Christmas Eve 2012

1 1502 West 13th Street  Wilmington, DE 19806  302-654-5214  www.wpc.org

WELCOME ON THIS HOLY NIGHT, we engage one of the deep mysteries of our faith. In celebrating Christmas, we try to push away the cares of the moment and the rush of tasks and events. As we worship, we create a wide, sweet space to listen, to pray, to sing, and to receive the gift of God’s presence. No one will ever make sense of how God, the Infinite, was revealed in the finite. So we tell a story and simply wonder at it all. Welcome to a house of wonder.

ANNOUNCEMENTS We welcome everyone to Westminster Church for these Christmas Eve Services. A special welcome is extended to visitors and those who return for the holiday. If you live in the Wilmington area and do not have a church home, we hope you will consider uniting with our church family. The Chancel flowers this evening are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Charles M. Krick, Jr. and Janet and John Rowell by the Linderman, Krick and Rowell families. Each Christmas our deacons and other interested volunteers take poinsettia plants to our homebound members. If you would like to participate in this heart-warming activity, just take a plant with you following the 8:00 or 10:00 service, and stop by the receptionist desk where you will find a box of cards and a list of homebound members. Simply write your name next to the person you plan to visit this week, and take the addressed flower card for that person from the box. Church Holiday Hours: The Church will be open December 27 and 28 from 9 am to 12 pm if you wish to pick up a poinsettia for delivery and/or drop off a year end donation. All donations postmarked by December 31, 2012 will be considered received and credited on your 2012 contribution statement. If you have questions concerning your 2012 pledge status, please email or call Debbie Brown ([email protected] or 302-654-5214)

Sunday, December 30: One morning service at 10:00 a.m. Join us as we continue to celebrate the Christmas season. We will offer Nursery and Sunday School for Preschoolers. Enjoy coffee and fellowship in Rodney Chapel following the service.

Pastoral Staff:

Gregory K. Jones, Head of Staff Anne R. Ledbetter, Associate Pastor Jill Getty, Pastoral Care Assistant

CHURCH EDUCATOR:

Susan Moseley

CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR:

Debbie Brown

Music Staff:

Paul Fleckenstein, Organist/Director of Music Mary Beth Davis, Director of Music for Children, Youth and Handbells Section Leaders/Soloists: Diana Milburn, Sharon Babcock, Justin Gonzalez, Jerry Polman

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CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE 8:00 P.M. TOWER CHIME

Craig Checkel

PRELUDE MUSIC (Organ)

Divinum Mysterium

(Choir/Organ)

Richard Purvis

“Noel We Sing” Westminster Choir

Daquin/DeCormier/Biggs

Angels of the Lord they came from the heavens singing, Called the shepherds forth by name while the bells were ringing, Told the shepherds where they lay, Jesus Christ was born today,

Leave your ewes and leave your rams, leave the watch you’re keeping, Leave your sheep and leave your lambs on the hillside sleeping, Rise up, shepherd, follow me to the manger lowly.

To the manger, straight they came, there they knelt before Him, singing praises to His name, thus they did adore Him, Echoing their sweet amen, Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Trumpets sound and angels sing, join in celebration, To us all good tidings bring of a new creation. For today a Child is born, Jesus son of Mary.

Noel we sing, Christ is born a King.

(Organ)

Weihnachten

Max Reger

CALL TO WORSHIP God’s grace has appeared for the salvation of all! For to us is born a savior, who is Christ the Lord. And the government will be upon his shoulders, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Christ will rule with justice and mercy from this time forth and for evermore. *HYMN NO. 41

“O Come, All Ye Faithful”

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

ADESTE FIDELES

Denison and Wendy Hatch and their family

PRAYER OF ADORATION God of new beginnings and surprising opportunities, we celebrate your coming into our lives. By your birth you underscored your love for the world and the importance of life on earth. Through your ministry you showed us how to live a God-filled life and called us to join you in healing the wounds of the world. Fill our hearts this night with your love and grace so that we may become conduits of your compassion for a world yearning for peace. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen. 3

ANTHEM

“On This Day Earth Shall Ring” On this day earth shall ring With the song children sing To the Son, Christ the King. Born on earth to save us, Him the Father gave us.

God’s bright star, o’er His head, Wise men three to Him led, Kneel they low by His bed, Lay their gifts before Him, Praise Him and adore Him.

His the doom, ours the mirth, When He came down to earth, Bethlehem saw His birth, Ox and ass beside Him, From the cold would hide Him.

On this day Angels sing, With their song earth shall ring Praising Christ, Heaven’s King. Born on earth to save us, Peace and love He gave us.

