ORDER OF WORSHIP
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
12-27-2020
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We waited.
And imagined a savior.
We imagined power.
One like the world but stronger and on our side.
We imagined a king on a white horse wielding a sword.
We got a baby born in a stable among the livestock.
We imagined the work done for us through the destruction of our enemies.
We receive a baby who will teach us our calling to seek reconciliation
and to love expansively.
Praise be to God for the unexpected babe of Bethlehem.
Praise to the wisdom of love. Amen!
OPENING HYMN: “In the Bleak Midwinter”
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God incarnate, Jesus Christ.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshiped the beloved with a kiss.
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.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Thank you, O God, for the gift of your Son. Thank you for the beautiful baby who will grow up to teach us so much and to be such an example for us. Remind us each day to be like Jesus. We are children, no matter our age. You are our Father. Remind us to obey and honor you. Even when we are distracted, we are yours. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness. Make us ever more worthy. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The light has arrived to guide our way and show us our sins. Let us confess those sins to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
We confess the ways in which we have been caught up in the frenzied spirit of the holidays and turned away from Your Spirit of Peace; the times we have focused so much on our own lives and desires, that we have neglected the voices of your children who cry out for Justice; in our focus on making the season perfect, we have turned away from the hurting people and broken places in our world in need of Healing; in the times we have dismissed Christmas as a time only for children, and we have stubbornly closed our hearts to your amazing gift of Love.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of the psalmist’s proclamation: If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me. And the light around me will be night,” Even the darkness is not dark to God, and the night is as bright as the day. The God who promised never to leave us or forsake us HAS come to us in Jesus Christ who binds up the brokenhearted, heals all our infirmities, and relieves our burden of sin. So arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Thanks be to God.
(inspired by Psalm 139:11-12, Isaiah 60:1)
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
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.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of light, you have revealed your very self to us in your son Jesus Christ, your one Word made flesh, who lived among us, full of grace and truth. Open us to your revelation once again, that in the words of your holy scripture we might know your presence and follow in your light always. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 148
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
6 He established them forever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
Galatians 4:4-7
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6 And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Luke 2:22-40
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
REFLECTION: “We are All Children” Elizabeth Fox presiding
HYMN: “What Child is This”
What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, one and all, to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
INVITATION TO OFFERING:
All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy God, You are the source of all we have. We are thankful for all you give us. The money, talents, time, people, and everything else. We give a portion of those back to you. Lead us to use them for your benefit. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Those with health concerns:
-Gene G
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-LaVonne B
-Jan B
-Jenn & Matt (Robby & Donna’s daughter and son-in-law)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Anthony (Teri B’s son)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Jeanne L’s pregnant relative
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie F’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry Drew)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Dave (Rev. Norlita’s spouse)
-Elizabeth (Kennedy’s mom in Cameroon)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Lynn & Diane R, Clifford R
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rozella P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie VB, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
* We continue to pray for the Watson, Boy, Peterson, and Larson families
· Prayers for our sister churches First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; Second Presbyterian Church in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members.
· Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing.
· Prayers for our nation as it moves forward during these months of transition.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “Joy to the World”
Joy to the world! the Lord is come:
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the world!, the Savior reigns:
Let us our songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting again starting Dec. 31st via Zoom.
FEEDING BROOKINGS will be hosting a meal for Christmas. First Presbyterian Church has been asked to donate 125 cans of fruit. We will be accepting monetary donations through the end of December. Thank you for your generosity!
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will not be meeting until January.
“SOMETHING TO CHEW ON’ is held every Thursday evening at 6 pm at BUCC, except on the last Thursday of the month when Interfaith Council meets. We share a simple potluck supper, discuss local, state and national affairs or view and discuss a video of interest. Mainly we enjoy friendly fellowship. Everyone is welcome regardless of church affiliation. CDC guidelines are followed n regards to social distancing and masking.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for December!
Dean H., LaVonne B., Carrie VB, Rozanne M, Sally M, Marge P, Jan B, Nancy T
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for December!
Stephen & Carrie VB, Bob & Pat F, Neal & Julie F, Skip & Sharon W
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
BENEDICTION
Go out into the world and remember that we are still in Christmas. Spread peace and joy to those around you this season. “So you are no longer a slave but a child, then also an heir, through God.” Alleluia!
