WORSHIP GUIDE - DECEMBER 13, 2015

PORTRAITSof the

CHRIST CHILD

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YTHE WEEKLY WORD“A Song in the Air”

Looking for a church home?All are warmly welcomed at Christ Church. We invite you to stop by our “I’m New Here” table downstairs in the Gathering Hall where you can find out more about our congregation. First time guests can also pick up a special welcome gift there. If you would like to join the Christ Church family today, you may do so either by professing your faith in Jesus Christ, or by transferring your membership from another Christian congregation. Simply fill out a new member card which may be found in the Sanctuary pew racks and bring it with you as you come to the front to meet the pastors during the closing music at any of our services. If you have not yet been baptized, we will be happy to recognize your decision today as well as arrange for a convenient time to talk with you about the meaning of that sacrament before scheduling it for one of our upcoming worship services. For more information about our programs, staff and beliefs, please visit our website at www.christchurchsl.org.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE *All morning services are held in the Sanctuary.

FIRST LIGHT (Simple) - 8:15 - 9:05 am

CORNERSTONE (Contemporary) - 9:30 - 10:35 am FESTIVAL (Traditional) - 10:55 am -12 pm

YOUTH WORSHIP - Sunday evenings from 5 - 7 pm in the FLC Gym. Dinner served at 5 pm ($2).

by Pastor Chappell Temple

She grew up singing with her sisters, her strong alto voice easily settling upon the natural harmonies that complemented the sweet sound of her four siblings as they visited from church to church in the central Texas countryside. But even after marrying and moving away from her family, singing continued to be an integral part of her faith, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Her favorite secular song was clearly “Silver Bells,” and though she never actually met Bing Crosby... or traipsed along snow-crunched city sidewalks...it didn’t stop her from doing a duet with him whenever it played on the radio... “Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling), hear them ring (ting-a-ling), soon it will be Christmas Day.”

When it came to carols, however, there was one song that similarly made her seasonal hit list every year. For within the 1905 Methodist hymnal that she grew up with was a “new” melody composed by the gifted Wesleyan University professor who was charged with assembling that songbook to be used by churches across the country both big and small, from New York to Nacogdoches.

Based upon a poem by the novelist Josiah Holland written for an 1874 Sunday School Journal, Karl Harrington fashioned a tune around each phrase, merging both words and music as a melody quickly came to life:

“There’s a song in the air! There’s a star in the sky! There’s a mother’s deep prayer and a baby’s low cry! And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing, for the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!”

To be sure, the song sounds a little schmaltzy today, and I halfway expect an announcer to precede it with the words, “This is an all-skate.” But if I close my eyes and listen hard, I can still hear my mother’s alto voice gliding effortlessly over the melody line:

“We rejoice in the light and we echo the song, that comes down through the night from the heavenly throng.”

Whatever your personal tastes or style may be, we’re being blessed in these weeks by some outstanding musical talent on loan from God. For in the words of Josiah Strong, that “song from afar” really has swept over the world.

So let “the beautiful sing” indeed! No doubt my mom will be harmonizing with you in heaven.

LESSONS & CAROLSDECEMBER 20 • 6 PM • SANCTUARYCome listen and sing along as our women’s choir Bella Voce leads us in traditional hymns and scripture readings about the beginning of Jesus Christ’s story.

HOPE LUNCHEONDECEMBER 21 • 11 AM • GATHERING HALLHave you experienced a loss or just had a challenging year? The holidays can be a tough season for some, but if so, you’re invited to join us for a special time on the longest night of the year to share a holiday meal and celebration with your friends and family at Christ Church. All are welcome.

You may RSVP through Benita Sebesta at 281.980.6888 in the church office.

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TODAY’S FOCUS

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP WITH

WAYNE KERR & FRIENDSTONIGHT • 6 PM • SANCTUARY

Take a break from the madness and join us for a wonderful night of mellow and moving music led by Wayne Kerr and a few of his friends. Wayne is well known as a Christian songwriter and singer, and is currently the worship leader at Grace Fellowship UMC in Katy.

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8:15-9:05 am First Light Simple Worship Service

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice…” Psalm 5:3

THE PRELUDE & ALTAR PRAYER TIME Chamber Choir

Come Thou Redeemer of the EarthPraetorius

MORNING CHIMES

*CALL TO WORSHIPPastor: My soul magnifies the Lord.

People: And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.Pastor: For He that is mighty has done great things.

People: And holy is His name!

*OPENING SONG 238 Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLEAll are invited to lift aloud a brief prayer concern, after which the pastor will say,

“Lord, in your mercy” and the congregation will respond “Hear our prayers.”

COMMUNITY MOMENTS Sharing of our Presence, Tithes, and Offerings

Please sign the registration book at the end of the pew and pass it to your neighbor.