H. C. Stewart

Ideo, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON

*HYMN NO. 31

Luke 2:1-20 Shelley Gnade, Biblical Storyteller MENDELSSOHN

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE ANTHEM

Greg Jones “Hush Now and Lullaby” Lea McGowan, Liturgical Dance

Hush now and lullaby, Little Jesus child; Angels watch over thee, Tiny Babe so mild. Wise men with gifts of gold, Praising now your birth; Shepherds their story told Over all the earth. Hush now, sleep well, my child, Mary is near; Nothing shall harm you, Nothing shall you fear.

Barbara Baltzer Kinyon

Cease now your crying, Rock-a-by, my Love, Cradled by Mary, Blest from heav’n above. Tidings of joy we sing, Words of love we hear; Children this holy day Know that God is near. Hush now your crying, Fear not little One; God watches over you, Blessed only Son.

Angles sing “Gloria,” Blessings they bring; Praises to Jesus All their voices sing, Hush now, don’t you cry now, Tiny Babe so mild; Hush now and lullaby, Little Jesus Child.

OFFERING The entire Christmas Eve Offering is given to those in need beyond our walls. Please see the back cover for details. OFFERTORY ANTHEM

“We Have Seen His Star”

Mary E. Caldwell

From distant lands afar we’ve come across the trackless waste, Feeling the bite of wind and the sting of sand. Kings with golden homage for a King! We follow a star brighter than any sun, making a pathway through the endless desert night. Open wide the gateway to this place. We seek a King! Only a tiny child is in this place, With hair the color of new-spun gold, and eyes as blue as skies eternal. A manger is his resting place. But in his hands he holds the hope of the worlds to come! The hearts of the lonely and the poor are his. His smile shall comfort the weary ones, His tears shall flow for the oppressed. He brings the keys to the gate which he shall open for his beloved ones! This is the King we seek! We’ve found the Holy One! Come, behold his kingdom of love, O may we enter in! But soft! See how sweetly he sleeps. Tread gently, lest we waken Him as we kneel to adore.

Passages in bold print may be said by all. At the asterisk (*) please stand as you are able. 4

CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER The Lord’s Supper is open to all who trust in Christ. INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was 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. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. *HYMN NO. 37

W ŻŁOBIE LEŻY

“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”

COMMUNION PRAYER LORD’S PRAYER (p. 16 in The Presbyterian Hymnal, using “debts” and “debtors.”) WORDS OF INSTITUTION COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE MUSIC DURING COMMUNION “Winds Through the Olive Trees” Winds through the olive trees softly did blow Round little Bethlehem, long, long ago Sheep on the hillside lay whiter than snow, Shepherds were watching them, long, long ago.

arr. Carolyn Jennings

Then from the happy skies angels bent low, Singing their songs of joy; long, long ago. For in a manger bed, cradled we know, Christ came to Bethlehem, long, long ago.

Let us now join in the angels’ noel, Raising our voices the good news to tell. And then bow down at the manger so small, Humbly receiving God’s great gift to all.

Gesù Bambino (The Infant Jesus) Diana Milburn, soprano Justin Gonzalez, tenor When blossoms flowered ’mid the snows Again the heart with rapture glows Upon a winter night To greet the holy night Was born the Child, the Christmas Rose, That gave the world its Christmas Rose The King of Love and Light. Its King of Love and Light. The angels sang, the shepherds sang, Let ev’ry voice acclaim His name The grateful earth rejoiced, The grateful chorus swell. And at His blessed birth the stars From paradise to earth He came Their exultation voiced. That we with Him might dwell. O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

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Pietro A. Yon

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION God of love and light, on this night when we ponder the nature of your presence on earth, turn us inward to your Spirit that fills us with peace and joy, and turn us outward to the needs of this broken, but beautiful world. We pray in the name of Christ. Amen. HYMN NO. 60

“Silent Night, Holy Night” Verses 1-3

STILLE NACHT

The ministers will light their candles from the Christ candle. The light will be passed to ushers who will light the candle of the person sitting at the end of each pew. That person will light the candle of the next person, and each will pass the flame down the pew until all have lit their candles. (Following the service, please deposit your candle in a box near the doors). BENEDICTION RESPONSE

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.

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CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE 10:00 P.M. TOWER CHIME

Craig Checkel

ORGAN PRELUDE

Divinum Mysterium

Richard Purvis

CHORAL INTROIT

Carol of the Bells High School/Alumni Choir

M. Leontovich

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE *HYMN NO. 40

Joe and Tammy Daley and their sons Jeff, Matt and Chris ANTIOCH

“Joy to the World!”

