Valley View United Methodist Church

8412 W. 95th St. Overland

Park, KS 66212

913-642-4400

valleyviewumc.org

Christmas Eve 2013

Worship Bulletin

WELCOME -

We’re Glad You’re Here!

Our Mission:

Make Disciples of Jesus Christ

for the transformation of the world.

Our Vision:

Experience, Grow and Share

the Love of Jesus Christ!

Why Christmas?

The Feast of the Nativity was the official name for the celebration of

Jesus’ birth. The more common name was the “Christ Mass” which

for obvious reasons became known as Christmas. Christmas is

both a day and a season. It begins on Christmas Day and

continues for “The Twelve Days of Christmas” until the

Epiphany on January 6 when we celebrate the Magi and their

gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The word Epiphany

originally meant manifestation and is currently understood to

mean insight or awakening. Jesus is the very incarnation of

God. “The Word became flesh and lived among us.” (John

1:14) God chose to come and be with humanity. Through

Christ, God knows our burdens and feels our pain and our

joy. God is present in the person of a child born in a stable.

Why December 25th?

We don't know the exact birthday for Jesus, we don't even know

the exact year. By tradition our current calendar starts with the

birth of Christ, but research suggests that his actual birth may have

been between four and six years earlier than originally estimated.

Christmas was first celebrated on December 25 in Rome during the

mid fourth century. The date coincides with a festival of the winter

solstice. The solar celebration recognized the triumph of the sun

over the darkness of the longest night of the year. Christians

adapted many of the solstice traditions and gave them new

meaning. Rather than celebrating the sun overcoming darkness, the church celebrates

the Son of God overcoming the darkness of sin and death. “The light shines in the darkness

and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5) The Church has often adapted the

meaning of traditions from the surrounding culture.

Why Christmas Eve?

Many churches celebrate Christmas with a worship service during the day

on December 25th. Since the calendar day begins at midnight, “Midnight

Mass” is also popular in several congregations. We often forget that in the

Hebrew tradition a day is not from midnight to midnight, nor is it from sunrise

to sunrise. According to Jewish custom a day is from sunset to sunset. For this

reason it is quite appropriate that we celebrate in the evening on the 24th. An

evening celebration also allows us to worship in the midst of darkness.

Why Communion?

Since the name of our celebration derives from the “Christ

Mass” and since the Roman Catholic Mass always includes

the Sacrament of Holy Communion, it is most fitting that

we share the Eucharist as a part of our celebration. One of

the titles bestowed upon Jesus is “Emmanuel” which means

“God with us.” The Sacrament of Holy Communion is a sign of

Christ’s presence with us and of his sacrifice for us. When we

break the bread and share the cup it is indeed a

manifestation of Emmanuel. In the United

Methodist tradition everyone is welcome to

share in the Feast of the Lord’s Supper. All we ask

is that you receive the gift with an earnest desire

to grow close to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Why Candles?

Christmas is a celebration of light overcoming darkness.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great

light.” (Isaiah 9:2) Early in our Christmas Eve

worship service we proclaim that Jesus Christ

is “the light of the world” (John 8:12) as we

light the Christ candle. At the conclusion

of our service we not only remember

that Jesus is the light, we also remember

that Jesus calls us to let our “light shine

before others.” (Matthew 5:16) For this

reason we light the first individual candles

directly from the Christ candle. Then the light of

Christ is offered to others who in turn pass the light along. The message of

Christmas is that Christ came for the whole world, but If we don’t share our

faith with others, how can the world come to know the one true light? Carrying

the light of Christ is both a blessing and a responsibility. Through the simple act of

receiving and passing a flame we accept the birth of Christ as a gift for ourselves

and then we share Christ’s love and light with others. We obviously ask that you use

extreme caution during the candlelight portion of the service.

