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WELCOME!
We are delighted that you are worshipping with us this morning. National City Christian Church is
a unique place which is held in trust for all Disciples and a house of prayer that is open and affirming of all God’s people. On this blessed day, we pray that God’s Spirit will move in your life
and in our life together as we worship God in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
If you are a visitor, we invite you to sign our guest register and to fill out a Connect with Us card,
which may be found in your bulletin or available from a greeter. Please place the Connect with
Us card in the offering plate so that we may be in contact with you should you require additional
information, have prayer requests, or would like to speak with a pastor.
This service will last approximately 75 minutes. We kindly and respectfully ask that you please
silence all electronic devices and that you refrain from using flash photography or any audio or
video recording devices.
ABOUT THIS SERVICE
The traditional Lessons and Carols Service was drawn up by E.W. Benson, who became the
Archbishop of Canterbury (England), for use in a Christmas Eve service in 1880, held in the
wooden shed which then served as his cathedral in Truro, England. His son, A.C. Benson, recalled: “My father arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve – nine lessons
and nine short carols, which were read by various officers of the church, beginning with a chorister and ending with the Bishop.” In its initial years, the service began with the carol Adeste
Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful) and concluded with the Magnificat (the Song of Mary).
Almost immediately, other churches throughout England adapted the service for their own use. A
wider fame began to grow when the service was sung at King’s College Chapel, at Cambridge
University, and first broadcast on BBC to the world in 1928. With the exception of 1929, the service has been broadcast annually, even during the Second World War, when the ancient glass
(and with it, all the heat!) had been removed from King’s College Chapel and the name of King’s
College could not be broadcast for security reasons.
At National City Christian Church, in order to tell the Advent and the Christmas stories in one service, Scripture lessons are taken from passages in the Bible which foretell the coming of Christ
as well as of his birth in Bethlehem – a bit different approach from the separate Lessons and Carols service typically used in most Anglican/Protestant churches. And because National City
Christian Church’s tradition is to celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday, this Lessons and
Carols service includes that sacred feast as well.
Wherever Lessons and Carols are heard and however adapted, the pattern and strength of the
service is derived from the lessons, and not the music. The main theme is the development of the
loving purposes of God seen through the windows and words of the Holy Bible. Local interests
appear in the bidding prayer, the prayers at communion, and in the varying selection of hymns
and choral music. The center of the service is found by those who “go in heart and mind” and
who faithfully follow where the story leads. Only then may they see revealed the God who is
among us, and worship the Christ Child born long ago in Bethlehem.
The Service of Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmastide follows the order in this booklet.
HARP AND ORGAN PRELUDE
Trad. French Carol, arr. D. Burton
What is this Lovely Fragrance?
Miriam Gentle, harp, and Kenneth Lowenberg, organ
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rev. Dr. Stephen Gentle, Senior Pastor
At the sound of the bells, the Congregation stands.
*PROCESSIONAL CAROL
NO. 165
Once in Royal David’s City
The first verse will be sung by a soloist. Please join in singing verses 2, 3, and 4.
Virginia Le Blanc, soloist
Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed,
where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.
Christ came down to earth from heaven, love incarnate for us all,
and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall;
with the poor, the scorned, the lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.
Jesus is our childhood’s pattern; day by day like us he grew,
he was little, weak, and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew.
Thus he feels for all our sadness, and he shares in all our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love;
for that child who seemed so helpless lives and reigns in heaven above;
and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone.
Words: Cecil F. Alexander, 1848, alt.
Music: IRBY; Henry John Gauntlett, 1849
*RESPONSE OF THE PEOPLE
Led by Melissa & Kevin Wilson
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
My soul magnifies the Lord.
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
The Mighty One has done great things.
Holy is God’s name!
*LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES
Leader:
We light this candle as a symbol of God’s love for us and our love for one
another.
People: For the Lord rejoices over us with gladness, and renews us in his love.
He exults over us with singing and turns our shame to praise.
Unison: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
*Stand as you are able
*CONGREGATIONAL CAROL OF RESPONSE
Sung by all.
