Consecrated Christ Celebration

Consecrated Christ Celebration
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Consecrated Christ Celebration Introduction:
Jeremiah reminds us that people can do great things with a minimal amount of qualification and resources. This is an example of the Lord working through their compliance to His way on His time.
Our psalm declares that people may accomplish great things through hope and trust in God.
This letter from Paul was written to a community that appeared to be on a path to social breakup. The key to the solution of this crisis is found in exercising genuine brotherly love for your neighbor.
In his Gospel lessons Luke repeatedly informs us that all who hear Jesus respond with amazement and awe. Although the people in Jesus’ hometown community know Him as Joseph’s son, we herald Jesus as the Son of God. The hometown Nazareth folk want Jesus to perform miracles. Angry people can not accept that Jesus greets them in ministry not in the act of proving His godliness with miracles.

One Day!
Wilbur Chapman (1910).
Music by Charles Marsh
http://youtu.be/kCKj8jn_5TU

One day when Heaven Was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was As black as could be,
Jesus came forth To be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my example is He!

Prayer: O Lord God,
you spoke your word
and revealed your good news in Jesus, the Christ.
Fill all creation with that word again,
so that by proclaiming your joyful promises to all nations
and singing of your glorious hope to all peoples,
we may become one living body,
your incarnate presence on the earth. Amen.

Scripture:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jer. 1:5.
Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel. Ps. 71:4.
Now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor. 13:13.
He began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. Luke 4:21.

Prayer:
To God who welcomes all in love,
let us pray for the good of the church
and the concerns of those in need.
God of every land and nation,
you have created all people
and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ.
Listen to the cries of those who pray to you,
and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name,
all people will know the power of love at work in the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Edmund H Sears (1849).
Performed by Julie Andrews

It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
from heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
to hear the angels sing.

Prayer:
O God of all the prophets,
you knew us and chose us
before you formed us in the womb.
Fill us with faith that speaks your word,
hope that does not disappoint,
and love that bears all things for your sake,
until that day when we shall know you fully,
even as we are known by you. Amen.

Lord Jesus Comfort Me
In our troubles, God comforts us that we may give comfort to others who experience trials.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Lord Jesus Comfort Me Communion Hymn
performed by Matthew Smith

You have canceled my transgression,
Jesus, by Your precious blood
May I find therein salvation,
happiness, and peace with God
And since You for sinner’s suffering
On the cross was made an offering
From all sin deliver me,
That I wholly Yours may be.

Prayer:
God of every land and nation,
you have created all people
and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ.
Listen to the cries of those who pray to you,
and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name,
all people will know the power of love at work in the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rock of Ages
Augustus Toplady (1776). performed by Antrim Mennonite Choir

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Spirit is Upon Us Celebration

Spirit is Upon Us Celebration
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Spirit is Upon Us Celebration Introduction:
The water source for the community is a place where all are admitted, no club membership needed to access this sustainer of daily life.
Our psalm is brimming with dyads. As the sun illuminates all, the Creator rules over all. The psalm informs us that we must remain attentive to the Lord’s instruction.
Paul wants us to see something more valuable than perceiving unity as uniformity. It is the Holy Spirit that strengthens our best qualities to be used for the good of all. We are individuals within communities, all with strengths as a part and within the whole. It is no reason to separate and apply boundaries between communities as far as the Holy Spirit seeks to join all of mankind.
Luke describes how Jesus overcomes temptation through strength from the Holy Spirit. The poor are raised up in the Lord’s favor. In the year of the Jubilee the poor are to be treated as hired hands and not slaves. Jesus validates and removes all doubt that He is the person who is the fulfillment of scriptural prophecy. How can we expect the people from all walks of life within the community to respond to this proclamation?

Prayer:
Thy grace, O Father, give,
That I may serve in fear;
Above all boons, I pray,
Grant me Thy voice to hear;
From sin Thy child in mercy free,
And let me dwell in light with Thee.

– Gregory of Nazianzus (Cappadocia, Turkey, BCE 325-390).

How Great Thou Art
Carl Gustav Boberg (1949).

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
thy power throughout the universe displayed:

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God; to thee,
How great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God; to thee,
How great thou art, how great thou art!

Spirit is Upon Us Celebration Scripture:
The joy of the LORD is your strength. Neh. 8:10.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Ps. 19:14.
For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. 1 Cor. 12:13.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Luke 4:18. Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. Luke 4:21.

