2024-12-29 First Sunday After Christmas - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

# St. John’s United Church of Christ **Chambersburg, PA** **December 29, 2024** --- ## **First Sunday After Christmas** ### ✝️ Gathering Song **"This Is the Day"** --- ### ✝️ Unison Welcome *"No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here."* --- ### ✝️ Announcements # 📰 News in the Pews **December 29, 2024** ### Contacts - **Rev. Caroline E. Saxton**: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) | (641) 260-1868 (cell) - **Gary Crum**: Music Director - **Barbara Motichka**: Organist - **Roxanne Davenport**: Director of Children & Youth - **Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman**: Pastor Emeritus --- ## 📅 This Week at St. John's ### Tuesday, December 31 - **Office Closing**: 12:00 PM ### Wednesday, January 1 - **Church Holiday**: New Year’s Day (Office Closed) ### Thursday, January 2 - **6:00 PM**: Bell Choir Practice – Bell Room 117 - **7:15 PM**: Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 103 ### Sunday, January 5 - **8:45 AM**: - Godly Play Class – Room 119 - Spark! Elementary Church School Class – Room 115 - Teen Discussion Class – Youth Room 206 - Wired Word Church School Class – Room 116 - **10:00 AM**: Sunday Service (Communion) – Sanctuary - **2:00 PM - 4:00 PM**: Celebration of Life for Mary Lou Hendrickson – Fellowship Hall 120 --- ## 💼 Announcements ### Office Transitions and Support Both **Loretta Zimmerman (Office Manager)** and **Heather Nickey (Office Assistant)** are leaving St. John’s for new employment opportunities. Volunteers are needed for office help. Loretta’s last day is **Friday, January 10**, with a reception from **2:00 PM - 3:00 PM** on January 10. ### Pastoral Coverage Pastor Caroline will be on vacation from **December 30 to January 4**. **Rev. Irene Pouliot** of Trinity UCC in State Line will handle pastoral emergencies. Pastor Caroline returns to lead worship on **Sunday, January 5**. ### Reverse Advent Calendar Thanks to your generous support, more than **24 boxes** of food were blessed and delivered to the Fayetteville Food Pantry at St. Paul Lutheran after the Christmas Eve services. ### Photo Directory Reminder If you’ve submitted your photo, please ensure your contact information is updated with the church office. Thank you! --- ## 🎄 The Christmas Fund Support the **Veterans of the Cross and Emergency Fund**, a mission offering for over 110 years. Write "Christmas Fund" in the memo line of your check. --- ## 📚 New Year, New Book Study Starting **Monday, January 6**, Pastor Caroline will lead a weekly study on *Jesus is the Question: The 307 Questions Jesus Asked and the 3 He Answered* by Martin B. Copenhaver. - **Time**: 1:00 PM - **Location**: Conference Room - Focus on the forward and introduction during the first session. All are welcome! --- ## ✊ MLK Day Events ### MLK Day of Learning - **Date**: Saturday, January 18, 2025 - **Time**: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - **Location**: Capitol Theater, Chambersburg - Includes lunch, workshops, entertainment, and more. Registration required at [www.racialreconciliationfc.org/mlkday](http://www.racialreconciliationfc.org/mlkday). ### Community MLK Day Service - **Date**: Sunday, January 19, 2025 - **Time**: 3:00 PM - **Location**: Central Presbyterian Church - Theme: *Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence.* Creative contributions like essays, art, or photography are encouraged. Speak with Pastor Caroline for more details. ### MLK Day of Service - **Date**: Monday, January 20, 2025 - Organized by Franklin County Coalition for Progress. Registration deadline is **Monday, January 6**. More information at [www.fccforprogress.org](http://www.fccforprogress.org). --- ## ❄ Winter Weather Alerts If inclement weather occurs: - Check email for special e-blasts. - Call the church office (Option 1) for a message. - If **CASD classes are canceled**, church activities will also be canceled. --- ## 🧣 Winter Warmth Drive Help families stay warm this winter! Donations accepted until **January 15**: - Mittens and gloves - Winter hats and socks - First aid kits - Deodorant - Shampoo and conditioner - Towels, tissues, toothpaste, and laundry detergent --- ## 🛠 Operation Dishwasher We are close to our **$20,000 goal**! Thank you for your support. --- ### ✝️ Passing of the Peace *"The peace of Christ be with you"* **Response:** *"And also with you"* --- ### ✝️ Chiming of the Trinity & Prelude --- ### ✝️ *Call to Worship* **Adapted from "BC: AD" by U.A. Fanthorpe** > This was the moment when Before > Turned into After, and the future’s > Uninvented timekeepers presented arms. > *This was the moment when nothing* > *Happened. Only dull peace* > *Sprawled boringly over the earth.