PRAYER OF ADORATION Gracious God, Your love for your creation is wider and deeper than we can fathom. On this night of wonder we remember that you loved the world so passionately that you gave your only Son to free us from the things that destroy us, to point the way to an abundant life, and to fill us with hope in this life and the next. Open our hearts to receive this beautiful mystery our minds cannot grasp, and fill us with your everlasting love so that we may share your goodness with a hurting world. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. SCRIPTURE LESSON

ANTHEM

Luke 2:1-20 Jon McPheeters, Biblical Storyteller Nativity Carol

Francis Patrick O’Brien

High School/Alumni Choir Lea McGowan, Liturgical Dance

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE *HYMN NO. 49

Greg Jones IRBY

“Once in Royal David’s City”

CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING The entire Christmas Eve Offering is given to those in need beyond our walls. Please see the back cover for details. OFFERTORY ANTHEM

Gaudeamus Hodie (Let Us Rejoice Today) High School/Alumni Choir

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Arr. Carl Strommen

CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER The Lord’s Supper is open to all who trust in Christ. INVITATION TO THE TABLE Tonight old dreams are surpassed as new dreams come to life. Glory to God in the highest! Hope paves the way to joy and prayer leads to proclamation. The Light of the World has come! This light is a light for all; igniting a flame within our souls as we break bread together. God is born within us and among us. Glory to God in the highest! May there be peace and goodwill to all! *HYMN NO. 53

“What Child Is This”

GREENSLEEVES

COMMUNION PRAYER LORD’S PRAYER (p. 16 in The Presbyterian Hymnal, using “debts” and “debtors.”) WORDS OF INSTITUTION COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE When an usher invites you to approach a communion station, please take a piece of bread, the symbol of Christ’s love for you, and dip it in the cup, representing the new life in Christ. If you are unable to come to a station, please tell an usher so that you may be served. PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION O God of peace, to you we ascribe all honor and majesty, beauty and strength. You bring forth a Child whom we call blessed, upon whose shoulders rests the destiny of nations. You give us the gift of life everlasting, and a Wonderful Counselor who shall guide your people. With shepherds and angels, we lift our voices rejoicing: All glory to you in the highest, and on earth peace among all. Amen. HYMN NO. 60

“Silent Night, Holy Night”

STILLE NACHT

The ministers will light their candles from the Christ candle and then pass the light to the end of each pew. Each person, in turn, shares the light with his/her neighbor. Following the service, you may keep your candle or deposit it in a box near the doors. BENEDICTION

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CHRISTMAS 2012 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS In Loving Memory of: Carol Hopkins Bill Albert Bernie Alexander Pauline Flaharty Chamberlain Bill Deans Teddy Bedrossian E. Howard Bedrossian, MD Rosetta Bedrossian Emma Bercaw Jane and Wally Johnson Mr. and Mrs. David Bernhard, Mr. Victor Lawryniuk Mr. and Mrs. John R. Becker Our Parents and Other Loved Ones Helen M. Thompson and Forrest G. Thompson Paul E. Middleton, Jr., Sophie and Paul Middleton, Sr. Our Parents Dougie Buttner, my brother Ken Berg, my friend Sarah R. Buttner James and Elmere Guthrie; Scott Dege Our Parents Mr. and Mrs. William J. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Henry Checkel Brian Jarrell Maury Colbert Jo and Phil Collins Our Parents E. Raymond Daley Rose Hourani Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Lowe Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Diver Charles and Emily Evans Jack and Grace Reighard Mr. and Mrs. William J. J. Fleming Bobbie Prein Savannah Pauley Wesley Dudding Megan Walker Casey Eckman Janet and Jack Foster Charles Pfleegor Richard and Eleanor Freeth Loved Ones Our Parents Richard H. Gorman and John F. Woodhouse Our Parents Dallas D. Green, Sr. My husband, Walter Z. Heldt

Given By: Rich and Taryn Albert Rich and Taryn Albert Susan, Shawn, Kristen, John and William Charles Babcock Fay Deans Barnaby Ned Bedrossian and Family Ned Bedrossian and Family Ned Bedrossian and Family Nancy and Walter Bercaw and Family Nancy and Walter Bercaw and Family Diane Bernhard Diane Bernhard Nancy and Herb Boden Dianne Browne and Paula Szczoka Dianne Browne and Paula Szczoka Sue and Gary Bryde Sally Buttner Sally Buttner Sally Buttner Lauren Cardillo and Edie Guthrie Polly and Jim Carter Jeanne and Bob Checkel Jeanne and Bob Checkel Bob and Eadie Churchill Nancy Colbert Donna and Clark Collins Joan McDowell Connolly Joe and Tammy Daley Joe and Tammy Daley Art and Nancy Diver Art and Nancy Diver George and Sandi Evans George and Sandi Evans Nancy Anne Fleming and Jake Prein Nancy Anne Fleming and Jake Prein Nancy Anne Fleming and Jake Prein Nancy Anne Fleming and Jake Prein Nancy Anne Fleming and Jake Prein Nancy Anne Fleming and Jake Prein Anne Foster and Chip Pfleegor Anne Foster and Chip Pfleegor David, Allison, Corinne and Julia Freeth Nancy Gemmell Don and Juanita Gerwig Art and Barbara Gorman Art and Barbara Gorman Randall D. Green, Sr. Dorothy L. Heldt

