11:00 A.M., 3:00 P.M. & 5:30 P.M. DECEMBER 24, 2021
Christmas Eve
Humbly Following Jesus Christ
Christmas Flowers The flowers and other decorations around the church are given in memory of or to honor the following:
James W. Buckler, Jr. Mary Bernhardt Busko William Devin Busko Norma Gaebelein Larry Galindo Donna Holland Robert Cleveland Holland Alec Morgan Jean Morgan David James Morrison David James Morrison, Jr. Patricia Beucke Morrison Fred Rogers Joanne Rogers Marty Sanders Hal L. Smith Julia T. Smith John Erwin Talmadge Emily Jane Morrison Wirth George Robert Wirth
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Welcome Founded in 1848, First Presbyterian is the Atlanta church known for balancing spiritual conviction and tangible compassion. Our sermons, Sunday school classes, small groups, and courses lead people to challenge assumptions and lean into their faith. At the same time, we deeply invest in and serve the members of our congregation, the Atlanta community and beyond. With robust and holistic ministries serving the poor and vulnerable of our city; with global partners in Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and Kenya; and with spiritual formation opportunities for all ages, First Presbyterian Church’s purpose is to humbly follow Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining us in worship today! For more ways to connect, keep reading below. GET CONNECTED Sign Up for our Email Blast: youbelong@firstpresatl.org Senior Pastor’s Office: Matthew Pearson-Dawe, mpearsondawe@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7715 Pastoral Care: Rev. Rob Sparks, rsparks@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7763 Membership: Stephanie Lane, slane@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7757 How to Give: Peggy McCurdy, pmccurdy@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7707 Children’s Ministry: Sarah Kate Bumgarner, skbumgarner@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7709 Youth Ministry: Rachal Little and Ben Fletcher, youth@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7751 20s/30s Young Adult Ministry: Rev. Jamie Butcher, jbutcher@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7718 Courses/Classes: Dr. Chris Holmes, cholmes@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7713 Small Groups: Rev. Jamie Butcher, jbutcher@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7718 Arts & Music: Dr. Jens Korndörfer, jkorndoerfer@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7731 Alternative Worship: Adam Tavolaro, atavolaro@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7705 Community Ministries: Kate Culver, kculver@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7741 Epiphany/Social Ventures: Rev. Rebekah LeMon, rlemon@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7714 Global Mission: Rev. Leigh Bonner, lbonner@firstpresatl.org 404-228-7723 JOINING The next new member class, On Ramp, is January 30, 2022. Contact Stephanie Lane at slane@firstpresatl.org to register.
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11:00 A.M. DECEMBER 24, 2021
Christmas Eve Worship Prelude Music
Jens Korndörfer
Pastorale, Op. 19 – César Franck Sinfonia, BWV 29 - Johann Sebastian Bach (arr. by Marcel Dupré)
Welcome
Tony Sundermeier
Call to Worship (From Isaiah 9 and John 1)
Mason Rose Beard
One: 1 1 1 All: 1 1 1 One: 1 All: 1 1 One: 1 All: 1 One: 1 All: 1 1 1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.
