Yokohama Union Church’s bulletin for Sunday, December 21, 2025 (Fourth Sunday of Advent) focuses on the theme of Love, with a full worship service including scripture, music, and special year-end activities.
Worship focus
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Fourth Sunday of Advent with lighting of the Love candle, following previous weeks’ candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy.
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Central scripture is Isaiah 9:6 in English and Japanese, highlighting Christ as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
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Sermon title: “The Child Who Changes Everything,” preached by Rev. Claudia Genung-Yamamoto.
Music and liturgy
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Prelude “Arioso,” Call to Worship, and opening hymn “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.”
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Advent and Christmas hymns include “Star-Child,” “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night,” “What Child Is This,” “The First Noel” (sacred dance), and the “Hallelujah Chorus” as the closing hymn.
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Special music features a solo “Your Name,” choir piece “Mid-Winter,” sacred dance, and postlude “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by the YUC Recorder Group.
Congregational life
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Welcome to visitors, introduction time, children’s time, Passing of the Peace, Prayers of the People, the Lord’s Prayer, and December birthday prayer.
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Tithes and offerings with a Christmas doxology and offertory prayer, with both in-person and online giving options noted.
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Those serving include ushers, pastors, and YUC Board members, emphasizing that “Ministers: All of us at YUC.”
Announcements and upcoming events
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Special Indian curry lunch during Fellowship Time today and a request for snack donations for the New Year.
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December events:
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Dec 23: Delivery of donated gifts to a children’s home.
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Dec 24: 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at YUC with fellowship (cookies/crackers) afterward.
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Dec 25: 7:00 pm outreach at Kannai Station to share food with the homeless.
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Dec 28: First Sunday after Christmas, scripture Matthew 2:13–23, with optional snacks for fellowship.
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