Joining us by Zoom? Follow along with our worship bulletin for Sunday, December 28th.
| HELLO FUPC FAMILY AND FRIENDS! In this mailing you’ll find an updated bulletin for Sunday’s worship service. Join us Sunday at 10:30 via zoom by going to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5739200081, or by phone (312-626-6799). If you’re joining by phone, enter meeting ID 573-920-0081. If you’ve not used zoom before, follow the instructions provided at the link. THIS WEEK AT FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN Sunday, January 4 10:30 a.m. –Worship in sanctuary with Rev. Jeff Hopson and via Zoom followed by Fellowship Tuesday, January 6 12:00 p.m. – PNC in Session Room Wednesday, January 7 3:00 p.m. – Mission and Peacemaking in Session Room Friday, January 9 9:00 a.m. – Food Distribution at Rodriguez Park 4:00 p.m. – Samaritan House Cook Team Sunday, January 11 8:45 a.m. – Adult class in Session Room and via Zoom 10:30 a.m. – Worship in sanctuary with Rev. Jeff Hopson and via Zoom followed by Fellowship Please check with committee chairs to confirm whether committees will meet as scheduled.  FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1000 Douglas Avenue, P.O. Box 37, Las Vegas, NM 87701 January 4, 2026 10:30 a.m. WE GATHER TOGETHER PRELUDE WELCOME *PASSING OF THE PEACE Let us make a commitment during this time to visit with someone today and wish them the peace of Christ. Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. INTROIT ——————————————————————————————————————————- *OPENING HYMN Lord, We Have Come at Your Own Invitation GTG #503 A LITANY OF RECONCILIATION FOR THE NEW YEAR AND ASSURANCE OF PARDON L: O God: Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, grant us your gracious, guiding presence as we prepare to enter the new year. As we join Christians of every time who have awaited Jesus’ return, lead us into this new time, confident that your promises will be fulfilled. Hear us, O God: P: Your mercy is great. Spirit of Truth, call us to repentance at the beginning of this new year. Forgive us for past unfaithfulness, silence in the face of injustice and inaction amid suffering. Move us from the desire to hoard our wealth toward faithful stewardship. Help us to share your gifts with those who cry out for daily bread. Hear us, O God: L: Your mercy is great. Prince of Peace, healer and reconciler, heal the divisions in your Church and among the peoples of the world. As you prayed that we should all be one, give us new visions to enable that unity. Be with us on our ecumenical journey, and with those sisters and brothers who surround us in the great cloud of witnesses. P: God of all ages, release us from fear. Lead us forward, even as you have led your Church forward from an empty cross and tomb through 20 centuries. L: Be our companion as we walk unexplored paths into an unknown future. Open us to new possibilities. Renew our hope. Grant us faith to move ahead. All: Be our companion until Jesus comes again. In his name we pray. Amen. Bass Mitchell WE PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 35 (selected verses) INTERLUDE SERMON Christmas Cactus WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD RESPONSE Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming GTG #129 CALL FOR OFFERING L: All God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen”…ascends to God. Let us now give to God, that Heaven may anoint us, consecrating our service to bring Peace on earth. Amen! *DOXOLOGY PRAYER OF DEDICATION L: As we go out into a New Year, we leap into the future with hope and excitement. And may all we give, as we serve God, make for blessings abundant: on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. INVITATION TO THE TABLE AT EPIPHANY L: Show us your child, O God, P: For we walk together in faith. L: Give your justice to the nations and their leaders, and give your mercy to all whose decisions affect the peace and well-being of the world. Where we have power ourselves, open our ears to the cries of the weak, the poor, and the needy, and open our hearts to answer their call. [silence] P: Bless this community, that in your light we may each become a servant, one to the other. Bring us together in story, song, joy, and sorrow; and let every daughter and son who comes among us find kinship in this place. [silence] Show us your child, O God, For He invites us to this table, set for the world, to be born again in New Life. Amen Margaret D. McGee PRAYER OF CONSECRATION WORDS OF INSTITUTION SERVING OF THE ELEMENTS PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER WE GO FORTH IN GOD’S NAME *CLOSING HYMN Come Thou Font of Every Blessing GTG #475 *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE MISSION AND VISION We seek to grow in our faith, share God’s love, and serve others, following the Holy Spirit that has sustained us and our ministries for over 150 years. As an inclusive and welcoming segment of the Body of Christ, we actively seek justice for all and work together to build a compassionate world where all are valued. Led by Christ and dependent on God’s grace, we embrace today’s challenges and live into tomorrow’s opportunities. *Please stand in body or spirit, as you are able. Assisting in Worship This Week Preacher – Rev. Jeff Hopson Worship Leader – Brett Gilland Pianist – Em Krall Soloist – Amy Hufnal Bulletin – EJ Nelson Custodian – Henry Herrera Sanctuary Hosts – Kevin Johnson, Charlotte Wootton Tech Crew – Kent Reid, Debra Allen-Reid, Van Swan *****OPPORTUNITIES***** Join us for Fellowship in Perea Hall: after worship today! January Fellowship time reminder: 01/04 ?? 