Prayer:
O Lord God,
you spoke your word
and revealed your good news in Jesus, the Christ.
Fill all creation with that word again,
so that by proclaiming your joyful promises to all nations
and singing of your glorious hope to all peoples,
we may become one living body,
your incarnate presence on the earth. Amen.

Let Us Break Bread Together
African American Spiritual – Sing Joyfully!
performed by Wintry Phipps
http://youtu.be/mOocN76fLHo

Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.

Refrain:
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

Prayer:
Sisters and brothers,
let us lift our hearts in faith
to the one who hears all prayers
and holds close all those in need.

Holy God, you gather the whole universe
into your radiant presence
and continually reveal your Son as our Savior.
Bring healing to all wounds,
make whole all that is broken,
speak truth to all illusion,
and shed light in every darkness,
that all creation will see your glory and know your Christ. Amen.

Joy to the World
Isaac Watts (1719).

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.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Common Good Spirit Manifestation Celebration

Common Good Spirit Manifestation Celebration
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Common Good Spirit Manifestation Celebration Introduction:
In this poem the prophet Isaiah will not be shushed until Zion is raised up, rebuilt, and transformed into beautiful reality once again. Against all odds, the Lord does not abandon Zion. Christians are called by the Lord to be this stubborn in their refusal to promote isolation and allow hopelessness to win over people’s lives.
Our Psalm leaves wickedness at the door and shouts praise to the Lord! As we pray this psalm today, we solidly stand with all who seek refuge. Prayer supports us in pursuit of the Lord’s good works throughout our community and the world.
Paul directs our attention to the good works of the Holy Spirit in our community. No one moved by the Spirit is any greater or lesser with respect to anyone else. The Holy Spirit calls upon us to se our individual talents to make our best contribution to the community in Jesus’ name. We are all God’s children. Amen.
“Do whatever He tells you.”
Mother Mary plays a significant role in today’s lesson. In his “Magnificat” Martin Luther teaches us that Jesus’ mother is poor in material earthly wealth but not belief, nor Spirit, nor knowing what to say to command the moment. Upon seeing the presence of her Son at the wedding, she said only a few words necessary to make her point, “they have no wine” and “do whatever He tells you.” We have a Spanish phrase, a la buena entendedora pocas palabras, “a good understander only needs a few words.” We employ that Spirit today in our celebration. In telling us to do whatever He tells you,” Mary is calling each of us to discipleship in her son, Jesus Christ. The wine Jesus made from water is there for all of us to share. The baby boy Mary delivered at Christmas will soon deliver salvation to her and all of us in dying on the cross and rising.

Prayer:
Dear Lord God,
you speak your word
and reveal your good news in Jesus, the Christ.
Fill all creation with that word again,
so that by proclaiming your joyful promises to all nations
and singing of your glorious hope to all peoples,
we may become one living body,
your incarnate presence on the earth. Amen.

Julia took great interest in political matters and is well known through her prose and poetical works. Battle Hymn was written in 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War, and was called forth by the sight of troops for the seat of war.
Isaiah 62:3.

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord (Battle Hymn).
Julia Ward Howe (1862).

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
he is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
he has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword.
God’s truth is marching on.
Refrain:
Glory, glory hallelujah!
Glory, glory hallelujah!
Glory, glory hallelujah!

Common Good Spirit Manifestation Celebration Scripture:
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. Isaiah 62:3.
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! Ps. 36:7.
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Cor. 12:7.
Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come. John 2:4.

Prayer:
Dear Lord God of every land and nation,
you have created all people
and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ.
Listen to the cries of those who pray to you,
and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name,
all people will know the power of love at work in the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ps. 36:8.
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want.
Francis Rouse (1601).
performed by Small Church Music.

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want.
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me be the still, still waters,
his goodness restores my soul.
Refrain:
And I will trust in you alone.
And I will trust in you alone,
for your endless mercy follows me,
your goodness will lead me home.

Prayer:
O Dear Lord God of steadfast love,
at the wedding in Cana
your Son Jesus turned water into wine,
delighting all who were there.
Transform our hearts by your Spirit,
that we may use our varied gifts
to show forth the light of your love
as one body in Christ. Amen.

