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LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES, GREETING and NOTICES
GATHERING Rev. Candee Martin
In the stillness before the dawn, the morning stars witness a birth.
The silence is broken by a joyful cry that echoes to poor shepherds
nearby. That joyful sound floats over wide oceans and soars to the
corners of the universe. Glory to God. The Savior is born.
SPECIAL MUSIC O Holy Night Dean Shinn, Solo
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE (In Unison)
We light the Christ Candle, for He is born, the Christ Child,
the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. Hallelujah! The Angel of
the Lord told Joseph that Mary would give birth to a son, and
that they should give him the name Jesus, because he would
save his people from their sins. We rejoice that the promise
of the Lord has been fulfilled in the Baby born in a manger.
There is triumph and rejoicing in Christmas. Hallelujah!
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsively)
Star-bright and whisper-deep,
The humble birth opens our eyes; the wonder in the
ordinary, the surprising presence of God in the
common things of life.
Star-bright and whisper-deep,
The Holy Child touches our hearts, the carols bring
lumps to our throats, the overwhelming love of God
brings tears to our eyes.
Star-bright and whisper-deep,
This holy season, this sacred moment is filled with
wondrous joy and cherished presence.
*HYMN Good Christian Friends, Rejoice UMH 224
*PSALTER Psalm 98 UMH 818-819 (Response 2)
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR CHRISTMAS
I believe in the meaning of Christmas, and the importance
of celebrating it in the church.
In the name of Christ
WELCOME!
Although you may be a
stranger to us, you are no
stranger to God, who knows
you and loves you, and
whose heart is glad at your
presence here. We sincerely
hope this time of worship
will bless your life.
As you are able,
please stand for acts of
worship indicated by
an asterisk (*).
UMH indicates
“United Methodist Hymnal
(red hymnal)
TFWS indicates
“The Faith We Sing”
(small, black hymnal)
Help us sustain God’s creation
by placing unwanted worship
bulletins in the basket on the
credenza in the back of the
sanctuary for recycling.
110 East Queen Street
Hampton, Virginia 23669
(757) 723-6577
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.firstumchampton.org
Our Mission:
To Know and
Share Jesus Christ
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I believe in the God at the center of Christmas, whose hope for the world was
imagined by seers and foretold by prophets.
I believe in the messengers of God, who speak to human beings in quiet moments
and in dreams.
I believe in the pondering spirit of Mary, who knew God was involved in the birth of
her child, and in the generosity of Joseph, who could accept the involvement of God
with his wife.
I believe in the beauty of the manger, transformed by the coming of Jesus, and in the
eligibility of every simple place to be ennobled by his presence.
I believe in shepherds, that they often hear songs of grace and glory not heard by
those who lead busier, noisier lives.
I believe in gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and less expensive gifts as well, especially
when they are gifts of the heart and not merely tokens of duty or obligation.
But above all, I believe in Jesus, without whom there would be no Christmas, and in
using this season to discover again my relationship to him, so that for me it will be a
time of great joy that will change my life. Amen.
*THE GLORIA PATRI UMH 71
Glory Be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.
GOSPEL LESSON: LUKE 2:1-10 (NRSV) 1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be
registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of
Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of
Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was
descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to
whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time
came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped
him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in
the inn.
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by
night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone
around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for
see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:
The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
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OFFERING OF GIFTS
OFFERTORY PRAYER (In Unison)
Accept our offerings this day as one more sign of the joy we share in the infant Jesus.
May our thoughts dwell on infants around the world, and how you are revealed in
each child, indeed, in each life. These things we pray as we rush forward, like the
shepherds, to tell all we have seen! Amen.
*PRESENTATION OF GIFTS In the Bleak Midwinter UMH 221 (vs 4)
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
HYMN Choose Your Favorite Christmas Hymn UMH 217-251; TFWS 2093-2099
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
MORNING PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER (In Unison)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be
done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the
glory forever. AMEN.
RESPONSE Emmanuel, Emmanuel The Chancel Choir
ANTHEM Manger Carol The Chancel Choir
CHRISTMAS MEDITATION The Gift of Christmas: A Celebration of Love Rev. Candee Martin
*CLOSING HYMN Star-Child TFWS 2095
*COMMISSIONING AND BLESSING
May the light that surrounds our Lord’s birthplace illumine your spirit and warm your
heart. May you be spared, at least for a few hours, the static of the world and enjoy a clear
reception of the angelic song. And may the love of God revealed in the holy Child move
you to feel and show love and compassion for others, especially for any you may find
difficult to love. Go in God’s peace with God’s blessing on your life. Amen.
