Hanging of the Christmas Greens

     The service for the 1st SUNDAY IN ADVENT, November 30, 2008, was a congregational program based on a "hanging of the greens." Many components in the program were followed by a hymn or carol. Here's a running pictoral history of the day and of the music:

Prelude

"I know this Christmas music is here somewhere!" she said.      To hear the music for the Prelude, click the title of the song: "Angels from the Realms of Glory".

Welcome, Announcements, Offering

The congregation waited expectantly. The offering came early in the program so that the "Hanging of the Greens" would proceed without introduction.

The ushers, Milt Luoma (l) and Pete Midgarden received the offering. An old favorite for offerings was sung as the offering was brought to the altar.

Hymn

"We Give Thee but Thine Own"
(To hear the hymn, click the title of the song.)

We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate'er the gift may be;
All that we have is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from Thee.

Opening Prayer

Steve Vasco

Steve Vasco giving the Opening Prayer.

The Meaning of the Service

Milt Luoma

Milt Luoma telling the congregation The Meaning of the Service of the Hanging of the Greens, while Pete Midgarden adjusts the microphone.

Hymn

"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"
(To hear the hymn, click the title of the song.)

1 Come Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israels Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Christmas In America

Shirley Stephens

Shirley Stephens telling the congregation of Christmas In America.

Hymn

"Come, Thou Savior"
(To hear the hymn, click the title of the song.)

1 Come, Thou Savior of our race,
Choicest Gift of heavnly grace!
O Thou blessed Virgins Son,
Be Thy race on earth begun,
Be Thy race on earth begun.

2 Not of mortal blood or birth,
He descends from heaven to earth:
By the Holy Ghost conceived,
God and man by us believed,
God and man by us believed

Call to Celebration

Charley Canning

based on John 1:5 and Eph. 3:21

Leader: Christ has come! Christ was dead! Christ has risen! Christ will come again! People: This is the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ! Leader: When we look at the world around us, we see the darkness of war, captivity, greed, and broken relationships. People: We long for Christ to come again and bring light to our world. Leader: The Word of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ lives among us, bringing truth and light as a present reality. People: We worship as those who have a glimpse of that reality, and we long for its fullness. We are those who labor to make Christ's light more visible on earth. All: Let us praise God, that the light of Christ shines on in the darkness, which has never overcome it. To God be the glory in Jesus Christ and in the church forever and ever. Amen.

The Sanctuary Evergreens

Vera Avera

Vera Avera telling the congregation of the Sanctuary Evergreens.

Hymn

"Now Jesus at the Door Is Knocking"
(To hear the hymn, click the title of the song.)

1 Now Jesus at the door is knocking!
Hark, how He pleads our soul to win!
Who hears His voice, the door unlocking,
To sup with him He enters in!
How blest the day, my soul, how blest!
When Jesus comes to be thy guest!

2 Behold, He at the door is calling,
O heed, my soul, what He doth say;
Deny Him not, O thought appalling,
And turn Him not from thee away.
My soul gives answer deep within:
Thou blessed of the Lord, come in!

The Christmas Tree

Henrie Burnett

Henrie Burnett telling the congregation of the Christmas Tree.

Hymn

"I Am So Glad"
(To hear the hymn, click the title of the song.)

1 I am so glad each Christmas Eve!
The night of Jesus birth;
Then like the sun the Star shone forth,
And angels sang on earth.

2 The little child in Bethlehem,
He was a king indeed;
He came from His high state in heavn,
Down to a world in need.

4 How glad I am each Christmas Eve!
His praises then I sing;
He opens then for evry child
The palace of the King.

The Christmas Poinsettia and Advent Colors

Aleda Midgarden

Aleda Midgarden telling the congregation of the Christmas Poinsettia and Advent Colors.

Hymn

"Prepare the Way"
(To hear the hymn, click the title of the song.)

1 Prepare the way, O Zion!
Ye awful deeps, rise high;
Sink low, ye lofty mountains,
The Lord is drawing nigh;
The righteous King of glory,
Foretold in sacred story.

2 O Zion, He approaches,
Your Lord and King for aye;
Strew palms where He advances,
Spread garments in His way;
Gods promise faileth never,
Hosanna sound forever.

Refrain: O blest is He that came In God the Fathers Name

The Advent Wreath

Ernie Burnett

Ernie Burnett telling the congregation of the Advent Wreath.

Hymn

"Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne"
(To hear the hymn, click the title of the song.)

1 Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehems home there was found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus:
There is room in my heart for Thee.

2 Heavens arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But in lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus:
There is room in my heart for Thee.

The Nativity

Mary Kinsey

Mary Kinsey telling the congregation of the Nativity.

Hymn

"Away in a Manger"
(To hear the hymn, click the title of the song.)

1 Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

2 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

3 Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

The Gifts of Christmas

Pete Midgarden

Pete Midgarden telling the congregation of the Gifts of Christmas.

Hymn

"What Child Is This?"
(To hear the hymn, click the title of the song.)

1 What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Marys lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the king,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary!

2 Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary!

The Bells of Christmas

Margaret Stephens

Margaret Stephens telling the congregation of the Bells of Christmas.

Shirley Stephens playing the piano.

Special Music

"Carol of the Bells"
(To hear the music, click the title of the song.)

The Christ Of Christmas and Prayer

Cindi Johnson

Cindi Johnson telling the congregation of the Christ Of Christmas and Prayer.

Hymn

"Sent Forth by Gods Blessing"
(To hear the hymn, click the title of the song.)

1 Sent forth by Gods blessing,
Our true faith confessing, The people of God from His dwelling take leave.
The supper is ended.
Oh, now be extended
The fruits of this service in all who believe.
The seed of His teaching,
Receptive souls reaching,
Shall blossom in action for God and for all.
His grace did invite us,
His love shall unite us
To work for Gods kingdom and answer His call.

Benediction

Pastor Dave

Zion's Monthly Coffee Fellowship Followed Our Service in the Fellowship Hall