THE OFFERTORYChamber Choir

Alma Redemptoris Mater Palestrina

* THE DOXOLOGY This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

THE SCRIPTURE LESSONLuke 2:8-20

The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God!

THE MORNING MESSAGEPastor Michelle Hall“Flimsy Testimony”

THE INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION

THE LORD’S PRAYER (said by all)

SHARING AND PRAYERS FOR HEALING AT THE LORD’S TABLEFollowing the United Methodist tradition, our table is open to all irrespective of age or church

membership. Please come to any open spot at the altar rail on either side where after kneeling you will be served bread which can be dipped into the chalice. You may remain at the altar for prayer

as long as you like. Those desiring to speak with a prayer partner, or to be anointed with oil for healing, may move to the side aisles of the church to speak with one of our prayer partners.

INVITATION TO FOLLOW CHRIST

*CLOSING SONG 217Away in a Manger

THE BENEDICTION

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9:30-10:35 am

CORNERSTONE CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP SERVICE“The Lord has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God…”

Psalm 40:3

OPENING PRAYER

*SONG OF WORSHIP

He Shall Reign Forevermore

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

ANGELS’ GOOD NEWS

Children’s Presentation

Voice of God - Joshua Muth | Gabriel - Savannah BretzDirected by Lahonda Sharp & Lynne Clark

Dr. Hangfong Au, accompanist

Angels We Have Heard on High

Children will be dismissed to Sunday School during this song.

FELLOWSHIP AND COMMUNITY MOMENTS

A TIME OF OFFERING

Come and See

Please sign the registration book at the end of the pew and pass it to your neighbor.

THE WORD FOR TODAY

Luke 2:8-20

The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God!

THE MORNING MESSAGEPastor C. Chappell Temple

“Flimsy Testimony”

HOLY COMMUNION

SHARING AT THE LORD’S TABLEFollowing the United Methodist tradition, our table is open to all irrespective of age or church

membership. Please come to any of the six stations in the front of the chancel or in the balcony

to receive the bread which may then be dipped into the chalice. Gluten free elements are available

on the left side of the altar downstairs or in the balcony. You are then invited to find a place at the

altar rail for prayer. Those not at the table may join in singing praise to God led by our band.

INVITATION TO FOLLOW CHRIST

*CLOSING SONG OF PRAISE

Hymn of Joy

Our Prayer Partners are available at the altar to pray with anyone desiring to do so.

THE BLESSING AND DISMISSAL

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10:55 am - 12 pm

FESTIVAL TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE

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“Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens…” Psalm 150:1

THE ANTHEM Festival Choir Sing We Noel by Noël Goemanne

Sing we noel, noel, noel, noel, noel, sing we noel!Christ was born for us today; Love and peace be here to stay.

Now we raise to heaven our voice, Sing we now, rejoice, rejoice.Sing we noel, noel, noel, noel, noel, sing we noel!

Mary now filled with heavenly joy; “Emmanuel” she named the Boy. Heaven is near, “O do not fear,” the angel said, “The Christ is here!”

Heaven came to earth. He saved us by His birth. O mighty Child, O King of kings, the universe in praise now sings.

Sing we noel, noel, noel, noel, noel, sing we noel!

THE CHORAL CALL TO PRAYER

THE MORNING PRAYERS AND THE LORD’S PRAYER (said by all)

COMMUNITY MOMENTS

SHARING OF OUR PRESENCE & GIFTS

Please sign the registration book at the end of the pew and pass it to your neighbor.

OFFERTORY God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen ( Spanish Tidings of Joy) arr. Vicki Collinsworth

*THE DOXOLOGY 221 In the Bleak Midwinter, vs. 4 CRANHAM

THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: Luke 2:8-20 The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God!

THE SERMON: “Flimsy Testimony” Pastor Michelle Hall

THE PRELUDE Beth McConnell Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella arr. Larry Shackley

Good King Wenceslas arr. Lloyd Larson

GREETING

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE 202People Look East (vs. 4)

ANGELS’ GOOD NEWS Children’s Presentation Voice of God - Joshua Muth Directed by Lahonda Sharp Gabriel - Savannah Bretz & Lynne Clark Dr. Hangfong Au, accompanist

*HYMN OF PRAISE 238Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISMCameron Michael Cartie, son of Bryan and Amy Cartie

DISMISSAL OF CHILDREN

*FELLOWSHIP MOMENTS

THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Micah 5:2-5aThe Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God!