*POSTLUDE
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The poinsettias are dedicated to the glory of God and given
in Memory of
Ed & Ruby Minetree ................................................................... by Ron & Linda Minetree
Frances C. Stickle .......................................................................................... by Bob Stickle
Barbara E. Stickle .......................................................................................... by Bob Stickle
Harold R. Parrish ........................................................................................... by His Family
Iola L. Lawson ............................................................................................. by Earl Lawson
Our Parents ................................................................................... Richard & Carolyn Slye
My Mother, Ruby Keith Wiles ................................................................. by Lynn Chandler
Our Parents ............................................................................. by Wayne & Wanda Barfoot
Bart Geer & our grandparents .......................................... by William & Kristen Milholen
Eileen Boyce ..................................................................................... by Ed & Shirley Boyce
Mr. & Mrs. Grant ............................................................................. by Ed & Shirley Boyce
Alicia Rush ........................................................................................... by Donna Robinson
Ed Knight ................................................................................................. by Carolyn Knight
Martha’s Parents ............................................................................ George & Martha Ware
Iris & Manning Lawson ........................................................... by Bob & Sue Miserentino
Our deceased members .........................................................................by the Crouse Class
George W. McCracken ................................................ by Shirley & Michaela McCracken
Peggy Scott .......................................................................................................... by Circle 9
Mr. & Mrs. Medlock, Christine’s grandparents .................................. by Christine Woods
C. Alton & Mary Lindsay ................................................. by Erika & Mikaela Burkholder
Our grandparents ................................................................... by Gerald & JoAnn Walberg
Lelia Mundie ....................................................................................................... by Circle 6
and in Honor of
Vivian & Ramsey Slye ............................................................... by Richard & Carolyn Slye
Margaret Stickle Moore ................................................................................. by Bob Stickle
Bill & Pauline Thomas ................................................................... Ron & Linda Minetree
Page Paulin ................................................................................ by Ashley, Will & Hannah
Nancy, Kiki & Jeff ...................................................................... by Jimmy & Midge Eason
Robert & Sarah Kilgore’s wedding anniversary (12/19) ............................. by The Family
Shirley McCracken ............................................................................................. by Circle 9
Wyatt, Elizabeth & Isabelle ......................................... by Shirley & Michaela McCracken
George Ware .......................................................................................... by the Fisher Class
Ernestine Keil, Christine’s grandmother ............................................. by Christine Woods
Brownie & Lil Bit Brown .................................................................................... by Circle 2
Donald, Lolita, Michael, Brittany & Kaitlyn .................................. by Don & Nancy Allen
Jane, Brant, Amory, Mac & Nate .................................................by Don and Nancy Allen
Greg & Glenda Prentiss ................................................... by Hal & Marianne Prentiss (2)
Jessie & Alana and David ................................................................. by Cheryl Williams (2
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Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day
11:00 am Worship (S)
Please fellowship with family/friends at home then bring them
to worship! We will resume fellowship time and Sunday
school/Bible study on January 1!
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 26 – Office Closed
No scheduled activities
Tuesday, December 27 – Office Closed
9:00 am Counters
8
Wednesday, December 28 – Office Closed
No scheduled activities
Thursday, December 29 – Office Closed
No scheduled activities
Friday, December 30 – Office Closed
No scheduled activities
Saturday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve
No scheduled activities
Sunday, January 1, 2017 – Epiphany Sunday
9:30 am Refreshments and Fellowship (FH)
9:45 am Sunday School/Bible Study
11:00 am Worship (S)
Happy New Year!
Celebrating Birthdays
12/25
Skipper Palomo
12/26
12/27
David Beasley
Jay Smith
Martha Ware
12/28 Jean Andleton
12/29
Chuck Elinsky
12/30
Robert Dorsey
12/31
Lil’ Bit Brown
Beverly Geer
1/1
Bob Lawson
The Pastor and staff
wish everyone a happy birthday and
pray God’s blessings upon you.
If your birthday is not listed or listed
incorrectly, please accept our apologies
and let us know in the office
so we can correct our records.
Thank you.
