CHRISTMAS EVE 2011 A Celebration of the Holy Entering Our Lives in Exciting New Ways Christmas Eve December 24, 2011 7:00 p.m.

Meditation before Worship Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, Peace.”

Fort Street Presbyterian Church 631 W. Fort Street Detroit, MI 48226 Phone (313) 961-4533 www.fortstreet.org

Gathering the Community The Holy enters our lives anew, empowering us to bring peace to our world

ORGAN PRELUDES

“From Heaven Above”

-Sigfrid Karg-Elert -Richard Purvis -Gerald Near

“Carol Rhapsody” “Ave Maria” Jon DeHorn, Organist Swift Memorial Organ

HARP PRELUDES

“Carol of the Bells” “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” “Still, Still, Still” “Greensleeves”

-arr. D. Rees-Rohrbacher -arr. D. Rees-Rohrbacher -arr. D. Rees-Rohrbacher - arr. Kim Robertson (Paraphrase on "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear") - Carlos Salzedo “Joy to the World” - arr. Karl Wienand “Lullay, Thou Little Tiny Child” - arr. McDonald-Wood “Noel Nouvelet-Pat-a-Pan” - arr. D. Rees-Rohrbacher “In the Bleak Midwinter” -Baloo Lammy - arr. D. Rees-Rohrbacher Anne Brege, Harpist

WELCOME

Dr. Sharon L. Mook, Pastor

INTROIT

“O Holy Night”

-Adam

Elizabeth Malin, Soprano The Combined Choirs Edward Kingins, Music Director

*CALL TO W ORSHIP

Cameron Crawford-Mook David Crawford

Voice One: Voice Two: Voice One: Voice Two:

Welcome to all: Happy or sad, Rejoicing or grieving, Seeking or believing.

Voice One:

Welcome to all, here is good news:

All:

To you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Voice Two: Voice One: Voice Two:

His name is Jesus, which means, “Liberator,” “Rescuer,” “Deliverer.” His life changed the world. His living presence changes us today.

All:

Lift up your hearts. Rejoice! Give thanks to God!

*HYMN

“O Come, All You Faithful” (traditional words, # 41 in the hymnal)

O come, all you faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come now, O come now to Bethlehem. Come and behold the ruler of all angels:

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Refrain: O come in adoration, O come in adoration, O come in adoration: Christ is Lord! Yea, Lord, we greet you, born this happy morning; Jesus to you shall all glory be given; Word of our God now in flesh appearing: (Refrain) Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all you messengers of heavenly love: “Glory to God, all glory in the highest”: (Refrain) LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

Kalu, Jessie, Emeka, and Ozi Uduma

Voice One:

In a time of violence and despair, an ancient prophet gives good news:

Voice Two:

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great a light: The boots of earth-shaking armies on the march, the soldiers’ cloaks rolled in blood, are destined to be burnt, food for the fire. For a child has been born to us.

Voice Three:

Wide will be the dominion, and boundless the peace, with justice and righteousness from now on, for evermore.

Voice Four:

We light the Christ candle, thankful that God has come to us, not as a conquering hero, but as a child, whose faithful, peaceful life will follow God’s way of love.

(Light the Christ candle)

All:

RESPONSE

Living God, come to our world, May the love of Christ shine brightly, at the center of our lives, spreading warmth and light, in us, in this congregation, and everywhere. “Angels We Have Heard on High” (traditional words, # 23 in the hymnal)

Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echo back their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

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Come to Bethlehem and see Christ whose birth the angels sing. Come, adore on bended knee, God, our world now entering. Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo. A CHRISTMAS EVE MEDITATIVE PRAYER Voice One:

God, did you decide to become human only because the human race had gone so badly wrong? Was the birth of Christ, as it were, Plan B?

Voice Two:

Or was it Plan A? Did you always plan to come, whatever happened? Would you have come to a good world where most of the time we loved our neighbors and kept your laws?

Voice One:

Or did you come because our world is full of violence and despair and only you can make it right?

Voice Two:

God, our wondering is not disrespect but a way of saying, “Wow!” and “Thank you!” because the true wonder is, the wonderful truth is, that you did come,

Voice One:

And that your Word became flesh, and lived among us, full of grace and truth.

