KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH SUNDAY WORSHIP

 DECEMBER 25, 2016 – CHRISTMAS DAY

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

REV. RUDY VISSER, PASTOR - REV. PAIGE CONVIS, ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Welcome visitors!  Please fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate.

10 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

Thanks to today’s ushers, Andrew Welcome, Bob Dreier, Phil Hurst

Thanks to guest organist, Marilyn Proniske

  Welcome and Announcements

  The Lord's Greeting

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)   

Rejoice!
       The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.
       For a child has been born for us, 
a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; 
       He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

  Morning Prayer

Heavenly God, may our hallelujahs ring loud and true as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Let us rejoice knowing that he is truly Emmanuel, God with us. Our hearts are filled with joy knowing that we see your face in the precious baby Jesus. May our worship and praise be to your glory, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Amen.

  Pastoral Reading*

*Hymn #155                                                                                   O Little Town of Bethlehem

Pastoral Reading

  Luke 2:6-8 (Unison)

“While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the hostel.” - The Message

Pastoral Reading

  Luke 2:10-14  (Unison)  

“There were SHEPHERDS camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s ANGEL stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. The SHEPHERDS were terrified. The ANGEL said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket lying in a manger.” At once the ANGEL was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: “Glory to God in the heavenly heights.  Peace to all men and women on earth.” - The Message

*Hymn #171                                                                                  Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Pastoral Reading

Prayer of Confession  (Unison)

Lord God, you make all things new and you hold out a new day and a new year for us. Yet how often we squander the opportunities, letting our doubts overwhelm us, letting our sins bind us, letting our fears stop us. You offer us new dreams, and we succumb to old weaknesses; you offer us hope and we choose the comfortable.  We have touched the joy of Christmas, Lord. Let us carry a measure of delight and bounty of love into your new day. Fill us with the joy of living and the spirit of giving as we approach the new year. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

  Pastoral Reading

*Hymn #146                                                                                                       Joy to the World

Pastoral Reading

*Hymn #147                                                                                                Away in the Manger

Pastoral Reading

  Offertory                                                                                         Go Tell It on the Mountain

  Doxology and Offertory Prayer

Pastoral Reading

*Closing Hymn #173                                                                              O Come All Ye Faithful

Pastoral Reading

*Benediction

*Pastoral Readings from Rev. Robb McCoy's

"Interactive Christmas Eve Service: The ABC's of Christmas"

 adapted from the original “The ABC’S of Christmas: A Worship Service” by Erin Klassen

ENVELOPE SYSTEM AVAILABLE FOR PRESENTING 2017 WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS

For those currently participating in the envelope system to present offerings to the church, new envelope sets are now available for pick-up at the small table in the back of the sanctuary and ready for use beginning Sunday, January 1. If you are not currently using the weekly envelope system to present your contributions to the church, but would like to do so in 2017, please pick up and complete one of the small green request forms and drop it into the offering plate.