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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Christmas Eve - December 24, 2007 – 5:00 p.m.
“For The Child of All Ages”
PRELUDE
WELCOME
OPENING CAROL “Little Drummer Boy” Insert
GATHERING Beginning of “Little Drummer Mouse”
“It had always seemed, for as long as the little mouse could remember, that he followed behind…his mother worried about him a great deal. So she made a tiny drum for him out of a hollow acorn. The little drummer mouse, as he came to be called, loved playing his acorn drum and carried it with him everywhere…the other forest animals laughed and teased him. ‘What's all that noise?' asked a young squirrel… ‘Go play your drum to the stars. At least you won't bother them!' added the rabbit.”
OPENING PRAYER
Welcome God, Father, Son and Spirit! Help us make room for you in our hearts this night. Help us to welcome the Christ Child and believe. Let your love wrap around us so that we will truly receive the gift which Jesus is. Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
Song “Star Child” Faith #2095
Reading by representatives of the Resource Ministries
Lighting of Candles
Congregational Response: We pray this in the name of the Star-Child, the Hope-for-Peace Child, the Christ Child. Amen
Without our “Resource Ministries:” (Church Council, Finance, Trustees, Stewardship, Memorial, and Lay Leadership), the other ministries and activities of the church could not function. Those serving through these ministries, give greatly of their time and talents all throughout the year, so that the “infrastructure” remains solid, and the other ministries can grow and bear fruit.
SCRIPTURE Luke 2:1-20
CONTINUING THE STORY “Little Drummer Mouse”
“On clear nights, when the mouse family was tucked in bed, the little drummer mouse would often creep outside to the farmer's field. There, he loved to watch the stars twinkle back at him as he tapped along, and they even seemed to enjoy his playing as much as he did…Later, snug in his bed, the little drummer mouse was too excited to sleep. Looking out the little window…he noticed a new bright star that shone down from heaven. It was the most beautiful star he had ever seen. Quietly he took his acorn drum and crept out to get a better look.
CHILDREN'S MOMENT “Would You Notice?” Pastor Joy
CAROL “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Insert
SCRIPTURE Isaiah 65:23b-25
CONTINUING THE STORY “ ”Little Drummer Mouse”
“ ‘Young mouse' said a sudden deep voice. ‘We are looking for a stable. Is there one nearby?' The little mouse turned and trembled with fear at the three men who towered over him. ‘Who…who are you?' stammered the little mouse. The one in blue spoke: ‘We are three kings from far away, seeking a child born in a stable beneath this star. This child will be a great king…' ‘But how can that be?' asked the little drummer mouse, being very brave. ‘Kings aren't born in stables.' ‘This one was' said the tallest king. The little mouse pointed the way.
CHRISTMAS PRAYER FOR THE WORLD
SPECIAL MUSIC Mike Niederer
MEDITATION “Only If You Seek” Pastor Joy
CONTINUING THE STORY
“ ‘I wish I could see the baby king,' thought the little drummer mouse. Pulling his courage together, the little mouse set off. The stable was not much more than a shed, but it was warm. As the little drummer mouse squeezed through a crack in the wall, he saw a crowd of farmers and shepherds. He watched as each person stepped forward to lay something shabby and simple before the manger. Over the manger stood a man and a women . Then the three tall kings came forward to give their rich and beautiful gifts. There was gold and silver, and perfumes that smelled wonderful. ‘So it is true,' thought the little mouse. ‘He must indeed be a great king.' ”
HOLY COMMUNION (served by intinction )
As a United Methodist Congregation we celebrate an “open table” and place no restrictions regarding church membership or affiliation, age, or other criteria. Believing it is Christ our Lord who invites, all who would heed his invitation are welcome.
Tonight, we will be serving by “ intinction ,” where the bread is received and then dipped into the cup. If you wish to receive and are unable to come forward, please let your usher know and you will be served in your pew.
CAROLS WHILE SERVING “Away in the Manger” Hymn #217
“What Child Is This” Hymn #219
“While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks” Hymn #236
FINISHING THE STORY “Little Drummer Boy”
“The shepherds began to play a tune on their harps and flutes. The sound was so lovely that the little drummer mouse began to tap along on his acorn drum…the baby had awakened and the young mother lifted him from the manger. She turned toward the little mouse, who was still tapping, and said ‘bring forth the drummer and raise him up so that he may see.' The little drummer mouse looked at the baby and the baby laughed. Then he began to play again, slowly at first, then a little faster. Everyone listened and smiled, and he could have shouted for joy. Soon everyone joined along, playing and singing a beautiful song.”
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES FROM THE CHRIST CANDLE
CAROL “Silent Night” Hymn #239
BENEDICTION Pastor Joy
CLOSING CAROL “Joy To The World” Hymn #246
Rev. Joy Caschetta , Pastor
Tina Freeman, Story Teller
Janine Darby, Liturgist
Steve Hermanson , Sound
Steve Brown & Bill Ford, Ushers