UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HANCOCK
We respect tradition — and we welcome inclusive language about people and expansive language about God. Please pray using words most meaningful to you.
Open and Affirming of ALL God’s Children
December 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. – First Sunday after Christmas
This service will be in-person and on Zoom (Recorded for Facebook and YouTube)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 839 3635 9115
Passcode: 776780
The first pew in front of the pulpit has books and quiet activities for people of all ages.
Please find something that suits you, take it to your pew, and return it after the service.
Silent Meditation
Was there a moment, known only to God, when all the stars held their breath, when the galaxies paused in their dance for a fraction of a second, and the Word, who had called the world into being, went with all his love into the womb of a young girl, and the universe started to breathe again, and the ancient harmonies resumed their song, and the angels clapped their hands for joy? -Madeleine L’Engle
* Indicates points in the service when we stand in body or spirit
Announcements
Prelude He Is born, The Divine Christ Child French carol/ Keith Christopher
Welcome
*Introit O Come All Ye Faithful R. #132
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;
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!
*Call to Worship
Leader: Such a large star for such a tiny baby;
People: Such a fuss over a poor child in a manger;
Leader: Such a loud song for such a quiet gift;
People: Such a Love to enter our lives so softly;
All: Such a Life to fill our hearts with Love!
*Passing of the Peace (ASL)
*Hymn Once in Royal David’s City R. #155
Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed,where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed:Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little Child.
Christ came down to earth from heaven, love incarnate for us all.and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall:
with the poor, the scorned, the lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.
Jesus is our childhood’s pattern; day by day like us he grew,
he was little, weak, and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew.
Thus he feels for all our sadness, and he shares in all our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love;for that Child who seemed so helpless lives and reigns in heaven above;and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone.
*Invocation (in unison)
Our faces are sometimes lined with worry, O God: our days are full of stress and struggle. Yet we come today grateful that in the midst of this crowded and troubled world, your child was born, lived, and died, full of grace and truth. Surprise us with your presence; renew our sense of wonder; and give us peace and courage to live as your people in the world. May you be glorified in us, as in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Children’s Message
Hebrew Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:41-52
Special Music Night of Silence Daniel Kantor Solo Pat Summerer
Message “And the Child Grew”
*Hymn Who Would Think That What Was Needed R. #157
Who would think that what was needed to transform and save the earth
might not be a plan or army proud in purpose, proved in worth?
Who would think, despite derision, that a child should lead the way?
God surprises earth with heaven, coming here on Christmas Day.
Shepherds watch and sages wonder, monarchs scorn and angels sing;
such a place as none would reckon hosts a holy, helpless thing;
stable beasts and passing strangers watch a baby laid in hay:
God surprises earth with heaven, coming here on Christmas Day.
Centuries of skill and science span the past from which we move,
yet experience questions whether with such progress we improve.
In our search for sense and meaning, lest our hopes and humor fray,
God surprises earth with heaven, coming here on Christmas Day.
Prayers of the People – Sharing Joys & Concerns
Our Father (Creator, Mother) 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
Lead me Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou Lord, thou Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety.
Invitation to Offering
Offertory Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Polish carol/ Robert Lau
*The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen
*Prayer of Dedication (spoken in unison)
Thank you, God of love, for the promise of this season. We are grateful for the generosity aroused in us by Christ’s coming into the world. May these gifts represent a new spirit of joyous sharing among us, for the sake of all your children everywhere. Amen.
*Hymn Go Tell It On The Mountain R. #160
Refrain:
Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night,behold throughout the heavens there shone a holy light.
Refrain:
The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earthrang out the angel chorus that hailed our Saviour’s birth.
Refrain:
Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born,and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.
Refrain:
*Benediction
*Sung Christmas Blessing (sung to Eventide)
Go with us, Lord, throughout this Christmas tide: be our protector, brother, friend, and guide.
Give us your peace and keep us in your care: help us your love and grace with all to share.
Postlude Now Raise Your Song on High Christmas Oratorio/ Camille Saint-Saens
(Please remain seated for the Postlude)
If you are visiting with us today, please sign our Guest Book in the back of the sanctuary.
Support our Church Financially
Please visit Hancock (Maine) UCC on Facebook or our webpage www.hancockucc.com
or visit this link to our PayPal account: paypal.me/hancockucc
or mail offerings to:
Union Congregational Church, PO Box 443, Hancock, ME 04640 (Attention: Treasurer)
Contact Us
207.422.3100 207.323.6743
Many thanks to those who make this service possible –
in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Guest Minister – Rev. Nick Davis
Music Minister – Debbie Riley
Deacons – Doug Kimmel and David Wildes
Liturgist – Mary Angela Davis
Audio-Video Support – Mike Summerer
Office Secretary – Vicky Espling
Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack
The Body of Christ – You
Resources, adapted
"Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE,
License #A-738532. All rights reserved.
Once In Royal David's City
Words and Music - ©2019 Stephen DeCesare / Exultet Music
Contributors: Cecil Alexander, Henry Gauntlett, Stephen DeCesare
Who Would Think that What Was Needed
Words - ©1987 Iona Community / WGRG (North America)
Contributors: John Bell
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
Words and Music - ©2005 Shawnee Press
Contributors: African-American spiritual, John W Work, Jr, African-American spiritual
Sung Christmas Blessing by Jan Chamberlain in Gifts in Open Hands – Tirabassi & Eddy
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