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
performed by Ann Blythe in “Triumphant Hour”

1 Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,
And make our hearts Your place of rest;
Come with Your grace and heav’nly aid
And fill the hearts which You have made.
2 To You, the Counselor, we cry,
To You, the gift of God Most High;
The fount of life, the fire of love,
The soul’s anointing from above.
We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Baptism Christ Celebration

Baptism Christ Celebration
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Baptism Christ Introduction:
Gospel writer Luke presents John the Baptist as a prophet of the apocalypse that will help the faithful through evil times. Good will win out over evil. God will be there to rule over good times. People in John’s time should repent, get baptized and be prepared for that world of good times. Prophecy states John will not be the man to bring on the apocalypse. This event will occur in the presence of Jesus Christ, Savior. You can imagine the awe John experiences as Jesus appears before him to be baptized. Gods voice from heaven identified Jesus as His Son in whom He is pleased.
In Isaiah the Israelites are assured that they are Gods people. There can be no proclamation more exciting than to know God claims you, loves you and will deliver you.
Ps. 29 tells us God is powerful. When He makes his presence known to us we must listen. This psalm fits well with Luke’s gospel lesson.

Wade in the Water
Wintry Phipps
http://youtu.be/XPRyTiFnnfQ

Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children,
Wade in the water
God’s a-going to trouble the water.

Prayer:
God of grace and glory,
you call us with your voice of flame
to be your people, faithful and courageous.
As your beloved Son
embraced his mission in the waters of baptism,
inspire us with the fire of your Spirit
to join in his transforming work.
We ask this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Baptism Christ Scripture:
Do not fear, for I am with you. Is. 43:5.
May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! Ps. 29:11.
Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:17.
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, The Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-2.

Prayer:
Sisters and brothers,
our baptismal vows call us to compassion and mercy
on behalf of those in need.
We offer our prayers for the church and the world.

We Believe
NewsBoys

In this time of desperation
When all we know is doubt and fear
There is only one foundation
We believe, we believe.

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the Crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s coming back again
We believe.

Prayer:
Lord God,
you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan
and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit
to proclaim good news to all people.
Sanctify us by the same Spirit,
that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel
by acts of love in your name. Amen.

Siyahamba
“We Are Marching in the Light of God” (Zulu).
Mwamba Children’s Choir

Siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’.
We are marching in the light of God..

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Epiphany Celebration

Epiphany Celebration
Growth of Jesus Christ in Our Lives
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Epiphany Celebration Introduction: Epiphany concludes our Twelve Days of Christmas Festival. It is now the magi arrive bearing gifts and Scripture proclaims the Child King, Son of Man, Future Leader, Bearer of Salvation for believers. We will be saved by His blood shed in obedience to the Father. The world as we knew it, know it and shall know it will be transformed. Amen.
In this passage, Isaiah introduces the prophetic future success of Zion, which will unfold in parade fashion appealing to the senses, upon rising from the ravages of war and despair, for it will come as the Lord wills it.
In this Psalm, David commands us to accept and worship the Lord as Savior as His will be done, not ours. We will follow Scripture into the future as we see the Christ child grow into adulthood and incorporate the aspirational qualities of leader into the examples He sets forth for us.
Paul has so much knowledge to share with us.

Scripture:
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1.
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son. Ps. 72:1.
In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Eph. 3:5.
They saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Matt. 2:11.

We Three Kings of Orient Are
John Hopkins (1867).
performed by Jennifer Avalon
http://youtu.be/k8mjRxkMBkE

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star.

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light.

Prayer:
O God of light and peace,
whose glory, shining in the child of Bethlehem,
still draws the nations to yourself:
dispel the darkness that shrouds our path,
that we may come
to kneel before Christ in true worship,
offer him our hearts and souls,
and return from his presence to live as he has taught. Amen.

Joy to the World
Isaac Watts (1719).
performed by Pastor Loran and His Church

Joy to the world! The Lord is come!

Prayer:
Guide us on the path of salvation, O God,
that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit
working in the world
will gather together all peoples and nations in one community
to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. Amen.

Come Gracious Spirit Heavenly Dove
Simon Browne (1720).
performed by Jerang and Johann Kim

Come, gracious Spirit, heav’nly dove,
with light and comfort from above.
Come, be our guardian, be our guide;
o’er ev’ry thought and step preside.

Prayer:
Bright Morning Star,
your light has come,
and the birth of Jesus
has overwhelmed us with joy.
Like the magi of long ago,
may we be drawn to you
and offer you such gifts as we are able. Amen.