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Serving in worship this morning are:

Pastors: C. Chappell Temple, Dan Conway, Michelle Hall, and Mike WhangDirector of Music Ministries: Lahonda Sharp Director of Contemporary Worship: GT Mangum

Organist: Beth McConnell Audio/Visual Coordinator: BJ Figat Streaming Coordinator: Oliver Carlock

Technical services: A/V Volunteers Advent Wreath Liturgies: Stoltz Family (8:15), Gisler Family (9:45),

United Methodist Women Executive Board (10:55) Lay Reader: Mike Spero

Acolytes: Olivia English and Gavin HarrisSermon Graphic: “The Nativity” by Jon McNaughton (2007)

All one dollar bills given in the offering will be used to help others in our community and beyond.

WORD MADE FRESHWHAT’S AHEAD IN WORSHIP

LIGHT AND LIFE | JOHN 1.1-11Everyone already knew the story by the time St. John wrote his account. What some didn’t know, however, was that it was all a part of a cosmic conspiracy.

Pastor Mike Whang preaching at 8:15 am.Pastor Chappell Temple preaching at 9:30 am and 10:55 am.

20DEC

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO RUDOLPH | JOHN 3.13-21A Christmas Eve message for all those with shiny noses.

Children’s Service with a word from our pastors to kids of all ages at 4 pm.Pastor Chappell Temple preaching at 6 and 8 pm.Pastor Mike Whang preaching at 10 pm.

24DEC

ADVENT SERMON SERIESPORTRAITS OF THE CHRIST CHILD

Eyewitness Accounts of the Four Evangelists

AN INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP

*CLOSING HYMN 220 Angels from the Realms of Glory REGENT SQUARE

Our Prayer Partners are available at the altar to pray with anyone desiring to do so.

*THE BENEDICTION

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Away in a Manger, vs. 3 AWAY IN A MANGER

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray; bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

Please be seated as the cross passes by you in the aisle and remain seated for the Postlude.

THE POSTLUDE Beth McConnell Angels We Have Heard on High arr. Mary McDonald

*Please stand as you are comfortable. DEPARTING FROM THE GIFT LIST | LUKE 2:25-38Join us for one blended service at 10 am with Dan Conway preaching. There will be no Sunday School or other activities today.

27DEC

10:55 am - 12 pm

FESTIVAL TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE

Celebrate Christmas

with Christ Church

CHRISTMAS EVE

CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP

4 pm - Children & Family 6 & 8 pm - Traditional10 pm - Acoustic

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EAST FORT BEND HUMAN NEEDS MINISTRY

HOLIDAYFOOD BASKETS

Place donations in Collection Bin by Tuesday, December 15.

GIFT (GIVE IN FAITH TODAY)

Choose an alternative gift option from the catalog online

Now - Sunday, December 20

STUDENTS WWW.CHRISTCHURCHSL.ORG/STUDENTS

SEASON’S GREETINGS BY AIJA IZAKS THE GOOD LIFE LUNCHEONTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 • 11:30 AM-1 PM GATHERING HALL & SANCTUARY • PRE-REGISTER BY DECEMBER 15Join us for a delightful musical program presented by gifted violinist, Aija Izaks. The event begins with a fellowship meal. $7 covers the cost of the meal. Pre-register by contacting Jan Randolph at janr@christchurchsl.org by December 15.

ADULTS WWW.CHRISTCHURCHSL.ORG/ADULTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SERVE WWW.CHRISTCHURCHSL.ORG/SERVE

CHILDREN WWW.CHRISTCHURCHSL.ORG/CHILDREN

GIFTS FOR THE CHRIST CHILDHere are all the ways to bring Christmas joy to those in need.

Visit www.christchurchsl.org/christmasmissions or view the Christmas Missions brochure available around the church.

CHRISTMAS PLAYDATEDECEMBER 21 • 1-3 PM • FLC GYM • REGISTER ONLINE BY DECEMBER 20Finish those last errands while your kids enjoy some fun Christmas games, crafts, and stories here at the church! Contact Kate Flint at katef@christchurchsl.org for more information.

ACOLYTE CHRISTMAS PARTY AND SERVICE PROJECTSUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 • 12-2 • ROOMS 210/211Calling all acolytes. Join us Sunday, for pizza, games, prizes, fellowship and candle stuffing as we prepare the candles for the Christmas Eve candlelight services! Question? Call Judy Hicks, 281.980.8727.

CREATED BY GODSUNDAYS JANUARY 10-FEBRUARY 14 • 11 AM -12:30 PM • RMS 210/211 • 5TH GRADE BOYS & GIRLSREGISTER ONLINE BY JANUARY 7 • WWW.CHRISTCHURCHSL.ORG/CHILDREN All 5th graders (including friends from other churches) are invited to participate in a course written by the United Methodist Church that is designed to teach them how to understand, respect, and celebrate the capabilities of their changing bodies as they enter adolescence. Taught by couples from our church, this class focuses on the God-given function of the human body, as well as pressures, decisions, and situations preteens will face as they grow up. Questions? Contact KateF@christchurchsl.org.