Voice Two:

No one has ever seen you, but your offspring, your child, your Chosen one, the One who is closest to your heart has made you known.

All:

We thank you. We praise you. We love you. We adore you. And with your help, we will follow you. Amen.

SILENT PRAYERS RESPONSE

“Angels, from the Realms of Glory” (traditional words, # 22 in the hymnal)

Angels, from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth. As you sang creation’s story, Now proclaim Messiah’s birth: Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, give thanks and sing.

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Shepherds, in the fields abiding, Watching o’er your flocks by night, God with us is now residing, Yonder shines the infant light: Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, give thanks and sing.

*SHARING THE PEACE The Peace of the Living Christ be with you. And also with you. HYMN

“In the Bleak Midwinter” (traditional words, # 36 in the hymnal)

Our God transcends all heaven, earth, and its domain; Heaven and earth shall flee away when Christ comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed The sovereign God almighty, Jesus Christ. What can I offer, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise one, I would do my part; But what can I offer: all my heart.

THE WORD FIRST GOSPEL READING Luke 2: 1 -7 God’s Word for us. Thanks be to God. SPECIAL TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ANTHEM

Dr. Mook “Enter the Stable”

-Words and Music by

Nancy Combs, Soloist

Nancy Combs

SECOND GOSPEL READING Luke 2: 8 -14 God’s Word for us. Thanks be to God ANTHEM

“Advent Cry”

-J. Martin

The Combined Choirs Edward Kingins, Music Director

THIRD GOSPEL READING Luke 2: 15 -20 God’s Word for us. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM

“Ave Maria” Edward Kingins, Tenor

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-Schubert

CHRISTMAS MEDITATION

*HYMN

“Peace: A Wish? A Dream? A Hope? A Prayer?”

Dr. Mook

“It Came upon the Midnight Clear” It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold; “Goodwill to all, and peace on earth: great news of joy we bring!” The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing. Still through the clouds of time they come with peaceful wings unfurled, And still their heavenly music floats through all the weary world; Above its sad and lonely plains they bend on hovering wing, And still, through all its babbled sounds, the blessed angels sing. But with the woes of sin and strife the world has suffered long. Beneath the angel-hymn have rolled two thousand years of wrong, As warring armies clash and drown the love song that they bring; O hush the noise of bomb and gun and hear the angels sing! For still the days are hastening on by prophets seen of old, When in our planet’s circling years shall come a time foretold, When peace shall over all the earth its newborn splendors fling, As all the world sends back the song which now the angels sing. (revision by Brian Wren includes v. 3, from 1849 text, that is usually omitted)

THE RESPONSE OUR OFFERING TO GOD OFFERTORY

Esket Stewart

“Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming”

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-Gerald Near

*DOXOLOGY

“Praise the Lover of Creation”

-Brian Wren

Praise the Lover of Creation, Praise the Spirit, friend of friends, Praise the true beloved, our Savior, Praise the God who makes and mends, Strong, surrendered, many-splendored, Three whose Oneness never ends.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Esket Stewart

OUR PRAYERS ON CHRISTMAS EVE

Dr. Mook

SHARING OF THE LIGHT (This ritual symbolizes the light of Christ being shared with all humankind. As the organ plays softly, the sanctuary lights will be dimmed, and worship leaders will light their candles from the Christ candle of the Advent wreath. Ushers will receive the light from the leaders’ candles, and share the light with the first person in each pew, who will in turn light the next person’s candle. When everyone’s candle is lit, the music will swell, and we will sing the beloved hymn “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Please remain seated. To minimize wax drips, please remember to tip the unlit candle to receive the light of Christ.)

HYMN

“Silent Night, Holy Night” (please remain seated)

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, Child of God, love’s pure light, Radiant beams from your holy face, Bring the dawn of redeeming grace; Jesus Christ at your birth, Jesus Christ at your birth. Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend your light, With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King, Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

Dr. Mook

(Please extinguish your candle following the benediction and remain in place for the final hymn as worship leaders recess.)

