W YNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
December 24, 2025 7:00 & 10:00PM Christmas Eve Worship
Phone: 610.688.8700 | Website: waynepres.org | Address: 125 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087
ORDER OF WORSHIP Tuesday, December 24, 2025 | 7:00 & 10:00PM
Christmas Eve
If the Sanctuary is full, overflow seating is available in the Chapel where this evening’s service will be livestreamed. While children are encouraged to worship with their families on this special night, the Chapel is also available for our littlest worshippers who may need some extra space and a quieter atmosphere.
Prelude | New City Brass | John Grecia, organ Christmas Day (Fantasy on Old Carols)
Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
7:00PM Chancel Choir + Westminster Choir Alumni | 10:00PM Octet Adolphe Adam (1803-1856) O Holy Night (Cantique de Noël) Setting: John Ebenezer West (1863-1929) Introit | John Grecia, organ In dulci jubilo, BWV 729
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
+ Call to Worship Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy. To us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace! Let us go now to Bethlehem. + Prayer of Invocation Living God, on this holy night we gather - to stand with the shepherds, amazed at your glory; to sing with angels, rejoicing in your work; to wait with Joseph, trusting in your promise; to sit with Mary, cradling your love. May the good news of this night inspire us to tell the world of our great joy; for to us is born a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. Glory and praise to you forever! Amen + Hymn 133: O Come, All Ye Faithful
ADESTE FIDELES
Scripture Reading | Psalm 96:1-10 + Hymn 113: Angels We Have Heard on High
Words of Welcome
GLORIA
Scripture Reading | Isaiah 9:2-7 + Hymn 119: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
MENDELSSOHN
Scripture Reading | Luke 1:26-38 Anthem | 7:00PM Chancel Choir + Westminster Choir Alumni | 10:00PM Octet See Amid the Winter’s Snow HUMILITY, John Goss (1800-1880) Setting: Dan Forrest (b. 1978) Litany for Christmas In the beginning and in the midst of darkness, God spoke. Let there be light. In the beginning was the Word. And the Word came and dwelt among us. And the Word was the light of all peoples. Let there be light. We light our candles, knowing that the One who is the source and promise of all light is the One whose birth we celebrate. Let there be light. We are here to seek a little light by which we can see, by which we can live, by which we can love. Let there be light. We need to know that we are part of something greater than the flicker of our own little candles. We long to be assured that the light of Christ is with us even in the moment. Let there be light. So we light our candles in gratitude for the love and light that shine through the babe born in Bethlehem who became the Redeemer of us all. Let there be light. May we be so emboldened as to share the love of God with a world longing for light and hope, purpose, and love. May our actions and generosity shine in a world under the shadow of despair. Let there be light. We join the chorus of those whose carols have echoed through the years—“O come to us, abide in us, our Lord, Emmanuel.” Let there be light. Silence Lord Jesus Christ, child of Bethlehem and Son of God: Help us this night to join our songs of glory to those of the heavenly host, that the joy of the church on earth may be heard in the praise of heaven. Amen
+ Hymn 145: What Child is This
GREENSLEEVES
Scripture Reading | Matthew 1:18-25
INVITATION TO GRATITUDE Text the word GIVE to our church's Giving Number: (610) 819 4483, or scan the QR code on your smart phone. Please also feel free to give in-person in the baskets at the front of the Sanctuary. Offertory Anthem | 7:00PM Chancel Choir | 10:00PM Octet Peace on the Earth, Op. 38
Amy Beach (1867-1944)
The text can be found in Hymn 123, Verses 1, 4 & 5. Prayer for Illumination Scripture Reading | Luke 2:1-20 Sermon | “Far Away, Near Enough” | The Rev. Ryan Balsan Time for Reflection Scripture Reading | John 1:1-5 Passing the Light + Hymn 122: Silent Night, Holy Night
STILLE NACHT
Sending Prayer + Hymn 134: Joy to the World
ANTIOCH
Benediction Postlude | New City Brass | John Grecia, organ Joy to the World ANTIOCH, George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Setting: Christina Harmon (b. 1944)
THANK YOU TO THIS EVENING’S WORSHIP LEADERS Rev. Ryan Balsan Senior Pastor & Head of Staff Rev. Katy Shevel Associate Pastor John Grecia Director of Music Ministries Ryan Fleming Associate Director of Music Ministries Kelli Masters Director of Children & Youth Ministries The Westminster Choir Alumni Octet Soprano Rebecca Diamond Melanie Sarakatsannis Alto Ruth Bailis Tiffany Nack Tenor Brandon Zuniga David Price Bass Braedon O’Hara Josef Samargia New City Brass Nozomi Imamura, trumpet Emily Waltz, trumpet Martina Adams, horn Hayden Adams, trombone Chris Mele, bass trombone
The Chancel Choir Robert V. Arndt Ruth Bailis* Donald L. Born BettieAnn Brigham Barbara Cresswell Margot Emlen Melissa Fender Michelle Finisdore Lee Fisher Ryan Fleming Nancy Galloway Kim Girard Beth Greenwood Frank E. Herbert II John W. Kauffman Jeanne Kauffman Sally L. Kerns Linda L. Kurtz Susan Lomax Linda Lorgus Patrick McGranahan Mary Kate McKenzie+ Eric Merten Scott Naiva Braedon O'Hara+ Ellen Oetinger Rosalie A. Phipps Lee Pretz Tim Pretz David Price* Claire R. Richardson Evie Schenkel+ Josef Samargia* Melanie Sarakatsannis* Evie Schenkel+ Richard Scott Lauren J. Sharp Ann Sieger Karen R. Smith Sharon Thompson Ashley Vogel Brandon Zuniga+ *Quartet +Choral Scholars
You Belong Here AT WAYNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Join us for faith formation of all ages, child care, fellowship, music ensembles... & more! VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET INVOLVED.