A Candle Is Burning
Come, wander where lion and lamb gently play,
where evil is banished and faith takes the day,
a babe in a manger to fool the world’s eyes.
One candle is lit for God’s loving surprise.
No. 128 (4)
Words: Mary Anne Parott, 1988
Music: CRADLE SONG, William J. Kirkpatrick, 1895
*PRAYER
Led by Rev. Dr. Stephen Gentle
Ever faithful God,
through prophets and angels,
you promised to raise up a holy child
who would establish a household of peace and justice.
Open our hearts to receive your Son,
that we may open our doors
to welcome all people as sisters and brothers,
and establish your household in our time.
We make our prayer in his most holy name.
INVITATORY CAROL
Sung by the Choir
Creator of the Stars of Night
Sterling Washington, soloist
Creator of the stars of night, your people’s everlasting light,
O Christ, redeemer of us all, we pray you, hear us when we call.
When this old world drew on toward night, you came, but not in splendor bright,
not as a monarch but the child of Mary, blameless mother mild.
At your great name, O Jesus, now all knees must bend, all hearts must bow:
all things on earth with one accord, like those in heaven shall call you Lord.
Words: Latin hymn (9th century); tr. The Hymnal 1982
Music: Plainsong, Mode IV
FIRST LESSON
Read by Byron Cotton
Isaiah 11:1-10
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his
roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide
by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with
equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and
with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt
around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the
lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall
lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play
over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the
knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall
stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall
be glorious.
Reader: The word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
CAROL
Sung by the choir
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
Lo! how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung.
Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung.
It came a Flow’ret bright amid the cold of winter,
When half-spent was the night.
Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind.
With Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind.
To show God’s love aright, she bore to us a Savior,
When half-spent was the night.
Words: Isaiah 11:1; Es ist ein ‘Ros ‘entsprungen, 1599; tr. Theodore Baker, 1851-1934, alt.
Music: Geistliche Kirchengesänge, Cologne, 1599; harm. by Hugo Distler, 1908-1942
SECOND LESSON
Read by Deloris Ruddock
Isaiah 7:10-14
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as
Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the
test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look,
the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.
Reader: The word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
CAROL
Sung by the Choir
Unto Us a Boy Is Born!
Unto us a boy is born! King of all creation;
came he to a world forlorn, the Lord of every nation.
Cradled in a stall was he, with sleepy cows and asses;
but the very beasts could see that he all flesh surpasses.
Now may Mary’s Son, who came so long ago to save us,
lead us all with hearts aflame unto the joys above us.
Alpha and Omega he! Let the organ thunder,
while the choir with peals of glee doth rend the air asunder.
Words: Latin carol, 15th cent.; tr. Percy Dearmer, 1928, alt.
Music: Puer nobis, from Piae Cantiones, 1582; arr. Gilbert M. Martin, b. 1941
THIRD LESSON
Read by Patrick Malone
Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.
The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one!
The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what
sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you
have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most
High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign
over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to
the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy
Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for
her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary
said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.
Reader:
People:
The word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
*CONGREGATIONAL CAROL
Sung by all
No. 147
Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,
and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay
close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
Words: Anonymous, 19th cent.
Music: AWAY IN A MANGER; attr. James R. Murray, 1887
FOURTH LESSON
Read by Gary Lewis
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had
been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child
from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph,
son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her
is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will
save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by
the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they
shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from
sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but
had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Reader:
People:
The word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
CAROL
Sung by the Choir
Angels’ Carol
Have you heard the sound of the angel voices
Ringing out so sweetly, ringing out so clear?
Have you seen the star shining out so brightly
As a sign from God that Christ the Lord is here?
Have you heard the news that they bring from heaven
To the humble shepherds who have waited long?
Gloria in excelsis Deo, gloria in excelsis Deo!
Hear the angels sing their joyful song.
He is come in peace in the winter’s stillness,
Like a gentle snowfall in the gentle night;
He is come in joy like the sun at morning
Filling all the world with radiance and with light.
He is come in love as the child of Mary;
In a simple stable we have seen his birth:
Gloria in excelsis Deo, gloria in excelsis Deo!
Hear the angels singing, “Peace on earth.”