* > This was the moment when even energetic Rome > Could find nothing better to do > Than counting heads in remote provinces. > And this was the moment > When a few farm workers and three > Members of an obscure Persian sect > Walked haphazardly by starlight straight > Into the kingdom of heaven. > **We, too, come to worship.** > *Let us rejoice, give thanks, and sing.* --- ### ✝️ *Hymn #122* *"Good Christian Friends, Rejoice"* # Good Christian Friends, Rejoice ### Verse 1 **Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart and soul and voice!** Give ye heed to what we say: *Jesus Christ is born today!* Ox and ass before Him bow, And He is in the manger now. *Christ is born today!* *Christ is born today!* ### Verse 2 **Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart and soul and voice!** Now ye hear of endless bliss: *Jesus Christ was born for this!* He hath opened heaven’s door, And we are blessed forevermore. *Christ was born for this!* *Christ was born for this!* ### Verse 3 **Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart and soul and voice!** Now ye need not fear the grave: *Jesus Christ was born to save!* Calls you one and calls you all To gain His everlasting hall. *Christ was born to save!* *Christ was born to save!* --- ### ✝️ *Prayer of the Day* **From Feasting on the Word Worship Companion** > O God, into a realm of clerics and kings you sent your child to teach the wise and show the world what power there is in love. Keep us vigilant to hear the voices of those who speak your truth. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. --- ### ✝️ *Prayer for Illumination* **From Feasting on the Word Worship Companion** > By the breath of your Spirit inspire us, that in the hearing of your Word, we may be filled with new understanding and fresh desire to please you in all things, for the sake of your Son, Jesus. Amen. --- ### 📖 Scripture Reading **1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26** # Scripture Readings (NRSVue) ## 📖 1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26 **18** Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. **19** His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. **20** Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, “May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the loan that she made to the Lord,” and then they would return to their home. **26** Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with the people. --- ### ✝️ Responsive Reading **Adapted from "Born to Give Us Second Birth" by Jack Brown** > In our poverty of spirit Christ arrived as God’s good Word; > **Grant us, God, good grace to hear it. Christ was born to be our Lord.** > In the gloom of deep, dull darkness, In the shade of endless night, > **Jesus came a child, a baby, Born to give us hope and light.** > When we felt our hearts were broken, Jesus met us face to face, > **Loving us in word and token—Born to give us peace and grace.** > Wisest one of all the ages Christ came here, a babe so small, > **Early blessed by wizened sages, Born to lead and bless us all.** --- ### 🧒 Children's Message Led by **Roxanne Davenport** *Children’s Corner will be offered following the Children’s Message.* --- ### ✝️ Carol Sing - #107: *"O Little Town of Bethlehem"* # O Little Town of Bethlehem ### Verse 1 **O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!** Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight. --- ### Verse 2 **For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above,** While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together Proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, And peace to all on earth! --- ### Verse 3 **How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given!