Heather and all - Here's my service of Lessons and Carols - a Christmas
version using the readings from Luke and Matthew and no reference to Genesis
and the Garden or Prophetic texts except what might be quoted by the Gospel
writers. It's adapted from a Christmas service in the UM Book of Worship.
I've added the Bidding Prayer to this message so all who don't have access
to the UM Bk of Worship are able to take advantage of it. I'll be using it
on New Year's Eve/Christmas One. All hymns listed are from the United
Methodist Hymnal. Blessings, Fayetta Clark aldenumc@smig.net


Alden United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church
at Kiester Grace and Rice Lake
A Service of Lessons and Carols
December 31, 2000

We Gather to Worship God

Prelude
Sharing of Community Life

Processional Hymn "Once in Royal David's City" #250 vs. 1-2
The Bidding Prayer
Beloved in Christ, this day it is our duty and delight to prepare ourselves
to hear again the message of the angels, and to go in heart and mind to
Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, and the Babe, lying in
the manger.

Therefore let us hear again from Holy Scripture the tale of the loving
purposes of God from the first days until the glorious redemption brought
us by this holy Child; and let us make this house of prayer glad with our
carols of praise.

But first, because this of all things would rejoice Jesus' heart, let us
pray to him for the needs of the whole world, and all his people; for peace
upon the earth he came to save, for love and unity within the one Church he
did build; for goodwill among all peopls.

And particularly at this time let us remember the poor, the cold, the
hungry, the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and the
unloved; the aged and the little children; and all who know not our Lord
Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love.

Lastly let us remember all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore
and in a greater light, that multitude who no one can number, whose hope was
in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore
are one.

These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in
the words that Christ himself has taught us.
The Lord's Prayer
Blessing (unison)
May the almighty God bless us with divine grace, may Christ give us the joy
of everlasting life, and unto the fellowship of the citizens above, may the
Spirit of Love bring us all. Amen.

*Carol " Of the Father's Love Begotten" #184

First Lesson Luke 1:26-38

Carol " My Soul Gives Glory to My God" #198 vs. 1-2,5

Second Lesson Luke 1:39-56

Carol " O Little Town of Bethlehem" #230 vs. 1,4

Third Lesson Luke 2:1-7

Carol "Angels We Have Heard on High" #238 vs. 1,3

Fourth Lesson Luke 2:8-16

Carol "The First Noel" #245 vs. 1-2,4

Fifth Lesson Matthew 2:1-11

Carol "There's A Song in the Air" #249 vs. 1-2

Sixth Lesson Luke 2:22-35

Carol "Go Tell It on the Mountain" #251

Seventh Lesson Luke 2:36-40

Carol "We Would See Jesus" #256 vs. 1-2

Eighth Lesson John 1:1-14

Carol "Love Came Down at Christmas" #242


We Respond to God's Love

Offering our Lives and Our Gifts Offertory
*Doxology
*Prayer of Dedication (unison)
J. Maynard
God of faithfulness, You call Your church to be a fellowship of love, a
sign of a renewed human community by the gift of Your Spirit. We pray that
you will bless these offerings and all who give to it, and all whose lives
will be affected by it. May our tithes, our offerings, and our lives be a
sign of Your grace and peace; through Jesus Christ, who makes us one. AMEN.

We Depart in Peace

*Carol "Joy to the World" #246 vs. 1, 4

Sending Forth (unison)
L:May the Christ who by his Incarnation gathered into One things earthly and
heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the
blessing of God, Creator, Child, and Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain
with you always. Amen.
L: Go forth in peace and joy, extending the peace of Christ to all you meet.
P: Thanks be to God Alleluia!

Greeting One Another in Christ