IT’S A BAMBI CHRISTMAS - (BABIES AND MOTHERS BONDING INITIATIVE)TODAY • 1:40 PM • MEET UP AT CHRIST CHURCH & CARAVAN TO FACILITYLadies, please join us as we take Christmas to the moms & babies of the BAMBI facility. We need cookies, finger sandwiches & small gifts for the moms & babies.

COLLEGE STUDENTS POST EXAM LUNCH WITH PASTOR MIKESUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 • 1-3 PM • RSVP TO PASTOR MIKE AT MIKE@CHRISTCHURCHSL.ORGCollege Students! Let Pastor Mike treat you out to lunch the Sunday following your exams. We want to hear about how your year is going so far, how we can serve you, and how you are finding Christ in your college campus.

STUDENT MINISTRIES CHRISTMAS PARTYSUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 • 5-7 PM • FLC GYMJoin us for a Sunday night celebration with the Jr. High and Senior High groups and a $10 limit white elephant gift exchange. Dinner is provided and all are welcome.

Contact Todd Harris at Toddh@christchurchsl.org for more information.

ALL ANGEL TREE GIFTS WITH TAG ATTACHED MUST BE RETURNED BY 12:30 PM TO THE GATHERING HALL TODAY.

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2016 STEWARDSHIP CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

FINISHING STRONG 2015 BUDGET REPORT

As a thank you to all who turned in a pledge card for 2016, please visit the Gathering Hall today to pick up the Annual Christ Church Christmas ornament. Pledge cards are still available to be filled out and can be found around the church, outside the finance office, and online at www.christchurchsl.org/give.

As we come to the end of the year, we are thankful for all those whose faithful stewardship of their resources has enabled us to do amazing things in the name of the Lord through Christ Church in 2015. Like most congregations, we are entirely dependent upon the voluntary giving of our members for 100% of our budget, and similarly, in years past a large proportion of our financial needs have been met in the last month of the year. The amount which remains for us to completely fulfill our 2015 operating budget of $3.01 million is approximately $505,015, which includes the amount of unpaid pledges year to date. As the Lord enables you, please prayerfully consider how you may help close this gap with either the fulfillment of your pledge, or even an extra gift if possible. Please note that in order for you to receive a tax benefit from your gift, it must be received prior to January 1, 2016. Gifts may be dropped into the offering plate, brought to the church office, or made on-line (up to midnight December 31) through our secure website. IRS rules also allow that gifts charged to a credit before the end of the year will count for 2015 even if the bill is not paid until 2016.

WELCOME TO CHRIST CHURCH’S NEW MEMBERS

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CHURCH MAT TERS

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A LOOK AT OUR LOYALT Y WEEK OF DECEMBER 06

ANNUAL BUDGET $3,010,000

THE HEARTBEAT

MEMBER CARE Contact us anytime, 24 hours a day, to let the church office know of hospitalizations, births, deaths, illnesses, or other concerns. Call 281.980.6888.

TOTAL WORSHIP ATTENDANCE(includes children, nursery, stream,

& evening youth worship)

CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED WEEK

CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED YEAR-TO-DATE

1450 $81,427

$2,504,985

83% FULFILLED

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS . . . Gehrig Smith’s mother; Debbie Meier’s mother-in-law; Colleen Flint’s brother; Wanda Mayo; Tony and Debra Martin; Enid Tovy; Ron and Debbie Floyd’s grandson.

JOYS...Bob Guffey.

CHRIST CHURCH EXTENDS ITS SYMPATHY TO...Family and friends of Jettie Beckett; Ray Singleton on the death of his mother-in-law; family and friends of Mary “Neil” Oatman; Milly Bergman on the death of her friend.

ALTAR FLOWERSSally McKnight in memory of Ted McKnight.

The rose on the altar is shared in honor of the birth of Caroline Grace Johnson, the granddaughter of Roseann and Gene Johnson.

Jim and Annette Havens Louise McGhee

TODAY IS THE LAST SUNDAY TO PURCHASE A POINSETTIA • GATHERING HALL Honor a loved one or their memory and provide a beautiful adornment for our Sanctuary during the Christmas Eve Services for $10 each. You may sign up in the Gathering Hall or at the front office of the church with Benita Sebesta at 281.980.6888.

3300 AUSTIN PARKWAY • SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77479 281.980.6888 • WWW.CHRISTCHURCHSL.ORG • WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CHRISTCHURCHSL

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VISIT WWW.CHRISTCHURCHSL.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION ON

CHRIST CHURCH’S EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES.

CHRIST CHURCH BELL RINGERS

2015 POINSETTIAS

2015 Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, Texas