** So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in. --- ### Verse 4 **O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray;** Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel! - #115: *"The Hands That First Held Mary’s Child"* # The Hands That First Held Mary’s Child ### Verse 1 The hands that first held Mary’s child Were hard from working wood, From boards they sawed and nailed and filed And splinters they withstood. This day they gripped no tool of steel, They drove no iron nail, But cradled from the head to heel Our Lord, newborn and frail. --- ### Verse 2 When Joseph marveled at the size Of that small breathing frame, And gazed upon those bright new eyes And spoke the infant’s name, The angel’s words he once had dreamed Poured down from heaven’s height, And like the host of stars that beamed Blessed earth with welcome light. --- ### Verse 3 “This child shall be Emmanuel, Not God upon the throne, But God with us, Emmanuel, As close as blood and bone.” The tiny form in Joseph’s palms Confirmed what he had heard, And from his heart rose hymns and psalms For heaven’s human word. --- ### Verse 4 The tools that Joseph laid aside A mob would later lift And use with anger, fear, and pride To crucify God’s gift. Let us, O Lord, not only hold The child who’s born today, But charged with faith, may we be bold To follow in His way. - #148: *"What Child Is This"* # What Child Is This **Lyrics:** What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? **Chorus:** This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary. Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. **Chorus:** This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary. So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king, to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him. **Chorus:** This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary. # The First Noel ## Lyrics **Verse 1** The first Noel the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter's night that was so deep. **Chorus** Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel! **Verse 2** They looked up and saw a star, Shining in the east, beyond them far; And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night. **Chorus** Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel! **Verse 3** And by the light of that same star, Three wise men came from country far; To seek for a King was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went. **Chorus** Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel! **Verse 4** This star drew nigh to the northwest, O'er Bethlehem it took its rest, And there it did both stop and stay, Right over the place where Jesus lay. **Chorus** Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel! **Verse 5** Then entered in those wise men three, Full reverently upon their knee, And offered there, in His presence, Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. **Chorus** Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel! **Verse 6** Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord, That hath made heaven and earth of naught, And with His blood mankind hath bought. **Chorus** Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel! --- # Sermon: Wondering and Seeking Jesus ## 📖 Luke 2:41–52 **41** Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. **42** And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. **43** When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. **44** Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. **45** When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. **46** After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. **47** And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. **48** When his parents saw him they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” **49** He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” **50** But they did not understand what he said to them. **51** Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. **52** And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years and in divine and human favor. # **Sermon Outline and Evaluation** --- ## **🗒 Sermon Summary** - **Central Message/Takeaway:** The sermon invites us to wonder about the humanity and divinity of Jesus, as demonstrated in the story of His separation from Mary and Joseph at age 12. It emphasizes seeking Jesus persistently in both the sacred and the mundane aspects of life. - **Liturgical/Theme Focus:** This sermon is grounded in the liturgical Christmas season, connecting the gospel narrative of Jesus’ youth with broader themes of faith, perseverance, and the search for God in our daily lives. --- ## **🎙 Preaching Style** - **Style Identified:** Narrative, with elements of Expository preaching. The preacher connects the biblical story with modern analogies, cultural references (*Home Alone*, Amber Alerts), and personal anecdotes. - **Inclusive Examples:** - Stories from the preacher’s own life and references to common parental experiences make the sermon accessible. - Mention of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) highlights social justice themes, broadening the sermon’s relevance to