FH-Fellowship Hall HP-Happy People’s Class
CR –Choir Room S-Sanctuary
CFR-Craft Room Kit-Kitchen
C-Crouse Room
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WORSHIP ASSISTANTS
NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 1:
LITURGISTS: Meg Moore
FINANCE: Carol Gardner
BUS DRIVERS: Judy Rushton & Ruth Kourtiche
MONDAYCOUNTERS: Bob Miserentino
Ann Gordon Evans
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS
FOR TODAY, SUNDAY, DEC 25:
LITURGISTS: Richard Slye
FINANCE: Vesta Wallio
BUS DRIVERS: Sam Pollard & Ed Boyce
WEDNESDAY COUNTERS: Donna Robinson
Due to the holiday. Rusty Evans
Altar Flowers
There are many dates available on the Altar
Flowers Calendar. In particular, we are
anxious to fill this date: February 26. If you
are interested in donating flowers to grace our
altar on one or more of these dates or any open
date for the remainder of the year, please sign
up on the sheet posted on the hall cabinet
across from the choir room or contact the
church office at 723-6577. The cost of the
two bouquets of flowers is $50 total. After the
service, you may take the flowers with you or
donate them to a member in need. This is a
wonderful way to honor or memorialize
someone important in your life! Thank you for
your support!
The United Methodist Women’s
Friendship Tea is Sunday afternoon,
January 8, at 2:00 p.m. in the
fellowship hall. Every female is
invited, so invite your sisters, your
cousins and your aunts. Cecelia Short
will present a short review of her trip to
the South East Jurisdictional (SEJ)
Conference of the United Methodist
Church. Our 'Get Acquainted’ subject
will be a favorite Bible passage or your
favorite Bible and why. UMW Circle
2 and Circle 9 are in charge.
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Other Prayer Requests: ________________________________________________
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From our own congregation:
Bill Chapin Carl & Jane Roberts
Nell Writtenberry Lil’ Bit & Brownie Brown
Mary Jane Sager Robert Kilgore
Bob Stickle Richard Mundie
Cecelia Short Marty Baker
Polly Marple Eleanor Woodward
Agnes Hogge
Others:
Carolyn Crozier (former member)
Juanita Schmid (former member)
John Morrill
(Vincent Mundie's brother-in-law)
Kaylee Rodriguez
(Ray & Tricia Waldon’s granddaughter)
Baby “Lyle”
(Greg & Mori Wilson’s preemie grandson)
Wayne Keeton (Vincent Mundie’s cousin)
Z’amir (Pastor Candee’s grandnephew)
Eloise (friend of Jane Miller)
William Lucke (Jame Miller’s cousin)
in Kabul for a year
Ashton Cole Martin -preemie baby
(friend of Michele Benson)
Sylvia Milholen
Courtney (friend of Amanda Hooten)
Pauline Thomas (Linda Minetree’s mom)
Paige Harris
(Laura’s pregnant daughter-in-law)
Is there someone for whom you would like us
to pray? Please contact the church office or
call Kristen Milholen at 757-642-5228
(cell) or 757-238-3656 (home).
Our Prayer Group meets on Thursdays at
9:00 am at Vancosta’s Restaurant (3830
Kecoughtan Rd). All are welcome to join
us!!
Please remember in prayer:
the hungry,
the unemployed,
those suffering with loneliness and
depression,
healing for all cancer patients,
members of our armed forces & veterans,
first responders, state and national leaders,
the homebound and the homeless,
our UM Bishop and District Superintendent,
our Pastor, church leaders & staff,
discernment, wisdom, clarity & unity for our
church,
our children’s Sunday school program,
Millennials,
Refugees,
those suffering and many others….
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Visitor Center How to Reach Us
TO REACH THE REST ROOMS OR THE
NURSERY: Enter through the canopied
entrance on the side of the building. Rest rooms
are down the hall to the left. The Nursery is up
the steps and down the hall to the right. Greeters
and ushers are available to guide you.
REGISTRATION PADS are located in each
pew near the center aisle. Please use these to
record your presence, and to pass along
information for the pastor or the church office.
PRAYER REQUEST CARDS are available in
the pews and in the foyer atop the Prayer Box.
Deposit them in the box, or drop them in the
offering plates.
WE PRACTICE “OPEN” COMMUNION. We celebrate Holy Communion on the first
Sunday of each month, and at other special times.
All are welcome at the table of the Lord,
regardless of church membership, age, or feelings
of worthiness. If you wish to come into
relationship with Christ, deepen or renew that
relationship, there is a place for you here.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING
A MEMBER OF FIRST UMC, please indicate
so on the registration pad, or contact the pastor.
OUR SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE:
WORSHIP: 8:30 AM
FELLOWSHIP: 9:30 AM
BIBLE STUDY: 9:45 AM
WORSHIP: 11:00 AM
There is a place for you and your family on
Sunday mornings here at First UMC Hampton!
Office
[email protected]
757.723.6577
Pastor
Rev. Candee Martin
[email protected]
1.571.223.2364
Office Manager/Finance
Laura Harris
[email protected]
[email protected]
Director of Music Ministries
Dean Shinn
[email protected]
Director of Children’s & Youth Music
Christine Woods
[email protected]
Nursery Director
Jenny Hamm
[email protected]