01/11 ?? Sign-up sheet is in Perea Hall; please sign up for a Sunday. Nothing elaborate is expected. Our after-church fellowship is seeking hosts. Fellowship Time after the worship service is a nice time to visit and have a snack. The food is simple and inexpensive. All are invited. The Deacons are happy to help out if you need assistance; just ask one of us. The Sunday Morning Class for Youth and Adults will not meet on Sunday 12/28 or Sunday 01/04. On January 11, the class will begin discussing the book Taking Religion Seriously by Charles Murray. The book is available new in hardback from Amazon.com for $27.95 or from the publisher, EncounterBooks.com, for $29.99, both plus shipping. Copies are also available for $25 from Richard Lindeborg with no shipping charge. Classes are at 8:45 a.m. Sundays in the Session Room, next to the kitchen in Perea Hall and on Zoom on the same link as the Sunday Worship Service. Attendance Sheets: We are happy you’ve joined us for our worship service. Please, take a moment to sign the attendance sheet located in your pew. Signing the attendance sheet helps us accurately report the total number of worshippers at our services to our members and the Presbytery. Thank you! Little Free Library: Thanks to the generosity of our members and the Las Vegas Community, our Little Free Library is filled and overflowing with books. For this reason, we will not be accepting new donations at this time. Prayers for the Church Family – Each week we choose some specific names to remind us to pray for each other and for those in our Presbytery. Please pray for Trudi Samuelson, Shirley Sandoval, Mary Schipper and Tom Trigg, well as Community, Jemez Springs, NM (1881). January Elder of the Month: Brett M. Gilland, brett.m.gilland@gmail.com, 505-429-3467 January Deacon of the Month: Murl Baker, murlbaker2@gmail.com, 505 429-0670 Our office hours are on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. If you need to reach us outside of office hours, you may call and leave a message at 505-425-7763 or email us at fupcnm@gmail.com. You may contact our transitional Pastor, Rev. Jeff Hopson at 610 425 2920 (cell) or via email at pastorfupcvegas@gmail.com. FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1000 Douglas Avenue, P.O. Box 37, Las Vegas, NM 87701 December 28, 2025 10:30 a.m. MISSION AND VISION – We seek to grow in our faith, share God’s love, and serve others, following the Holy Spirit that has sustained us and our ministries for over 150 years. As an inclusive and welcoming segment of the Body of Christ, we actively seek justice for all and work together to build a compassionate world where all are valued. Led by Christ and dependent on God’s grace, we embrace today’s challenges and live into tomorrow’s opportunities. MEDITATION- “Therefore, that you O man, may not only learn that Christ, born of the virgin, is the Lord and Savior, but also accept the fact that he is your Lord and Savior, that you may boast in your heart: I hear the word that sounds from heaven and says: This child who is born of the virgin was born for me, (and for every individual) for the angel said, “To you “is born the Savior”. Then ought you to say, “I thank thee, dear Lord.” Martin Luther, Sermon on the Afternoon of Christmas Day WE GATHER TOGETHER INTROIT Wexford Carol WELCOME PRELUDE *PASSING OF THE PEACE Let us make a commitment during this time to visit with someone today and wish them the peace of Christ. Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. *CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148:1-5) Leader: Praise the Lord! All: Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights! Leader: Praise him, all his angels; praise him , all his host! All: Praise him, sun and moon; praise him all you shining stars! Leader: Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! All: Let them praise the name of the Lord. For he commanded and they were created. *OPENING HYMN Love has Come GTG #110 ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND MERCY We remember that, before we confess and no matter what we confess to God, we can be assured of God’s Love and Mercy. UNISON PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION Reconciling God, we yearn or your presence to transform our grief, pain and despair. We confess that we have not always prepared room in our hearts for your love; we have not always recognized your presence among us; we have not always embraced your message of peace. We cry out, weary with burden of violence, oppression, fear and our reluctance to embody your good news. Be born in us today and teach us to sing the joyful song of your salvation. Amen. God’s grace upon grace flows over you. Christ’s presence redeems the whole creation. Let the earth be glad and rejoice. WE PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD ANTHEM O Thou That Tellest PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 