THIRTY-THIRD ANNUAL FESTIVAL
of NINE LESSONS and CAROLS
Phillip Herr-Klepacki – Conductor and Director of Music Ministry
We warmly welcome you to this special Advent service!

PRELUDE 

11 a.m.
“While Shepherds Watched” – Thomas Este’s Psalter, 1592 England
“In Dulci Jubilo” – medieval Latin carol and traditional melody, 14th century Germany
Brass Ensemble: Larry Reimer and Tim Martin, trumpet; Michael Dixon, french horn; and Mark Burlingame, flugelhorn
“Away in a Manger” –  by William James Kirkpatrick
Youth Brass Ensemble: Carlos Frenock, Nadal Gutierrez-Hernandez, Nati Gutierrez-Hernandez, Ewan Johnson, Brian Martin, David Martin, Lucia Nelson

7 p.m.
“Babe of Bethlem” – The Southern Harmony, arranged by William Ryden, 1854
“The First Noel” – traditional English melody, arranged by Ricky Lombardo
“Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” – by Lewis Redner, arranged by William Ryden
“Fum, Fum, Fum” – traditional Catalonian carol, arranged by Ricky Lombardo
Trio: Sally Simonis, flute; Cindy Martin, flute; Ruth Saunders, violin

WELCOME – Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES – The candle of Peace
11 a.m. – The Engels Family
7 p.m. – The Walters-Lemstrom Family

HYMN – “O Come, All Ye Faithful” – by John Frances Wade, 18th century
Georgia Vanover, soloist; choir, congregation, and Brass Ensemble: Larry Reimer and Tim Martin, trumpet; Michael Dixon, french horn; and Mark Burlingame, flugelhorn
Please join in singing with the choir following the solo verse

Solo:
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels.
O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him.
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

All:
Adeste, Fideles, laeti triumphantes,
Venite, venite in Bethlehem.
Natum videte, Regem Angelorum;
Venite adoremus, venite adoremus, venite adoremus, Dominum!

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest
O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him.
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus to thee be all glory given;
Word of our God, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him.
O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

INVOCATION – Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan

THE FIRST LESSON – Isaiah 40 – read by Doris Harvey
Choir – “Gaudete” – arranged by Brian Kay
Stan Smith, soloist; Brass Ensemble: Larry Reimer and Tim Martin, trumpet; Michael Dixon, french horn; and Mark Burlingame, flugelhorn

Gaudete, Gaudete, Christus est natus
Ex Maria, Virgine, Gaudete.
Tempus ad est gratiae,
Hoc quod optabamus,
Carmina lætitiæ,
Devote reddamus.Gaudete, Gaudete, Christus est natus,
Ex Maria, Virgine, Gaudete.
Deus homo factus est,
Natura mirante,
Mundus renovatus est,
A Christo regnante.Gaudete, Gaudete, Christus est natus
Ex Maria, Virgine, Gaudete.
Ezekelis porta,
Clausa pertransitur,
Unde lux est orta,
Salus invenitur.Gaudete, Gaudete, Christus est natus,
Ex Maria, Virgine, Gaudete.
Ergo nostra contio,
Psallat iam in lustro,
Benedicat Domino,
Salus regi nostro.
Gaudete, Gaudete, Christus est natus
Ex Maria, Virgine, Gaudete.[Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary. Rejoice!
The time of grace has come,
What we have wished for.
Songs of joy
Let us give back faithfully.Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary. Rejoice!
God has become human,
With nature marvelling,
The world has been renewed
By the reigning Christ.Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary. Rejoice!
The closed gate of Ezekiel
Is passed through,
Whence the light is risen;
Salvation has been found.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary. Rejoice!
Therefore, let our assembly
Now sing in brightness.
Let it bless the Lord:
Greetings to our King.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary. Rejoice!]

THE SECOND LESSON – Isaiah 9 and 40 – read by Tami Herchel
Children’s Choir – “Little Drummer Boy” – by Katherine Kennicott Davis
Phillip Herr-Klepacki, piano

Come, they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A newborn King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
So to honour Him, pa rum pum pum pum
When we come.Little baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor kid too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give a King, pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum
On my drum?Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

 

THE THIRD LESSON – Isaiah 7 and 11, Micah 4 –
11 a.m. read by Berta Hernandez-Truyol and Vivian Gutierrez
7 p.m. read by Berta Hernandez-Truyol
Choir – “A La Nanita Nana” – traditional Spanish carol, arranged by Roger Folstrom

A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,

Mi Jesús tiene sueño, bendito sea, bendito sea.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,
Mi Jesús tiene sueño, bendito sea, bendito sea.
Fuentecilla que corres clara y sonora,
Ruiseñor q’en la selva cantando lloras,
Callad mientras cuna, se balancea.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea.[Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby -by,
My Jesus is sleepy, blessed be, blessed be.
Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby -by,
My Jesus is sleepy, blessed be, blessed be.
Little fount flowing clear and ringing,
Nightingale that weeps in song in the forest,
Silent while the cradle gently rocks.
Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby -by.]

