Gary United Methodist Church

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Gary United Methodist Church The Longest Night Service December 21, 2020

Prelude

O Little Town of Bethlehem Phillips Brooks, arr. Stephen Walley Kevin Lange, piano

Welcome

Rev. JoAnne Chase

Lighting of the Christ Candle

Ben Bebar

Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Rowland H. Prichard Opening Prayer

Faith Gaul, Carter Gaul

Scripture Reading and Reflection Hymn

Matthew 1:18–21

Harry Chase

It Came upon the Midnight Clear Edmund Sears / Richard Storrs Willis 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 all, from heaven’s all-gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing. Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled, And still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world; Above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing, And ever o’er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing. And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low, Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow, Look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing. O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing!

Scripture Reading and Reflection

Matthew 2:7–21

Jennifer Castino

Prayer Musical Meditation

Elaine McCluskey, Pat McCluskey Need You Now (How Many Times) by Lee / Sheets / Wells Leigh Ann Gaul, solo

Message

“Little Words of Wisdom”

Rev. JoAnne Chase

A Liturgy of Remembering

Bob and Carol Barnes

Lighting of Candles at Home

Rev. Dr. Chris Pierson

In the Bleak Midwinter by Gustav Holst Prayers Musical Meditation

Is He Worthy?† by Andrew Peterson, Ben Shive Chancel Choir; Anthony Quaranta, solo

Words of Hope

John 1:1–5, 14

Benediction Postlude

†

This recording was made prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Silent Night by Franz Gruber

Dan Lee