Contemporary Service - 8:45am in Craven Hall

Chinese Service - 10:30am in the Cokesbury Room

Traditional Service - 11:00am in the Sanctuary

December 24, 2016

Christmas Eve

Artwork by Kate Sparks ~ 4th Grade Our bulletin covers for the season of Advent have

been submitted by Maple Springs children. We hope you enjoy their visions for the season.

Maple Springs United Methodist Church

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2016 8:00pm

Prelude O Come, All Ye Faithful Joel Raney Jayson Snipes, Piano Dennis Raley, Organ

The prelude signifies the beginning of worship. You are invited to be in a spirit of prayer and meditation.

Please silence all mobile communication devices. * Call to Worship - Faith and Worship Leader: From the very beginning was People: Your Word. Which spoke this world into being Leader: Your Word. Which thunders from the skies People: Your Word. Which flows like mountain streams Leader: Your Word. Which whispers in morning breeze People: Your Word. Revealed through kings and prophets Leader: Your Word. Revealed through Angels' praise People: Your Word. Revealed in humble service Leader: Your Word. Revealed through a tiny child People: Your Word. Alive from the beginning of all things. And to eternity.

*Hymn of Praise Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Hymnal 240

The Light Revealed Lighting of the Christ Candle The Collins family

Please stand when the Christ Candle is lit and remain standing for the hymn.

*Hymn Joy to the World Hymnal 246

Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 2:4 OT page 594

Gospel Lesson Matthew 1:18-25 NT page 1 *Hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem Hymnal 230

(vs. 1 and 2)

Meditation “For He Will Save...” Rev. Jeff Coppley

Special Music O Holy Night Adam Offertory See Amid the Winter’s Snow Dan Forrest

*Doxology While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks Hymnal 236

(vs. 1 and 6)

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Communion in the United Methodist Church is open to all who love Jesus, who earnestly re-pent of their sin, and who seek to live in peace with one another. After the ministers have consecrated the elements, the ushers will direct you in coming forward for Communion, which will be by the method of intinction. After you receive Communion and pray, please accept a candle which will be offered to you by the ushers as you move back to your seat. If you are unable to come forward, please signal to an usher and the Sacrament will be brought to you at your seat.

.

The Light Shared

Candlelight Service

The ministers will light their candles from the Christ Candle. They will, in turn, with the help of our ushers, light the candles for worshippers at the end of each row. Each worship-per will turn and light the candle of the person seated next to them. After all candles are lit, we will stand and sing “Silent Night, Holy Night”. On the third verse, let us all raise our candles high.

*Hymn Silent Night Hymnal 239

Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin, mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild.

Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night. Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ the Savior is born. Christ the Savior is born.

Silent Night! Holy Night! Son of God, love’s pure light; Radiant beams from thy holy face. With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord at thy birth. Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Silent night, holy night. Wondrous star, lend thy light. With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King.

Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

*Benediction *Postlude Joy to the World Arr. Don Hustad

*Please stand as you are able.

The white poinsettias are given to the glory of God and… In honor of: Lynn Bailey, D’Ann and Jack Hershel by Becky Bailey In memory of: Bill Starling by Elinor Starling Bob Bailey, Sterling Evans, Bob Evans and Dan Evans by Becky Bailey E. M. Hauser family, Virginia and Berry Maultsby by Wallace Maultsby Stella Burgera Abbott, Elizabeth H. Lasley, Doris Poole Fulton, Tommy Edward Rominger, Coleen Mickey Day, Dr. William Elesha, Joseph Leston Collins, Sr., Clement Manley Winfrey, Sr., Virginia McClary Parrish, Thomas Franklin Day by the Fellowship Class June W. Hunter by Billy Hunter June W. Hunter by Jon Hunter Dr. William Elesha by Mary Elesha Loved ones by Frances Durham and the Rybak family Allen Smith and Sara Beth Smith by Cathy Watkins James “Ed” Lovette (husband) and Frances Riddle (mother) by Jane Lovette Gus Davis by Benjamin Davis Stansberry

Please take the white poinsettias after the Christmas morning service.

Welcome to Maple Springs United Methodist Church. It is a joy to have you in worship today!

Contact Info Update: Has your contact information changed? Help us keep our records up-to-date! Please note any changes on the Attendance Card tear-out (mark as NEW), or contact Betsy Bechtel at (336)-722-7563x402, or betsy@maplesprings.org.

Online Giving: Offerings can be made securely online by scanning this QR code or by visiting maplesprings.org/give. One-time and recurring donations can be accepted.

Maple Springs Strives to Be a Safe Sanctuary. Children in 5th grade and younger should be with an adult at all times. Do not let children leave Sunday School or the worship service unaccompa-nied or any reason.