A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea
My Jesus, He is sleeping,
How blessed be His name, how blessed be His name.
Little brook ever flowing, rushing and ringing,
Nightingale in the forest sighing and singing,
Quiet while the cradle gently enfolds Him.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea.
A la nana, nanita nana.

THE FOURTH LESSON – Luke 1 – read by Helda Montero
Choir – “Noel Nouvelet” – traditional French carol, arranged by Donna Gartman Schultz
Cindy Martin, flute

Here we sing of Christmas, Christmas comes anew.
Come devoted people, say to God, “Thank you.”
Sing we Noël unto the newborn King.
Here we sing of Christmas, Christmas comes anew.Angels high above sang, “Shepherds, go from here,
Your souls filled with peace and hearts so full of cheer.
In Bethlehem you’ll find the Lamb so dear,
Noël nouvelet, noël chantons ici.” [Christmas News! We sing Christmas here.]Once in Bethlehem they found the infant Son.
Joseph and Mary gathered all as one.
He lay in a manger instead of a bed.
Noël nouvelet, noël chantons ici.Soon the kings led by the bright and shining star,
Came from the Eastern lands which were so far.
Bringing their gifts of gold and incense rare.
Noël nouvelet, noël chantons ici.

 

THE FIFTH LESSON – Matthew 1 and Luke 2 – 
11 a.m. read by Nan Ryan
7 p.m. read by Donn Smith-Lopez
Youth Choir – “Let There Be Peace on Earth” – by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson, arranged by Jay Althouse
Phillip Herr-Klepacki, piano

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth,
The peace that was meant to be.
With God, our Creator,
Neighbors all are we.
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me.
Let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take,
Let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

RESPONSIVE PRAYER – Rev. Talia Raymond

Leader: O God, you have already come near to us; otherwise, we would not be waiting for Christmas, looking for the birth of peace in our world.

People: The light we await is already shining. It is the source of our longing, the small voice that will not let us rest content with things as they are.

Leader: You have called us as your children and asked that we act with love toward you and toward each other.

People: Let us kindle the lights of Christmas, the lights of our hope and of our rejoicing.

Leader: May our Christmas lights be a sign of warmth and acceptance stronger than words, a light that will never be put out.

People: May the love that we see and hear be the light of our church, a beacon of your presence in this world. Amen. 

HYMN AND OFFERING – “The First Nowell” – Traditional English carol
Choir and Congregation

The first Nowell 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.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
Born in a manger Emmanuel.They looked above 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.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
Born in a manger Emmanuel.This star shone bright in the northwest;
O’er Bethlehem it seemed to rest,
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
Born in a manger Emmanuel.

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THE SIXTH LESSON – Luke 2 –
11 a.m. read by Ana White
7 p.m. read by Gloria Burger
Choir of Lower Voices – “Do You Know the Way to Bethlehem?” – by Douglas Wagner

Do you know the way to Bethlehem?
We’ve heard a child lies there.
Can you show the way to Bethlehem,
That we, our love might share.
Heaven’s light now fills the sky,
Angels sing a lullaby.
And on earth a baby cries,
The blessed son of God.Do you know the way to Bethlehem?
We’ve journeyed through the night.
Can you show the way to Bethlehem,
And to that holy sight?Heaven’s light now fills the sky,
Angel’s sing a lullaby.
And on earth a baby cries,
The blessed son of God.This child we seek before us lies
On Mary’s lap now sleeping.
New joy he brings while angels sing
And we our watch are keeping.Heaven’s light now fills the sky,
Angels sing a lullaby.
And on earth a baby cries,
The blessed son of God.
Do you know the way to Bethlehem?

THE SEVENTH LESSON – Luke 2 –
11 a.m. read by Fiona Hammond
7 p.m. read by Maxwell Burger
Choir of Treble Voices – “There Is No Rose” – arranged by Benjamin Britten

There is no rose of such vertu
As is the rose that bare Jesu;
Alleluia.For in this rose contained was
Heaven and earth in litel space;
Res miranda [Marvelous thing].By that rose we may well see
There be one God in persons three,
Pares forma [In her likeness].The angels sungen the shepherds to:
Gloria in excelsis Deo:
Gaudeamus [Let us rejoice].Leave we all this werldly mirth,
And follow we this joyful birth;
Transeamus [We travel on].Alleluia, Res miranda,
Pares forma, Gaudeamus,
Transeamus.

