The Prelude
For Reflection
“A faithful steward loves God first.” Laura Watts, , Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character
The Welcome, News and Announcements
The Minute for Stewardship Amy Erickson
The Introit
The Call to Worship Ann Buchner
One: Come, the long expected Jesus,
All: Born to set the people free;
One: From our fears and sins release us;
All: Let us find our rest in Thee.
One: Let us worship God!
All: The Lord‘s name be praised!
The Unison Prayer of Confession Ann Buchner
God of the future: you are coming in power to bring nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom. We have lived casual lives, and ignore your promised judgment. Judge us, O God, for we have been slow to serve you. Forgive us for the sake of your faithful servant Jesus, our Savior, whose triumph we want and eagerly wait for. Amen
Hymn # 47 (Please listen, hum, or recite but do not sing)
You are the Lord, Giver of Mercy
You are the Christ, Giver of Mercy
You are the Lord, Giver of Mercy.
The Lighting of the Advent Candle Jerry and Ann Buchner One: We light candles for throughout Advent leading to Christmas and reflect on the coming of Christ, entering a troubled world. And so we light the first candle, the candle of hope, and dare to express our longing for peace, for healing, and the well-being of all creation.
The Advent Hymn (Verse One) “Light the Advent Candle” (Please hum or recite the following verse, but save from the safety of your home, and while in public places, please do not sing.)
“Light the Advent candle, one: Now the waiting has begun;; we have started on our way, time to think of Christmas day. Candle, candle burning bright, shining in the cold winter night; candle, candle, burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.”
The Unison Advent Prayer Jerry and Ann Buchner
All: O Spirit God, this has been no customary year, leading up to the customary rounds of Christmas. We thank you for bringing us to this place so that we shall continue to share aspects of Christmas faith, hope, and love. We need your help as idols threaten to distract us. As we journey to Bethlehem, continually remind us of the true gift of Christmas, of the love of Christ which also comes to us in moments of kindness and fellowship we share with one another. Amen.
The Scripture Lesson
2 The word that Isaiah son of Amos saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3 Many peoples shall come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
The Hymn #88, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (Please hum or recite the following verse, but save from the safety of your home, and while in public places, please do not sing.)
We Proclaim God’s Word
Prayer of Illumination
Sermon
Music for Meditation
We Respond to God’s Word
The Offertory
The Offertory Anthem
**The Doxology
**The Unison Prayer of Dedication
God of our ancestors, whose laws are timeless and whose ways empower the church, we bring to you the results of our labors. We recognize all our moments and days as precious gifts from you, and dedicate ourselves anew to fulfilling your purposes. We do this concerning all you entrust to us, not just through the portion we here return. Bless all that the church seeks to accomplish in Christ’s name. Amen.
The Joys and Concerns
The Silent, Intercessory and the Lord’s Prayer
…Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
We Go Forth in God’s Name
**The Charge and Benediction
**The Sending Hymn #747, “The Lord Now Sends Us Forth”
The Lord now sends us forth with hands to serve and give,
to make of all the earth a better place to live.
The angels are not sent into our world of pain
to do what we were meant to do in Jesus’ name;
that falls to you and me and all who are made free,
Help us, O Lord, we pray, to do your will today.
**Postlude
Attributions
Call to Worship adapted and reprinted from Whole People of God curricula. 2006.
Many thanks to our Liturgists, Gary and Anne Buchner.
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