Sunday Morning Worship Service
December 28, 2003
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 28, 2003
GREETING, WORDS OF WELCOME, RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.
We have beheld his glory. Alleluia!
PRELUDE Bring A Torch with Joy Simpson
CALL TO WORSHIP
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts;
let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
The bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
*HYMN # 23 Angels We Have Heard On High Gloria
*A TIME OF SILENT CONFESSION
*UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN
God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light, or trusted good news to be good. We have closed our eyes to glory in our midst, expecting little, and hoping for less. Forgive our doubt, and renew our hope, so that we may receive the fullness of your grace, and live in the truth of Christ the Lord.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Jesus said that anyone who hears what he says and trusts in God has eternal life. The time is coming, indeed it is already here. All who heed God’s voice shall have life and life eternal. Rest in the assurance of God’s grace made known to us in Jesus the Christ. Let us affirm:
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hymn # 31
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.
OLD TESTAMENT READING I Samuel 2:18-20, 26
A MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN OF THE CHURCH
SPECIAL MUSIC
NEW TESTAMENT READING Luke 2:41-52
SERMON That Was Random!
The Reverend Marc Sherrod
*HYMN # 57 The Snow Lay on the Ground Venite Adoremus
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal. With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
PRAYER CONCERNS AND A TIME FOR SHARING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
DEDICATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY Wise Men Seeking Jesus Ritter
*DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN # 38 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Carol
*CHARGE AND BLESSING Go, Tell It On the Mountain Hymn # 29
Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!
*POSTLUDE Overture to “Unto Us a Child Is Born Bach
*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.
Today’s Advent reader is Mariana Oonk.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BETHEL SYMPATHY is extended to Chad & Marilyn Gaffin in the death of Chad’s mother, Christine Gaffin, Dec. 20.
BETHEL SYMPATHY is also extended to Madge Benfield and family in the death of Madge’s sister, Blanche Phipps, on Dec. 20.
MISSION YEARBOOKS & THESE DAYS are available in the narthex.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE – January 2, 8:30 a.m.
DANCE CLASS will start again the second Tuesday of January at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
| PLEASE PRAY FOR: Donald Cross, Charles Pickel, Christine Woods, Al & Dot Davis, Ella Winsbro, Ruth Moutoux, Florence Simmons, Susan Todd, Steve Jacks’ Uncle Bill, the family of Christine Gaffin, the family of Blanche Phipps, Presbyterian Churches & Pastors -& Etowah First (Mark Downs) & Greenback First (David Bell) |
| THURS – |
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! |
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| FRIDAY – |
NEWSLETTER |
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