+ Response #92 While We Are Waiting, Come – waiting Prayer
Marshall Melvin
The Journey to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-5) Harris Blair In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. Message
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Jamie Butcher
+ Opening Hymn #133 O Come, All Ye Faithful – adeste fideles O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
True God from true God, Light from light eternal, born of a virgin, a mortal he comes; very God, begotten not created, [Refrain]
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above: “Glory to God, all glory in the highest!” [Refrain]
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; [Refrain]
The Shepherds and Angels (Luke 2:8-14) Becca Ross In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” Message
Tony Sundermeier
+ Congregational Carol #134 Hark the Herald Angels Sing – antioch Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; With angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Refrain: Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the God-head see; hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased in flesh with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. [Refrain] Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the sun of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that we no more may die, Born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. [Refrain]
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The Visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:7-9) Cillian Moore Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. Message
Jamie Butcher
Prayer of Dedication
Hunt Lowrie
The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:6-7) Cole Price While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Message
Jamie Butcher
+ Congregational Carol #114 Away in a Manger – cradle song
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
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+ Candlelight Carol #122 Silent Night, Holy Night – stille nacht Children only: Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright ’round yon virgin mother and child! Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. All: Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!” Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light, radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth! Jesus Lord, at thy birth! Silent night! Holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; with the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King: “Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born.” Charge and Benediction Postlude
Noël suisse – Louis Claude Daquin
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3:00 P.M. & 5:30 P.M. DECEMBER 24, 2021
Christmas Eve Worship Prelude Music
Jens Korndörfer
Sinfonia, BWV 29 (arr. by Marcel Dupré) - Johann Sebastian Bach Pastorale, Op. 19 – César Franck Choral No. 1 in E Major – César Franck
Welcome
Tony Sundermeier
Choral Introit A Virgin Most Pure – Arr. Charles Wood Call to Worship (From Psalm 96) One: All: One: All: One: All: One: All:
Choir Rebekah LeMon
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord and bless God’s name; tell the good news of salvation from day to day. Declare God’s glory among the nations, God’s marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world, and those who live in it. Let the whole creation sing for joy at the presence of God, who is coming. God is coming indeed, to judge the earth with righteousness, and the peoples with equity and truth. Praise the Lord!
+ Congregational Carol #133 O Come, All Ye Faithful – adeste fideles O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
True God from true God, Light from light eternal, born of a virgin, a mortal he comes; very God, begotten not created, [Refrain]
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above: “Glory to God, all glory in the highest!” [Refrain]
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; [Refrain]
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Scripture (Isaiah 9:2, 6-7) The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.
(3:00 p.m.) Chris Holmes (5:30 p.m.) Leigh Bonner
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Anthem
Maria Valdes (Sorpano), Choir and Orchestra
Glory to God, from ‘Messiah’ – George Frideric Handel There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came up on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, Which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heav’nly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God, glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, Good will toward men.
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Scripture (Luke 1:26-35, 38)
(3:00 p.m.) Jamie Butcher (5:30 p.m.) Katie Sundermeier
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. + Congregational Carol #145 What Child is This – greensleeves
What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!
Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear, shall pierce him through; the cross be borne for me, for you. Hail, hail, the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary!
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, one and all, to own him. The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him. Raise, raise the song on high. The virgin sings her lullaby. Joy, joy, for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!
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Scripture (Luke 2:1-7) Rebekah LeMon In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Choral Anthem
Choir
Angels’ Carol – John Rutter Have you heard the sounds of the angel voices ringing out so sweetly, ringing out so clear? Have you seen the star shining out so brightly as a sign from God that Christ the Lord is here? Have you heard the news that they bring from heaven to the humble shepherds who have waited long? Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear the angels sing their joyful song.
Scripture (Luke 2:8-16)
(3:00 p.m.) Chris Holmes (5:30 p.m.) Kate Culver
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.
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+ Congregational Carol #134 Joy to the World (Arr. by John Rutter) – antioch Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing. Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. Verse 3 choir only No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found. Verse 4 sung by all He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love. Homily
Tony Sundermeier
There is a Way
Choral Anthem
Noel We Sing – Louis Claude Daquin – Arr. Robert DeCormier and E Power Biggs Angels of the Lord they came from the heavens singing, Called the shepherds forth by name while the bells were ringing, Told the shepherds where they lay, Jesus Christ was born today, Noel we sing, Christ is born a King. Leave your ewes and leave your rams, leave the watch you’re keeping, Leave your sheep and leave your lambs on the hillside sleeping, Rise up shepherd, follow me to the manger lowly. Noel we sing, Christ is born a King. To the manger, straight they came, there they knelt before Him, singing praises to His name, thus they did adore Him, Echoing their sweet amen, Christ is born in Bethlehem, noel we sing, amen, Christ is born a King. Trumpets sound and angels sing, join in celebration, To us all good tidings bring of a new creation. For today a Child is born, Jesus, son of Mary, Noel we sing, Christ is born a King.