Mike Kotz by Mary Lou Kotz

Jim Kreuzberger by Doris Kreuzberger

Charles Lively by Delores Lively

Loved Ones

Thomas McCunniff by Bill & Ellen Shurtleff

Carolyn Miller by Virginia & Bob Miller

Howard & Gladys Moreau, parents of Ray & Cleta Moreau

Albert Palmer, Sr. by Rindy & Robin Richerson

My parents by Karen Petersen

Al & Virginia Richerson by Rindy & Robin Richerson

Russell & Wilma Shipps by Phil & Carri Whitaker

Lois Shirley, my wife, by Don Shirley

Phyllis Southard by Ken & Jeanette Grenz

Howard & Irma Spainhour by Bill & Marilyn Taylor

DeWayne Spatz & Walter Brant by Marilyn Spatz

Megan Taylor by Bill & Marilyn Taylor

Lewis & Grace Taylor by Bill & Marilyn Taylor

Loved Ones by Larry & Sharon Tucker

Donald Vaughn by Nancy Vaughn

Don & Nancy Whitaker by Phil & Carri Whitaker

Jerry Wille, my husband, by Sarah Wille

Poinsettias 2013

To the Glory of God in Memory of:

Dave Abels by Marcheta Abels

Jim Arnott by Kay Arnott

Margaret & Charles Binter by Jim & Marilynn Binter

Gwen Bostwick by Jim & Marilynn Binter

Geraldine Brewster, grandmother, by

the Phil Brewster Family

Our fathers by Steve & Shelly Busby

Leland W. Cochran by Maxine Cochran

Aubrey & Jan Crews by The Crews Family

Jan & Aubrey Crews by Jill Lunsford

Lyn David by Louise Evans & Family

Ellen & Al Dudley by Steve & Marles Dudley

Jane Elam, daughter, by Doris Kreuzberger

Dick Erickson by Georgia Erickson

Dorothy Garlick by Danny & Shari Nicholas

Doris Greco by Steve & Marles Dudley

Jeanne Marie Hines Wright, mother of Jan Barger, by

Shari Nicholas

Edgar Holt by Sandra Holt

Bert & Helen Howard by Pat Howard

Myrl & Wynema James, our parents, by

Danny & Shari Nicholas

Rex and Dorotha Keller (Hoffman), parents of

Ray & Cleta Moreau

To the Glory of God by:

Dale & Wanda Cantrell

Libby Gessley

To the Glory of God in Honor of:

Angie & Darren Beck by Alan & Jean Mohr

Josh, Rylie & Ellie Beck by Alan & Jean Mohr

Grandma Nancy Bernhardt by Charlotte

Elizabeth, Susan & Heather, our daughters and

their families, by Matt & Barbara Campbell

Our Family by Lyn & Blair Hosford

Russ & Pat Flynn, the best caretakers, by Maxine Cochran

Those who work for and at Hope Chest by Matt Campbell

Our Grandchildren, Kennedy & Easton by Rich & Jana Moore

Valley View Preschool and Parent's Day Out Teachers

The Wicke Family by Jim & Pat Wicke

Sarah Wille by Jill Lunsford

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP

5:00 PM

“Go Tell It On the Mountain”

“Angels We Have Heard on High”

“Away in a Manger”

Lighting the Christ Candle

“Joy to the World”

Greeting and Sharing Peace

“O Come All Ye Faithful”

Isaiah 9:2-7

“The First Noel”

“The Nativity”

(Selected lessons from Luke 1-2 and Matthew 2)

John 1:1-5

“Love Came Down at Christmas”

Sacrament of Holy Communion

“O Holy Night”

“The Lord’s Prayer”

“Silent Night”

(Sharing the Light of Christ)

Benediction

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP

7:00 PM & 11:00 PM

Prelude to Worship 7:00PM “Go Tell It on the Mountain” Neil Gately

11:00 PM “Joy to the World” by Dobrinski Handbell Choir The Light of Christ Enters Greeting

Leader: The Lord is with you;

People: And also with you.

Musical Call to Worship “O Come, All Ye Faithful” vs. 1, 234 UMH

Welcome to Worship

Christmas Eve

Leader: The time of waiting is over.

People: Arise and shine for our light has come. The glory of God is revealed.

Leader: Together we proclaim that the fullness of God has come in Jesus, our Savior is born.

People: Arise and shine for our light has come. The glory of God is revealed.

Leader: We seek to grab hold of the fullness of hope, peace, joy and love offered in Jesus and

of God’s light in the face of darkness.

People: Arise and shine for our light has come. The glory of God is revealed.

