December 24, 2006

Pre-service Music
Prayer of Invocation
Call to Worship adapted from Psalms 96
Leader: Today is the day for a new song to be sung!
People: O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Leader: Today is the day to crowd around a manger, to behold the divine, born in human flesh.
People: Ascribe to the Lord all glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Leader: Today is the day to proclaim the good news, to praise God with the multitude of angels!
People: Shout it to the nations, "The incarnate Lord is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. God will judge the peoples with equity."
Leader: Today is a day for joy to the world!
People: Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Let the trees of the forest sing for joy!
Hymns Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus HWB 178
On This Day Earth Shall Ring HWB 192
Children's Story
Hymn The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy HWB 202

Hearing

Scripture Luke 2:1-40
Mediation Threads of hope from swaddling clothes
Gifts for Jesus
Hymn Silent Night HWB 193

Responding

Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Offering/Hymn Praise God from Whom HWB 119
Announcements
Hymn Go tell it on the mountain (see below)
Benediction

Today

Meditation: Roy Hange
Worship Leader: Maren Tyedmers Hange
Music: Jen Larson Sawin, Maren Hange
Nursery: Franz

Announcements

Go tell it on the mountains

Chorus:
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born

Verse 1:
When I was a sinner, I prayed both night and day
I asked the Lord to help me, And he showed me the way

Verse 2:
When I was a seeker, I sought both night and day
I asked the lord to help me, And he taught me to pray

Verse 3:
The Lord made me a watchman, up on the city wall
And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all

Gifts for Jesus: As part of the Christmas tradition at Charlottesville Mennonite Church we invite you to bring your favorite Christmas story, song, poem or musicwhatever else to share during the Christmas worship service today.

The Hange family will be leaving for Pennsylvania this afternoon and returning on Wednesday, December 27. In case of an emergency please contact a member of the Board of Elders (Lois Alderfer, Jim Parks, David Franz).

Prayers and Praises

VMBM:: During Advent, we have prepared our hearts and minds for Jesus' birth. The impact of this event long ago continues to impact us today. As we share Jesus' love for us with others, He is born anew in hears and lives. This is VMBM's commitment both locally and internationally.

Mennonite Mission Network: On this Christmas Sunday, pray for Mennonite Mission Network workers around the globe as they share the good news of Jesus' coming into the world to bring hope to all people.

Pray for the local services for people in need: Love Inc., Shelter for Help in Emergency, Food Bank, Salvation Army, IMPACT--a justice ministry and PACEM-- the initiative for the homeless.

Gathering in Christ's name

Hearing

Responding

Today

Announcements

Prayers and Praises