He will bring new light to a world in darkness,
Like a bright star shining in the skies above;
He will bring new hope to the waiting nations
When he comes to reign in purity and love.
Let the earth rejoice at the Savior’s coming;
Let the heavens answer with the joyful morn:
Gloria in excelsis Deo, gloria in excelsis Deo!
Hear the angels singing, “Christ is born.”
Words and music: John Rutter, b. 1945
FIFTH LESSON
Read by Beverly Goines
Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from
the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the
Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where
the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been
written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means
least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my
people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the
exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go
and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so
that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out;
and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped
over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they
were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his
mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure
chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been
warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another
road.
Reader:
People:
The word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
CAROL
Sung by the choir
What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright?
What star is this, with beams so bright,
More lovely than the noonday light?
‘Tis sent to announce a newborn King,
Glad tidings of our God to bring.
‘Tis now fulfilled what God decreed,
“From Jacob shall a star proceed”;
And lo! the Eastern sages stand
To read in heav’n the Lord’s command.
O Jesus, while the star of grace
Impels us on to seek your face,
Let not our slothful hearts refuse
The guidance of your light to use.
To God the Father, God the Son,
and Holy Spirit, Three in one,
May every tongue and nation raise
An endless song of thankful praise.
Words: Charles Coffin, 1676-1749; tr. John Chandler, 1806-76, alt.
Music: Trier manuscript, 15th cent.; tune adapt. Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621; arr. Kenneth Lowenberg
SIXTH LESSON
Read by Stephen Gentle
John 1:1-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without
him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the
life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did
not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as
a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was
not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being
through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his
own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name,
he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of
the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among
us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and
truth.
Reader:
People:
The word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
CAROL
Sung by the choir
Of the Father’s Love Begotten
Of the Father’s love begotten ere the world began to be,
Christ is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he!
Of the things that are, that have been and that future years shall see,
evermore and evermore!
Christ, to thee with God Creator, and O Holy Ghost, to thee,
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion, and eternal victory,
evermore and evermore! Amen.
PRAYERS FOR ALL GOD'S PEOPLE
Led by John Jeffrey
Response: O come, O come, Emmanuel.
INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP
Stephen Gentle
Those desiring to become members of National City Christian Church, either by transfer of membership or profession of faith, are invited to come forth during the hymn.
*HYMN OF COMMITMENT
Sung by all
No. 155 (1, 4)
Angels We Have Heard on High
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
See within a manger laid, Christ, whom choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, while our hearts in love we raise.
Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Beverly Goines
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Sung by the choir
A Child Is Born
Alia Waheed Ky, soloist
A child is born in Bethlehem, alleluia!
Wherefore rejoice, Jerusalem, alleluia, alleluia!
With joyful hearts in praise,
Christ the newborn King adore now as newfound songs we raise.
Hic jacet in praesepio, (Here he lies in the manger), alleluia!
Qui regnat sine termino, (The One who rules without end), alleluia, alleluia!
In cordis jubilo, Christum natum adoremus cum novo cantico
(In joy of heart let us adore the newborn Christ with a new song).
In hoc natali gaudio (On this joyful birthday), alleluia!
Benedicamus Domino (let us bless the Lord), alleluia, alleluia!
In cordis jubilo, Christum natum adoremus cum novo cantico
(In joy of heart let us adore the newborn Christ with a new song).
Now praise the Blessed Trinity, alleluia!
Who reigns for all eternity, alleluia, alleluia!
With joyful hearts in praise,
Christ the newborn King adore now cum novo cantico.
*DOXOLOGY
All Praise, Eternal Son
All praise to you, eternal Son,
Whose advent has our freedom won,
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Spirit, evermore.
Words: Charles Coffin, 1676-1749; tr. John Chandler, 1806-1876, alt.
Music: WINCHESTER NEW, adapt. from Musikalisches Handbuch, Hamburg, 1690
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Stephen Gentle
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Loretta Franklin
Elder:
People:
Elder:
People:
Elder:
Let us lift up our hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
We give thanks for your Son, Jesus Christ, conceived by the Holy Spirit
in the womb of Mary, who emerges to claim the throne of his ancestor
David. His fidelity will outlast the heavens, and of his reign there will be
no end.