Ministry Updates

Ongoing & Holiday Ministry Collections: All items may be placed in the donation drop off areas in the Craven Hall Lobby and Sanctuary Narthex. Mothers of Preschoolers Diaper Drive (Oct 1 - Dec 31): Diapers, wipes, and formula. For more information, contact Heather Head (headh@hotmail.com).

Merry Christmas!

Preacher Rev. Jeff Coppley Liturgist Rev. Gary Mahathey Director of Traditional Music Jayson Snipes Organist Dennis Raley

Participating in Worship Today

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News and Upcoming Events

Our Church offices will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 26th & 27th. Ladies Lunch Bunch, Tuesday, January 2, 11:30am - 1:00pm, Milner's American Southern, (630 S Strat-ford Rd): All women are invited to join the Ladies Lunch Bunch! For more information or to RSVP, please contact the church office at 336-722-7563.

First Wednesday Dinner, Wednesday, January 4, 5:30pm - 6:30pm, (Craven Hall): Join your church family for dinner on Wednesday, January 4th. Our menu includes Lasagna, tossed salad, French bread and banana pudding. Cost is $5 for adults and $4 for kids (5th and under) with a family maximum of $20. Sign up in the bulletin or by emailing Betsy at (betsy@maplesprings.org) by Sunday, January 1st. Galatians and Ephesians. Two Letters in Four Weeks, Wednesdays in January, 4:30 to 5:30 AND 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Cokesbury Room): Come join Pastor Jeff as we explore the Books of Galatians and Ephe-sians. For more information, please contact Pastor Jeff at jeff@maplesprings.org or 336-722-7093. Pastors’ Coffee, Sunday, January 8, 10:00am—10:45am, (Craven Hall): Are you a visitor, newcomer, or new member of Maple Springs? We invite you to have coffee with our pastors and fellowship with other "newer" folks in the congregation. This will also kick off our Path to Membership class, which will meet on Sundays, Jan 8th-Feb 5th, 10:00-10:45am. RSVP to erin@maplesprings.org. New Membership Class, Sundays, January 8-February 5th, 10:00—10:45, (1st meeting will be in Cra-ven Hall): The Path Class is designed for newcomers and new members of the church and is an oppor-tunity for you to meet and journey alongside other "newer" folks in the congregation as we seek to deep-en our relationship with Christ and the church and discover what it means to be a disciple in the United Methodist tradition. DIRT and Cherub Choir, will resume Wednesday, January 18th. Maple Springers Monthly Luncheon, Thursday, January 26, 11:45am - 1:00pm (Craven Hall): Please join us for our first senior adult luncheon of 2017! We'll enjoy a program by the Snappy Tappers and a sit-down lunch. Come enjoy fellowship, a delicious meal, and first-class entertainment! Please RSVP to the church office at 336-722-7563. If you have questions, contact erin@maplesprings.org.

Welcome!

Please complete, tear off, and place in the

offering plate or drop at the Welcome Desk

after the service. All information is confidential

and will remain at the church.

11:00am Worship Service

Date _________________

Name(s) ____________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

Address ____________________________

_____________________ Zip ___________

Phone # ____________________________

Email ______________________________

sign me up for weekly eNews

Children present:

_______________________ age_____

_______________________ age_____

_______________________ age_____

1st time guest Returning guest

college student (school:___________)

member (updating information)

