cecile Fisher Smith *Dennis Scharback *Todd Baker (Pastor Watson’s friend) *Linda Preziosi  *Paul Nolan (Steve Nolan’s cousin) *Debbie Wright *Christine Tattersall *Gayle Arbuckle *JoAnn Supple (Sherry Brown’s mother) *Anita Bean *Irene Rice

Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones
*Irene Rice & family *Family and friends of Richard Geist (Franklin Geist’s- brother) *Family & Friends of Marion Tenney *Family and friends of Patricia Hastings (Nelson Cooley’s sister.) *Family & friends of Philip Rowley *Family & friends of Doug Wright *Family & friends of Cathy Hallock *Family & friends of Michelle Brown (sister of Carol Wright) *Family & friends of Stan Mack *Family & friends of Frank Ryan *Family & friends of Peter Preziosi *Family & friends of Charles “Tim” Goodwin (Kirk’s brother) *Family & friends of Raymond Gregory *Family & friends of Bill Brown *Family & friends of Luann Ward *Family & friends of Helene Delaney (Steven Humes’ mother-in-law) *Family & friends of Ron Metzger (Pastor Watson’s cousin) *Family & friends of Jane Howard (Mary Feder’s mother) *Family & friends of Simon Kimber (Christine Tattersall’s brother-in-law) *Family & friends of Peggy O’Keefe Lafave *Family & friends of Liam Parker (Michele Chickering’s son) *Family & friends of Jerry Goldlust (Christine Tattersall’s close friend) *Family & friends of Bob Wright *Friends & family of Barbara Andrews (Meg Gonzalez’ mom) *Family & friends of Bob Haseltine *Family & friends of Donald F.M. Bolton *Family & friends of Denize Schemm

Extended Care:

*Dottie Royal, Bromley Manor, 2595 Depot St., Manchester, VT 05255

*Rev. Catherine Cadieux, Sterling House, 33 Atkinson Street, Bellows Falls VT 05101

*Estelle Pieth, Crescent Manor, 312 Crescent Blvd, Bennington, VT 05201

Grafton Community Church, 55 Main Street, PO Box 158, Grafton, VT, 05146, United States
(802) 843-2346  Graftonchurch@gmail.com 

Our Website:  www.graftoncommunitychurch.org

On Facebook: The Grafton Church

Find Hope for Peace, Joy & Faith with 

Grafton Community Church

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!