What Child is This (Greensleeves).
W. Chatterton Dix (1837).
performed by Josh Groban.

What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Twelve Days of Christmas

Twelve Days of Christmas

Twelve Days of Christmas begins on the traditional celebrated calendar day of our Lord Jesus Christ’s birth, December 25th, and follows through to the Celebration of Epiphany on January 6th.
There is a lot that happens in the Liturgical Calendar in this period of time. Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus and our Spirit of Peace Missional Congregation invite you to follow along and share the experiences on the journey with us!

Twelve Days of Christmas
Twelve Days of Christmas

We may all know the Twelve Days of Christmas Song. Ever wonder what investment of resources it might take to arrange an experience like this today?
Cost: All these gifts would cost a pretty penny.
Every year since 1984, a group of economists at PNC Wealth Management have figured out how much it would cost to actually buy all the things on the “Twelve Days of Christmas” list. The so-called Christmas Price Index indicates inflation and the increasing costs of certain goods. This year, for instance, if you were really going to buy everything on that list—which includes hiring drummers and dancers (per performance) and milking maids (per hour), and, presumably, a group of men who are willing to leap for pay—it would run you $114,651.17. Compare that to 1990, when you could get away with the whole shooting match for a cool $15,231.70. At today’s prices, a performance of twelve drummers drumming would set you back an average of $2,854.50, while seven swans will run you a whopping $7,000. http://m.mentalfloss.com/article.php?id=32015

Twelve Days of Christmas Song
Performed by Children Who Love to Sing

On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

LCMC Three Days of Prayer

LCMC Three Days of Prayer
Prayer is a gift that God has given to us as a means to approach the throne of grace with confidence, like that of a child coming to her parents sharing concerns. It is an opportunity to express the deepest heartache and the greatest joy. Prayer is a conversation between the Creator and the created (us). The conversation began with God, for us, in Christ Jesus.

Prayer
Prayer

You are free to organize these three days of prayer to appeal to the worshipper that you are. We suggest first organizing these three days in the following manner: Confession, Petition, and Vision.

Day One – Confession: Tuesday January 5
This is a day focused on confession. We have made our lives, our relationships, and even the church, in our own image. We confess that the church belongs to Jesus and not to us. We gather to lay down our pride, our sin and our agenda and ask the Lord of the church for forgiveness, which He gives freely and with mercy.

Day Two – Petition: Wednesday January 6

This is a day focused on petition. We pray for our congregation, for the pastor, for the leaders, for those who carry out ministries, for the Sunday School teachers, for the Confirmation leaders, for those leading adult Bible studies and for those leading small groups. Pray for those in all ministries. Pray for all those connected to your church so they might know God’s redeeming love for all in Christ.

Day Three – Vision: Thursday January 7

This is a day focused on vision. We pray that the Holy Spirit will again move through the hearts and minds of leaders and pastors that God’s vision for His church might be revealed and fulfilled. This is a time of prayer for renewal, revival and encouragement. Pray for God’s vision.

No matter how you structure this time of prayer, let us come together as an association of congregations across the globe to pray! I believe that the church will never rise up until we first get down on our knees!

– http://www.lcmc.net/three-days-of-prayer (2016).

Twenty One Days of Prayer

Twenty One Days of Prayer

21 Days of Prayer
21 Days of Prayer

If you believe that The Lord has more in store for your life, Twenty One Days of Prayer is a great opportunity offering prayer to, and conversation with, The Lord. At the prayer services, you will put seeking The Lord first into practice. When you do this, you may perceive The Lord working on your behalf in ways you have not felt before. You may see a difference in your relationships, your work, your family and every aspect of your life. It is then that you will best be able to spread His love to others.
We invite you to join us in January, all throughout the week, at 6:00 am Matins and – or 6:00 pm Vespers for twenty one days, as we collectively gather to pray for the needs of our community, nation, families, and loved ones. You may also join us right from your home by participating in the prayer service online here on the Spirit blog: https://blog.peacelcmc.org

The Prayer
performed by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli

Please contact Pastors Michael or Cathy Hanus at the following email: Spirit.Peace@outlook.com
Enjoy the Blessed Day!

