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Good Morning and Welcome!

Mission Statement This Church is an ever evolving community of

Visionaries and Dreamers, Whose Disciples have been “Called by God to live the lives we were created to live,

Commanded by God to love beyond the limits of our prejudices, and

Commissioned by God to serve!”

Pastor Ross-Lee, Clergy Associates, Officers, and Members of Immanuel wish to extend a warm and cordial welcome

to everyone worshipping with us this morning.

We pray that this worship experience of Praise, Prayer, and Preaching will greatly enrich your life and bring you into a meaningful

relationship with God and His people. Visitors, please feel free to worship with us again anytime!

Welcome Song You’re Welcome in this Place

Chorus 1

You’re welcome in this place, And by God’s grace We extend to you, our warm embrace,

To let you know, just how much, We really love you!

Bridge:

Just open up your heart, and let the login’ start Here in God’s family, your blessing’s full and free.

THOSE WISHING TO JOIN WITH IMMANUEL MAY DO SO

BY COMING FORWARD AND TAKING A SEAT ON THE FRONT PEW DURING THE SINGING OF THE INVITATIONAL HYMN.

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TheProcessional Hymn Rejoice The Lord is King

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth over all Psalm 103:19

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THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN “Rejoice the Lord is King” THE PRAYER OF INVOCATION& RESPONSE The Welcome of Visitors “You’re Welcome in This Place”

~

PROLOGUE Pastor Samuel T. Ross-Lee

Opening Song: Solo ~ Deacon Williams Batts “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”

The Foretelling of Jesus ~ Isaiah 40:1-6,11; 9:6

Narrators: David & Vera Esdaille Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. The voice said, Cry. And he said, what shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace. The First Choral Ensemble “Holy To the Lamb of God”

The Angel Gabriel visits Mary ~ Luke 1:26-45

Narrators: Antonio & Ashley McCray And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

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The Angel Gabriel visits Mary (continued) To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, how shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Solo ~ Sis. Selma Singleton “Mary Did You Know”

Narrators: James & Linda Blackmon And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

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The Angel Gabriel visits Mary (continued) And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Children’s Choir “When God Says It, You Can Believe It”

The Magnificent ~ Luke 1:46-55

Narrators: Johnnie & Sheila Best

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever. ERB “My Soul Doth Magnify” THE OFFERTORY SENTENCES The Youth and Young Adult Choir “More Than a Holiday” DOXOLOGY “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” Praise Dancers “Now Behold the Lamb”

The Lord Appears to Joseph ~ Matthew 1:18-25

Narrators: Elvis & Rose Hazel Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

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The Lord Appears to Joseph (continued) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Liturgical Ensemble “Oh Holy Night”

Jesus Is Born ~ Luke 2:1-7

Narrators: Livie & Elicia Spearman And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Men of Faith “No Room In The Inn”

The Angels Visit the Shepherds ~ Luke 2:8-20

Narrators: Willie & Dorothy Mewborn

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The Angels Visit the Shepherds (continued) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. The Male Chorus “Glory to the New Born King” Narrators: David & Roxana Canton And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. IBC “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow”

The Magi Pay Homage to the Christ Child ~ Matthew 2:1-12

Narrators: William & Gayle Acosta Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

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The Magi Pay Homage to the Christ Child (continued) And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judea art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor that shall rule my people Israel. KNK (Knyah Patton, Naomi Lee and Kiala Spearman) “Give Him Your Heart” Narrators: Earl & Gretchen Vaughn Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they had come into the house, the saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. Vesper Singers “Amen” Simeon Sees the Christ Child ~ Luke 2:25-32 Narrators: Evans & Sophia Simmons And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

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Simeon Sees the Christ Child (continued) Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

IBC MASS CHOIR AND CONGREGATION

O Come, All Ye Faithful

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Responsive Reading

Jesus the Light of the World ~ John 1:1-14 Narrators: Majesty (father) & Paris Whitaker (daughter)

Leader: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

People: The same was in the beginning with God.

Leader: All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.

People: In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Leader: There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light that all men through him might believe.

