COMMUNION PACKETS are available in the back of the sanctuary, along with a basket for your TITHES, OFFERINGS and BLUE CARDS.
PRELUDE • Pastor Rick
*WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP • from PSALM 147
LEADER: Praise the Lord.
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
How pleasant and fitting to praise him!
PEOPLE: God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars
And calls them each by name.
LEADER: Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
His understanding has no limit.
The Lord sustains the humble
But casts the wicked to the ground.
PEOPLE: Sing to the Lord with grateful praise;
Make music to our God on the harp. Praise the Lord.
SONGS
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching, o’er silent fields by night
Behold throughout the heavens there shown a holy light! (Refrain)
AS WITH GLADNESS MEN OF OLD
As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold
As with joy they hailed its light leading onward, beaming bright
So most gracious Lord, may we, evermore be led to Thee
Holy Jesus every day keep us in the narrow way
And, when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, where no clouds Thy glory hide
INVOCATION & RESPONSE • PSALM 19:14
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be
World without end. Amen, amen.
GLORIA PATRI, 3rd Century • Charles Meineke
SONG
THOU DIDST LEAVE THY THRONE
Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown
When Thou camest to earth for me
But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room for Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee
Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang
Proclaiming Thy royal degree
But in lowly birth didst Thou come to earth, and in great humility
O come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee
THE FIRST READING • Susan Akers, Elder
EPHESIANS 3:1-7
For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles you have heard, haven’t you,
about the administration of God’s grace that He gave to me for you? The mystery was made known to me
by revelation, as I have briefly written above.
By reading this you are able to understand my insight about the mystery
of the Messiah. This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
The Gentiles are co-heirs, members of the same body,
and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace
that was given to me by the working of His power.
THE SECOND READING • Pastor Rick
MATTHEW 2:1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?
For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed,
and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests
and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.
“In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “Because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel.”,
Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them
the exact time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search carefully for the child. When you find Him,
report back to me so that I too can go and worship Him.”,
After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was — the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came and stopped
above the place where the child was. When they saw the star,
they were overjoyed beyond measure. Entering the house, they saw
the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees,
they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and
presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod,
they returned to their own country by another route.
SONGS • written and sung by Rick Vale
FOLLOW THE HOLY LIGHT
TINY BABE OF BETHLEHEM
LIGHT
LULLABY AT THE MANGER (with Karen Sipes)
A NEW SONG
THE CANDLE BLESSING
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
We will recite THE LORD’S PRAYER together at the end of the PRAYER • MATT 6:9-13 & LUKE 11:1-4
Our Father, which 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 trespasses, as we also forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one,
For Thine is the Kingdom, the power & the glory forever. Amen.
SONGS
WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
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?
This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
COMMUNION PRAYER • Sarah Sheler, Elder
“WORDS OF INSTITUTION” • COMMUNION
All are invited to “The Table”. You are welcome to come up (by the side aisles) to receive the Communion elements. Open your hand and receive the bread, dip it in the cup and take it there. You may also receive the elements in your pew. Communion Packets are located at the back of the Sanctuary at the end of the aisle.
PRAYER, SONG & BENEDICTION • I TIMOTHY 1:17 • NUMBERS 6:24-26
(to the tune, THE FIRST NOEL)
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, & Holy Ghost.
Noel, noel, noel, noel, born is the King of Israel.
Thomas Ken • Louis Bourgeois
POSTLUDE • Pastor Rick
You are invited to SIMS PARLOR for some light refreshment during Central’s Fellowship Time, hosted by Melissa Odom.
Contact THE CHURCH OFFICE (765.643.0701) with your requests. Names should be submitted ONLY with approval from that person. Confidential requests are treated as such by CCC’s Staff and Prayer Groups. The PRAYER LIST FOR OUR FRIENDS is refreshed at the beginning of every month. If you would like a request to remain, please request it again on your BLUE CARD.