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CHRISTMAS 2012 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS In Loving Memory of: Nick Marcopulos Elizabeth Higgins Our daughter Cathy Our Parents Fred Hurlock, Jr.; Frances and Fred Hurlock, Sr. Sarah and Dave Frie and son David Simon and Lee McNeely Bill and Gretchen Iobst Eugene M. Jessee Theresa H. Jessee Loved Ones Wallace and Lillian Spielman Hillis Johnston My husband Bob Kelley and our parents Jane, Ann and Jay Stokes Walesby Karl Kniel Marjorie and Paul Kuespert Our Parents Stephen Charles Gemmell Terri McGowan, Roy Ledbetter Cathy Carpenito, Em Bercaw Our Parents and Grandparents Our Parents Charles M. Krick, Jr. and Ann E. Linderman Cerd Marsh Carolyn McKeown Lillian and John Michener Alice, Arnold and Charles Sharpley Robert T. Currin Ingrid Pamm Mr. and Mrs. George H. Patrick Mr. Raymond Peters George Pfautz Rachel Davis Myers Catherine Myers Moore William Poole and Louise H. Poole Helen, Brian, and Bob Hunt Wally Johnson Florence Drexel Wilma Tull Our Parents Jay, Ann, Grammy and Grandpap Our Parents Robert M. Eissner Ed Donnelly Wayne Suiter

Given By: Cathy Higgins Cathy Higgins Margaret and Jim Hodges Tom and Carol Hogue Suzie Hurlock Suzie Hurlock Fred and Jane Iobst Fred and Jane Iobst Karen Jessee Karen Jessee Steve, Janice, Katie and Sara Beth Johnson The Johnston Family The Johnston Family Helen Kelley The Kline Family Kniel-Tolbert Family Kniel-Tolbert Family Cynthia and Don Kuespert Cynthia and Don Kuespert Catharine Lang Anne Ledbetter and Keith McGowan Anne Ledbetter and Keith McGowan Jerald and Virginia Lee and Family Sue and Bob Linderman Sue and Bob Linderman Jessie Marsh Bob McKeown Bunny and Jack Michener Bunny and Jack Michener Mary Lu and Roland Pamm Mary Lu and Roland Pamm George and Jan Patrick George and Jan Patrick Sonja Pfautz Cassandra Lloyd Piovoso Cassandra Lloyd Piovoso Stephen C. Poole Elizabeth Hunt Poole Robin and Hayley Rosser Robin and Hayley Rosser Sue and Bob Scofield, Peter Rittenhouse and Bill Lang Tom and Donna Shaw The Spilecki Family David and Jane M. Stabler Eissner/Stabler family and grandchildren Paul and Judy Stoffer Jane Suiter

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CHRISTMAS 2012 MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS In Loving Memory of: Calvin and Grace Vane Ernest and Julia Wise David and Mildred Pierce Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. Damgard Mr. and Mrs. Frank R. Waldburger June Warner Mary Lou Lower Fox Vernon Toulson Ardeen B. Webb Marvin and Martha Bloomsburg Doris and Vince Wemlinger Sally Wemmers Barbara Wheatley Jo and Phil Collins Our Parents: Fred and Jean Zumsteg Charles and Edith Metzger

Given By: Mary Vane and Keith Pierce Mary Vane and Keith Pierce Mary Vane and Keith Pierce Ann and Frank Waldburger Ann and Frank Waldburger Wayne Warner Linda Watson Linda Watson Carol and Chet, Mary Jane and Christine Webb Mary, Vince and Vin Wemlinger Mary, Vince and Vin Wemlinger Craig Wemmers Her Family Don and Dolly Windsor Rick and Helen Zumsteg Rick and Helen Zumsteg

In Honor of: Jeanne Checkel All we have been blessed to meet here and all those here we haven't met Robert Buermann, my friend Gavin, Payton, Gates and Valerie

Given By: Anne Ledbetter and Keith McGowan Chris and Donna Schultz and Ali White Suzanne Stewart-Lamb Stark and Sandy Thompson

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