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 Matthew 1:18–21 Harry Chase Hymn 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 Elaine McCluskey, Pat McCluskey Musical Meditation 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 Dan Lee Benediction Postlude Silent Night by Franz Gruber †This recording was made prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.