THIS MONTH we pray for: CCC Front Door Ministries
THIS WEEK we pray for: St. John’s Lutheran Church
Andrea Adcox
Connie Ahlers
Joan Allison
Mike Allison
Al Beaty
Vera Benefiel
Lyle & Cindy Crouse
Bev Foy
Ned Hannah
Bill & Susan Herbig
Jack Hiatt
Charlie & Lynn High
Wanda Hoover
Jack Kyhnell
Don Lynch
Francie Lynch
Thom McDonnell
Donna McFadden
Marian McLaughlin
Lois Meltzer
Jim Millikan
Libby Munshaur
Bill Ogden
Bill & Sue Presser
Della Rickett
Dave Rowlen
Roger Sawyer
Marlene Smith
Billie St. Clair
Kristi Stanley
Carole Strock
David Whicker
Joshua & Sara Wilkinson
Sharon Wolfe
Judy Wood
Our sympathy & prayers to Al Beaty, upon the passing of his wife, BOBBY BEATY.
Phil A.| Req. by Charlie & Lynn High
Eileen Able | Req. by John & Luanna Robinson
Alan | Req. by Joe & Susan McDuffee
Kauion Anderson | Req. by David Davila
Bob Bell | Req. by Jim & Connie Millikan
Mike Bell | Req. by Jim & Connie Millikan
Greg Blackwell | Req. by Phyllis Dodd
Joe Brinkman | Req. by Larry & Coni Reveal
Dave & Nancy | Req. by Wes & Sarah Sheler
Victoria Carrell | Req. by Matt & Lauren Stapleton
Tate Costlow Family Req. by Jim & Connie Millikan
Linda Creason | Req. by John & Luanna Robinson
Roger Creason | Req. by John & Luanna Robinson
Denny Cregg | Req. by Larry & Coni Reveal
Kaunna Davila | Req. by David Davila
DJ | Req. by Karl & Sara Keller
Douglas Family | Req. by John & Luanna Robinson
Renee Dunham| Req. by John & Luanna Robinson
E-Kids | Req. by Bill & Sue Presser
Kim Edwards | Req. by Bill Edwards
Becky Fields | Req. by Steve & Linda Horn
Debbie Fields | Req. by Joshua & Sara Wilkinson
Bill & Karel Geller | Req. by Julie Gentry
Karen Gilson | Req. by Becky Atkinson
John & Julie Grimes | Req. by Mike & Pam McCarty
Sandra Hardy | Req. by David Davila
Teri Hawes | Req. by Sharon Wolfe
Nancy & Mark Hooker | Req. by Sharon Wolfe
Nicci Hovermale | Req. by Becky Atkinson
Tina Insley | Req. by Larry & Coni Reveal
Whitney J. | Req. by Nita Arnold
David Jackson | Req. by Joe & Susan McDuffee
Nash Jarvis | Req. by Sharon Wolfe
Trent Jarvis | Req. by Sharon Wolfe
Bonny Jones | Req. by Christie Huff
Scott Keller | Req. by Karl & Sara Keller
Nanciann Kobler | Req. by Kevin & TR Weston
Lisa Lawson | Req. by Matt & Lauren Stapleton
Susan Manis | Req. by Cindy Silvey
Mary & Noah | Req. by Christie Huff
Carole Morehead| Req. by Steve & Linda Horn
Elaina Mundt | Req. by Christie Huff
Anna Newell | Req. by Larry &Coni Reveal
llen Norris | Req. by Mike & Nancy Romack
Jennifer Norris | Req. by Mike & Nancy Romack
Brad & Cindy Ormes | Req. by Sharon Wolfe
Bob Pate | Req. by Bill & Sue Presser
Perry/Hayes Families | Req. by John & Luanna Robinson
David Posey | Req. by John & Luanna Robinson
Brayden Presser | Req. by Bill & Sue Presser
Joe R. | Req. by John & Luanna Robinson
Mike & Ruth Raymer | Req. by Sharon Wolfe
Brenda Rector | Req. by John & Luanna Robinson
Charles Riggins | Req. by Billie St. Clair
Darla Riggins | Req. by Billie St. Clair
Allen Romack | Req. by Mike & Nancy Romack
Colin Seamon | Req. by Jerry & Nancy Pitcock
Trevor & Linda Shepherd | Req. by Billie St. Clair
Beth Short | Req. by Joe & Susan McDuffee
John & Marsha Simmerman | Req. by Jerry & Nancy Pitcock
Skyler | Req. by John & Luanna Robinson