*HYMN

“Joy to the World!” (traditional words, # 40 in the hymnal)

Joy to the world! the Sovereign comes: let earth its praises bring; Let every heart prepare Christ room, And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

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Joy to the earth! 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. Christ rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove The glories of God’s righteousness And wonders of God’s love, and wonders of God’s love, And wonders, wonders of God’s love. POSTLUDE

“God Rest You Merry”

-Wilbur Held

Jon DeHorn, Organist (You are invited to remain in your pew to enjoy the Postlude. If you must leave, please do so quietly so that others may enjoy this part of the worship service.)

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*You are invited to rise in body or spirit as you are able The beautiful music of the harp, enriching our service this evening, was made possible by Ruth Boyce in celebration of her family and of her Fort Street friends.

CHRISTMAS EVE RECEPTION Thank you for worshipping with us at Fort Street this evening. We warmly invite you to continue your Christmas Eve celebration at our Cookie and Punch Reception, in the Great Hall of the Church House, following this evening’s service of worship.

CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR’S DAY SERVICES We hope you will consider joining us for informal worship services on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day at 11:00 a.m., in the Stapleton Chapel, located near the entrance to the Church House, on the street side of the Great Hall. Welcome to All!: A Call to Worship; Christmas Eve or Christmas Day: Lighting the Christ Candle, Year B; and Plan A or Plan B?: A Meditative Prayer about Incarnation are from Brian Wren, Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: Liturgies and Prayers for Public Worship (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008) and are reproduced by permission. Copyright © 2007 by Brian Wren.” (adapted)

Worship Lay Leaders

Dr. Mook’s Family David E. Crawford Cameron Crawford-Mook

Acolyte

Weyehn Reeves

Worship Coordinators

Henry Reeves Loretta Stanton

Sound Technician

Nancy Jackson

Reception Coordinators

Marion and Greg Jenkins

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Christmas Poinsettias Offered with Love Given by: Lynne R. Bieniek Christopher T. Bloodworth Shirley F. Clare Randy Commissaris and Mary Webster Tom and Cindy Edwards Patricia M. Harris Jack M. Hodge Motoko Huthwaite Rob, Nancy, Laura, Carrie and Melanie Jackson Sara Jackson

In loving memory of Rosalind L. Jackson.

Geraldine Adams Jones Milfordean Luster Tom, Michelle and Lindsey Marshall Craig McLean

Sharon L. Mook, David E. Crawford, and Cameron Crawford-Mook Marilyn Moore The Sale family Robb and Pam Sharrow Bob and Linda Spratt Mrs. David W. Stapleton Barbara and Craig Smith

Mom and Dad Topping and Mom and Dad Heyler Mark and Cathy Topping The Turner and Walker Family Jessie and Kalu Uduma Paul and Marilyn Winslow The Woods family Kristian Wright

In memory or honor of: In loving memory of Monica Komensky, Karen Davis, Dolores and Stanley Bieniek. In loving memory of Allie Joe Bloodworth, loving father and Christian. In loving memory of William E. Clare and Toni S. Clare. In loving memory of Albert Webster and Robert Commissaris. In honor of M. June Webster and Ruth J. Commissaris. In loving memory of Thomas G. Edwards. In loving memory of Cyril T. Newman. In loving memory of my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Harris. In loving memory of my mom and dad. In loving memory of W. Ernest C. Huthwaite. In loving memory of Grace, Stella and Lorraine.

In honor of Dr. Rev. Virgil Jones. In loving memory of my dear friend, Grace Heatley. In honor of the Callas family. In loving memory of Tom McDonald, Mamie and Edward Marshall. In loving memory of James Benoit, John McLean, and Rev. Mark Keely. In honor of Edythe McLean. In loving memory of Paul R. Mook, Eugene E. Crawford and Estha and Ed Nowlin. In loving memory of my father and my brothers. In honor of my mother, Mary Moore. In honor of Robert Sale, Wanda Sumner, Jerry and Carolyn Wolfe. In loving memory of Elena Callas. In honor of Hedi Mulford’s birthday. In loving memory of Robert D. and Lois J. Spratt. In loving memory of David W. Stapleton, and Dr. Wm. J. and Mamie Stapleton. In loving memory of Janet Noel and BG Noel, mother and brother. In honor of seven healthy grandchildren: Grant, Arielle, Trevor, Dylan, Drew, Sydney and Mason. In honor of HN Jonathan and Mrs. Emily Heyler for their service to our country. In loving memory of Harry and Marjorie Lamb, Clarence and Ruth Topping and Ian Scott Topping. In loving memory of Elder Dolores Walker Turner (1935-1995). In honor of our children, Emeka and Ozi Uduma. In loving memory of Milfred, Ethelyn, David Richmas, JB and Marie Winslow. In loving memory of our grandparents and parents. In honor of our parents and family. In loving memory of Neeosha Nelson and Ada Earle. In honor of Linda Robinson .

