Live Stream 10:00 p.m. Sunday Worship ~ December 24, 2020

Pastor: Kellie Whitlock

Pastor & Youth Director: Dr. Kate Mackie

Congregational Care: Dr. Bob Seymour

Organist: Sandy Main-Niemisto

Liturgist: Chris Johnson

WELCOME Pastor Kate Mackie

IF YOU ARE VISITING WITH US TONIGHT, we offer you our warmest Christmas welcome.

We’re glad you’re here with us on this special evening

as we join together to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

PRELUDE “Angel Carols Medley” – arr. Lani Smith

Organ/Piano Duet: Shirley Lande and Sandy Main-Niemisto

GATHERED BY THE WORD “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them a light has shined.” Isaiah 9:2

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Advent Lighters: Jennifer and Tyler Turko

We gather to celebrate the birth of the one who is the light of the world.

We light the candle of hope to remind us of the promises made by the prophets

that God would raise up a savior for his people Israel.

Christ is our hope and our salvation.

He calls us to share with each other the hope we have in him . . .

We light the candle of peace to remind us that it is only with God and by following in his path

that true peace can be found.

Christ brings the peace of God to us.

He calls us to share with each other the peace he gives to us . . .

We light the candle of joy to remind us that God gives joy to every heart that abides in him.

As Mary rejoiced in the birth of Jesus, so we also find joy in his birth.

God calls us to share with each other the joy he gives to us . . .

We light the candle of love to remind us that Jesus is God's gift of love to us –

and that in him, the light of love triumphs over darkness.

Love never fails; it transforms all those who give it and receive it.

God calls us to share with each other his love . . .

We light the Christ candle to remind us that the light of the world was born this night.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them a light has shined. You, O Lord, have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government shall be upon his shoulder.

His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

He is also called Emmanuel – for in Christ, God is with us . . .

Let us pray …

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HYMNS #134 “Joy to the World” (see page 6)

#136 “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” (see page 7)

THE RGPC CHRISTMAS PRAYER TREE

FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 9:2-7 Dr. Bob Seymour

HYMN #147 “The First Nowell” (Verses 1-4) (see page 8)

SECOND SCRIPTURE READING John 1:1-5 Chris Johnson

ANTHEM “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” – arr. Marty Parks

Vocalists: Monica Conrad, Susan Walker, John Niemisto

SCRIPTURE OF THE EVENING (UNISON) Isaiah 9:2

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.

RESPONSE (Hymn #192)

Lord, the light of your love is shining,

in the midst of the darkness, shining;

Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us;

Set us free by the truth you now bring us.

Shine on me; shine on me.

Shine, Jesus, shine; fill this land with the Father’s glory.

Blaze, Spirit blaze; set our hearts on fire.

Flow, river, flow; flood the nations with grace and mercy.

Send forth your word, Lord, and let there be light.

A CHRISTMAS EVE MESSAGE “Finding Jesus in the Starry Darkness” Pastor Kellie Whitlock

ANTHEM “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” – arr. Patricia Cota

“Come Shepherds, Rise!” – arr. Patricia Cota

Becky Benton, Sandy Main-Niemisto, Barb Mikulski, Leslie Selden, Jennifer Turko

Jason Elstone, director

OFFERING OF OUR LIVES AND GIFTS

INVITATION

OFFERTORY “O Holy Night” – arr. Carol Tornquist

Flutist: Kim Chryczyk-Burkitt

DOXOLOGY (Hymn #606)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

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THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high (Jesus)

will break upon us to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace!” Luke 1:78-79

THE INVITATION TO THE TABLE

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we

forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the

kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

THE GIFTS OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD

As the elements are passed through the pews, please wait until everyone is served,

so that we may all partake together. The bread used is gluten free and dairy free.

THE PRAYER AFTER SUPPER Great God of Power, we praise you for Jesus Christ

who came to save us from our sins.

We thank you for the prophet’s hope, the angel’s song,

and for the infant’s birth in Bethlehem. We thank you, that in Jesus you joined us

and shared in our human joys and sorrows.

We thank you for your wonderful love.

We thank you for the eternal gift of your son – He who is King of Kings and Lord of lords, now and forever. Amen.

SENDING GOD’S PEOPLE TO BE LIGHT IN THE WORLD “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.” John 6:51

LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLES

HYMN #122 “Silent Night, Holy Night” (see page 9)

THE BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE “Bring a Torch” – arr. Lani Smith

THE RINGING OF THE BELLS

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WELCOME – PLEASE FEEL AT HOME HERE! We’re glad you’ve chosen to set aside this hour to

praise God in worship, and are delighted to have you at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church! It

is our hope that you will be uplifted spiritually by our worship and that you will join us often. Please

stop by the Welcome Center located in the foyer to receive a Welcome Gift. Ushers and greeters

are available for information, large print bulletins or assistance. If you need a hearing assistance

device, please go to the Welcome Center. If you are a member of another congregation, please offer

our greetings to our brothers and sisters in Christ when you return. If you are not currently part of

another church congregation, we hope you will consider making Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian

Church your church home, simply speak with our pastoral staff.

