Welcome to Livingston United Methodist Church! Whether you are here in person or watching online, an active member, or one-time guest, we hope you will take a moment to sign in to our online guest book.
* indicates an invitation to rise in body or in spirit, as you are able
Prelude
Standing on the Promises
Arranged by Joel Raney
Tune: PROMISES
Music: R. Kelso Carter, 1886
Chris Warner, Organist
Welcome
Rev. Dr. Rebeka Maples
*Call to Worship
Michael Buck
Leader: We come from every direction—the expected and the unexpected,
All: and Jesus is already at the table, waiting.
Leader: Some of us have been told we are too far outside to belong,
All: but the promise was never that narrow.
Leader: When the gatekeepers said no, Jesus said, "Follow me."
All: and people got up and followed.
Leader: So we gather—the reached-for, the raised-up, the welcomed in—
All: because Love is completely unbothered by who we are.
*Opening Hymn
Welcome
Laurie Zelman and Mark A. Miller
© 2006 Abingdon Press | CCLI Song # 5405389
1 Let's walk together for a while
and ask where we begin
to build a world where love can grow
and hope can enter in,
to be the hands of healing
and to plant the seed of peace,
singing welcome, welcome to this place.
You're invited to come and know God's grace.
All are welcome the love of God to share
'cause all of us are welcome here;
all are welcome in this place.
2 Let's talk together of a time
when we will share a feast,
where pride and power kneel to serve
the lonely and the least,
and joy will set the table
as we join our hands to pray,
singing welcome, welcome to this place.
You're invited to come and know God's grace.
All are welcome the love of God to share
'cause all of us are welcome here;
all are welcome in this place.
3 Let's dream together of the day
when earth and heaven are one,
a city built of love and light,
the new Jerusalem,
where our mourning turns to dancing,
every creature lifts its voice,
crying welcome, welcome to this place.
You're invited to come and know God's grace.
All are welcome the love of God to share
'cause all of us are welcome here;
all are welcome in this place.
The First Reading
Romans 4:13–25
Children's Moments
Taelyn Meli-King
Jesus Loves the Little Children
George Frederick Root and Clare Herbert Woolston
© Public Domain | CCLI Song # 58415
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Morning, evening, day and night,
They are precious in His sight -
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Prayer Requests / Prayers of the People
Feel free to text any prayer requests to Rev. Rebeka at (614) 203-6752.
If you prefer your prayer request remains private, or for others to know only that you request prayer, please indicate such when sending your request.
The Offering
To support our ministries, Livingston United Methodist Church depends on the financial support of our members and friends of the church like you. Visit our Donate page to give your gift today.
Offertory Music
Invocation in F
Frederick A. Keene
*Doxology (Lasst Uns Erfreuen)
Thomas Ken and Ralph Vaughan Williams
© Public Domain | CCLI Song # 7106190
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God, the source of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*Prayer of Dedication
*Praise Time
Gather Us In
Marty Haugen
© 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. | CCLI Song # 3709898
1 Here in this place new light is streaming,
now is the darkness vanished away,
see in this space our fears and our dreamings,
brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in—the lost and forsaken,
gather us in—the blind and the lame;
call to us now, and we shall awaken,
we shall arise at the sound of our name.
2 We are the young—our lives are a myst’ry,
we are the old—who yearn for your face,
we have been sung throughout all of hist’ry,
called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in—the rich and the haughty,
gather us in—the proud and the strong;
give us a heart so meek and so lowly,
give us the courage to enter the song.
3 Here we will take the wine and the water,
here we will take the bread of new birth,
here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion
give us to eat the bread that is you;
nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
lives that are holy and hearts that are true.
4 Not in the dark of buildings confining,
not in some heaven, light years away,
but here in this place the new light is shining,
now is the Kingdom, now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever,
gather us in and make us your own;
gather us in—all peoples together,
fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
Come to the Table of Grace
Barbara Hamm
© 2008 Hope Publishing Company | CCLI Song # 7034746
1 Come to the table of grace.
Come to the table of grace.
