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WORSHIP DECEMBER 11 2016
11 A.M. WORSHIP
THE GATHERING Beth Waltemath
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
THE PRELUDE From Heaven Above: Var. 7 Walter Pelz
THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Daisy Ottmann , Clerk of Session and
Cindy Humphries, Moderator of the Diaconate
*UNISON PRAYER:
People: God of grace, ever faithful to your promises, the earth rejoices in the PEACE of our Savior’s coming and looks forward with longing to his return. Prepare our hearts to receive him when he comes, for he is Lord of all time and space, Amen.
*THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN 17 Sleepers, Wake! A Voice Astounds Us WACHET AUF
THE CALL TO CONFESSION
THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Almighty God, we have confused morality with righteousness. Where you have called us to greater good than merely adhering to social convention, we have settled for the easy way. But we know that you demand of us a thinking, living faith. We know that you sent not an idol for us, but a Savior. We know that he gave not rules, but a challenge to follow him. Still, idolatry and legalism are easier. So forgive us we pray, and lead us in right paths for his name’s sake, for it is in the strong and merciful name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.
A MOMENT OF SILENCE (for examination of conscience and personal prayers of confession)
THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord;
People: “I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
Leader: He also adds,
People: “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
Leader: Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
People: Believe the promise of the Gospel:
Leader: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
People: All thanks and praise to God, our creator, redeemer and sustainer.
- Hebrews 10:16 –18
THE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Number 12)
Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim one more light the bowl shall brim, shining beyond the frosty weather, bright as sun and moon together. People, look east and sing today: Love the star is on the way.
*THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Leader: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!
People: And also with you.
THE CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH
(Visitors and members are invited to sign the blue friendship register pad and pass it down the pew.)
THE MINUTE MESSAGE Marshall Hunter
THE EPISTLE LESSON Romans 1:1-7 (page 142 in the pew Bible, NT)
THE ANTHEM Love Came Down at Christmas Leo Sowerby
Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine; Love was born at Christmas, stars and angels gave the sign. Worship we the Godhead, Love incarnate, Love divine; worship we our Jesus: but wherewith for sacred sign. Love shall be our token, Love be yours and Love be mine; Love to God and to all, Love for plea and gift and sign. (Christina Rossetti)
THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 1:18-25 (page 1 in the pew Bible, NT)
THE SERMON “A Righteous Man” Baron Mullis
*THE HYMN 48 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming ES IS EIN’ ROS’
THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
(excerpted from The Confession of 1967, inclusive language version)
God’s reconciling act in Jesus Christ is a mystery which the Scriptures describe in various ways. It is called the sacrifice of a lamb, a shepherd’s life given for his sheep, atonement by a priest; again it is ransom of a slave, payment of debt, vicarious satisfaction of a legal penalty, and victory over the powers of evil. These are expressions of a truth which remains beyond the reach of all theory in the depths of God’s love for humankind. They reveal the gravity, cost, and sure achievement of God’s reconciling work.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy 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.
THE OFFERTORY Away In a Manger arr. Joel Raney
The Handbell Choir; Jeff Peters, director
Anthony Cochran, flute; Elisabeth Copeland, cello; Jonathan Crutchfield, organ; Derek Matthews, piano; Alex Page, violin
*THE DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION VENI EMMANUEL
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him, above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Rejoice!
Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
*THE HYMN 36 In the Bleak Midwinter CRANHAM
Verses 1,2, and 3
*THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*THE CHORAL RESPONSE What Can I Give Him CRANHAM
*THE POSTLUDE From Heaven Above: Var. 4 Walter Pelz
*(The asterisk indicates parts of the worship when the congregation is invited to stand as they are able.)
