Prayers 12 24 2011
*Welcome to our Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of lessons and carols in the heart of Chinatown, San Francisco
*After the service tonight, you are invited to the Fellowship Hall for a reception of sweets and homemade cookies; thanks to the choir members who brought the many goodies for us to enjoy
*Tomorrow, Sunday is Christmas Day when we’ll have 2 services: 9:30 Joint English and 11:30 Cantonese in the sanctuary; there won’t be any services at the Y since the Y is closed for the holiday
*We welcome Winifred Chinn who was received into church membership this month and the Deacons reading tonight’s lessons.
Offertory
You see who is here—Emmanuel, God with us, Christ who reigns! Come forward with your gifts to worship Jesus.
Let us pray. We recognize you, Jesus of Nazareth, born in Bethlehem, because of your surroundings! We see you with the poor, the oppressed, the struggling, the suffering and the retired ministers and missionaries who have given their lives in your service. We pray that you will recognize us as well, as we stand with those you came for. Through our giving we proclaim your birth to the world, for unto us a child is born, unto us you, our Christ, are given! Hallelujah! Amen.
Benediction
Carry a song on your lips and joy in your hearts.
Let all the world observe the good news you received tonight.
Go share space with a loved one, share an experience with a neighbor, and share your heart with the world.
Glory to God, glory to God in the highest!
May God’s peace reign among all people!
Amen. Merry Christmas!