Newark United Methodist Church is a

congregation with open hearts, open minds, and

open arms. We welcome and affirm you in the

name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, regardless of your

race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual

orientation, social or economic status, physical

and mental ability, or religious affiliation.

We are all God’s beloved children.

The parts of the service to be spoken by

the entire congregation are printed in bold.

Greeting and Welcome

Prelude Pastorale Josef Rheinberger (Violin/organ)

The Bidding Prayer Pastor Mary Catherine

Beloved in Christ,

this Christmas Eve it is our duty and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels, and to go in heart and mind to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Therefore, let us hear again from Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God

from the first days of our sin until the glorious redemption brought us by this holy Child; and let us make this house of prayer glad with our carols of praise.

Carol O Come, All Ye Faithful No. 234

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the King of angels, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

CHRISTMAS EVE DECEMBER 24, 2020

9:00PM

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation. Sing all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest!

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given.

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

The Bidding Prayer (Cont.) Pastor Mary Catherine

Because this of all things would rejoice Jesus' heart, let us pray to him for the needs of the whole world, and all his people; for peace upon the earth he came to save; for love and unity within the one Church he did build; for goodwill among all peoples.

And particularly at this time let us remember the poor, the cold, the hungry, the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love.

Lastly, let us remember all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one.

These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in the words that Christ himself has taught us.

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 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.

First Lesson Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

The Prophecy of the Messiah to a People in Darkness

6The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.

He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Carol Once In Royal David’s City No. 250 (vs. 1)

Once in royal David's city Stood a lowly cattle shed,

Where a mother laid her Baby In a manger for His bed:

Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little Child.

Second Lesson Isaiah 11:1-4a, 6-9

The Prophecy of Justice for the Poor and Peace for All of God’s Creation

1A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; 6The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.

7 The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. 9 They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

Carol Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming No. 216 (vs. 1)

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming From tender stem hath sprung!

Of Jesse’s lineage coming, As men of old have sung. It came, a flow’ret bright, Amid the cold of winter,

When half spent was the night.

Third Lesson Luke 1:26-38

The Annunciation to Mary

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.

36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Carol O Little Town of Bethlehem No. 230 (Vs. 1)

O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by

Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light

The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

Fourth Lesson Luke 2:1-7 Jesus is Born

1In 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.

Carol Away in a Manger No. 217 (vs.1)

Away in a manger No crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus

Lay down His sweet head

The stars in the sky Look down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay.

The Lighting of the Christ Candle The Gaines family

Eternal God, by the birth of Jesus Christ you gave yourself to the world. Grant that, being born in our hearts, he may save us from all our sins, and restore within us the image and likeness of our Creator, to whom be everlasting praise and glory, world without end. Amen.

Musical Offering Henri Büsser

(Violin/harp/organ)

Le Sommeil de L’Enfant (The Sleep of the Infant Jesus)

Fifth Lesson Luke 2:8-14

Angels Proclaim the Savior’s Birth

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and 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: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

Carol Angels We Have Heard on High No. 238 (vs. 1 & 3)

Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains.

And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Come to Bethlehem and see Christ whose birth the angels sing.

Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Sixth Lesson Luke 2:15-20

Shepherds Go to See the Savior-Child

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Carol The First Noel No. 245 (Vs. 1-2)

The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;

in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light,

and so it continued both day and night. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

born is the King of Israel.

Seventh Lesson Matthew 2:1, 8-12

Seekers from the East Find the Child Jesus

1In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem. 8 [Herod] sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests,

they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Choir Anthem Let Heaven and Nature Sing arr./orch. by Matt and Adam Podd

Eighth Lesson John 1:1-14

The Unfolding of the Great Mystery of the Incarnation

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being

4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.

11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Christmas Meditation Pastor Mary Catherine Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts to God

God-with-us has come to touch our world, our lives. God-with-us has come to bring us out of darkness into a glorious light. Let us kneel in body or in Spirit before the Christ child and offer our gifts in wonder, surprise, awe, joy and delight.

You are invited to make your offering using the online giving link found at Newark-umc.org. You may also mail your offering to the church office.

If you are joining us from another church, we encourage you to remember your home church and to send your regular offering to it.

Let us give with cheerful hearts as we receive our musical offering.

Musical Offering Méditation Samuel Rousseau

(Violin/harp/organ)

Passing the Light of Christ

I offer you the light of Christ. May it chase away any darkness that seeks to overcome your heart and fill you to overflowing with peace, hope, love and joy this day and always.

