Traditional Worship Bulletin
Traditional Worship Service
December 21, 2025 | 11:00 am
Unexpected
Revelation 11:15 and Isaiah 9:7
Rev. Lance Marshall, Senior Pastor
Welcome
Rev. Phyllis Barren, Associate Pastor
Opening Prayer
Choral Voluntary: “Patapan” (A Christmas Carol)
Reginald Jacques, arranger
Flute: Katie Dupree, Drum: Zach Haygood, Piano: Peggy Graff
Adoramus Chamber Choir
Allison Haygood, director
*Call to Worship
One: The heavens declare: the Kingdom has come!
All: And earth responds: love reigns forever.
One: What began in hidden places now blazes with glory.
All: The child in the manger is Lord of all creation.
One: From dust to starlight, we join the eternal song.
All: Christ, our Everlasting Light, shine through us without end. Amen.
*Passing of the Peace
*Hymn 220: “Angels From the Realms of Glory”
Advent Wreath Liturgy
Choral Response: “Love Came Down at Christmas”
Edwin Fissinger, arranger
*Affirmation of Faith 881
Rev. Brenda Brooks Alexander, Associate Pastor
*Gloria Patri 70
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.
Faith Like a Child
“Mister Mark” Burrows, Director of Children’s Ministries
*Hymn: “Hark! The Sound of Angel-Voices”
Sung to “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
1 Hark! the sound of angel-voices
Over Bethlehem, starlit plain;
Hark! the heavenly host rejoices,
Jesus comes to earth to reign.
See celestial radiance beaming,
Lighting up the midnight sky;
‘Tis the promised daystar gleaming,
‘Tis the day-spring from on high,
2 Westward, all along the ages,
Trace its pathway clear and bright;
Star of hope to eastern sages,
Radiant now with Gospel light.
Angels from the realms of glory,
Peace on earth, delight to sing,
Christian, tell the wondrous story,
Go, proclaim the Savior King!
Scripture: Revelation 11:15 and Isaiah 9:7
Jeanne Cochran, lay reader
God speaks to us through the reading of scripture.
Thanks be to God.
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: “Adeste Fideles” (O Come, All Ye Faithful)
Norman Luboff, arranger
*Doxology 95
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*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: “People, Look East!”
Kristina Langlois, 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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Events
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Worship with us Online
Sunday Mornings
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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Listen to each previous week’s service and music on Sunday mornings at 7:30 am on WRR 101.1 FM.
Media Playlists
Watch past services or sermons or listen to podcasts of services and special music offerings at fumcfw.org/media.
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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!