new to the area

am active in another church

want to know more about

___ Sunday School (adult)

___ children’s ministry

___ middle school ministry

___ high school ministry

___ college ministry

___ young adult ministry

___ men’s ministry

___women’s ministry

___ senior adult ministry

___ music ministry

___ small groups

___ food pantry

___ prayer group

___ other:___________________________

want to know more about Jesus

want to speak with a pastor

want info re: joining the church

want to be connected with a

Stephen Minister

Prayer Ministry at Maple Springs

Pray without ceasing ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Maple Springs will publish names of persons seeking prayer so that the entire congregation may pray for those in need. Contact Betsy Bechtel in the church office betsy@maplesprings.org or (336)-722-7563. The names will remain for two weeks unless notified other-wise. The church also has a confidential intercessory prayer ministry. Confidential requests for the pastors or the prayer group may also be submitted through the bulletin tear-out. Those names will not appear in the church bulletin, but those persons and situations will receive prayer. Pray for church leaders worldwide: Pastors, program staff, preschool teachers, Sunday School teachers, local church officers, committees, ministry volunteers,. Pray for those who are in rehabilitation: Shut-Ins, all those in assisted living facilities Pray for our nation and those in authority: President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, all members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, all state legislators, local officials. law enforcement officers, President-elect Donald Trump and our newly elected officials. Pray for those with cares and concerns: Ongoing Concerns: George Aldhizer, Rev. Jonathan and Alisa Brake, Ann Butner, Everette Butner, Linda Byrum, Kim Crouch, Catherine David, Peter Davis, Tom Dunlap (Son-in-law of the Bradfords), Buford Edwards, Sharon Gibson, Jim Jackson (Will Jackson’s Dad), Nancy Keen, MaryJo Lee, Doris Martin, Ann Mitchell (Danny’s Mom), Jack Perry, Mark Schmal, Audrey & Oley Smith, Clyde Young (Michael Young’s Dad), Don Wheaton, CPO Tim Wooten. Our Christian Sympathy to: Wally Maultsby and family on the passing of his daughter in Colora-do on December 8th; the family of Carlene Judy who passed away December 12th. The family of Algie Crutchfield who passed away December 10th; JoAnn Angel and family on the recent passing of her sister in Atlanta. Pray for missions in which Maple Springs is engaged: Food Pantry, Old Town Elementary , Forsyth Jail & Prison Ministries, Home Repair, Red Bird Mission (Eastern Kentucky), Project HOPE, WFBMC Burn Unit.

Stephen Ministry: Do you sometimes find yourself going through a tough time - emotionally or spiritually? Maybe it's a life crisis, maybe it's feeling down, maybe it's simply a feeling of being overwhelmed. Consider letting a Stephen Minister help. We have trained Stephen Ministers in our

congregation who listen, care, encourage, pray, and walk alongside you during difficult times. Please contact one of the pastors to be put in touch with a Stephen Minister. Our Stephen Ministers are there to care!

Worship Team & Ministry Coordinators

Rev. Jeff Coppley Senior Pastor Rev. Gary Mahathey Associate Pastor Rev. Vicky Deng Chinese Congregation Mary Taylor Setliff Children & Family Ministries Joe Hout Youth & Next Generation Ministries Erin Moses Connecting Ministries Jayson Snipes Traditional Music Dennis Raley Organist & Cont. Program Director Jerry Chapman Contemporary Music Beth Juran Children’s Music Betsy Bechtel Office Manager A.Q. Cook & Lisa Aldhizer Finance Allison Kelly Food Pantry Jennifer Kiger Chapman Communications

Life Journal Reading Plan Dec. 25 1 Jn. 1-5 Dec. 26 Ps. 117, 119, 81-176 2 Jn. 3 Jn. Dec. 27 Rev. 1-4 Dec. 28 Rev. 5-9 Dec. 29 Rev. 10-14 Dec. 30 Rev. 15-18 Dec. 31 Rev. 19-22

Lectionary Texts Next Week: Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalm 72:1-7; 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12

Luke 2:15-21

This Week: Isaiah 52:7-10

Psalm 98 Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12)

John 1:1-14

This Week’s Calendar Sunday, December 25

Merry Christmas! 11:00am Traditional Worship 8:00pm Alcoholics Anonymous 8:00pm Al-Anon Family Group Monday, December 26 Offices Closed 6:00pm Psalm Supper 7:30pm Line Dancing Tuesday, December 27 Offices Closed Food Pantry Closed 7:00am Men’s Breakfast 10:00am Chinese Bible Study 1:00pm Food Pantry 7:00pm Boy Scouts

Wednesday, December 28 9:00am Food Pantry 12:00pm Career Support Network 1:00pm Food Pantry 4:30pm Adult Bible Study 6:30pm Wednesday Night Prayer 6:45pm Adult Bible Study Thursday, December 29 8:00pm Alcoholics Anonymous 8:00pm Al-Anon Family Group Friday, December 30 9:00am Open Studio 7:30pm Chinese Bible Study Saturday, December 31 5:00pm Chinese Bible Study 8:00pm Christmas Eve Service Our offices will be closed December 26th, 27th and January 2nd.

Prayer Request

for pastors only

for intercessory prayer group Please pray for: ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

Feel free to speak with one of the pastors after the worship service or contact the

church at 336-722-7563 or in-fo@maplesprings.org.

***********************************************

RSVPs & Volunteer Sign Ups I want to volunteer for: Welcome Ministry Food Pantry

Children’s Ministry Prison Ministry Communion Ministry Youth Ministry

Name: _____________________________ Phone/Email: _______________________

**************************************** First Wednesday Dinner (1/4)

Lasagna, tossed salad, French bread and banana pudding.

Name: _____________________________

# Adults: ___________________________

# Children: _________________________

Phone/Email: _______________________

Please signup before January 1st.