marginalized groups. - **Accommodating Learning Needs:** - Storytelling engages auditory learners. - Interactive questions invite kinesthetic engagement. - Though not explicitly mentioned, visual aids could enhance accessibility for visual learners. --- ## **🗣 Intonation and Delivery** - **Vocal Delivery:** - The preacher uses a conversational tone, varying pace and intonation to emphasize key points. - The tone is warm and welcoming, encouraging reflection and participation. - **Use of Gestures or Visuals:** - Gestures are implied during storytelling, though no explicit visuals were mentioned. Incorporating visuals (e.g., images of the temple or artistic depictions of the story) could strengthen engagement for visual learners. --- ## **📝 Content Structure** - **Organization:** The sermon follows a clear narrative flow: 1. Introduction and Scripture context. 2. Modern parallels and reflections. 3. Interactive wondering questions. 4. Key lessons and application. 5. Conclusion with prayers and blessings. - **Transitions:** Transitions between sections are smooth, maintaining coherence for the audience. - **Support for Learning Needs:** - Repetition of themes (faith, perseverance) aids retention. - Use of relatable stories connects scripture to contemporary experiences. --- ## **📖 Scripture Breakdown** - **Scripture Referenced:** Luke 2:41–52 - Focuses on Jesus’ separation from His parents and His time in the temple. - Highlights His early understanding of His divine mission and the perseverance of Mary and Joseph. - **Theological Implications:** - Balances Jesus’ humanity (obedience to His earthly parents) with His divinity (seeking His Father’s house). - Encourages the audience to see themselves in the narrative and apply its lessons of faithfulness and perseverance. --- ## **🔍 Logical Reasoning** ### **Positive Reasoning Observed:** 1. **Causal Reasoning:** - The sermon logically connects Jesus’ time in the temple with His desire to learn and grow spiritually. - Encourages the audience to seek God actively in their own lives. 2. **Balanced and Nuanced Views:** - Acknowledges the difficulty and emotional weight of Mary and Joseph’s search while highlighting their faith. 3. **Ethical Reasoning:** - Emphasizes the importance of caring for marginalized individuals, linking it to God’s love for humanity. ### **Potential Logical Fallacies:** - **Hasty Generalization:** - The preacher briefly suggests that parental guilt is universal (*mom guilt*), which may not apply to all listeners. - **Improvement:** Acknowledge varied parental experiences more explicitly. --- ## **📚 References** - **Additional Resources Mentioned:** - Cultural references (*Home Alone*, Amber Alerts, MMIW). - No direct references to theologians, books, or academic works. Including diverse theological voices (e.g., from Black or Indigenous communities) could deepen the sermon’s impact. --- ## **🗨 Quotes and Illustrative Stories** - **Impactful Quotes:** - *“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”* (Luke 2:49) - Emphasizes Jesus’ understanding of His divine purpose. - **Illustrative Stories:** - Personal anecdotes about the preacher’s brother getting lost. - The *Home Alone* reference adds humor and relatability. - References to MMIW broaden the sermon’s social justice perspective. --- ## **🔄 Calls to Action** - **Specific Actions Encouraged:** - Reflect on your own faith journey and seek Jesus in everyday life. - Care for and support others, demonstrating God’s love. - Continue searching for God in moments of doubt or uncertainty. - **Accommodating Learning Needs:** - The preacher emphasizes reflection and interactive questioning, catering to auditory and kinesthetic learners. - Adding a visual takeaway (e.g., printed handout or projected image) could enhance accessibility. --- # **Sermon Outline** ## **Introduction** ### **Opening Message (00:00:00–00:00:30)** - Acknowledging God’s design and the wonder He evokes in our lives. - Embracing the gospel daily and listening to the Spirit’s guidance. --- ## **Main Scripture: Luke 2:41–52** ### **Context of the Story (00:00:30–00:01:33)** - Jesus, at age 12, travels with Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. - Jesus becomes separated from His parents on their return journey. - Mary and Joseph search for Him for three days, eventually finding Him in the temple speaking with the priests. - Jesus’ cryptic response: *“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”* ### **Key Themes** - Balancing Jesus’ humanity and divinity as a child. - The faith and perseverance