December 24, 2023 Bulletin

By grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone

Order of Worship

Preparation for Worship

Prelude and Silent Prayer

 

Introit ~ “All Hail to Thee, O Blessed Morn!”

 

* Hymn #226 ~ “As with Gladness Men of Old”

 

Welcome and Announcements

 

Adoration of God

Call to Worship: Matthew 2:9-12

 

* Hymn ~ “Holy, Holy, Holy!”

 

Confession of Sin

* Reading of the Law: Matthew 5:3-10

 

Assurance of Pardon

 

Affirmation of Faith: Nicene Creed (451 A.D.)

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty; Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

 

And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made;

 

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

 

And we believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

 

And we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

* Hymn ~ “We Three Kings”

 

Means of Grace

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

 

Old Testament Reading: Psalm 34:4-10

 

New Testament Reading: Revelation 4:6-11

 

Sermon: “Reasons for Praise” (Psalm 145:1-21)

 

* Hymn #213 ~ “What Child Is This”

 

Communion

 

Response and Blessing

* Doxology to the tune of “For All the Saints” #358

 

Praise ye the Lord, His mighty works acclaim:

His years are endless, yet is He the same

O sing His praise, give glory to His holy name:

Alleluia, Alleluia. Amen

 

* Blessing/Benediction

 

[* indicates to please stand]

 

Sermon Notes

“Reasons for Praise” (Psalm 145)

I. Introduction

 

II. Hallelujah!

 

A. Reason after reason why God is great

 

B. David signs off with praise

 

III. Application

 

A. No reason to stop our praise

 

B. Our lives: from lament to praise

 

Announcements

Today: Nursery for children birth through three during Sunday School and Worship.

 

Today: The “Worship Training Room” (across from kitchen) is available for young families (livestream available)

 

Communication from us? Please fill out a Communication Card (on back table)

 

Tomorrow: “A Christmas Day Service of Lessons and Carols,” 10am

 

Next Sunday: No Sunday School; resumes January 7

 

January 4: Christmas decorations will be taken down at 10am. Please come and help if you can.

 

Reminder: No food or drink in sanctuary

 

Pastoral Counseling? See Pastor Henry

 

Food Pantry: Food available for ERC families in kitchen

 

Next Week’s Sermon Text: Luke 1:46-55 (Pastor Henry)