Word Becomes Flesh Celebration

Word Becomes Flesh Celebration
Birth of Jesus Christ in Our Lives
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Word Becomes Flesh Introduction:
As we continue on our journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas we will present and discuss several interpretations of our Christmas Scripture.
Christmas is to be interpreted as: the rebirth of our Lord, the Light shining in the darkness, witnessing to the Light, what Jesus as a child means to us, the Word becomes flesh, grace and intimacy.
Jeremiah delivers us to the intimacy of familial relationships as a model for Judah’s covenant relationship with the Lord.
The poetic context of Ps. 147 relates snow in Palestine to the Divine mystery of the Lord’s Word in our lives.

Shall We Gather at the River
Robert Lowry (1864).
Jeremiah 31:
http://youtu.be/F8EIjGXtCLk

Shall we gather at the river, Where bright angel feet have trod;
With its crystal tide forever Flowing by the throne of God?

Scripture:
I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. Jer. 31:13.
Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! Ps. 147:12.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Eph. 1:3.
The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1.

Here I am Lord – James Kilbane

Ps. 147.

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

Prayer:
O Holy One,
heavenly angels spoke to earthly shepherds
and eternity entered time in the child of Bethlehem.
Through the telling of the Christmas story,
let our temporal lives be caught up in the eternal
in that same child,
that we might join shepherds and all the heavenly host
in praising the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound
John Newton. (1779).
Amazing Grace Cherokee Prayer

Eph. 1.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
was blind but now I see.

Prayer:
God has blessed creation with a great variety of gifts
and gathered all people into one family,
so that in sharing, we might strengthen
and be strengthened by one another.
We gather into our hearts and minds
the universe entrusted to us,
remembering its needs before God and this company.
Grant that these prayers, O God,
may be enfleshed by our commitment not only to pray them,
but to live them in your Son’s name. Amen.

O little town of Bethlehem
Philips Brooks (1868).

John 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.
Prayer:

Gracious God,
you have redeemed us through Jesus Christ,
the first-born of all creation,
whose birth we celebrate as the child of Bethlehem.
Bless us with every spiritual blessing,
that we may live as your adopted children
and witness to your glory
with unending praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Holy Name of Jesus Celebration

Holy Name of Jesus Celebration
Life of Jesus Christ in Our Lives
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Holy Name of Jesus Celebration Introduction:
Jesus Christ, Savior, is born. Mary has given birth to the Son of Man. Joseph takes his place in the background. The Shepherds will soon visit the Child King. The Wise Men are following the Star toward Bethlehem, soon to meet the Christ child after visiting Herod. This is the unfolding story of very important lives we have become familiar with as we follow the liturgical calendar.
Epiphany follows the visitation of the Wise Men. Lent follows Epiphany. Holy Week ends Lent. The Blessed Baby Jesus will be obedient to the Father, live an example to His believers (us), and die to gift us salvation. He will promise to send us the Holy Spirit. The promise will be kept. We are blessed. Praise the Lord!

Holy Name of Jesus Celebration Scripture:
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.
O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Ps. 8:9.
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. Gal. 4:4-6.
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made.” Luke 2:15.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Author Unknown.

God rest you merry, gentlemen,
let nothing you dismay,
for Jesus Christ our Savior
was born upon this day,
to save us all from Satan’s power
when we were gone astray.

Prayer:
O Holy One,
heavenly angels spoke to earthly shepherds
and eternity entered time in the child of Bethlehem.
Through the telling of the Christmas story,
let our temporal lives be caught up in the eternal
in that same child,
that we might join shepherds and all the heavenly host
in praising the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

All things bright and beautiful
Cecil France’s Alexander (1848).
performed by Kidzup.

Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
God made their glowing colors,
God made their tiny wings.

Prayer:
God of glory,
your splendor shines from a manger in Bethlehem,
where the Light of the world is humbly born
into the darkness of human night.
Open our eyes to Christ’s presence in the shadows of our world,
so that we, like him, may become beacons of your justice,
and defenders of all for whom there is no room. Amen.

Man of Sorrows
P. P. Bliss (1875).
performed by Hillsong Worship

Man of sorrows what a name
for the Son of God, who came
ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah.

Prayer:
O God of ancient blessing,
your servant Mary pondered in her heart
the treasured words spoken about her Son,
our Savior Jesus Christ.
Prepare our hearts to receive his Spirit,
that our tongues may confess him Lord. Amen
Christ the Lord is risen today
Charles Wesley (1739).
performed by Joslin Grove Choral Society

1 Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
2 Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!