Leader: As we light the Christ candle, let us remember that the light of God has come in Jesus

and can never be extinguished.

Advent Candle Lighting “There’s a Song” vs. 1, 2141 TFWS

*Hymn of Praise “Joy to the World” 246 UMH *Passing the Peace

Children’s Gathering Song “Once in Royal David’s City” vs. 3, 250 UMH

Children’s Message

Anthem 7:00 PM “Some Children See Him“ Neil Gately

11:00PM "The Christ is Born Today" by Morine Nyquist Chancel Choir

Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 9:2-7 Pew Bible, Old Testament Page 638

Hymn of Preparation “Angels We Have Heard on High” 238 UMH Gospel Lesson Luke 2:1-20 Pew Bible, New Testament Page 56 Song “The First Noel” Gately Family Gospel Lesson John 1:1-5 Pew Bible, New Testament Page 91

Message

Hymn of Response “Love Came Down at Christmas” 242 UMH Tithes and Offerings Offertory

*Doxology “Father, We Have Heard You Calling” vs. 4, 3150 W&S

*Prayer of Dedication Prayer of Confession

God of our salvation, you come to us at many times and in many places, but we fail

to recognize your presence among us. Preparing for Christmas can be so frantic, that we are

overwhelmed with relief, rather than overfilled with joy when the day finally arrives. As

we come to this your table, reveal to us once more the Word made flesh, so that we may

truly celebrate the simple way that you gave yourself to the world through the birth of Jesus

the Christ. Amen.

Silent Confession

Words of Assurance

Sacrament of Holy Communion Word and Table III pages 15-16, UMH

*Hymn of Commissioning “Silent Night, Holy Night” 239 UMH

*Benediction

*Benediction Response “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” vs. 3, 251 UMH

*Postlude

*Please stand, as you are comfortable.

Hymns are from The Faith We Sing, (black book)

The United Methodist Hymnal (purple book), and Worship & Song (green book)

Announcements

Building and Church Office Closed

Wednesday, Dec. 25; Thursday, Dec. 26; Tuesday, Dec. 31; Wednesday, Jan. 1

Sunday Morning Breakfast: December 29, 9:45—10:45 PM

The Hospitality team invites you to breakfast! The menu includes muffin tin eggs, sausage links, potato

casserole, breakfast breads and juice. Free will donation. Come and enjoy!

Bible Study- “Unglued” By Lysa Terkurst: Tuesdays, Beginning January 7 (7:00-8:30 PM)

We encounter stressful situations every day. Sometimes we react with grace and class, other times; we

react with anger and rage. Join us for this six-week study! Contact Janet Loos in the church office.

ED Caregivers Support Group: Begins Tuesday, January 14 (7-8:30 PM in the youth lounge)

If you are caring for a family member with an Eating Disorder, please join us in supporting and learning

from one another. For more information, please contact Suzy Ayres at suzyayres@kc.rr.com.

Please recycle

Online Giving at Your Finger Tips

Welcome Guests

We’re Glad You’re Here!

Valley View United Methodist Church

8412 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS 66212 913-642-4400 valleyviewumc.org

Rev. Neil Gately Co-Pastor- 913-642-4400 ext. 313 or neil@valleyviewumc.org

Rev. Bridget Gately, Co-Pastor- 913-642-4400 ext. 312 or bridget@valleyviewumc.org

Mary Haas, Chancel Choir Director- 913-642-4400 ext. 316 or mary@valleyviewumc.org

Ray Martin, Praise Worship Leader- 913-642-4400 ext. 325 or ray@valleyviewumc.org

Sunday Worship Schedule

9:00 AM: Traditional Worship 10:30 AM: Praise Worship

Children

Caring nursery for infants and toddlers at 9:00 and 10:30 AM in rooms 104 and 113

Children Grow in Faith at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM

Children/Family Ministry Director: Janet Loos (913-642-4400 ext. 315 or janet@valleyviewumc.org)

Youth

Check the Web for meeting times.

Youth Team Leader: Susann Bendrick (913-642-4400 ext. 321 or susann@valleyviewumc.org )

Adults

Adults Grow in Faith at various times. Check the Web or brochure racks for classes and times.