63:7-9 Richard Lindeborg I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Hebrews 2:10-18 Richard Lindeborg For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. GOSPEL READING Matthew 2:13-23 Pastor Patricia Halverson Matthew 2:13-23 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. SERMON Pastor Patricia Halverson WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD RESPONSE What Child is This GTG #145 WITH THANKS FOR GENEROUS GIVING All: God of glory great are your wonders among us and many are the blessings you bestow. Use us and these your gifts for the needs of the world that all the ends of the earth may rejoice in your saving grace, through Christ our Savior, we pray. Amen. *DOXOLOGY PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE After each segment please repeat: “your mercy is great.” THE LORD’S PRAYER WE GO FORTH IN GOD’S NAME *CLOSING HYMN Go Tell it on the Mountain GTG #136 *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE *Please stand in body or spirit, as you are able. Assisting in Worship This Week Preacher – Pastor Patricia Halverson Worship Leader – Richard Lindeborg Pianist – Em Krall Soloist – Amy Hufnal Bulletin – EJ Nelson Custodian – Henry Herrera Sanctuary Hosts – Kevin Johnson, Charlotte Wootton Tech Crew – Kent Reid, Debra Allen-Reid, Van Swan CLOSING HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful GTG #133* BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Please stand in body or spirit, as you are able. MISSION AND VISION We seek to grow in our faith, share God’s love, and serve others, following the Holy Spirit that has sustained us and our ministries for over 150 years. As an inclusive and welcoming segment of the Body of Christ, we actively seek justice for all and work together to build a compassionate world where all are valued. Led by Christ and dependent on God’s grace, we embrace today’s challenges and live into tomorrow’s opportunities. Assisting in Worship This Week Preacher – Rev. Jeff Hopson Worship Leader – Peter Linder Pianist – Em Krall Choir Director – Amy Hufnal Bulletin – EJ Nelson Custodian – Henry Herrera Sanctuary Hosts – Kevin Johnson, Charlotte Wootton Tech Crew – Carol Linder, Kent Reid, Debra Allen-Reid |
| *****OPPORTUNITIES***** Join us for Fellowship in Perea Hall: after worship today! December Fellowship time reminder: 12/21 Carol and Peter Linder 12/28 ?? Sign-up sheet is in Perea Hall; please sign up for a Sunday. Nothing elaborate is expected. Our after-church fellowship is seeking hosts. Fellowship Time after the worship service is a nice time to visit and have a snack. The food is simple and inexpensive. All are invited. The Deacons are happy to help out if you need assistance; just ask one of us. Food Available: The Samaritan House Cook Team has extra food. We have pre-cooked (heat and eat) packages of beef stew. Each shelf stable package is enough for 2 or 3 portions.. These would be good for folks who are recovering from illness or would otherwise find it hard to cook for themselves. If you know someone who could use some of this food, call Van Swan, 505-426-4348. The Sunday Morning Class for Youth and Adults is discussing the book An Unlikely Advent: Extraordinary People of the Christmas Story, by Rachel Billups.The reading assignments for this week, December 21, are Chapter 4 and Epilogue, pp 87-118.There are no classes during our Holiday Break (December 28 or January 4). Classes will resume on Sunday, January 11.Classes are at 8:45 a.m. Sundays in the Session Room, next to the kitchen in Perea Hall and on Zoom on the same link as the Sunday Worship Service. Christmas Eve: This year, we will be joining our friends at St. Paul’s Peace Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church for Christmas Lessons and Carols, a faith celebration at St. Paul’s Peace Episcopal Church. We’ll celebrate with an hour of choral selections, Christmas Hymns, and readings followed by Fellowship. All faiths are welcome! December 24 at 3 p.m., St. Paul’s Peace Episcopal Church – 810 8thStreet Office Holiday Closure: The church office will be closed for the holidays on Monday, 12/29 and Tuesday, 12/30. The office regular hours will resume on Monday, 1/5. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Little Free Library: Thanks to the generosity of our members and the Las Vegas Community, our Little Free Library is filled and overflowing with books. For this reason, we will not be accepting new donations at this time. Prayers for the Church Family – Each week we choose some specific names to remind us to pray for each other and for those in our Presbytery. Please pray for Judi Ruprecht, Willy Ryan and Jane Warsaw as well as the First Presbyterian Church, Grants, NM (1929). December Elder of the Month: Karyl Lyne, karyloz505@gmail.com, 505-718-6475 December Deacon of the Month: Nina Johns, ninamjohns@gmail.com, 505-426-5802 Our office hours are on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. If you need to reach us outside of office hours, you may call and leave a message at 505-425-7763 or email us at fupcnm@gmail.com. You may contact our transitional Pastor, Rev. Jeff Hopson at 610 425 2920 (cell) or via email at pastorfupcvegas@gmail.com. |
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