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
12-27-2020
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We waited.
And imagined a savior.
We imagined power.
One like the world but stronger and on our side.
We imagined a king on a white horse wielding a sword.
We got a baby born in a stable among the livestock.
We imagined the work done for us through the destruction of our enemies.
We receive a baby who will teach us our calling to seek reconciliation
and to love expansively.
Praise be to God for the unexpected babe of Bethlehem.
Praise to the wisdom of love. Amen!
OPENING HYMN: “In the Bleak Midwinter”
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God incarnate, Jesus Christ.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshiped the beloved with a kiss.
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.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Thank you, O God, for the gift of your Son. Thank you for the beautiful baby who will grow up to teach us so much and to be such an example for us. Remind us each day to be like Jesus. We are children, no matter our age. You are our Father. Remind us to obey and honor you. Even when we are distracted, we are yours. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness. Make us ever more worthy. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The light has arrived to guide our way and show us our sins. Let us confess those sins to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
We confess the ways in which we have been caught up in the frenzied spirit of the holidays and turned away from Your Spirit of Peace; the times we have focused so much on our own lives and desires, that we have neglected the voices of your children who cry out for Justice; in our focus on making the season perfect, we have turned away from the hurting people and broken places in our world in need of Healing; in the times we have dismissed Christmas as a time only for children, and we have stubbornly closed our hearts to your amazing gift of Love.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of the psalmist’s proclamation: If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me. And the light around me will be night,” Even the darkness is not dark to God, and the night is as bright as the day. The God who promised never to leave us or forsake us HAS come to us in Jesus Christ who binds up the brokenhearted, heals all our infirmities, and relieves our burden of sin. So arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Thanks be to God.
(inspired by Psalm 139:11-12, Isaiah 60:1)
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
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.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of light, you have revealed your very self to us in your son Jesus Christ, your one Word made flesh, who lived among us, full of grace and truth. Open us to your revelation once again, that in the words of your holy scripture we might know your presence and follow in your light always. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 148
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
6 He established them forever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
Galatians 4:4-7
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6 And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Luke 2:22-40
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
REFLECTION: “We are All Children” Elizabeth Fox presiding
HYMN: “What Child is This”
What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, one and all, to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
INVITATION TO OFFERING:
All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy God, You are the source of all we have. We are thankful for all you give us. The money, talents, time, people, and everything else. We give a portion of those back to you. Lead us to use them for your benefit. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Those with health concerns:
-Gene G
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-LaVonne B
-Jan B
-Jenn & Matt (Robby & Donna’s daughter and son-in-law)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Anthony (Teri B’s son)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Jeanne L’s pregnant relative
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie F’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry Drew)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Dave (Rev. Norlita’s spouse)
-Elizabeth (Kennedy’s mom in Cameroon)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Lynn & Diane R, Clifford R
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rozella P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie VB, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
* We continue to pray for the Watson, Boy, Peterson, and Larson families
· Prayers for our sister churches First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; Second Presbyterian Church in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members.
· Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing.
· Prayers for our nation as it moves forward during these months of transition.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “Joy to the World”
Joy to the world! the Lord is come:
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the world!, the Savior reigns:
Let us our songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting again starting Dec. 31st via Zoom.
FEEDING BROOKINGS will be hosting a meal for Christmas. First Presbyterian Church has been asked to donate 125 cans of fruit. We will be accepting monetary donations through the end of December. Thank you for your generosity!
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will not be meeting until January.
“SOMETHING TO CHEW ON’ is held every Thursday evening at 6 pm at BUCC, except on the last Thursday of the month when Interfaith Council meets. We share a simple potluck supper, discuss local, state and national affairs or view and discuss a video of interest. Mainly we enjoy friendly fellowship. Everyone is welcome regardless of church affiliation. CDC guidelines are followed n regards to social distancing and masking.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for December!
Dean H., LaVonne B., Carrie VB, Rozanne M, Sally M, Marge P, Jan B, Nancy T
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for December!
Stephen & Carrie VB, Bob & Pat F, Neal & Julie F, Skip & Sharon W
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
BENEDICTION
Go out into the world and remember that we are still in Christmas. Spread peace and joy to those around you this season. “So you are no longer a slave but a child, then also an heir, through God.” Alleluia!