This is God's table; it's not yours or mine.
Come to the table of grace.
2 Come to the table of peace.
Come to the table of peace.
This is God's table; it's not yours or mine.
Come to the table of peace.
3 Come to the table of love.
Come to the table of love.
This is God's table; it's not yours or mine.
Come to the table of love.
4 Come to the table of joy.
Come to the table of joy.
This is God's table; it's not yours or mine.
Come to the table of joy.
*The Gospel Reading
Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26
Message
Freed for Love: Unbothered
Rev. Rebeka
Invitation to Holy Communion
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.
Unison Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Words of Forgiveness
Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
…the prayer continues
…And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
…the prayer continues
…in union with Christ’s offering for us we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
…the prayer continues
Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and for ever. Amen.
And now, with the confidence of being children of God, let us pray:
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, 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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Receiving the Bread and Cup
Unison Prayer after Communion
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
Standing on the Promises
Russell Kelso Carter
© Public Domain | CCLI Song # 31803
1 Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of God my Savior;
standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.
2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
3 Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Announcements
*Benediction & Sending Forth
Postlude
We encourage parishioners to remain seated and enjoy the talents of our organist during the Postlude.
Welcome to Livingston United Methodist Church! Whether you are here in person or watching online, an active member, or one-time guest, we hope you will take a moment to sign in to our online guest book.
* indicates an invitation to rise in body or in spirit, as you are able
Prelude and Processional
Flourish on “Adeste Fideles”
Setting by Tom Mitchel
Music by John F. Wade, ca. 1743; harm. from A Collection of Motets or Antiphons, 1792
Chris Warner, Organist
Festival Intrada on “O Come All Ye Faithful”
Setting by David Lasky
Tune: ADESTE FIDELES
Welcome and *Call to Worship
Pastor Angie
One: In those days,
in the beginning,
Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem.
He was to be registered,
and she was expecting a child.
The time came for Mary to give birth,
so she delivered her child,
wrapped him in bands of cloth
and laid him in a manger.
All: And the angels sang,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth, peace to all whom God favors.”
One: Let us worship our with-us God.
All: Let us sing songs of praise!
*Opening Hymn
Joy to the World
George Frederic Handel, Lowell Mason, and Isaac Watts
© Public Domain | CCLI Song # 5663860
1 Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
2 Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3 No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found
Far as, far as the curse is found.
4 He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders of His love.
The First Reading - The Foretelling
Isaiah 9:2-7
Carol
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Translation: Laurence Hull Stookey and Henry Sloane Coffin; Arr./Harm. by Thomas Helmore
© Public Domain | CCLI Song #
1 O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
O Israel.
2 O come, thou Wisdom from on high,
and order all things far and night;
to us the path of knowledge show
and cause us in her ways to go.
[Refrain]
3 O come, O come great Lord of might,
who to thy tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times once gave the law
in cloud and majesty and awe.
[Refrain]
4 O come, thou Root of Jesse's tree,
an ensign of they people be;
before thee rulers silent fall;
all peoples on thy mercy call.
[Refrain]
Lighting the Christ Candle
One: In a weary and worn world,
how do we begin again?
Where do we start?
All: Let us begin with hope.
Let us begin with peace.
Let us begin with joy.
Let us begin with love.
One: Yes, let us begin with love, for
surely love knows your name.
Today, in addition to the candles of hope,
peace, joy, and love, we light the Christ
Candle.
For surely God is in this place.
Surely the Spirit is near.
Surely love knows our name.
All: May we rest in that good news.
Unto us a child is born.
A light shines in the darkness and the
darkness cannot overcome it.
Glory to God in the highest heaven!
Amen.