People: With our hearts lifted high, we offer you thanks and praise at all
times, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you, and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Unison: 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, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
PRAYER AT THE TABLE
Loretta Tate
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
The table is for all believers in Jesus Christ. Please eat the bread as it is passed and hold the cup so
that we may share it together.
COMMUNION CAROL
O Little Town of Bethlehem
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the joys of highest heaven.
No ear may hear Christ coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.
Words: Phillips Brooks, 1868, alt.
Music: ST. LOUIS, Lewis H. Redner, 1868
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Minister: We thank you, O God, that your Son has come among us in history and
continues to abide among us in this holy meal and through the Spirit he has
poured forth into our hearts.
People: Send us out into the world rejoicing, proclaiming good news of great
joy to all the people, and giving witness to his compassion, justice,
and love. We make our prayer in the name of the holy child of
Bethlehem, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
*CAROL OF GOING FORTH
Sung by all
No. 148
O Come, All Ye Faithful
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.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest; O come...
Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger,
We would embrace thee, with love and awe.
Who would not love thee, loving us so dearly? O come...
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born for our salvation,
Jesus, to thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. O come...
Words: John Francis Wade, 1743; tr. Frederick Oakeley, 1841, and others
Music: ADESTE FIDELES; John Francis Wade, 1743
*BENEDICTION
Stephen Gentle
POSTLUDE
Johann Pachelbel
Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (How Lovely Shines the Morning Star
THANK YOU for joining us in worship this morning. We wish you many blessings during this Christmas season and in the New Year. Please join us in the Atrium for
coffee and fellowship following the service. We cordially invite you to worship with us
again soon.
The music at today’s service was made possible in part by a generous donation from
Laura F. Pether, Kathleen Bower, and Becky Huffman in memory of her mother,
Dorothy Francis.
MEMBERS OF THE SANCTUARY CHOIR
Soprano
Mona Corneiro
Dorothy Davis
Loretta Franklin
Sylvia Snyder
Teresa Swihart
Alia Waheed*
Kathleen Walker
Beverly Williams
Alto
Kathy Burger
Chieko Cook
Virginia Le Blanc*
Terri Malone
Beverly Schacht
*Section Leaders
Miriam Gentle, harpist
NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH STAFF
Stephen Gentle, Senior Pastor
Betty Crudup, Evening Receptionist
Michael Dula, Maintenance Assistant
Janice Glover, Housekeeping
Beverly Goines, Assistant Pastor
Roy Hatton, Maintenance Assistant
Morris Jackson, Building Superintendent
John Jeffrey, Seminary Intern
Sana Kifafi, Children’s Ministry
Bill Knight, Facilities Administrator
Kenneth Lowenberg, Organist
Mark Masdin, Seminary Intern
J. Michael McMahon, Minister of Music
Noemi Mena, Pastor, Hispanic Ministries
Peter Morgan, Historian in Residence
Kathleen Swihart, Associate in Membership
Beau Underwood, Assistant Pastor
Colleen Walsh, Office Manager
Tenor
Chrys Lemon
Bill Stewart
Ray Valido
Sterling Washington*
Baritone/Bass
Douglas Cook
Steven Cook
David Dix
Jorge Docabo
Wesley Gentle*
Steve Schacht
Colin Silver
David Walker
Kent Woods
WELCOME TO NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
On this Sunday before Christmas, we celebrate God’s Love Incarnate in Christ Jesus. We are so honored that you are in worship with us today. May the love of God be with the whole people of God –
wherever people are gathered in worship to praise the Lord for the babe born in Bethlehem. If you are in
town this Christmas Eve, join us for a special service of candlelight and communion, beginning with a
half hour of festive preludal music at 7 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Disciples Mission Christmas Offering - Special offerings will be taken today for the Regional Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Care Packages for the Homeless - Once again the Food Pantry team is putting together care
packages for the homeless and we need volunteers to help pack the gift bags today. Please contact
Lorraine Magnusson. Thank you so much for your support of this ministry.
