Order of Service Christmas Day 2016

The First Visitors

WELCOME TO KNOX

Knox Church is a congregation within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. We aim to create Christian community in which people of all

ages, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds and socio-economic situations are included as equally valued participants in our congregational life. We cherish our diversity, offering a safe place of belonging to any who wish to

explore their beliefs in an atmosphere promoting discussion, the development of healthy relationships and spiritual growth. We strive to be open to dialogue and shared experiences with people of other faiths. We enjoy worshipping the God made known in Jesus, endeavouring to do so in ways that are relevant to our daily lives, respect the integrity of creation, and make a positive difference

to our wider world.

A loop system for hearing aids operates at Knox.

Toilets are available through the door on the lectern side of the sanctuary.

This morning the Bible already has been placed on the lectern, so will not be

processed in. At 10 o’clock, with the congregation remaining seated, the minister approaches the Advent Wreath. Once he has read the Nativity Passage from Luke’s Gospel, he lights the Christ Candle. The service proceeds from there.

The Nativity: Luke 2: 1-14 The Lighting of the Christ Candle The Christmas Proclamation:

Behold, I bring you good news of great joy! GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST! Come, let us go now to Bethlehem, AND LET US SEE THIS THING THAT HAS COME TO PASS.

Without announcement, we stand to sing Hymn: Adeste Fideles John Francis Wade (c.1711-1786)

Organ Fanfare and organ solo verse

1. O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; come and behold him born the king of angels; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

2. God of God, Light of light, lo! he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; very God, begotten, not created: O come, let us adore him . . .

3. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing all ye citizens of heaven above. ‘Glory to God, glory in the highest’: O come, let us adore him . . .

4. Yea, Lord we greet thee, born on Christmas morning, Jesu, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: O come let us adore Him . . .

John Francis Wade (c.1711-1786)

The congregation sits for The Prayers of Approach

News reached our ears that something wondrous had happened. IT WAS GOOD NEWS FOR ALL THE WORLD.

Word came to us, that heaven’s glory had fallen into our life, THAT A SAVIOUR HAD BEEN BORN.

This we heard. SO, LIKE MANY BEFORE US, WE CAME TO SEE THIS THING THAT HAD COME TO PASS.

Mary and Joseph are here; SHEPHERDS AND KINGS ARE HERE;

Angels rejoicing are here - MANY VISITORS GATHER IN ONE ACT OF WORSHIP.

At the Bethlehem cradle WE SEEK OUR PLACE IN THE COMMUNITY OF CHRIST.

And here, O God, you receive us with love. YOU PLACE AMONG US, THE CHILD OF BETHLEHEM:

God of God, LIGHT OF LIGHT,

the gentle Lamb PROMISED FROM ETERNAL YEARS.

Bless our coming here, O God, with your joyful, peaceful presence, through Jesus, born this day, AMEN.

If there are younger ones present A Conversation with the Younger Ones

The Baptism of Julius Ian Murray Ward: Introduction

(Jimmy’s parents and supporters come forward to the font.)

Baptismal vows Minister: (to parents) Do you promise, as far as you are able to, to build

your family life on the love and truth that the church has taught us?

Parents: Yes, we do.

Minister: And do you promise to go on giving expression to that love and truth, for the sake of your own child, all the children among us and every human being?

Parents: Yes, we do.

Minister: (to congregation) And all of you, relatives, friends and worshippers, do you receive this child in the name of Christ?

Congregation: YES, WE DO.

Minister: Will you endeavour to support him and his parents through life with Christian love and understanding?

Congregation: YES, WE WILL. The congregation stands for The Prayer of Consecration

Joey pours water into the font. The minister says: May God be with you. AND ALSO WITH YOU. Lift up your hearts. WE LIFT THEM TO GOD.

Let us give thanks to the world’s creator. IT IS RIGHT TO GIVE OUR THANKS AND PRAISE. Eternal God . . .

The Baptism

The people remain standing for the act of baptism.

Julius Ian Murray, in the name of God, our Father; in the name of Christ, our Lord; in the name of the Holy Spirit we baptise you. AMEN.

Lighting of the baptismal candle Baptismal Prayer Doug and Cathie Bills The Presentation of Baptismal Gifts

A gift from the congregation is given. Jimmy’s grandmother/s introduce/s him to the congregation during the hymn.

Although there is no Sunday School during the summer holidays, young ones are welcome to enjoy the children’s corner at the back of the church.

