December 24th Worship Service

Claybanks Methodist Church
Sunday, December 24, 2023
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Welcome and Announcements

*Praise Song
”There’s a Song in the Air ”………….UMH 249

Prelude

*Processional
In this place, among these people
God is worshipped, God is praised.
We have seen the signs and wonders;
The lost are found here, the dead are raised.
We are living the Gospel story;
lives are changed, and mountains moved.
Won’t you come and work among us?
You are welcomed, you are loved.

*Call to Worship
Leader: Light the lamps, prepare the room, God is coming to us!
All: Make our hearts and spirits ready to receive God’s most gracious gift, God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
Leader: Push the darkness away. The light is truly coming!
All: May God’s light shine on us, in us, and through us that God’s glory may be seen. AMEN.

*Gloria Patri……………………………………..UMH  70

*Opening Prayer

*Hymn
”O Little Town of Bethlehem”………………..UMH 230

Lighting of Advent Candles

Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns

The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves

*Doxology…………………………………….…UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn
”In the Bleak Midwinter”…………………UMH 221

Sharing of the Word

Old Testament Reading
Ezekiel 34:23-27………………………………………Page 702
*Gospel Reading
John 20:19-21…………….……………………Page 883

Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
“Names for the Messiah: Prince of Peace”

Prayer

*Hymn
”Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”……….UMH 224

*Benediction

Postlude – Please be seated

Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard

Liturgist  – Doris Graham

Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News