December 24, 2006, 11:00 AM
Fourth Sunday in Advent

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Opening Praise – 356:1,3 “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”
     354:1,4,5 “Angels from the Realms of Glory”
     “Worthy, You Are Worthy”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise – “All I Once Held Dear”
“Wonderful Counselor”
328:1,6,7 “O Come, O Come, Immanuel”
The Advent Candle Lighting –
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
The whole earth is full of his glory!
When Christ was born, the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them:  Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy.
We light this fourth Advent candle in celebration of our glorious God who sent his precious son, revealing his glory as never before.  Let us pray to our Lord who has come and is coming again.
Our heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ.  In our worship today, in our hearts, in all that we do, may we glorify you.  For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever and ever. 
Amen.
Advent Song – 347:1,3 “Angels We Have Heard on High”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading – Isaiah 9:6; John 14:1-6, 22-27
Message – “He Is the Prince of Peace”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 348 “Away in a Manger”
The Offering – General Fund
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Service
*God Blesses Us
*Parting Song – “Love Has Come” (vs. 1,3)
Postlude

THIS WEEK IN THE LIFE OF VALLEY CHURCH
This morning we conclude our celebration of Advent, the time when we remember Jesus’ first coming to earth as a baby and also look forward to his coming again to this earth as Lord of all. 

The Christmas Eve Candlelight service is this evening at 7:30 PM.  For many people in our community this has become an important part of their Christmas observance, but there are others who do not know this service is available to them.  It’s not too late to invite a neighbor or friend to join you at this special worship service. The offering will be for Valley Church youth programs.

The Gelders plan to leave this week for their usual post-Christmas time with family in Michigan.  If you need pastoral care during their time away, please contact one of the elders.

To our Valley Church family:
“It is our prayer that you will have joy in knowing Jesus as the baby who is also Lord of all; that you will rest in peace in receiving Jesus as the baby who gave his life as the perfect sacrifice; and that you will go out in hope as you trust Jesus to be the one who will meet all your needs in 2007.”
The Gelders – Pastor Al, Jan and Betsy

Add Ken Bruster and Bill Keller to the prayer needs list.

Next Sunday, December 24, 2006

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM Sunday School classes do NOT meet this week.  Classes will resume as usual on January 7.  The adults will be starting a study of the life of David.

MORNING WORSHIP:     11:00 AM   Our worship will be led by the elders with a message by Bill Kutz.

EVENING WORSHIP:  7:00 PM   New Year’s Eve worship led by George De Jager.