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2017 Christmas Church Service

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Photo: RNZ / Paul Bushnell

The service comes from the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (EFKS), Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland, New Zealand.

The service is conducted by Rev Elder Lucky Richard Slade. Hymns are sung by the Te Atatu EFKS Church Junior Youth Choir, conducted by the music director Metitilani Alo, assisted by Youth Leaders Lucky Terence Slade and Neli Alo.

Bible Readings are provided by Tui Eddie Taualapini and Tufou Sei’aemoe Slade.

 

CHURCH BELLS

ORGAN PRELUDE

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Photo: RNZ / Paul Bushnell

HYMN

Amata Lotu

sung by the choir and congregation

Rev. Elder Lucky Slade

Rev. Elder Lucky Slade Photo: RNZ / Paul Bushnell

CALL TO WORSHIP

Let us Worship God (O le a tatou tapuai i le Atua)

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name forever and ever.

Every day I will praise you and extol your name, for ever and ever.

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise, his greatness no one can fathom.

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

“Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. you will be with a Child and give birth to a Son. 'How will this be? I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me, as you have said!'”

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Eternal God, who by the shining of a star led the wise men to the worship of your son; guide by your light our worshipping, and the nations of the earth, that the whole world may behold your glory, through Jesus Christ Our Lord, whom we celebrate his birth.

Amen.

HYMN

Ia Silasila Mai Lo Matou Nei Tama
(Look upon us O Heavenly Father; and send us your Holy Spirit)
sung by the choir and congregation

Ia silasila mai, Lo matou nei Tama;
Auina ia i matou; O lou Agaga Sa
Ia e talia alofa mai. Lo matou nei mana’o i ai.

Ua faigata naua; O matou loto nei
O loto vaogata; Ma loto masesei.
Matou te faatoga atu ai. I lou agaga ia aumai.

A le afio mai; O lou Agaga Sa
E malaia ai matou; I mea faigata
Ina e faafofoga mai. Matou te manumalo ai.

Pe a afio mai; O lou Agaga Sa
E malolosi ai; I matou uma nei.
Ina e faafofoga mai. Matou te malolosi ai.

Ina afio mai; O lou Agaga Sa
Matou te naunau ai; I mea i luga
Ia e talia alofa mai; Lo matou ne’i manao I ai

READINGS

Tui Eddie Taualapini

Tui Eddie Taualapini Photo: RNZ / Paul Bushnell

Tui Eddie Taualapini reads from the Old Testament books of Micah and Isaiah

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth me one who is to be the ruler in Israel. whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness. On them has light shined.

For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given. And the government shall be on his shoulders. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end.

Tufou Sei’aemoe Slade

Tufou Sei’aemoe Slade Photo: RNZ / Paul Bushnell

Tufou Sei’aemoe Slade reads from the New Testament Gospel according to Luke

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and 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 you that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is the Christ, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.”

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Photo: RNZ / Paul Bushnell

HYMN

Unto us on this holy night
sung by the choir

Unto us on this holy night
Unto us beneath a new star's light
Unto us where the lambs have fed

Gently laid in a manger bed
Unto us a child is born
Unto us a son is given

And his name shall be called Wonderful
For the world will be healed by his power
he will be our unfailing Counsellor

In each uncertain hour
The Mighty God of heaven above
So meekly comes to earth

The Everlasting Father
This child of lowly birth
Tell his name, sing his praise in all the world

Till all the world believes
Till every voice is lifted up
To praise the Prince of Peace

(repeat)

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Photo: RNZ / Paul Bushnell

CHRISTMAS PRAYERS

All praise to you, almighty God and heavenly king, who sent your son into the world to take our nature upon him and to be born of a pure virgin; grant that, as we are born again in him, so he may continually dwell in us and reign on earth as he reigns in heaven, with you and the Holy Spirit.

Le malamalama e, o le Kerisimasi, faapupula maia ma faamanuia mai lau Ekalesia ma ou tagata, ina ia latou maua lou filemu o nei aso faapitoa.

Almighty Father, whose son Jesus Christ was presented in the temple and acclaimed the light of the nations, grant that in him we may be presented before you and through him, may bring light to the world

Almighty God, who anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit and declared him to be your Son, send your Holy Spirit upon us who have been baptised in his name, that we may surrender our lives to your service and rejoice to be called, the sons and daughters of God.

Baby Jesus in the manger, ordain us into your ministry of love, acceptance and forgiving, so that we may move forward into our services to accept, love and to forgive others.

Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon and peace that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve you with quiet mind.

Give us the spirit to think and to do always those things that are right; that we who can do no good thing without you, may have power to live according to your holy will.

May these Christmas celebrations Messiah Jesus, bring joy, assurance, encouragement and understanding, that our brokenness is mended in your love and peace of mind.

Jesus of Bethlehem, give us the power to destroy the works of the devil and make us the sons and daughters of God, and heirs of eternal life. Grant that we, having this hope, may purify ourselves even as you are pure, that when you appear in power and great glory we may be made like you in your eternal and glorious kingdom; where you are alive and reigns with you and the holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

In your mighty name Jesus we pray.

Amen.

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Photo: RNZ / Paul Bushnell

HYMN

Joy to the World
sung by the choir

Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare him room
and heaven and nature sing.

Tupu o tupu, Le Alii, o Alii
Ua fanau mai le tupu
O mai ia tatou ifo, I le tupu o tupu
Osana Aleluia, Osana Aleluia
Osana Aleluia

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Photo: RNZ / Paul Bushnell

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

HYMN

O Come all ye Faithful
sung by the choir and congregation

O come, all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels!

O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

Oh, sing, choirs of angels
Sing in exultation
Oh, come, oh come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels

O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

BENEDICTION

ORGAN SORTIE

 

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Photo: RNZ / Paul Bushnell

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Photo: PMN

This recording was made in partnership with the Pacific Media Network, and Radio 531pi.