Sunday Morning Worship Service
December 26, 2004
TO OUR GUESTS, we extend a warm welcome. We invite you to participate in signing our Friendship Folder, adding your address and phone number if you'd like to receive our church newsletter or a pastoral call. When we pray the Lord's Prayer at Bethel, we say "sins...sin against us" rather than "debts..." or "trespasses..."; during "a time for sharing" we welcome prayer requests from the congregation. On first Sundays each month, all who put their trust in Christ and who have received baptism in any Christian church are invited to share his sacred meal. We are glad you are with us. Please come again.
THE SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
First Sunday after Christmas
December 26, 2004
GREETING, WORDS OF WELCOME, RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
PRELUDE Bright Star, Light of the World Dello Joio
Mary Ann Hensley & Dianne Griffith
CALL TO WORSHIP
In beginning God created the world.
And He looked and saw that it was very good.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
*HYMN # 8 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates Truro
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, your face is hidden from us by our sins, and we forget your mercy in the blindness of our hearts. Cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Gloria Patri Hymn # 579
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 63:7-9
SPECIAL MUSIC A Slumber Song of the Madonna Head
Mary Ann Hensley & Dianne Griffith
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Matthew 1:18-25
SERMON And Then. . . .
Rev. Bill Shenk
*HYMN # 28 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice In Dulci Jubilo
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – the Apostles’ Creed (Traditional)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYER CONCERNS AND A TIME FOR SHARING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
DEDICATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN # 40 Joy to the World! Antioch
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hymn # 31 v. 1
*All who are able may stand.
This worship service is broadcast on WKTS 90.1 FM at 12:30 p.m. today.
Bethel offers Sunday school for children and four educational opportunities for adults at 9:45 AM. Childcare (babies and preschool age) is offered at 9:45 and 11 AM. Restrooms are located in our Educational Building, first floor and lower level. Ushers can provide large print hymnbooks and activity sheets for children.
The Liturgist today is Danny Holloway.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPPORTUNITIES to review the Proposed Building Plans:
•Wed, Jan 5, 2005, 7-8 p.m. in the sanctuary
•Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, 7-8 p.m. in the sanctuary
•Sunday, January 9, 2005, afternoon, TBA in the Fellowship Hall
•Tuesday, January 11, 2005, following Fun Lunch in the Fellowship Hall
•Other times arranged with Nancy King (376-9951)
BETHEL’S RADIO MINISTRY will be “off the air” as of January 1, 2005, a budgetary change made by the session of the church. We wish to express deep gratitude to Greg Murr, members of his family and others who, over the duration of this ministry, have recorded the Sunday morning worship service for play each Sunday afternoon at 12:30 on our local radio station WKTS 90.1 FM. Greg and his “crew” have not only operated the sound system for morning worship and other services such as funerals and weddings, but they have also maintained the equipment and delivered recordings to the radio station. A big tip of the halo to each of you! Please spread the word of this change to family or friends who normally listen to Bethel’s worship service. The session has made a commitment to distribute audio recordings of services to any homebound member who wishes to receive it. Contact the church office if you know of anyone unable to attend worship who’d like to receive a recording each week.
| PLEASE PRAY FOR: Carol Jane Row, Gale King, Kay Michener, Christine Woods, Al & Dot Davis, the family of Mary Sykes, Justin Winsbro, Ruth Moutoux, Susan Todd, Presbyterian Churches & Pastors - Knoxville Graystone & Maryville Highland (Anne Owens Brunger) |
| FRI – |
OFFICE CLOSED FOR NEW’S YEAR |
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| SAT – |
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2005 |
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