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WORSHIP DECEMBER 3 2017
11 A.M. WORSHIP
THE GATHERING Ms. Eliza Smith
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
THE PRELUDE Giga (Sonata No. 9) Arcangelo Corelli
Jane McRae, violin
*THE CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
People: I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
Leader: You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David:
People: ‘I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations.’”
Leader: Let us worship the Lord our God! -Psalm 89:1-5
*THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN 2 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus HYFRYDOL
THE CALL TO CONFESSION
THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, you call us to hope. Through the prophets and psalms you remind us that all our hope in you is founded. Then, when advent looks like it is getting darker and darker, Jesus is born. You are with us. Hope is real. Forgive us when we forget to hope. Forgive us when we forget your promises. Forgive us when we forget our calling. Turn our hearts once more to you – that we may proclaim the good news of the one who called us out of darkness into marvelous light. Amen.
A MOMENT OF SILENCE (for examination of conscience and personal prayers of confession)
THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH CANDLE TBD
THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.
People: In Jesus Christ, hope shines out over all that would overpower the goodness of God.
Leader: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
People: In Jesus Christ, hope overcomes evil, joy overcomes despair, love conquers hate, and peace rules at the last.
Leader: Believe the promise of the Gospel:
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*THE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Canticle of the Turning
My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great, and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait. You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn, so from east to west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn? My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn. Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.
*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 SERVING OF THE LOVE FEAST MEAL
(Please wait for the blessing before eating.)
THE HYMNS (SEATED)
Number 9 (Verses 1, 3) O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Number 44 (Verses 1, 4) O Little Town of Bethlehem
Number 38 (Verses 1, 4) It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Number 56 (Verses 1, 5) The First Nowell
Number 31 (Verses 1, 3) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
THE BLESSING (in unison)
Come Lord Jesus, our guest to be and bless these gifts bestowed by thee.
Bless our dear ones everywhere and keep them in thy loving care. Amen.
(As the choir sings, enjoy the Love Feast meal)
THE ANTHEMS Prepare the Way, O Zion Kenneth Dake
Jane McRae, violin
Even So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come Paul Manz
THE COLLECTION OF THE MEAL
THE HYMNS (SEATED)
Number 20 (Verses 1, 3) Watchman, Tell Us of the Night
Number 22 (Verses 1, 3) Angels, from the Realms of Glory
Number 37 (Verses 1, 2) Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
THE GOSPEL LESSON 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 (page 155 in the pew Bible, NT)
THE HOMILY “Strengthened” Rev. Dr. Baron Mullis
THE PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND PETITION
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 Il Est Né arr. Sandra Eithun
The Handbell Choir, Jeff Peters, director
*THE DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION VENI EMMANUEL
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; praise God, above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Rejoice!
Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
THE DISTRIBUTION AND LIGHTING OF CANDLES
THE HYMNS (SEATED)
Number 60 (all verses) Silent Night
Morning Star (see insert) Morning Star
Shannan O’Dowd, soloist
(Raise your candle on the last verse. Blow out your candle after the hymn is completed.)
*THE HYMN (STANDING) - SEE INSERT CHRIST THE LORD
*THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*THE CHORAL RESPONSE Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall Come VENI EMMANUEL
*THE POSTLUDE Improvisation Dr. Jonathan Crutchfield
*(The asterisk indicates parts of the worship when the congregation is invited to stand as they are able.)
