Centenary United Methodist Church

Corner of Gray Avenue & Church Street

Greenwich, N.Y. 12134

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

December 24, 2023

5:00 pm

*All who are able are invited to stand.

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Welcome everyone, on this holiest of nights.

        As Mary readied herself to give birth to Jesus,

Let us prepare ourselves to welcome new birth into our own lives.

As a child prepares to open a special gift,

Let us prepare our hearts to receive the wonder of God’s love.

As heaven and earth sing of great joy,

Let us sing our joyful praises to God!

*CAROL    "O Come, All Ye Faithful"    #234 vs. 1,3,4,6

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE                                                                Penny LaPointe and Paula Collins         

*CAROL         “O Little Town of Bethlehem”         #230 vs. 1 & 3           

PRAYER OF APPROACH (in unison)

        We praise you, hidden God,  that in Jesus Christ you have come to us to speak your Word of love and life.  

Touch us with unearthly joy,  like the singing of angels;  fill us with wonder,  like the eyes of children;  

teach us to humble ourselves before you, like the worshiping magi.  

May our journey to the manger be only the beginning of a lifetime of service to Jesus our Christ.      Amen.

SILENT PRAYER                 WORDS OF ASSURANCE

ANTHEM  "Bring A Torch, Jeanette,  Isabella”                                                                                       Handbell Choir

CAROL    “Angels We Have Heard on High”   #238 vs.1 & 3            **Please remain seated for the singing of the carols.**

SCRIPTURE                                            Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

CAROL                   “What Child Is This”         #219 vs. 1 & 2

ANTHEM              “Oh Come, Come Away”                Choir  

SCRIPTURE                                                      Luke 2:1-7

CAROL      “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”      #240 vs. 1 & 3

SCRIPTURE                                         Luke 2:8-20

CAROL   "While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night"  

                                                           # 236 vs. 1 & 2

ANTHEM                “Where Are You Goin’ Brother?”          Choir    

MESSAGE           “Born Again”        Pastor Weatherwax

CAROL                            “Joy to the World”                          #246

OFFERING OUR GIFTS AND OUR PRAISES TO GOD

      Offertory:           The Little Drummer Boy     Bell Choir

   *Praise Song   “Doxology”  #95         Prayer of Dedication

CANDLE LIGHTING

To receive the light from your neighbor’s candle, tip your unlit candle to their flame.

CAROL                 "Silent Night"                              Insert

BENEDICTION                                        POSTLUDE        

May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of His love at Christmas and always. May God fill your life with love, joy, and peace this Christmas and throughout the New Year. Sharing with you the Glory, the Wonder, the Miracle of this Holy Season.

Thank you for being a part of our celebration of Our Lord’s Birth.

Organist:  Sally Fox        Choir Director:  Mellenie Booth

Handbell Director:  Bonnie Davis Clauss

Liturgists: Penny LaPointe & Dave Shippee

Greeters:  Jill and Tom Eaton

Ushers: Harry Booth & David Shippee

 CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1 Gray Avenue Greenwich, NY 12834

centenaryumcgreenwich@gmail.com     518-692-2560        www.centenaryumcgreenwich.org  and Facebook

Venmo Centenary UMC @Centenary-UMC

Pastor Melissa Weatherwax  518 961-1910    meli44race@gmail.com

Sunday Services:

Easton@8:15,   Centenary@9:30 in person and FACEBOOK live,  Covered Bridge Circuit@11:15

Have a blessed day tomorrow celebrating the Birth of Jesus, our Lord.