SCAN ME
ANNOUNCEMENTS POINSETTIA DEDICATION PROGRAM | POINSETTIA PICK-UP If you ordered poinsettias through our dedication program this year, you are welcomed to pick-up your plants from the Sanctuary on Christmas Eve night following our final service of the evening. CHURCH OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS Please be advised that until January 5, we will be operating with minimal office hours. With respect to holidays, staff is reachable by email. All pastoral emergencies should be forwarded to Rev. Ryan at ryan@waynepres.org. Thank you! NEW MEMBER CLASS | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 We’re so happy you’re here! Whether you are new to us or have been worshipping with us for a little while, you are welcome to join us for a time of fellowship and discussion about taking this next step in your faith journey. Pastors Ryan and Katy will be leading our time together, and a light lunch will be provided by our Andrew Ministry team. Meet us in the Fireside Room immediately following 11:00AM Worship. Please RSVP by January # to Rev. Katy Shevel at: katy@waynepres.org. GUEST SPEAKER: FRANICS COLLINS | COMING MARCH 2026 Renowned scientist, best-selling author, and committed Christian, Francis Collins will be our guest speaker Saturday, March 14 from 7:00-9:00PM and Sunday, March 15 from 11:00AM-1:30PM. Join us in worship and for book club discussions throughout February and March based on his book, The Road to Wisdom, in preparation for his visit. Save the dates and stay tuned for more information to follow on our website at waynepres.org!
2026 ADULT EDUCATION CLASS SCHEDULE FELLOWSHIP OF THE BEAN Sundays | 9:30-10:30AM | Library | January 4 - May 31 | In person only. Group Leader | Rick Davis | rdavis@magisinsurance@.com
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Sundays | 9:30-10:30AM | Fireside Rm. | January 25 - April 26 | Hybrid Class Group Leader | Dr. Joe Modica | jmodica@eastern.edu LET’S PAUSE... GIVE IT UP FOR LENT Sundays | 6:00-8:00PM | Fireside Rm. | March 1 - March 29 | In person only. Group Leader | Courtney Bodnar | wings@waynepres.org MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Mondays | 10:00-11:30AM | Fireside Rm. | January 12 - May 25 | Hybrid Class Group Leader | Scott Laird | hslaird@aol.com PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY 1st & 3rd Mondays | 1:00-3:00PM | Library | January 5 - May 18 | In person only. Group Leader | Linda Teets | lst833@aol.com WORD BEFORE WORK BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMEN Wednesdays | 6:45-8:00AM | Fireside Rm. | January 7 - May 6 | Hybrid Class Group Leader | Rev. Katy Shevel | katy@waynepres.org
WEDNESDAY MORNING MEN’S BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays | 7:00AM | Nudy’s Cafe, Berwyn | January 7 - May 27 | In person only. Group Leader | Whit Beverly | whitbev@aztecproducts.com LUNCH WITH THE LORD BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMEN Wednesdays | 11:30-1:00PM | Fireside Rm. | January 7 - May 6 | Hybrid Class Group Leader | Lee Pretz | Lpretz@verizon.net
THURSDAY MORNING MEN’S MINISTRY Thursdays | 7:00-8:00AM | Fireside Rm. | January 8 - June 18 | Hybrid Class Group Leader | Rev. Tim Pretz | Tpretz@waynepres.org MINISTRY OF MOTHERHOOD (MOMs) DISCUSSION GROUP Thursdays, 2x/Month | 9:30-11:30AM | Fireside Rm. | January 15 - May 21 | Hybrid Class Group Leader | Pam Clark | pammyclark@gmail.com CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Thursdays | 8:30-9:30AM | Kelli Masters’ Office | January 15 - May 14 | In person only. Group Leader | Jeanne Kauffman | jkauffman2853@gmail.com
LOOKING AHEAD IN WORSHIP Sunday, December 28 10:00AM Service Only Rev. Ryan Balsan Preaching No Sunday School Sunday, January 4 9:30 & 11:00AM Worship Communion Sunday Rev. Ryan Balsan Preaching Sunday, January 11 9:30 & 11:00AM Worship Baptism Sunday + Epiphany Sunday Rev. Katy Shevel Preaching
PASTORAL & WORSHIP LEADERSHIP Senior Pastor & Head of Staff Rev. Ryan Balsan | Ryan@waynepres.org | ext. 214 Associate Pastor of Congregational Life Rev. Katy Shevel | Katy@waynepres.org | ext. 219 Pastoral Care Associate Rev. Timothy Pretz | TPretz@waynepres.org | ext. 228 A FULL STAFF DIRECTORY CAN BE FOUND AT WAYNEPRES.ORG. WITH QUESTIONS, CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT (610) 688-8700. Phone: 610.688.8700 | Website: waynepres.org | Address: 125 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087