THE EIGHTH LESSON – Matthew 2 – read by Jim Harper
Choir – “In the Bleak Midwinter” – poem by Christina Rosetti, music by Gustav Holst, arranged by Alice Parker

In the bleak midwinter,

Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron.
Water like a stone:
Snow had fallen,
Snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him,
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign;
In the bleak mid-winter,
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only in her maiden bliss,
Worshiped the Beloved with a kiss.What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise one, I would do my part;
Yet what I can, I give Him
Give my heart.

THE NINTH LESSON – John 1 and Luke 1 – Jenny Hill, reader
Choir – “Festival Gloria” – by Derek Hakes, based on a traditional French carol
Brass Ensemble: Larry Reimer and Tim Martin, trumpet; Michael Dixon, french horn; and Mark Burlingame, flugelhorn

Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Angels we have heard on high
Singing sweetly through the night,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their brave delight.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why these songs of happy cheer?
What great brightness did you see?
What glad tiding did you hear?
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Sing Gloria!Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
God’s own Son, the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria!

BENEDICTION – Revs. Bromleigh McCleneghan and Talia Raymond

HYMN – “Joy to The World” – by Isaac Watts
Brass Ensemble: Larry Reimer and Tim Martin, trumpet; Michael Dixon, french horn; and Mark Burlingame, flugelhorn

Joy to the world! the Lord is come:
Let earth its praises bring;
Let every heart prepare Christ room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.Joy to the Earth! the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.Christ rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of God’s righteousness
And wonders of God’s love,
And wonders of God’s love,
And wonders, wonders, of God’s love.

Phillip Herr-Klepacki – Conductor and Director of Music Ministry;  Adult Choir Director; Youth Choir Director
Thomas Miller – Piano
Julia Crawford – Children’s Choir Director
Ruth Saunders – Instrumentalist Coordinator
Mark Burlingame – Adult Brass Coordinator
Larry Reimer – Youth Brass Coordinator
Kitty Williams – Music Librarian
Catherine Cake – Production Coordinator
Jenny Hill – Readers’ Coach
Holden Martin – Technical Coordinator
Elise Lee – Assistant Technical Coordinator
John Bollinger – Photographer

****************ANNOUNCEMENTS******************
Today at UCG
Second Sunday of Advent – “Peace”

10 a.m.        Lessons and Carols Warm-Ups – west wing
10:45 a.m.   Childcare – children’s wing
11 a.m.        Worship Service – Lessons and Carols
12 p.m.        Fellowship and Beverages – courtyard
6:15 p.m.     Lessons and Carols Warm-Ups – west wing
7 p.m.          Worship Service – Lessons and Carols
8 p.m.          Lessons and Carols Reception – Reimer Hall

United Church of Gainesville’s 33rd Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held today at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. This service combines the readings of the Christmas story with beautiful carols and music that enrich the meaning of the Advent season.

This month we have two opportunities to support Food First Sunday, so if you missed last week, you can contribute today. Gainesville Community Ministry has been serving many families impacted by the hurricanes. Thank you for your generous commitment to stocking the Food Pantry at Gainesville Community Ministries. To date in 2024, we have provided 1.6 tons of food – 3,184 pounds! If you forget to bring your donations or prefer to donate online, please visit bit.ly/ciafoodfirst.

It’s All-Church Band Time Again. If you do now or ever have played a band instrument, you are invited to join the UCG All Church Band for our annual Christmas Sing-Along Medley on December 15. It’s middle school level difficulty, and it’s always fun. Gather at 9:15 a.m. for a few run throughs, and we play for the opening of the service. Music is available now in the Sanctuary foyer. Take a part, sign your name so we know who is playing, reintroduce yourself to your instrument if necessary, and join in the joy.

Soul Food Enlistment Update. We need your help to finish our “Soul Food” Enlistment Campaign. As of Tuesday we have received pledges totaling $726,140, 85% toward our $850,000 enlistment goal. This is great, and we are so thankful for all who have responded. However, we still have around 150 folks on our list who have not told us their pledging plans yet, and we are falling behind where we were at this point in last year’s campaign. Right now, while you’re reading this, we invite you to consider the many ways that UCG feeds your soul, and to thoughtfully consider a pledge to support the church’s 2025 budget. Even if your pantry is bare this year and you can’t commit monetary support at this time, we would like you to submit a pledge card so we know where we stand for next year. To pledge, you can visit the web portal at https://bit.ly/UCGpledge2025, turn in a physical pledge card, or email Catherine Cake at catherinec@ucgainesville.org.

