December 27, 2020 The First Sunday in Christmastide – A Service of Lessons and Carols

Posted on December 27, 2020 @ 2:16 pm
Here is the link for today’s service:
Following the welcome and call to worship, Imre  Szilas and Zak Graff play “Once in Royal David’s City” by Henry J. Gauntlett.
Following the chimes you are are asked to join in singing, “In Bethlehem a Babe Was Born” before the announcements and prayer concerns brought by Pastor Martha Campbell who then leads us in prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.
Following a brief interlude we join in a Christmas Affirmation of Faith adapted from the priest, Daniel Berrigan S.J..
Since our Advent series was based on the last few windows in our sanctuary, the anthem is, “There Was a Rainbow Around the Throne” written by Imre Szilas and features all of our windows singing their parts.
As you enjoy this wonderful adaptation of Imre’s music we encourage you to make an end of year donation to Westminster.  The end of the year is a time that we often receive gifts and pledges for income tax purposes.  So please consider donating to Westminster to support our ongoing ministry throughout the coming year as well as years to come while gaining an advantage in your taxes for 2020.
After the Anthem we begin our Service of Lessons and Carols with Pastor Martha leading the Prayer of Illumination.
The first lesson is read by Sara Alteryd reading Micah 5:2-5 and then we sing “O Little Town of Bethlehem” led by Nina and Riley Paddock.
The second lesson, Luke 1: 26-38, is read by George Coulter and we sing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” led by Amy Szilas and Quinn Davis.
The third lesson, Luke 2:1-7, is read by Candace Marie and we sing “Away in a Manger” led by Dawn Smith.
The fourth lesson is Luke 2:8-20 and is read by Dawn Smith and we sing “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” led by Riley Paddock.
The fifth lesson is Matthew 2:1-11 – read by Terry Flach and we sing “We Three Kings of Orient Are” led by Shannon Kauble.
The last lesson is John 1:1-4 and is read by Sharleen Piereson followed by singing “Joy to the World,” again, led by Shannon Kauble.
Following the Charge and blessing the service closes with Imre Szilas playing the the Postlude, “A Child Is Born” by Franz Liszt.
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