WIN Action with the New Mayor - January 8, at St. Augustine Catholic Church (1419 V Street NW)
Music begins at 6:30 p.m., Action begins at 7 p.m. Join the Washington Interfaith Network for an event
with new DC Mayor Muriel Bowser during her first week in office. We will present to Mayor Bowser
WIN's agenda around housing, homelessness, jobs and gun safety. We need YOU there to represent
National City Christian Church and help set the stage for a productive relationship with the new Mayor!
Contact Bailey at baileykchilders@gmail.com or 903-918-7160 to RSVP.
FOR OUR GUESTS
Membership at National City Christian Church - It would be our joy to welcome you into the
membership of this congregation. You may join through transfer of membership from another congregation or through a profession of faith and baptism. Full and associate memberships are available. Please
feel free to talk with any minister or email bgoines@nationalcitycc.org
Sanctuary Tour - Tours of our historic Sanctuary are available following the 11 a.m. worship service. If
you are interested, please meet at the Garfield Window in the rear of the Sanctuary (pulpit side).
Coffee and Fellowship - Come to the Atrium for a warm cup of coffee and meet some of the warm people of National City. The Atrium is located on the first floor of the building through the front, right door.
Nursery - Childcare is available during the morning for children through age four. The nursery is located
in Fellers Foyer. Speak with a greeter or any member for directions.
Accessibility - Elevator access to the Sanctuary is available via the 14th Street courtyard entrance. If
you would like to request a handicapped parking space for Sunday, please call the church office by 12
noon on Friday.
EN ESPAÑOL - Culto en la Capilla Phillips, Domingo 11 a.m.
Parking - Complimentary parking is available at the Washington Plaza Hotel parking garage.
Simply ask for a voucher at the church front desk at the 14th Street entrance. Free street parking is
available every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the west ramp off Thomas Circle, which leads to Massachusetts Avenue.
Pastoral Needs - If you would like to speak with a pastor, please feel free to meet with one of the pastors at the door after the worship service or call 202-232-0323 during office hours.
National City Online - Visit online at www.nationalcitycc.org to find a recording of Sunday's sermon.
Members and guests are encouraged to sign up for our email list at www.nationalcitycc.org/register.asp.
Facebook aficionados are encouraged to sign up as fans of National City Christian Church’s Facebook
page. See you online!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 - FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal - 9 a.m., Music Suite
Christian Pathways Class - 10 a.m., Community Room, led by Loretta Tate
Acts Bible Study - 10 a.m., Howland Center, led by Beau Underwood
Deaconesses Christmas Meeting - 12:30 p.m., Community Room
Children's Chorus of Washington - 1 p.m., Sanctuary, Music Suite, Scott Hall,
Howland Center
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22
Jaime Andrew Fitness Boot Camp - 6 a.m., Community Room
Washington Master Choral - 5:30 p.m., Sanctuary, Music Suite
Fluent City Language classes* - 6:30 p.m., 3rd Floor Campbell
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23
Fluent City Language classes* - 6:30 p.m., 3rd Floor Campbell
Fortissima Choir - 7 p.m., Phillips Chapel
Jaime Andrew Fitness Boot Camp - 7 p.m., Community Room
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
Jaime Andrew Fitness Boot Camp - 6 a.m., Community Room
Food Pantry - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Atrium
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - 7 p.m., Prelude
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25
CHRISTMAS - NCCC OFFICES CLOSED
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
NCCC OFFICES CLOSED
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal - 9 a.m., Music Suite
Thomas House Elders Service - 2 p.m., Thomas House
* For more information about language classes, go to www.fluentcity.com.
CAPITAL AREA PRAYER CALENDAR
Christian Family Church, Mount Rainier, Maryland
PRAYERS FOR THE CHURCH FAMILY
Fay Arrington; Jim & Jane Baines; June Chewning; Eddie Franklin;
Helen Gray; Vivian Henderson; Will Hill; Ann Howland; Constance Jennings;
Betty Jones; Pearl King; Granver Lovick; Victoria Rose Mayfield-Mayo; Anne Petty;
Hilda Reynolds; Linda Thomas; Missy Walsh; and persons in military and civil service
around the world.