Next Sunday, December 15
Third Sunday of Advent – “Joy”

9:30 a.m.     Friendship Group
9:45 a.m.     Childcare
10 a.m.        Worship Service – Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan
10:15 a.m.   Kids United
                    Friendship Group
11 a.m.        Fellowship and Beverages
                    Youth United Chili Fundraiser – Reimer Hall

Youth United Annual Chili Lunch. Join us at the annual chili lunch fundraiser to help support our UCG youth’s summer Work Tour Sunday, December 15, 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. in Reimer Hall. The cost is $7 for adults (16 and older), $5 for children ages 3 -15, and free for ages 2 and under. Bring muffin tins if you would like to taste many different chilis, but bowls will be provided. Cornbread, brats, dogs (meat-eater and vegan friendly), and desserts included. Please sign up to supply chili and to volunteer during the event: bit.ly/4elxKkr. You will also have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for amazing themed baskets and artwork curated and donated by our wonderful Boards and Committees. The cost of raffle tickets will be: $2 for one, $5 for 3, $10 for 8, or $20 for 20! 

All-Ages Skating with United Church of Gainesville. Wednesday, December 11, 5-8 p.m., at Skate Station. All ages and skills are welcome. $5 (plus tax) admission includes skate rental. Extra charge for rollerblades or bring your own skates.

Women’s Lunch Group Tasteful Christmas Lunch. Women’s Lunch Group will celebrate the holidays with a Tasteful Christmas Luncheon on Friday, December 13, at noon in Reimer Hall. All women are invited to bring a potluck dish to share and a beverage of their choice. The potluck sign up is at bit.ly/WomensLunch24 or you can look for the bulletin board in the courtyard today. Please bring your plate and utensils to save on clean-up and waste. Also, if you can, please bring new underwear or a donation (cash or check to Helping Hands Clinic) which will be given to Helping Hands Clinic for the women’s boutique. Join us for good food and fellowship this Christmas season.

“Starry Night” Kids’ Night Out. December 13, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Education Wing. Join us to stargaze with high-powered telescopes, paint starry artwork inspired by Van Gogh, and decorate a galaxy dessert that is out of this world! Infants through 5th grade are invited for a night of activities, crafts, pizza, and a movie. Cost is $20 for the first child, and $15 for siblings. RSVP by noon December 11 to juliac@ucgainesville.org.

Everyone is invited to our December 18 Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. A service of grief, loss, reflection, and quiet hope. There will be a light reception following the service. All are welcome, childcare is provided.

Every December we send cards and letters for Ray Meeks, United Church of Gainesville member who was on death row for 42 years when his sentence was commuted to life in prison. Please drop off letters or cards at the church office, they will be scanned and sent to Ray.

Please mark your calendar to join us January 31 – February 2 for the annual Women’s Overnight 2025! Our extravagantly planned weekend includes sessions at UCG on Friday (day) for anyone not available to get away, as well as the weekend at Camp Weed in Live Oak (you’re welcome to join us for all). Exciting details to follow in the January newsletter. Online registration starts January 3; see us in Seminar C in between services on Sunday, January 5 and Sunday, January 12 for questions or to register!

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Save the Date: Convergence Futures Lab
Saturday, January 25, 2025 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Lunch provided

To our United Church of Gainesville visionaries, way makers and beloved members (i.e., all of you!): UCG, in collaboration with Convergence Congregational Consulting, requests your attendance at the upcoming Futures Lab on Saturday, January 25. This fun, imaginative space offers a creative outlet for us to consider different futures for our church home so that together, we can craft the next chapter in United Church of Gainesville’s story.

Facilitated by Rev. Cameron Trimble, and based on her work with the United Nations and UNESCO, attendees will journey 45 years into the future to envision who we could become, and define the steps to take us there. As Lindsey Telg mentioned in the recent Moderator’s Minute, our congregation has not yet committed to hiring a consultant at its fullest extent; we will be voting on a motion to approve the full contract with Convergence during our Winter Congregational meeting on Sunday, February 9. With that in mind, the Futures Lab is a singular opportunity for members of our congregation to learn more about Convergence, and discern how future collaborations might serve us as we continue to navigate this time of transition.

Your ideas and perspectives are essential to the process of breathing life into the church we will become in the months and years to follow. Please consider lending your time and your voice to this workshop and help us shape United Church Gainesville for generations ahead!

All members are welcome; lunch will be provided, and childcare is available. To help us plan adequate food, supplies, and childcare, please indicate your interest in attending here. Thank you!

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Advent Devotional 2024

Pause and reflect this Advent season guided by meaningful words and images shared by members of our community. We have copies available at church and online.

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Our December newsletter is available online.