Bulletin for November 28, 2010. Click below to read more.

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WORSHIP NOVEMBER 28, 2010
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

THE GATHERING Mary Miller Brueggemann
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.

THE PRELUDE Walter Huff, organist

THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Pastor Nominating Committee
Unison Prayer:
God of the prophets, give us this day the prophetic word of hope, that in
moments of despair we might look to you for comfort. We give you thanks
for this time of preparation for the coming of the Light of the World. Amen.

* THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN 551 Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

THE CALL TO CONFESSION

THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
You have promised, O Lord, to forget your anger and remember our sins no
more. We confess that we have not always walked in your paths or trusted your
promises. We look for security in the wrong places, and fail to lean on your outstretched
arm. We are distracted by worries and possessions and do not see the
favor of your grace surrounding us. We neglect the abundant gifts of your
Spirit. Wake us up to your goodness and mercy. Forgive and restore us, we pray,
in Jesus' name. Amen.A

MOMENT OF SILENCE (for examination of conscience and personal prayers of confession)

THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*THE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Hymn 23)
Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.

* THE PEACE OF CHRIST
(Children ages 2-11 are invited to leave after the Peace of Christ for special classes. Three through five-yearolds
in Room 011; K - 1st grade in Room 001; 2nd - 3rd grade in Room 003; 4th - 7th grade in Room 005.

THE CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH
(Visitors and members are invited to sign the blue friendship register pad and pass it down the pew.)

THE RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

THE FIRST LESSON Isaiah 2:1-4 (page 594 in the pew Bible)

THE ANTHEM Advent Prayer William Sisson
How will we know Him, Lord? We will seek in the night, we will watch for a sign, but
how will we know Him, Lord? Seek in the radiance of hope and of peace, seek in the bright
flame of joy, seek in the light and the goodness of love, but seek Him first in your heart.
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, joy of every longing heart. O come to my heart, Lord Jesus: there’s
room in my heart for Thee.

THE SECOND LESSON Ephesians 2:11-22 (page 181 in the pew Bible)

THE SERMON “Gathered In” Christopher Henry
So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. Ephesians 2:17

* THE HYMN 8 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

* THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH from An Affirmation of Faith, The Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
Christ Jesus,
Child of Mary, God with us,
King and Suffering Servant,
High Priest and Lamb of God,
Teacher and Word,
living, suffering, dying and rising again,
you challenge, redeem and restore us.
Holy Spirit, Breath of life,
Counselor and Comforter,
Fire of God, you inspire, sustain, and purify us.
Forming us in the nature of Christ,
transforming us with your gifts,
you bind us together in one body, your church.
God of all creation,
made known to us in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit,
your boundless love exposes our rebellion and greed.
A mother who will not abandon her child,
a father who welcomes the prodigal home,
you forgive, accept and embrace us
and call us into loving communion for ever.
In life and death we belong to you,
everlasting God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

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 Lo, How a Rose/Of the Father’s Love Begotten arr. Carter

* THE DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Hymn 592)

* THE HYMN 376 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
(verses 1 through 3)

* THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

* THE CHORAL RESPONSE Of the Father's Love Begotten Plainsong

THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING