December 21 Cantata

A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

Presented by the

Martha Bowman Church Chancel ChoirWelcome and Announcements

Prelude String Ensemble

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Offertory Prayer

Offertory Hymns “Jubilant Carols”--arr. Tom Fettke      

         #180 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (v. 1)

         #188 “The First Noel” (v. 1 & 2)

         #174 “O Come, All Ye Faithful (v. 1 & 4)

Bidding Prayer and Lord’s Prayer Rev. Mark Magoni

First Lesson Rev. Kent Shrader, reader

        God tells sinful Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise and that his 

        seed will bruise the serpent’s head. Genesis 3

       “Emmanuel, Expected Jesus”--Ruth Elaine Schram

Second Lesson Randy Griffin, reader

        God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall all the nations 

        of the earth be blessed. Genesis 22

       “Every Valley”--John Ness Beck

Third Lesson Ronnie Fuerniss, reader

        The prophet foretells the coming of the Savior. Isaiah 9

       “O Come to Us, Emmanuel”--Joseph M. Martin

Fourth Lesson Smokey Sutherland, reader

        The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown. Isaiah 11

       “There Is a Great Joy Coming”--arr. Mark Hayes

Fifth Lesson Rachel Fortuna, reader

         The Angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary. Luke 1

         “Breath of Heaven”--arr. Lloyd Larson Women’s Ensemble

Sixth Lesson Lydia Sutherland, reader

          St. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus. Luke 2

          “How Far Is It to Bethlehem”--arr. Mark Edwards

Seventh Lesson Jie Sutherland, reader

          The shepherds go to the manger. Luke 2

          “How Great Our Joy”--arr. Craig Courtney

Eighth Lesson Rev. Tim Hemingway, reader

          The Wise Men are led by the star to Jesus. Matthew 2

          “Star Carol”--Alfred Burt/Wihla Hutson Mixed Quartet

Ninth Lesson Richard Collinsworth, reader

          St. John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation. John 1

          “Jesus, the Light of the World”--arr. Lloyd Larson

Collect and Blessing Rev. Mark Magoni

Pastor: The Lord be with you.

All: And also with you.

Pastor: Let us pray. O God, who makes us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of Your only son, Jesus Christ, grant that we joyfully receive Him for our redeemer, so that we may with sure confidence behold Him, when He shall come to be our Judge: who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

All: Amen.

Pastor: May He who by His incarnation gathered into one thing earthly and heavenly, grant you the fullness of inward peace and good will; and the blessing of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always.

All: Amen.

Hymn #201 “Joy to the World” (v. 1 & 2)                         

Ellen Hanson, Director

Donna Oliveri, Piano/Organ

          Jason Economides, Violin 1 Patty Baser, Violin 2

                        Sue Tomlin, Viola Barbara Altman, Cello