Dec. 19 Livestream – The Christmas Pageant
December 18, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel’s all-church Christmas pageant! This year, we’re thrilled to have adults and children telling the story of the birth of Christ. The script was adapted by Tara Lowry from The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Silent Night – Mansfield
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Listen up, everybody! God gives the world the greatest gift!
All: The birth of Christ is God’s Christmas miracle.
One: Praise God for coming alive as the Christ Child.
All: Glory to God in the highest!
*HYMN – Angels We Have Heard on High – #206
*OPENING PRAYER
God of miracles, we are doing our best to believe that you are our Savior. But we wonder how a newborn baby can be our Savior. Show us, we pray. God of love, reveal to us that you yourself are “newborn†each and every day. There are times when we forget this big promise of yours. But it clearly is true. Everything alive is a holy work of your creation. If we ever lose sight of this, guide us back to your truth. When we run into difficulties, show us which way to go. Jesus, you teach us that the most faithful way of living is following you. With your help, we can. Help us to do what you ask us to do. Lead us to live as your followers. We love you, and we pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.
ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Love
ADVENT WREATH PRAYER
Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we are reminded that “Love came down at Christmas – love amazing, love divine.†You loved the world enough to send your Son, and now it’s up to usto love others as you love us. Remind us that Christ is our Light, and the true source of infinite, everlasting, pure love. Amen.
CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 4) – worship booklet, p. 95
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Written by Susan Wojciechowski
Adapted by Tara Lowry as a Christmas Pageant for Ivy Chapel UCC
The Congregation is invited to share in the singing of the following hymns:
O Come, All Ye Faithful (Verses 1 and 3) – #188
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Verses 1 and 3) – #191
We Three Kings (Verses 1 and 5) – #220
What Child Is This? (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #202
*RECESSIONAL HYMN – Joy to the World! – #194
Children sing Verse 1 – Congregation joins in singing Verses 2 and 4
*BENEDICTION
One: God loves the world so much that God Most High comes down to earth.
All: Christ the Savior is born.
One: Everyone is welcome at the manger.
All: Peace to all on earth. Amen.
*POSTLUDE – Variations on an Ancient Noel – Roques
A different Advent for 2020
December 6, 2020 by Rich
Filed under What's happening
Everything looks different this year – and Advent is certainly no exception at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Of course we wish we could celebrate the love, hope and joy of the season together, but at this time health and safety are most important.
We’re doing our best to continue the traditions that are such an important part of this season.
Our annual Christmas Cantata was held on Dec. 13. Shouts of Joy: A Christmas Concert for 2020 featured beautiful memories of past Christmas and Cantata celebrations. Thank you to Anna and Aaron DiVesta who worked overtime to bring together this special musical experience.
Our annual Christmas Pageant had several twists this year. Of course, it was all virtual – but it was also an all-church event. Thanks to Tara Lowry for adapting The Attic Christmas, a book that was near and dear to her family, and for her work editing the video.
The joy of Christ’s Birth, celebrated on Christmas Eve, starting with a special musical prelude.
https://www.facebook.com/IvyChapel/videos/727219154900032/
A Merry Christmas to everyone out there. Stay safe and healthy as we all navigate this familiar yet unusual season. We sincerely hope our virtual services are helping you find your way toward peace and love this year, and we look forward to when we can worship together again.
As always, please reach out to us if you have any questions or comments.
