God, but we often choose ourselves. Forgive us, gracious God, for the moments when we choose poorly. Open our hearts to choose you, to choose community, to choose love. Gratefully we pray. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Linda McLaughlin
MEDITATION with SCRIPTURE and CAROLS - “Just Another Christmas Card”
Mary Always in the middle Rev. Sigler
Luke 1:26-38
Carol # 27, Gentle Mary Laid Her Child
Joseph Off to the side
Luke 2:1-7
Carol # 57, The Snow Lay on the Ground
Shepherds In the background
Luke 2:8-20
Carol # 56, The First Noel verses 1 and 2
Magi Kneeling in the foreground
Matthew 2:1-6
Carol # 53, What Child Is This
Angels Hover over the whole scene
Matthew 2:16-15; 19-23
Carol # 31, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Linda McLaughlin
Rev. Sigler
Linda McLaughlin
Rev. Sigler
The Apostles' Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
One: The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Many: And also with you.
PARISH LIFE (Please sign the Friendship Register)
THE OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS TO GOD (Text 267-367-4910 to give)
OFFERTORY Gentle Mary Laid Her Head Arr. Mark Hayes
PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
One: The Lord be with you.
Many: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
Many: We lift them to the Lord.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Many: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
COMMUNION PRAYER
…in unending hymns of praise:
Many: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in your name. Hosanna in the highest.
The prayer continues. … Great is the mystery of faith:
Many: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
One: In your mercy, Many: Lord, hear our 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
One: The gifts of God for the people of God. Many: Let us keep the feast.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE BREAD AND CUP
BEARING AND FOLLOWING THE WORD OF GOD INTO THE WORLD
† CHORAL BENEDICTION God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me R. B. Colligan (Choir and Congregation)
VOLUNTARY I Saw Three Ships Arr. Carolyne Taylor
The Rev. Heather M. Sigler, Parish Associate Linda McLaughlin, Lector
Michael Buffington, Worship Assistant Barbara Neff, Piano
Michael Shoemaker
The flowers at the pulpit are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of his parents, Lear and Bert Zook by Ivan Zook and Angela Salvadia.
The flowers at the lectern are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of the December birthday of Marilyn J. Miller by Gerald L. Miller
Hymns in the bulletin are used with permission under OneLicense.net #A-71074. All rights reserved
"Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God!"
(Romans 15:7)
Who is welcome at Pine Street Presbyterian Church?
You are!
If you are young or old or middle-aged …
If you are homeless or rent or own …
If you have a lot of faith, little faith, or no faith at all …
If you are male or female or trans…
If you are a Republican, a Democrat, or care little for politics ...
If you are gay or straight …
If you are married, single, or partnered …
If you are Asian, Hispanic, Black, or White …
If you are poor or rich, hungry, or well-fed,
If you have addictions, phobias, depression, or mental illness …
If you are strong or weak …
If you wear blue jeans or business casual …
If you hunger to know more about God and life …
If you seek more purpose in your daily living …
If you long for a better and more just world …
You are welcomed and affirmed here!
Come with your gifts and strengths, thoughts, doubts, and questions, passions and fears.
Come with the experiences and traditions that formed you. Come to seek and to listen to God. Hear God call you to love your neighbor with all your heart, mind, and soul! Christ welcomes all, and so do we!
Pine Street Presbyterian Church is a welcoming and affirming congregation!
Monday, December 27 – Church office closed
Wednesday, December 29 - NO Adult Forum
Friday, December 31 - Church office closed
Sunday, January 2 – 8:45 am Sunday School – 10:00 am Worship, The Rev. Heather Sigler, Preaching - Church UNdecorating following Worship
In compliance with The PA Dept of Health, the session requests that all individuals, no matter their vaccination status, wear masks in public indoor settings where there is a substantial or high transmission rate. Session asks worshipers to comply with these guidelines in consideration of the well-being of children, the immunocompromised, and others who are not eligible to receive the vaccine.
310 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 238-9304 | www.pinestreet.org