People: He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Leader: He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

People: He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Leader: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

All: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

THE MASS CHOIR “Joy to the World”

THE INVITATIONAL Pastor Samuel T. Ross-Lee

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THE RECESSIONAL HYMN

Go Tell It On The Mountain

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S e r v i n g T o d a y Minister William H. Acosta, Sr. ~ Minister of Music

Gayle E. Singleton ~ Assistant Minister of Music Nikia C. Mewborn ~Assistant Choir Director

Organ & Keyboards ~ William Acosta Drums & Percussion ~ Jerry Singleton, Jr.

Lead Guitar ~ Daniel Lomba, Sr.

Minister of Music Acknowledgements It gives me great pleasure to express my heartfelt words of thanks and to acknowledge Mrs. Linda

Freeman whom I commend for the design and beauty of our stage/podium décor. God bless you for your

impeccable work of excellence!

Also, my appreciation goes out to these individuals and groups who made the 2015 Christmas Cantata possible:

The Reverend Ms. Samuel T. Ross-Lee, Pastor Cantata Executive Staff

Ms. Gayle E. Singleton ~ Assistant Minister of Music & Cantata Musical Director

Deacon William Terry Brown ~Narrators Coordinator

Cantata Support Staff

Ms. Nikia C. Mewborn Assistant Choir Director

Ms. Lori Booker ~ Administrative Coordinator

Mrs. Gayle E. Acosta ~ Executive Assistant to the Pastor and Church Secretary

Mrs. Harriett Alfred ~ Children’s Choir Director

Mrs. Linda Blackmon ~ IBC Choir President

Ms. Selma Singleton ~ ERB Choir President

Deacon Willie C. Mewborn ~ Men’s Chorus President

Hymn Singers (Deacon William Batts, Renee Burnley, Laurel Davidson, Alison Duhaney)

Mrs. Rose Hazel ~ Children’s Choir and Youth Praise Dancers Supervisor

IBC Musicians

Daniel Lomba ~ Lead Guitar

Jerry Singleton, Jr ~ Percussion A huge thank you to the IBC Mass Choir, every singer, soloist, choir member, group members for your consistent commitment to the Music Ministry of Immanuel. . . And to every Narrator: I am confident that God is pleased with your work to make this year’s Cantata such a wonderful experience for everyone!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

PASTOR’S AID MINISTRY BREAKFAST will be closed for the next two Sundays, but will reopen Sunday, January 3, 2016 and will have the best grits in the world!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22ND 6:30-8:30pm There will be a Youth Group meeting and activity in the

lower hall.

IBC CREDIT UNION--ATTENTION! The Credit Union will be closing December 27th for two weeks,

January 3rd and January 10th for end of year book closing. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to all. ~

The Board of Directors. Email Diane Petaway at dianepetaway1003@att.net if you need further details.

Thank you for your support.

R E M I N D E R: WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY: WEDNESDAYS: Trustee Barbara Murphy – 12:00pm in the Chapel

WEDNESDAYS: Pastoral – 6:30pm in the Adult Sunday School Room SATURDAYS: Deacon William Batts – 12:00pm in the Chapel 2016 OFFERING ENVELOPES are available on the tables outside of the Trustees’ Office. Please be sure to pick yours up today ~ Thank you!

UPCOMING EVENTS THE COLLEGE MINISTRY invites ALL of Immanuel’s college students to our annual “Networking Brunch” on

Saturday, December 26th at 11:00 a.m. in the Lower Fellowship Hall—No charge. Please visit our information tables

in the front or back lobby areas to sign-up. Parents, if you have college students who will be home for the holidays,

please consider signing them up also. Thank you ~ Tonie Young

MONDAY, JANUARY 18th 2016-DR. MARTIN L. KING DAY Pastor Ross-Lee will be guest preacher at Saint

Matthew’s UFW Church, 400 Dixwell Ave, New Haven CT at 4p.m.