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Choir
Pastoral Prayer
(3:00 p.m.) Rob Sparks (5:30 p.m.) Katie Sundermeier
Choral Anthem Choir Before the Marvel of this night – Carl Shalk Before the marvel of this night Adoring, fold your wings and bow, Then tear the sky apart with light And with your news the world endow. Proclaim the birth of Christ and peace, That fear and death and sorrow cease: Sing peace, sing gift of peace! Awake the sleeping world with song, This is the day the Lord has made. Assemble here, celestial throng, In royal splendor come arrayed. Give Earth a glimpse of heavenly bliss, A teasing taste of what they miss: Sing bliss, sing endless bliss! The love that we have always known, our constant joy and endless light, Now to the loveless world be shown, now break upon its deathly night. Into one song compress the love That rules our universe above: Sing love, sing God is love! Scripture (John 1:1-14) Tony Sundermeier In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
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+ Candlelight Carol #122 Silent Night, Holy Night – stille nacht Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright ’round yon virgin mother and child! Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!” Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light, radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth! Jesus Lord, at thy birth! Silent night! Holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; with the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King: “Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born.” Charge and Benediction Postlude
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Noël suisse – Louis Claude Daquin
Information MINISTERS: ALL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH PARTICIPATING IN WORSHIP LEADERSHIP TODAY Dr. Daniel Bara, Co-Director of the Choir and Orchestra
Hunt Lowrie, Lay Reader
Mason Rose Beard, Lay Reader
Marshall Melvin, Lay Reader
Harris Blair, Lay Reader
Cillian Moore, Lay Reader
Rev. Leigh Bonner, Director of Global Mission
Jerry, Natalya, Cella, Elon, Mirabell, Ada and Esme Perullo, Holy Family
Rev. Jamie Butcher, Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Formation
Cole Price, Lay Reader
Rev. Kate Culver, Pastor for Community Ministries Dr. Chris Holmes, Stembler Scholar and Director of Biblical and Theological Education Dr. Jens Korndörfer, Director of Worship & the Arts, Organist
Becca Ross, Lay Reader Rev. Rob Sparks, Associate Pastor for Care Rev. Katie Sundermeier, Parish Visitor and Executive Director of Samaritan Counseling Center
Rev. Rebekah Close LeMon, Executive Pastor
Dr. Tony Sundermeier, Senior Pastor Dr. George B. Wirth, Pastor Emeritus PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN MILITARY SERVICE Lt. Karim Abu-Akel Captain Alexandria Miller-Anderson Lt. Col. Charles Ayers PVT Forrest “Woody” Bass Lt. Benjamin S. Bondurant Maj. Jamison Bowman, Chaplain ABE3 Gregory Bridges
USAF CAPT Steven Brinkley Captain Ryan Dick Mason Fox-82nd Airborne AM3 Glenn Thomas Johnson HA Robert Louis Johnson Staff Sgt. Kevin Lee Lt. JG. Rachel Dudley McKenzie Lt. Troy McKenzie Lt. Wilson Mansfield McManus
USS Michael Murphy Maj. John Warren Robey Captain Gabriel Rulewicz Maj. General Russell Sanborn Captain Ryan Tewell Col. Roderick G. Turner III
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MISSION
First Presbyterian Church is a community of humble followers of Jesus Christ who choose, by God’s grace, to live by love, seek continual transformation, and equip all to be servant leaders in Atlanta and throughout the world. W E VA L U E
Community Spiritual home Enduring commitment Authentic diversity Love Radical hospitality Mutual care Restorative relationships Transformation Continual conversion Joyful worship Theological formation Servant Leadership Bold humility Just generosity Missional living
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is one of more than 9,000 Presbyterian Church U.S.A. congregations.
1328 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309 www.firstpresatl.org