You’re invited to take your Poinsettias with you following the worship service. Merry Christmas!

THE CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING... Wouldn't it be great to get a chance to really be Santa Claus? Wouldn't it be incredible to be able to work some magic once a year and know that you have made thousands of people happy? Well the Christmas Joy Offering allows you to do that very extraordinary thing. If you give regularly to Fort Street or your church then your contributions probably help to maintain the building and all the wonderful programs it hosts. But once a year you have an opportunity to work a little magic. Half of your dollars contributed to the Christmas Joy Offering goes to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs that provide support to retired and active church workers and their spouses and families. These are people who have given their lives to seeing that the Good News of the Christmas story is spread far and wide. Wouldn't you like to be their Santa Claus this year? The other half of your dollars given to the Joy Offering supports Presbyterian-related racial ethnic education through the National Ministries Division of the General Assembly Council. Imagine the joy of an incoming college freshman when they learn that somewhere a Santa Claus has provided a scholarship for their education. That’s a gift they will remember all their lives. The Presbyterian Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges supported by 50% of the Christmas Joy Offering are: Barber-Scotia College, Concord, NC; Cook School for Christian Leadership, Tempe, AZ; Knoxville College, Knoxville, TN; Menaul School, Albuquerque, NM; Presbyterian Pan American School , Kingsville, TX; Sheldon Jackson College, Sitka, AK; Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL; The Board of Pensions receives 50 percent of this Offering.Through the Board of Pensions’ Financial Assistance Programs, the Christmas Joy Offering recognizes the faithfulness of current and retired church workers by providing funds to help them through difficult times. To support these offerings this Christmas please mark your check or envelope: Christmas Joy Offering. OPEN DOOR MINISTRY TO THE POOR AND HOMELESS “We think sometimes of poverty as only being hungry, or naked, or homeless… but it is the poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for that is the greatest poverty of all.” - Mother Teresa As we all are amidst the bustle of another holiday season, and with a new year nearly underway, we at the Open Door, like many of you, are taking some time to look back upon the many blessings we experienced last year. In doing so, we are proud to say that through the dedication of our generous and giving volunteers and donors, we were able to sustain ALL of our services, despite the struggling economy. For this, we are deeply grateful. However, as always, our work here is not done… and with the number of Detroit’s homeless men, women, and children reaching past 16,000 and continuing to climb, it would seem that this new year could prove to be one of our busiest yet. As we’ve done for over forty years, The Open Door will rise to meet these needs be they for food, clothing, medical care, housing assistance or counseling and case management. And, by working side-byside with our volunteers and ‘guests’, The Open Door will continue to provide access to a ‘place’ where hope nourishes, challenges and transforms not only the guests and the host, but the entire community at large… which really is the point, isn’t it? Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Sharon L. Mook, Ph.D., [email protected]

FORT STREET STAFF: Henry Reeves, Volunteer Administrator; Judith Sheldon, Director of Christian Education; Ben Ogden, Director of Open Door; Edward Kingins, Music Director; Jon DeHorn, Organist; Esket Stewart, Intern; Stephanie Rochelle, Finance Office; Lola Fryer Davidson, Secretary; Kenneth McCoy, Building Engineer; Donna Bryant, Bob Haynes, Parking Security; Marilyn Moore, Karen Wright, Donlin Center Staff; Stacey Kershaw, Johnnie Hester, Cheryl Glidden, Open Door Staff. Pastor Emeritus: The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Crilley Web Page: www.fortstreet.org

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