Carol Silent Night No. 239

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright

round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy Infant so tender and mild,

sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight;

glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light;

radiant beams from Thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth

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!

https://genius.com/Christmas-songs-silent-night-lyrics#note-13354286https://genius.com/Christmas-songs-silent-night-lyrics#note-13108552

Extinguishing the Candles Carol Joy to the World No. 246

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.

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.

Blessing and Sending Forth

May the Christ who by his Incarnation gathered into One things earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen. Go forth in peace and joy. Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

Postlude I Saw Three Ships arr. Dale Wood (Harp/organ)

Attributions: The service is based upon A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, UMBOW, pp. 284-288. The Bidding Prayer, UMBOW, p.285. Candle Lighting Prayer, UMH, p. 231. Invitation to Offering, adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2009, © 2008 Abingdon Press and posted on Ministry Matters November 6, 2020, Worship Elements Christmas Eve (Option 2). The Blessing and Sending Forth, UMBOW, p.287-288

One License: A-716945

Thank You for serving in worship today . . .

Pastor Rev. Dr. Mary Catherine Miller

Liturgist Darrell Sparks

Organ Paul Fleckenstein

Harp Anne Sullivan

Violin Nancy Bean

Cantor Sara Gaines

Livestream Sarah Jungling

IN LOVING MEMORY OF . . .

Winona Mae S. Read, Elmer E Read, Jr., Louise and Avery Goddin, MaryBeth Huey, Ann White from Butch & Betsy Read

Timothy Smith, Virginia and Herbert Smith, my parents and Joanne Acker, my sister from Connie Smith

Tim's parents and Ruthie's parents from Tim & Ruthie Toole

My mother, Inez Collins from Kim Philipp

Our beautiful daughter Keresa from Jim & Charlene Mylin

Charlotte Williams from Tom Williams

Jim's Grandmama & Uncle Harold, & our sons Drew & Edward from Betty & James Harris

My Father, Eddie Evans and our Grandparents from Andy and Leigh Ann von Hoelle

Dan's parents, Daniel and Bea Strunk and Barb's dad, Joseph Farr, who joined the church triumphant on November 22, 2020 from Dan and Barb Strunk

Our Pop-Pop, Joseph Farr from George, Christy, and Emma Reynolds, Allison, John, Kailyn, Jack, and Colin Duffy, and Valerie, Jon, Logan and Lucas Downey

Will’s sister, Debbie from Will & Pat Hammond

Our parents and grandparents: Bill & Eunice Clark and Ken & Barbara Crouse from The Clark Family

Ruth Cecelia Theis Kranz, William Kranz and Robert Joseph Seinsoth, Sr,. with love from Cindy Greene, Naomi Seinsoth and Matthew Planer

DEDICATIONS

Our fathers and grandfathers - Joseph Farr and Carlos Trimble and our brothers and sisters-in-law, Tim, Carolyn, Tom Rodney & Leslie Trimble from Sharon & Nick Trimble and family

Judy Robinson from Keith, Jennifer, Dave, Stacey, Eric, Sabrina and Alex

My son William (Will) A.D. White and in honor of Megan & Jeffrey, George, JJ, and Anna Wolf, daughter and family

from Diane Ferry

Ann Waibel from her family

Loved ones from Janet King

Loved ones from Don & Jeanne Poole

In Honor & Celebration of . . .

My children and grandchildren from Connie Smith

The Frenetic Fun Folders of Parish Notes from Pamela White

Wednesday Morning 9:00 CD Group from Pamela White

Our children and grandchildren from Andy & Leigh Ann von Hoelle

Our children and grandchildren from Dan & Barb Strunk

Our grandchildren from Kathy & Mark Werrell

My children and grandchildren - Melissa, Andrew, Audrianna and Emelia Hunting, Tom, Kori, Henry and Evan Johnston and Sarah Johnston from Gale Johnston

Loved ones from Janet King

Lay Leaders Mark Werrell, Lisa Gensel, Lloyd Massey, Natalie Alexander

Church Staff Rev. Dr. Mary Catherine Miller, Senior Pastor Paul Fleckenstein, Interim Organist Sara Shultz, Minister of Spiritual Formation Lisa Santare, Office Manager Robert Cappiello, Business Manager Pat MacKenzie, Bookkeeper Stephanie Yerkes, Preschool Director Debbie Knight, Preschool Administrative Assistant Ernie Schofield, Facility Coordinator Piedad Luna, Custodian Araceli Cira-Trujillo, Asst. Custodian

Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry at the University of Delaware Rev. Ward Mesick, Campus Pastor Brooke Walker, Director

newark-umc.org 69 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19711-4645 302.368.8774