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE

ROSEDALE GARDENS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

9601 Hubbard Street, Livonia MI 48150

(734) 422-0494 / www.rosedalegardens.org

www.facebook.com/rosedale.church

UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

10:30 a.m. Worship Wear your PJs! Guest preacher is Sandy Main-Niemisto.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021

10:30 a.m. Worship Thinking about the Star – As we approach the new year and the season

of Epiphany what better time to reflect on the past year. As the wise men

followed the Christmas star, it led them to Jesus. Reflecting on the past year

and your star word – did your 2020 star word lead you to Jesus? Did your word help

you discover something meaningful in your life? Join us as we worship and hear how

members of our church family found meaning in 2020 star words.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2021

STAR SUNDAY

10:30 a.m. Worship What will your star say?

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POINSETTIA DEDICATIONS The Banks/Stempien Families

in loving memory of Steve Banks

Mary Beal, Fred and Bonnie Beal, Jeff, Kathy, Shannon and Nicole Marzolf

in loving memory of husband, dad and grandpa, Fred Beal

Marilyn Bingham

in loving memory of my daughter, Lora Bingham

Roy and Barbara Birmingham

in loving memory of Mary Walker Judy Coleman

in loving memory of Bill and Marilyn Coleman, and Nancy Solnikowski

Laura Elam-Wobig

in loving memory of Jim and Dixie Elam

Laura, Melody and Daryl Jackson

in honor of Michelle Kinville, thank you for all you do

From the Johnson, Witte and Cole Families

in loving memory of Arthur T. Cole, Arndt Trygstad, Jan Witte, Delmar and Gloria Johnson, Sam Beney, and Stefan Witte

From the Johnson, Witte and Cole Families

in honor of Bertie Trygstad, Sheila Beney, and Arthur Witte Frank and Cheryl Kasparek

in loving memory of Jack and Jean Fundis and in honor of our children: Ryan, Karyn and Harper Wilson, Leyna Kasparek and Matt Hirsch, and our parents Frank and Mary Kasparek

Hope

Kim Lubig

in honor of Shannon and Kristen Lubig, Mike and Carolyn Bieganski Kathleen Mackie and Michelle Kinville

in loving memory of Jim and Lois Mackie – we love and miss you Kate Mackie

in honor of Kellie Whitlock for allowing me to be Family this year Ann Maier and Michelle Ward

in loving memory of Bill Barney and Ellen Kerre – we miss you Ann Maier and Michelle Ward

in loving memory of Jack Maier – Happy First Christmas in Heaven dad – we miss you Sandy Main-Niemisto

in loving memory of and thanks to Paula Joyner-Clinard for modeling how a strong woman lives, for the joy of creating wonderful music together, for the delight of a precious friendship Jan Myers

in loving memory of Gene Myers Ariel Novak

in loving memory of Nancy Beliger and Stacy Webber and in honor of Mikala Novak Mom and Dad

in loving memory of Robert Plue Sandy Powers

in loving memory of Kevin Powers Joe and Robin Roos

in honor of Kasey, Sydney, Sophia, Sawyer, Clay, Dax and Audrey; Stephanie and Kirk, Amanda and Sean, Jonathan and Dakota

Joe and Robin Roos

in honor of Jackie Heppner and Jean Beaupre Joe and Robin Roos

in loving memory of Kathy Roos From His Family

in loving memory of Dick Sandberg Ken and Nancy Stempien

in honor of our wonderful family Nancy, Kelly, Jay, Jarred, Keaton, Kimmy, Adam, Logan, Maddy

in loving memory of my husband Lewis Kerm Swindell – we love and miss you! Merry Christmas Bertie Cole Trygstad

in loving memory grandson Stefan Witte Bertie Cole Trygstad

in honor of her great grandchildren Alia May OBryan, Sadie Rose OBryan and Beckham Arthur Simor Laura, Mike, Andrew, Nathan and Hannah Ulaszek

in honor of David Kulisz – we love you! Laura, Mike, Andrew, Nathan and Hannah Ulaszek

in loving memory of Shirley Kulisz – we miss you so much Love, Your Parents

in honor of Andrew, Nathan and Hannah Ulaszek – we love you! Love, Laura

in honor of Miss Margie Flowers – thank you for always being there, I love you!

Sue Walker

in loving memory of Bill and Betty Walker, Jenny Walker, and Mary Jo Terry

Kellie Whitlock

in loving memory of my Aunt Jan Nilsson Kellie Whitlock

in loving memory of my dear friend Larry Templin

Kellie and Marc Whitlock

in honor of our parents Julie Goldcamp, Larry and Karin McGivern – we love you!

Kellie and Marc Whitlock

in honor of our children Rachel, Matt and Macaylah – you are our joy Love, Mom and Pop Jennifer Young, Sarah Roffi, Katherine Brake and Families

in loving memory of Sue and Jim Young

The staff of Rosedale Gardens Church extends its very best wishes to you all for a Blessed Christmas and a New Years in 2021 filled with

Peace, Joy, Health, and especially Love.

Rev. Kellie Whitlock Rev. Kate Mackie

Lisa Adams, Katy Davis, Jason Elstone, Gretchen Hocking, Joe Harrison, Karen Killingbeck, Jarrett Kinville, Kim Lubig,

Sandy Main-Niemisto, Babs Pearson, Sandy Powers, Alex Roffi, Leslie Selden, Bob Seymour, Laura Ulaszek