Christmas Carol Communion Service (Complete)

This is not a full service of Word & Table; it is only the "Thanksgiving and Communion" portion of the service. The United Methodist Book of Worship (UMBOW) and The United Methodist Hymnal (UMH) should be consulted for the order of service and for other music and prayers. See "Worship Planning Helps" for Christmas Eve and Christmas Dayfor additional worship resources.

Although these resources for celebrating Holy Communion include the various portions of the Great Thanksgiving and related acts of worship, it is recommended that planners consider whether to use all of the acts as sung or spoken prayers. If some are spoken, it is strongly recommended that the ritual texts found in the hymnal and Book of Worship (as suggested below) be used.

Where "leader" appears in the music, the pastor would sing these parts. If the appointed pastor is unable or unwilling to sing the responses, then another elder may be invited to preside and sing. It is recommended that only one person preside in this or any service of Holy Communion.

The "leader" and accompanist will need to give careful attention to transitions during a practice session. The pastor should be familiar with the text and should have his or her hands free to use gestures to the people, to God, and toward the elements.

Below are the portions of the service that may be printed for use by the congregation and "leader." Links (noted in the text as Sibelius or pdf) will take you to the musical settings.

Outline of the Service with Links to the Musical Settings:

The service through the Entrance and the Proclamation and Response is guided by a printed order or by announcement.

• The people gather in the Lord's name with singing and prayer.
• The Scriptures are read and proclaimed. Responses of praise, faith, and prayer are offered.
• The invitation is offered, with or without confession and pardon.
• The elements are brought to the table or uncovered, and the bread and cup are lifted before the people.
• The Great Thanksgiving begins.
  1: Opening Dialogue (Sibelius format)
  1: Opening Dialogue (PDF format)
  If spoken, see UMBOW 56, "The Lord be with you . . ."
  
  2: Great Thanksgiving (Sibelius format)
  2: Great Thanksgiving (PDF format)
  If spoken, see UMBOW 56, "It is right . . . join their unending hymn."
  
  3: Sanctus and Benedictus (Sibelius format)
  3: Sanctus and Benedictus (PDF format)
  Here the pastor/presider narrates the work of Christ appropriate to Christmas. See UMBOW 56, "Holy are you, and blessed is your Son . . . and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit."
  
  4: Words of Institution (Sibelius format)
  4: Words of Institution (PDF format)
  If spoken, see UMBOW 57, "As your Word became flesh, born of woman . . . Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
  The pastor continues with UMBOW 57, "And so, in remembrance . . . as we proclaim the mystery of faith." And the people join in saying, "Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again."
  
  5: Prayer for the Spirit, concluding doxology and Amen. (Sibelius format)
  5: Prayer for the Spirit, concluding doxology and Amen. (PDF format)
  If spoken, see UMBOW 57, "Pour out your Holy Spirit . . . all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen."
  Then all join in saying or singing the Lord's Prayer.
  
  6: Lamb of God [Agnus Dei] (Sibelius format)
  6: Lamb of God [Agnus Dei] (PDF format)
  This may be sung as serving the bread and cup begins and may be followed by instrumental, choral, or congregational singing.
  
  7: Prayer after Communion [Canticle of Simeon/Luke 2:29-32] (Sibelius format)
  7: Prayer after Communion [Canticle of Simeon/Luke 2:29-32] (PDF format)
  If spoken, see the prayer after Communion ?? UMH 11.