Special Music
Two French Carols
PAT-A-PAN and IL EST NÉ (Traditional French carols)
Arr. by Brant Adams
Saxophone: Tim Brizendine, Director of Music
The Second Reading - The Visitor
Luke 1:26-38
Carol
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Phillips Brooks and Lewis Henry Redner
© Public Domain | CCLI Song # 27879
1 O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie;
above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
2 For Christ is born of Mary,
and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together,
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King,
and peace to all on earth!
3 How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is given;
so God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.
4 O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin, and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel!
The Third Reading - The Journey and Birth
Luke 2:1-7
Carol
Away in a Manger
James Ramsey Murray
© Public Domain | CCLI Song # 7002203
1 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
2 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes;
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
3 Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay
close by me forever, and love me, I pray;
bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
The Fourth Reading - The Shepherds and Angels
Luke 2:8-14
Carol
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Words: Charles Wesley, 1734; alt. by George Whitefield, 1753; Music: Felix Mendelssohn, 1840; arr. by William H. Cummings, 1856
© Public Domain | CCLI Song # 6152875
1 Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King;
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th'angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"
2 Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come,
offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th' incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King!"
3 Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"
The Fifth Reading - Following the Star
Luke 2:15-20
Carol
O Come, All Ye Faithful (v. 1, 3, 5, 6)
C. Frederick Oakeley and John Francis Wade
© Public Domain | CCLI Song # 31054
1 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;
Refrain
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
3 Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
[Refrain]
5 Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger,
we would embrace thee with love and awe.
Who would not love thee, loving us so dearly?
[Refrain]
6 Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be all glory given.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
[Refrain]
Prayers of the People
The Offering
To support our ministries, Livingston United Methodist Church depends on the financial support of our members and friends of the church like you. Visit our Donate page to give your gift today.
Offertory Music
O Holy Night
Arranged by Jay Rouse
Tune: CANTIQUE DE NOEL
By Adolphe Adam (1803-1856)
Prayer of Dedication
Carol
Still, Still, Still
Text: Traditional Austrian carol / Tune: Melody from Salzburger Volkslieder; arr. by Dean McIntyre
© Public Domain; arr. © 2008 | CCLI Song # 3907841
1 Still, still, still, the night is cold and chill.
The virgin's tender arms enfolding,
warm and safe the Christ child holding.
Still, still, still, the night is cold and chill.
2 Sleep, sleep, sleep, 'tis the eve of our Savior's birth.
For all is hushed the world is sleeping,
holy star its vigil keeping.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, 'tis the eve of our Savior's birth.
3 Dream, dream, dream, he sleeps, the Savior king.
While guardian angels watch beside him
Mary tenderly will guide him.
Dream, dream, dream, he sleeps, the Savior king.
Message
Words for the Beginning: Love Knows Your Name
Rev. Angie Cox
*Carol and Sharing the Light of Christ
Silent Night
Edmund H. Sears and Richard Storrs Willis
© Public Domain | CCLI Song # 31078
As the light comes to you, please tip your unlighted candle to receive the light, and hold it upright to pass the light to your neighbor.
When extinguishing your candle, cup your hand behind the candle and blow gently to avoid spraying hot wax over others in the congregation.
1 Silent night, holy night,
all is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin
mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
2 Silent night, holy night,
shepherds quake at the sight;
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
3 Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light;
radiant beams from thy holy face
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
4 Silent night, holy night,
wondrous star, lend thy light;
with the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
*Blessing and Sending Forth
Postlude
Joy to the World
Dear Friends,
Thank you for choosing to celebrate Christmas at Livingston United Methodist Church. May this time of worship and song bless you, and may the gift of the Christ child, God-with-Us continue to pour love and peace into your life throughout the coming year.
You are always welcome at Livingston!
Invitation to Holy Communion
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.
Unison Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Words of Forgiveness
Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
…the prayer continues
…And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
…the prayer continues
…in union with Christ’s offering for us as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
…the prayer continues
Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and for ever. Amen.
And now, with the confidence of being children of God, let us pray:
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, 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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Receiving the Bread and Cup
Unison Prayer after Communion
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.