Traditional Worship Bulletin
Traditional Worship Service
December 14, 2025 | 11:00 am
Unexpected
Isaiah 53:3 and John 1:11
Rev. Lance Marshall, Senior Pastor
Organ Voluntary: Variations on “I Saw Three Ships”
Variation I
Jason D. Payne, arranger
Peggy Graff, organist
Welcome
Rev. Jenn Pick, Associate Pastor
Opening Prayer
*Call to Worship
One: In joyless places, God’s light still glimmers.
All: In our sorrow, Christ meets us tenderly.
One: The world turned away and missed the beauty within.
All: Yet God’s love rose from rejection with radiant joy.
One: We open our hearts to the One who was unseen.
All: Christ, our Joy in sorrow, be born in us again. Amen.
Children’s Pageant
Part 1 – Jesus is Born
#230 O Little Town of Bethlehem, verse 1
Part 2 – The Angels Announce the Good News
#240 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, verse 1
Part 3 – The Shepherds and Sheep Run to the Manger
#234 O Come All Ye Faithful, verse 1
Part 4 – A Visit from the Wise Men
#254 We Three Kings, verse 1
Part 5 – Savior of the World
#217 Away in a Manger, verse 1
*Hymn 203: “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”
*Affirmation of Faith 881
Rev. Brenda Brooks Alexander, Associate Pastor
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord:
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic◦ church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
*Gloria Patri 70
Advent Wreath Lighting
Congregational Response
We are called to ponder mystery
and await the cominging of Christ,
to embody God’s compassion for each fragile human life.
God is with us in our longing, to bring healing to the earth,
while we watch with joy and wonder
for the promised Savior’s birth.
Scripture: Isaiah 53:3 and John 1:11
Joy Brandon, lay reader
God speaks to us through the reading of scripture.
Thanks be to God.
*Hymn: 206: “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”
Sermon Series: Unexpected
Rev. Lance Marshall, Senior Pastor
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Offertory: Toccata on “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”
Jason D. Payne, arranger
*Doxology 95
*Benediction
One: Our gathering will soon be ended. Where will we go, and what will we do?
All: We will go out to be God’s people in the world.
One: May grace, peace, hope, love, and joy forever accompany you. Amen.
*Congregational Benediction: “Love has Come”
Love is born! Come share in the wonder.
Love is God now asleep in the hay.
See the glow in the eyes of His mother.
What is the name her heart is saying?
Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers.
Love! Love! Jesus, Immanuel.
*Postlude: Variations on “I Saw Three Ships”
Variation V
Jason D. Payne, arranger
Download The Traditional Worship Bulletin
Notes from First Church
Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth — we are glad you’re here to worship with us today!
Please let us know you are here by filling out the attendance pad as it comes by or registering online.
Asterisks (*) indicate times when you are invited to stand as you are able.
In addition to your regular contribution, every one dollar ($1) bill placed in the offering plate for the month of December will support the food bank at First Street Methodist Mission.
The Poinsettias in the Sanctuary are in loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. A.J. Broderick and Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Smith.
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9:30 am | The Gathering | fumcfw.org/gathering-live
11:00 am | Traditional Worship | fumcfw.org/traditional-live
11:11 am | eleven:eleven | fumfw.org/1111-live
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Discipleship is the process of being shaped by the Holy Spirit through spiritual practices to become more like Jesus. Healthy Plate Discipleship uses a variety of practices to help you more faithfully follow Jesus Christ. Try all six areas to grow strong in faithful discipleship. Learn more at fumcfw.org/healthyplate.
Are you new?
If you would like to find your Worship Plus One, we would love to visit with you and help you explore the First Church groups or ministries of special interest to you! Finding your Worship Plus One will help you meet others, build relationships, and grow stronger in your faith.
For details, please email Angie Parish (aparish@myfumc.org), Director of Welcoming Ministries or Dr. Mike Marshall (mmarshall@myfumc.org), Associate Pastor of Leadership Development — and be sure to include your phone number in your email!