Hymn: Infant Holy Polish traditional carol melody

1. Infant holy, infant lowly for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the babe is Lord of all; swift are winging angels singing, nowells ringing, tidings bringing, Christ the babe is Lord of all.

2. Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true; thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing greet the morrow, Christ the babe was born for you.

Polish Carol, tr. Edith Margaret Gellibrand Reed (1885-1933)

The Bible Lesson: Luke 2: 15-20

This is the gospel of Christ. PRAISE TO CHRIST THE WORD. The Christmas Reflection: First visitors: the community of the cradle

Generally, sermons are posted on our website shortly after the service at: http://www.knoxchurch.co.nz/sermons.html Hard copies of the sermons are available before and after the service – ask the person at the door.

Hymn: Humility John Goss (1800-1880)

1. See, in yonder manger low, born for us on earth below; see, the gentle Lamb appears, promised from eternal years: Hail, O ever-blessed morn; hail, redemption’s happy dawn; sing through all Jerusalem: “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” 2. Say, you humble shepherds, say what’s your joyful news today? tell us why you left your sheep on the lonely mountain steep: Hail, O ever-blessed morn . . .

3. “As we watched at dead of night, all around us shone a light; angels singing ‘Peace on earth’ told us of a Saviour’s birth.” Hail, O ever-blessed morn . . . 4. Holy Saviour, born on earth, teach us by your lowly birth; grant that we may ever be taught by such humility. Hail, O ever-blessed morn . . .

Edward Caswall (1814-1878)

Prayers for Others and Ourselves . . . OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME, YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD. FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US. SAVE US FROM THE TIME OF TRIAL AND DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY ARE YOURS NOW AND FOR EVER. AMEN.

Notices Hymn: Mendelssohn Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

1. Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King; peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled: joyful all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies, with th’angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born king. 2. Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb: veiled in flesh the God-head see; hail th’incarnate Deity! Pleased one earth with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born king. 3. Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings; mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, Born to raise us all from earth, Born to give us second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born king. Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Benediction and Sung Amen Postlude: Toccata on “Joy to the World” Martin Setchell (b. 1949)

Retiring Offering

A retiring offering is taken for the Christian World Service Christmas Appeal. Regular offering envelopes may also be placed in the offering baskets and find

their way into the regular offering system.

Music printed in this order of service is covered under a music copyright licence agreement: LicenSing #604802

NOTICES This Week: 25 December 2016 – 31 December 2016 Today 10.00 am Christmas Day Worship Next Week: 1 January 2017 – 7 January 2017 Sunday 10.00 am Morning Worship

Knox church values the support of all who are involved in our community’s life.

For those who wish to contribute financially, charitable donations are eligible for a tax rebate of 33%. Options are available for giving;

for information please contact our Donation Secretary Janet Wilson ph 338 7203 email janetwilson@clear.net.nz

Christian World Service Christmas Appeal 2016 Christmas

ICKL is a proudly Haitian organization. They have the skills and deep community knowledge to make sure poor peasant farmers can fend for themselves as no government assistance is available. In a country made dependent on outside aid, ICKL strengthens local Haitians to improve incomes, run schools, prepare and respond to natural disaster, and advocate for better outcomes.

Services over January

Sunday 1 January, 10:00am No service at Knox.

We gather with the Village Presbyterian Church for a service

at the chapel of St Andrew’s College, Normans Road, Strowan.

Sundays 8 & 15 January, 10:00am

Knox and Durham Street Methodist Church combine at Knox

with Durham Street providing leadership.

Sundays 22 & 29 January, 10:00am Knox and Durham Street Methodist Church combine at Knox

with Knox providing leadership.

ACTING COUNCIL CLERK

From 22 December till 30 December Jean Brouwer will be Acting Council Clerk. Contact her on 355 6534 if necessary.

Knox Directory

28 Bealey Ave, Christchurch 8013 Secretary: Diane Harrington,

ph. (03) 379 2456, office@knoxchurch.co.nz

Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am-noon

Visit our website www.knoxchurch.co.nz

website

Minister: Rev. Dr Matthew Jack minister@knoxchurch.co.nz

Session Clerk: Janet Wilson, ph. (03) 338 7203

Director of Music: Daniel Cooper, organist@knoxchurch.co.nz

Pastoral Assistant: Jan Harland ph. 0273560215

facebook

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Keeping in Touch

Please help us get acquainted with you by filling in this form and putting it in the offering bag.

Name: Contact details