Prelude Praeludium, Mvt 1 from Pastorale BWV 590
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
“Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern”
(How lovely shines the Morning Star) J. Pachelbel (1653-1706)
Welcome
Call to Worship
*Opening Hymn No. 22 “Angels, from the Realms of Glory”
*Prayer of Invocation and New Light (unison)
Holy God, we come to You, in these darkest days of the year, seeking not the light of the earthly sun but the eternal light of Your presence. God of all creation, we come to You rejoicing in the good news of Your Son, who was born to us and shared our earthly lot, that we might be born again to You, coming to live, not for our own sakes alone, but for the good of our neighbors and for Your glory. Make us to know Your light and truth, we pray, O Lord. Lead us in your righteousness as we walk this pilgrim way. Amen
The Hebrew Bible Psalm 147:12-20
The New Testament John 1:1-18
The Homily William Cordts
*Hymn No. 38 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”
Celebration of Holy Communion
All: For this table is spread for you and for me that we might know that God has come to us and shared our common lot and invited us to receive life anew. Indeed, God has triumphed even over death. So we come to this table for thanksgiving, for grace, for God’s presence, for peace.
Leader: Let us unite our voices in preparation. God be with you.
All: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to God!
Leader: Let us praise God, saying
All: 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 the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.
Anthem Special Music
Prayer of Thanksgiving
*Hymn No. 49 “Once in Royal David’s City”
Benediction
Postlude “Noël Suisse” L.C. Daquin (1694-1772)
* Those who are able please stand
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During this time of covid caution we welcome all to safe, cautious congregational assembly. It is good to worship together. To care for one another we wear masks
(except for worship leaders while they are speaking/singing) and all of our leaders are vaccinated. Cleaning has increased and we welcome your questions.
We have a touch-free offering today. That is, you may leave a gift in the basket, deliver an envelope after worship, send a gift via email or online, or any touch-free method you wish.
Newton Highlands Congregational Church, UCC
54 Lincoln Street, Newton, MA
www.nhcc.net 617 527 3898
Thanks to worship leader William Cordts, organist Natacha Rist, and deacons Joy Huber, Amanda Ketchpaw Palés, Isabelle Draper.
NHCC is an Open and Affirming, Still Speaking congregation where all are welcome regardless of the divisions or separations that some in society would impose: whoever you are you are welcome in God’s house. “In Christ we are a new creation,” so we are blessed to be together in Christ’s name.