Drew St. Clair | Req. by Billie St. Clair
Bradley Stinson | Req. by Ed & Margaret Combs
Dempsey Sturgill | Req. by Christie Huff
Susie & Aaron | Req. by Joe & Susan McDuffee
Jan Thomas | Req. by Julie Gentry
Unspoken | Req. by Sandy Leslie
Martha White | Req. by Sarah Sheler
Sharon Williams | Req. by her “Soroptimist Sisters”
Shannon Wilson | Req. Christie Huff
DECEMBER
Gary Schuster Sr…Dec. 4
Monica Meadows…Dec. 7
Judy Dick…Dec. 8
Patty Glaze…Dec. 8
Bill Presser…Dec. 8
David Rowlen…Dec. 8
Peggy Zion…Dec. 9
Jennifer Garner…Dec. 10
Mike Romack …Dec.10
Dan Foy…Dec.13
Cindy Silvey…Dec. 16
Lynn High…Dec. 17
Carlynn Malone…Dec. 20
Nancy Cunningham…Dec. 21
Ralph Sipes…Dec.25
David Whicker…Dec. 26
Phil Devaney…Dec. 30
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
Sarah Sheler…January 1
Jack Hiatt…January 6
Pamela McCarty…January 8
Vera Benefiel…January 10
Wes Sheler…January 10
Matt Stapleton…January 10
Tom Evans…January 11
Joe McDuffee…January 14
Andrea Adcox…January 18
Vicki Sawyer…January 24
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP in SCHUSTER CHAPEL
January 4th through February 1st
A 5-Part Series for Sunday, “TELL ME THE STORIES OF JESUS: The Biographies of Jesus & Their Authors”
As in the last 5 years, Pastor Rick will be in Florida during the month of January and the first Sunday of February in 2026. He will continue with daily work, thanks to 21st Century technology, and worship on Sundays (Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25, & Feb. 1) will be held in Schuster Chapel – with each Sunday Worship Podcast shown and communion shared together. PLEASE JOIN US!
Sundays January 4th – February 1st – WORSHIP IN THE CHAPEL
Thursday January 22nd – ALLEY THEATRE Opening Night
“ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD” by Tom Stoppard
Sunday February 15th – MARDI GRAS SUNDAY!
Wednesday February 18th (7:00pm) – ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP
Thursday February 19th – ALLEY THEATRE Opening Night
“DOUBT: A PARABLE” by John Patrick Shanley
Sunday February 22nd – FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Saturday Night March 7th – Clocks Forward One Hour
Thursday March 19th – ALLEY THEATRE Opening Night at the Museum
“THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR” by William Shakespeare
Sunday March 29th – PALM SUNDAY
Thursday April 2nd – MAUNDY THURSDAY ALL-CHURCH SEDER
Sunday April 5th – EASTER SUNDAY!
Sunday May 24th – PENTECOST SUNDAY
Sunday July 5th – INDEPENDENCE DAY WORSHIP
Sunday August 2nd – JAZZ SUNDAY
January 22 – 25, 2026 | ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD
by Tom Stoppard
Playwright Tom Stoppard turns one of the most famous plays of the Western world
on its head by putting two minor characters (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern) up front, and presenting the craziness of Hamlet and all through their eyes.
Part Shakespearean tragedy and part Laurel and Hardy comedy routine, this award-winning and classic “existential tragicomedy” is directed by Raymond Kester.
Come enjoy this slightly quirky and always entertaining script.
Tickets: $12 / Festival Seating / www.thealleytheatre.com
Performances at 7:00pm & 2:00pm at THE JAKE HOOVER THEATRE
