Order of Worship
GATHERING MUSIC Come, Light of Lights
Come light of lights into my heart.
Come wisdom of spirit into my heart.
WELCOME
* OPENING SONG Come, O Long-Expected Jesus
Come O long expected Jesus,
Born to set all people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Grant us your true liberty
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth impart;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Enter every longing heart.
Born all people to deliver
Born a child, you came to reign!
Born to rull on earth forever,
Come, be known to us again.
By your own eternal Spirit
Come to claim us as your own;
By your all-sufficient merit
Let us share your cross and crown
OPENING PRAYER
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Peace be with you… ...and also with you
* SONG - “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning”
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
the time is drawing nigh.
Refrain:
Children, don't grow weary,
children, don't grow weary,
children, don't grow weary,
the time is drawing nigh.
Darker midnight lies before us,
darker midnight lies before us,
darker midnight lies before us,
the time is drawing nigh.
[Refrain]
Lo, the morning soon is breaking,
lo, the morning soon is breaking,
lo, the morning soon is breaking,
the time is drawing nigh.
[Refrain]
SCRIPTURE - Luke 1:26-38 - read by Mary Pat Scoltock
READING - “We Are Saying Yes, But Who Are We to Say?” by Khaled Mattawa
SONG OF PREPARATION Lo, How a Rose ‘ere Blooming
Bethany Pick Up Choir
SERMON Rev. Vince Amlin
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Like a River Does by Birdy
Keanon Kyles, baritone
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS
When in the past week did you see God at work?
What concerns would you like to turn over to God’s care?
PASTORAL PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father/Creator/Parent, 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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen
GIVE, SERVE, SHARE: Announcements
OFFERTORY
* DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below.
Praise God above ye heavenly host,
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
* CLOSING SONG Let it Be by the Beatles
When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
And when the broken-hearted people
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer
Let it be
For though they may be parted there is
Still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer
Let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Yeah, there will be an answer
Let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow
Let it be
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
There will be an answer
Let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
There will be an answer
Let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
* BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
**********
This Week (& beyond)
Waltzing with Chicago Barn Dance - Today 2 - 4 pm at Bethany
Spanish Charla - Wed., Dec. 17th at 7pm
Peace Amid the Uproar - Wed. Dec. 17th at 7:30pm
Christmas Eve - 4:30 pm and 7 pm
Sun, Dec 28th - all Zoom worship!
Service & Justice Huddle - Sun. Jan 11th after worship
Waltz with Chicago Barn Dance - Today 2-4pm
Like to waltz to live music? Today from 2-4pm, Chicago Barn Dance Company will be sponsoring a waltz afternoon (no instruction) in Bethany's gym. Free admission, but bring some cash for the Hot Coffee Breakdown band's tip jar. Also, please bring clean, dry dance shoes for keeping the gym floor in good shape!
Spanish Charla - Dec. 17th
17 Diciembre/December 17 ~7:00-8:00 pm ~ Church Parlor
¡Hola! At this month's Spanish Charla, we'll be discussing holiday traditions, plans, and even wishes... so lots of verb tenses in play, if you so choose. Our Spanish conversation group is immersive and welcome to ALL levels -- so come and practice with friends en el estilo español! Look forward to chatting 17 Diciembre. Ciao!
Ecumenical Service - Dec. 17th
Bethany is invited to an 47th Ward ecumenical service speaking words of grace and love to address the anxiety, worry and fear about ICE in our community and city. Hosted by All Saints Episcopal Church, 4550 N. Hermitage on December 17, 2025 at 7:30pm, the service will be followed with time for fellowship. All are welcome and invited to bring a snack/dessert to share.
Order Poinsettias For Christmas Eve - Dec. 24th
We are taking orders for poinsettias! These beautiful plants will be used to decorate our sanctuary for Christmas eve, and afterwards, you'll be able to take them home with you.
Each poinsettia will be a $15 donation. You can make your donation by cash, check, or electronically by PayPal or Vanco from our website. The deadline to let us know how many you’d like to order is Dec. 9th.
Let us know how many you'd like by signing up here!
Christmas Eve at Bethany - 2 Services to Choose From!
This Christmas Eve, we are offering two opportunities to worship together. We hope you’ll join us for one or both!
Family-friendly Lessons and Carols at 4:30pm
In the afternoon, we’ll offer a 50-minute service telling the Christmas story with the help of our kids. Featuring art from Manual Cinema’s Lizi Breit (pictured) — and also from Bethany’s Rebecca Anderson. We’ll sing carols, light candles, and set up the nativity scene, with music from Yasuko Oura and Katy Lindhart.
Christmas Eve Service at 7 pm
In the evening, join us for a more contemplative (it’s all relative) candlelit Christmas Eve service. More (and different) art from Lizi, with additional music from Nick and Emi Photinos as we celebrate the arrival of Emmanuel, God with us. (Kids of all ages also welcome at this service!)
We Need Your Help
Two services means we need twice the greeters! Please sign up if you’re able to be the face of Bethany that night.
Zoom Service - Dec. 28th
For the last worship service of the year we’re going online! While you’re traveling or snuggled cozily into your house, you’re invited to join us for an old-fashioned (2020-2021) All-Zoom service. You can wear your PJs or sit by the tree as we sing, pray, and reflect on the gift of Jesus. Plus, you’ll get to see all the wonderful Bethany folks who join us from far away each week! We’ll have music from Yasuko and Nick, time for children, prayers of the people, and a short sermon. Mark your calendars and come to church (but don’t come to the church building!)
Join The Outer Belt Pilgrimage - January 3rd
Join us for the next leg of our Outer Belt Pilgrimage! We’ll be walking together on Saturday January 3rd. Sign up here if you’re planning to join us!
If you can’t make it this time, consider joining us for our next journeys on:
February 21st
March 14th
For more info, reach out Vince at vince@bethanychicago.com and/or go to outerbelt.org
Faith & Politics Small Group - Jan. 4th
How do we address injustice and how does that relate to our concepts of faith (broadly understood)? Join Dublin-based Susan Burgess on-line and explore how others (e.g., Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Harvey Milk, Derek Bell, Dolores Huerta, AOC) have tried to make political change in a way that aligns with their visions of the world. We’ll use their examples to help us reflect upon our own faith journeys in relation to political change. Group members will view documentaries on their own which we will then discuss together as a group in weekly meetings on Zoom on Sunday, January 4, 11, 18, 25 from 2-3 pm. Sign up here if you plan on joining!
Give and Get Help
Throughout the holiday season, we will continue to collect canned goods and other non-perishable food items to be delivered to Nourishing Hope. Contact us anytime at bethany.ucc.assistance@gmail.com if you, your family or those close to you have needs that are not being met. We will try to help, or at least point you in the direction of help.
