YNE BYTERIANCHURCH W
Sharing the Ministry of Jesus Christ through worship, growing, serving and caring
December 24, 2024 | 7:00 & 10:00PM
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | 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 to take our littlest worshippers who may need some extra space and a quieter atmosphere.
Prelude | New City Brass
Christmas Selections for Brass Quintet
Choral Prelude | 7:00PM Chancel + Westminster Youth Choirs | 10:00PM Octet
Melanie Sarakatsannis, soprano O Holy Night (Cantique de Noël)
Introit | John Grecia, organ
Adolphe Adam (1803-1856)
Setting: John Ebenezer West (1863-1929)
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) In dulci jubilo, BWV 729
+ Call to Worship
You, whose cupped hand contains the sea, are born in a cave. Your glory fills the heavens and the manger is filled with your splendor.
Great is the amazement of this earth of ours, that the Lord of all has come down to it, has become a human being. The Ancient has become a child. The Master has become like his servants. The King’s Son as someone despised. Glory to God who has come to live among us.
+ Prayer of Invocation
Jesus, newborn child of all time, we greet your birth with wide-eyed delight. You are precious beyond words and our world needs your presence more than ever. Let the angels’ promise of your good news offering joy and peace to all the world be heard by those who lead and guide. Let kings bow down and all creation greet this holy moment as we seek to grasp its magnitude. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
+ Hymn 133: ADESTE FIDELES O Come , All Ye Faithful
Scripture Reading | Isaiah 9:2-7
+ Hymn 113: GLORIA Angels We Have Heard on High
Scripture Reading | Isaiah 11:1-9
+ Hymn 129: ES IST EIN’ ROS’ Lo , How a Rose E’er Blooming
Scripture Reading | Luke 1:26-38
Anthem | 7:00PM Chancel Choir + Westminster Youth Choir | 10:00PM Octet
John Rutter (b. 1945) Candlelight Carol
How do you capture the wind on the water? How do you count all the stars in the sky? How can you measure the love of a mother , or how can you write down a baby's first cry? Candlelight, angel light, firelight and star-glow shine on his cradle 'til breaking of dawn. Gloria , gloria in excelsis Deo! Angels are singing "The Christ child is born." Shepherds and wise men will kneel and adore him , Seraphim 'round him , their vigil will keep. Nations proclaim him their Lord and their Savior , but Mary will hold him and sing him to sleep. Find him in Bethlehem laid in a manger: Christ our redeemer asleep in the hay. Godhead incarnate and hope of salvation: a child with his mother that first Christmas Day.
Litany for Christmas
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.
Glory to God in the highest!
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Glory to God in the highest!
For a child has been born for us, a Son has been given to us.
Glory to God in the highest!
He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Glory to God in the highest!
To us is born in the city of David a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest!
And the Word became flesh and lived among us.
Glory to God in the highest!
Silence
Christ is born, give him glory. Christ has come down from heaven, receive him. Christ is on earth, be exalted. O all the earth, sing unto the Lord and sing praises in gladness, O all you people, for he has been glorified. Wisdom and word and power, Christ our God is the Son and the Brightness of the Father; and unknown to the powers both above and upon the earth, he was human and so has won us back again, for he has been glorified. Amen.
+ Hymn 119: MENDELSSOHN Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Invitation to Gratitude
Text the word GIVE (not case sensitive) to our church's Giving Number: (610)-819-4483, or scan the QR code on your phone. Please feel free to give in-person as well.
Offertory Anthem | 7:00PM Chancel Choir | 10:00PM Octet
Glory to God in the Highest Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736)
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading | Luke 2:1-20
Sermon | The Rev. Ryan Balsan | “The Greatest Gift”
Time for Reflection
Scripture Reading | John 1:1-5
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Time of Reflection & Passing the Light
+ Hymn 122: STILLE NACHT Silent Night, Holy Night
+ Hymn 134: ANTIOCH Joy to the World
Benediction
Postlude | New City Brass | John Grecia, organ
Grand Chœur: Sortie pour Noël César Franck (1822-1890)
Setting: Chaz Bowers
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 and Youth Ministries
The Chancel Choir
The Westminster Youth Choir
Octet
Soprano
Rebecca Diamond
Melanie Sarakatsannis
Alto
Ruth Bailis
Tiffany Nack
Tenor
Ryan Fleming
David Price
Bass
Jean Bernard Cerin
Josef Samargia
New City Brass
Nozomi Imamura, trumpet
Emily Waltz, trumpet
Martina Adams, horn
Hayden Adams, trombone
Chris Mele, bass trombone
ADULT EDUCATION: SPRING 2025
Fellowship of the Bean | Led by Rick Davis & Janice Mack
Sundays | 9:30AM | Library | Jan 5 - May 25 | In-person only.
With questions, contact Janice Mack at gardengirl65@gmail.com.
Bible Study with Rev. Dr. Joe Modica
Sundays | 9:30AM | Fireside Rm | Jan 26 - April 13 | In-person & Zoom option
Contact Sal Ambrosio for Zoom link at sambrosio55@gmail.com.
WinGS: Let’s Pause | Led by Courtney Bodnar
Sundays | 6:00PM | Fireside Rm | Jan 5 - May 25 | In-person only
Contact Courtney Bodnar with questions at courtneyabang@gmailcom
Monday Morning Bible Study | Led by Scott Laird
Mondays | 9:30AM | Fireside Rm | Jan 13 - March 3 | In-person & Zoom option
Contact Scott Laird for Zoom link at hslaird@aolcom
Wednesday Morning Men’s Bible Study
Wednesdays | 7:00AM | Nudy’s Café - Berwyn | Year Round | In-person only
Contact Whit Beverly with questions at whitbev@aztecproductscom
WinGS: Word Before Work | Led by Rev. Katy Shevel
Wednesdays | 6:45AM | Fireside Rm | Jan 8 - May 21 | In-person & Zoom option.
Contact Rev Katy Shevel for Zoom link at katy@waynepresorg
WinGS: Women in the Word | Led by Dory Hoxie
Wednesdays | 10:00AM | Fireside Rm | Mar 26 - May 14 | In-person & Zoom option.
Contact Dory Hoxie with questions at deehoxie@gmailcom & Lee Pretz for the Zoom link at LPretz@verizonnet
WinGS: Lunch with the Lord | Led by Lee Pretz
Wednesdays | 12:00PM | Fireside Rm | Jan 8 - May 21 | In-person & Zoom option.
Contact Lee Pretz for Zoom link at LPretz@verizonnet
MOMs Discussion Group | Led by Pam Clark
Thursdays | 9:30AM | Fireside Rm | Jan 9 - May 29 | In-person & Zoom option. Childcare available in Rooms 101/102
Contact Pam Clark for Zoom link at pammyclark@gmailcom
Thursday Morning Men's Ministry (TM3) | Led by Rev. Tim Pretz
Thursdays | 7:00AM | Fireside Rm | Jan 9 - June 19 | In-person & Zoom option
Contact Tim Pretz at TPretz@waynepresorg with questions & Frank Tait at franktait@mecom for a Zoom link