of Mary and Joseph in their search. - The importance of spiritual growth and seeking God. --- ## **Connecting Scripture to Modern Life** ### **Relatable Reflections (00:02:28–00:09:50)** - **Personal anecdotes:** - Childhood memories of getting lost and the anxiety it causes. - Stories of parents’ assumptions and miscommunication about their children’s whereabouts. - **Modern parallels:** - Tools like Amber Alerts and missing persons initiatives (e.g., Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movements). - Comparing Mary and Joseph’s journey to the anxiety and hope parents experience today. ### **Application of the Story** - **Faithful Searching:** - Reflect on Mary and Joseph’s patience and persistence. - **God’s Presence:** - Jesus sought those who could teach Him more about His mission. - **Family Dynamics:** - Trust, accountability, and the emotional challenges of parenting. --- ## **Interactive Wondering Questions** ### **Audience Engagement (00:04:39–00:13:04)** - Encouraging the audience to reflect and respond: - *"What is your favorite part of this story?"* - *"How would you feel in Mary and Joseph’s situation?"* - *"What can this story teach you about God?"* - Drawing connections to relatable themes (e.g., *Home Alone* and personal experiences). ### **Personal Reflection Prompts** - Where do you see yourself in this story? - A parent, a traveler, a seeker, or a learner? - How does this narrative inspire your faith and perseverance? --- ## **Key Lessons from the Story** ### **Jesus’ Humanity and Divinity (00:13:38–00:14:52)** - A rare glimpse into Jesus’ childhood: - Balancing His earthly obedience with divine purpose. - The importance of continuing to seek and deepen our connection to God. ### **Faith and Perseverance** - God calls us to persist in our spiritual journey. - Finding Jesus not only in church but in our daily lives. --- ## **Application and Call to Action** ### **Living the Gospel (00:14:52–00:15:28)** - Demonstrating care and concern for others as a reflection of God’s love. - Actively seeking and sharing the presence of Jesus in everyday life. --- ## **Prayers and Community Updates** ### **Intercessory Prayers (00:15:28–00:23:05)** - Sharing joys and concerns from the congregation: - **Updates on individuals:** Health challenges, personal growth, and family needs. - **Prayers of thanksgiving:** For support, healing, and connections within the community. - **Encouragement:** - Reflecting gratitude for God’s work through others. - Sharing personal stories of receiving blessings. --- ## **Conclusion** ### **Final Reflections (00:22:01–00:23:05)** - Reminder of God’s faithfulness and the joy of connection. - **Closing Prayer:** - Rejoicing in God’s presence, love, and community. ### **Closing Charge** - *“May we continue to search for Jesus, seek Him in our lives, and demonstrate His love to others.”* # Go, Tell It on the Mountain ### Refrain **Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere; Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born.** --- ### Verse 1 While shepherds kept their watching O’er silent flocks by night, Behold throughout the heavens There shone a holy light. **(Refrain)** --- ### Verse 2 The shepherds feared and trembled When lo! above the earth, Rang out the angel chorus That hailed the Savior's birth. **(Refrain)** --- ### Verse 3 Down in a lowly manger The humble Christ was born, And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn. **(Refrain)** --- ### ✝️ Commission & Benediction --- ### 🎵 Postlude (Seated) --- ## Worship Participants - **Pastor:** Rev. Caroline E. Saxton - **Organist:** Barbara Motichka - **Deacon in Charge:** Pete A’Zary - **Lector:** Diana Kongkeattikul - **Children’s Corner:** Diana and Swann Kongkeattikul - **Bulletin Cover:** Edd Scheer --- ### 🌸 Flowers at the Foot of the Cross Given to the Glory of God. --- ## **St. John’s Vision** We are called to love, to learn, to worship and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone, and seeks service that will advance God’s realm on earth. --- ## **St. John’s Mission** To grow in love of God and neighbor. --- ## Worship Resources - **"BC: AD" by U.A. Fanthorpe (adapted):** [Journey with Jesus](https://www.journeywithjesus.net/poemsandprayers/549-ua-fanthorpe-bc-ad) - **"Born to Give Us Second Birth" by Jack Brown (adapted):** [Journey with Jesus](https://www.journeywithjesus.net/poemsandprayers/482-jack-brown-born-to-give-us-second-birth) - **Feasting on the Word Worship Companion** - **Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship** ---