NOTE: NO FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED ON BUS

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HOMEBOUND & HOSPITALIZED MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

**Newly Added

Creola Goodson 2405 Whitney Ave. #101 Hamden, CT

Dawn White VA Hospital West Haven, CT

Denise Ward 135 Derby Ave. Apt. #423 New Haven, CT

Deacon Evelyn Lamb 9 Brewster Street New Haven, CT

Elizabeth Esdaile 64 Carbonella Drive Hamden, CT

Ella Hardee 168 Morse Street Hamden, CT

Elsie Cofield 264 Fountain Street New Ha ven, CT

Eleanora Blizzard 200 Fountain Street #501 New Haven, CT

Grace Smith Twin Maples Durham, CT

Inez Gray 398 Pine Rock Ave. Hamden, CT

Lillie Hendrix 262 Bassett Street New Haven, CT

Lillie Mincey 45 Dennis Circle Hamden, CT

Lily Mae Holness 135 Derby Ave. Apt#307 New Haven, CT

Linda Smith 135 Derby Ave. New Haven, CT

Lucille Washington 135 Derby Ave. New Haven, CT

Marie Porter-Wilson 343 Eastern Street New Haven, CT

Mildred Warner 18 Tower East #451 New Haven, CT

Robert Allen Huff, Sr. VA Hospital 287 W. Rocky Hill, CT

Rose Evans 10 Hard Street #905 New Haven, CT

Sally Brooker 31 Batter Terrace New Haven, CT

Thomas Chappel 47 Park Lane Woodbridge, CT

HEALTH CARE & REHABILITATION

Please remember our members in nursing facilities. They are always happy to receive cards, calls and visits!

Advanced Nursing & Rehab Center-NH Grimes Health Center-NH

(Formerly Jewish Home of the Aged) Hilda Smith

Keith Foster Betty James Juanita Foreman

Juanita Terrell Viola Yarbrough

Hamden Health Care Harbourside (Arden House)-Hamden

Sylvester McDonald Elizabeth Lewis

Arandie Little

Charlie Mae White Masonicare-Wallingford

Wesley Thorpe

Whitney Manor-Hamden Wintonbury Care-Bloomfield

Deacon Melcena Jackson Joyce Asante

Helen Oliver Gilbert Melton

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In Honor of. . From Viola Yarbrough (Mother) Shirley A. Lawrence Dr. James Williams (Brother-in-law) Shirley Love Joyner

In Memory of. . . Hattie Whittington (Grandmother) Shirley A. Lawrence

William R. Thompson (Husband) Wife Joan & Family

Josephine Acosta (Mother) William H. Acosta

Elizabeth Jenkins (Mother) Gayle E. Acosta

Dianna Cloud & Dirita Harris (Sisters) Leslie Banks

Mathis & Ruth McBride (Father & Mother) Curtis McBride

Mr. & Mr.s Major Anderson (Parents of Cheryl Pegues) Pegues & Spearman Families

(Grandparents of Troy & Elicia)

Elbert Pegues (Husband of Cheryl Pegues) Pegues & Spearman Families

(Father of Troy & Elicia, Father-in-law of Livie Spearman,

“Pop-Pop” of Kaila Spearman)

Virginia Pegues (Mother-in-law of Cheryl Pegues) Pegues & Spearman Families

Grandmother of Troy & Elicia Spearman)

Louise Best and Theresa Cain (Mothers) Mr. & Mrs. Audley Cain

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Don’t Miss!

Thursday, December 31, 2015 10:00PM

Benevolence Caring Committee Children’s Church Clergy Staff Clothes Closet College Ministry Credit Union Diaconate Ministry Flower Club Ministry Food Pantry Greeters’ Ministry Medica Team Ministry Men’s Ministry Missionary society Music Ministry Pastor’s Aide Society Pulpit Ministry Scholarship Ministry Senior & Junior Ushers Sisters of Hagar Sunday School Soup Kitchen Security Transportation Ministry Trustee Ministry Youth Ministry

WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday School: 8:30a.m. Morning Worship 9:30a.m. Children’s Church: 9:30a.m.

BIBLE STUDY Mid-Day: Wednesdays 12p.m. Pastoral: Wednesdays 6:30p.m.

Weekend Saturdays 1p.m. Chapel

IMMANUEL IS A SUPPORTER OF: The Emergency Shelter Management Service (EMS)

Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers The United Negro College Fund