NOTES: This Week's Angel Encounter comes from the Gospel of Luke and the story of Zechariah
SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:5-25
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.
8 Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 10 Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. 16 He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” 19 The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.”
21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. 22 When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. 23 When his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, 25 “This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.”
8:30 AM Order of Service
The Gathering
Welcome
Prelude
We Gather in The Light of Christ
Lighting the Christ Candles
Children come forward to light the candles as we share the responsive reading.
Leader: In the beginning, God said,
People: 'Let there be light' and there was light!
Leader: We light these candles today,
People: Because God is with us in this time and in this place!
Advent Hymn: CH 125 "Come, O Long-expected Jesus" sts. 1 & 2
Call to Worship
Leader: We
are enter the time of Advent.
People: We prepare for Christmas.
Leader:Advent
reminds us that if God is to be born again in
the most ordinary parts of our world and our lives
that
we need prepare for it.
People: Today we make the space in our lives where
love is born.
Leader: Welcome
to this tiny corner of our world. Gather around this wreath with its light of HOPE.
People: Together, we practice being ready in faith that Christ will come. Together we light the HOPE candle.
Symbol and Meaning - Bell
"For many years, bells have rung out the glad tidings of Christ birth. By the Middle Ages, around the years 800-1200, the pealing of bells was the main event of the Christmas celebration. In Italy, it is traditional for the bells to chime before lighting the candles and beginning the festivities. The bells that ring out from every tower and steeple, all over the world, tell the message of God's coming down to earth on Christmas Day. "
"For many years, bells have rung out the glad tidings of Christ birth. By the Middle Ages, around the years 800-1200, the pealing of bells was the main event of the Christmas celebration. In Italy, it is traditional for the bells to chime before lighting the candles and beginning the festivities. The bells that ring out from every tower and steeple, all over the world, tell the message of God's coming down to earth on Christmas Day. "
-from Legends and Traditions of Christmas by Trudy S. Levoir
Invocation (UNISON)
To the One who gives us HOPE,
thank you for inviting us to this time of waiting.
Help us to;
open our eyes so we can see your light,
open our ears so we can hear your words of HOPE,
open our minds so we can understand you,
open our hearts so we can receive you.
Come, long-expected Jesus,
We are waiting for you.
Amen.
We Contemplate God’s Word
Dramatic Presentation of Scripture-Zechariah
Sermon/Meditation
We Pray Together
We Share Our Joys &
Concern
Prayer Carol: CH #144 "O Little Town of Bethlehem" sts. 1 &3
Praying Together
We Gather at The Lord’s Table
Invitation to the Table
Communion Carol: CH #148 "O Come All Ye Faithful" sts. 1 & 3
Communion Carol: CH #148 "O Come All Ye Faithful" sts. 1 & 3
The Elder’s Prayer of
Communion
Words of Institution
The Lord’s Supper
All are welcome to share at the
Table. Come forward using the center
aisle. As you partake of the bread and
the cup you are welcome to place an offering in the wooden bowl in front of the
table. The offering you share supports
the ministries and life of Christ’s church.
The Lord’s Prayer
We Go Forth into the World
Challenge for Discipleship
Discipleship Carol: CH#155 "Angels We Have Heard on High" sts. 3 &
Blessing
People: For God has placed the light in us!
Leader: We go in peace!
People: Amen!
Children extinguish the candles as we share the responsive reading.
Leader: The light that was in one place at one time, is now in all places and all times,People: For God has placed the light in us!
Leader: We go in peace!
People: Amen!
10:40AM Service
Welcome
Prelude
Prelude
We Gather in the Light of Christ
Advent Hymn: CH 125 "Come, O Long-expected Jesus" sts. 1 & 2
Call to Worship
Lighting the Advent Wreath
Invocation (UNISON)
To the One who gives us HOPE,
thank you for inviting us to this time of waiting.
Help us to;
open our eyes so we can see your light,
open our ears so we can hear your words of HOPE,
open our minds so we can understand you,
open our hearts so we can receive you.
Come, long-expected Jesus,
We are waiting for you.
Amen.
Passing of the Peace
Call to Offering
Offertory
Doxology CH #46
Prayer of Dedication
Call to Worship
Leader: We
are enter the time of Advent.
People: We prepare for Christmas.
Leader:Advent
reminds us that if God is to be born again in
the most ordinary parts of our world and our lives
that
we need prepare for it.
People: Today we make the space in our lives where
love is born.
Leader: Welcome
to this tiny corner of our world. Gather around this wreath with its light of HOPE.
People: Together, we practice being ready in faith that Christ will come. Together we light the HOPE candle.
Symbol and Meaning - Bell
"For many years, bells have rung out the glad tidings of Christ birth. By the Middle Ages, around the years 800-1200, the pealing of bells was the main event of the Christmas celebration. In Italy, it is traditional for the bells to chime before lighting the candles and beginning the festivities. The bells that ring out from every tower and steeple, all over the world, tell the message of God's coming down to earth on Christmas Day. "
"For many years, bells have rung out the glad tidings of Christ birth. By the Middle Ages, around the years 800-1200, the pealing of bells was the main event of the Christmas celebration. In Italy, it is traditional for the bells to chime before lighting the candles and beginning the festivities. The bells that ring out from every tower and steeple, all over the world, tell the message of God's coming down to earth on Christmas Day. "
-from Legends and Traditions of Christmas by Trudy S. Levoir
Invocation (UNISON)
To the One who gives us HOPE,
thank you for inviting us to this time of waiting.
Help us to;
open our eyes so we can see your light,
open our ears so we can hear your words of HOPE,
open our minds so we can understand you,
open our hearts so we can receive you.
Come, long-expected Jesus,
We are waiting for you.
Amen.
Passing of the Peace
We return to our seats as the piano music begins.
Faith Carol: #159 There's a Song in the Air!
We Offer Our Hearts to God
Call to Offering
The offering you share supports
the ministries and life of Christ’s church.
Offertory
Doxology CH #46
Prayer of Dedication
We Contemplate God’s Word
Dramatic Presentation of Scripture-Zechariah
Anthem
Children’s Sermon
Sermon/Meditation
We Prayer Together
We Share Our Joys &
Concerns
Prayer Carol: CH #144 "O Little Town of Bethlehem" sts. 1 &3
Praying Together
We Gather at The Lord’s Table
Invitation to Communion
Christians of all denominations
and backgrounds are welcome to share in communion. Please hold each
element as we partake in unison.
Communion Carol: CH #148 "O Come All Ye Faithful" sts. 1 & 3
Prayers for Bread & Cup and Words of Institution
The Lord’s Prayer
We Go Forth into the World
Challenge for Discipleship
Discipleship Carol: CH#155 "Angels We Have Heard on High" sts. 3 & 4
Discipleship Carol: CH#155 "Angels We Have Heard on High" sts. 3 & 4
Acolytes come forward.
Blessing
Leader: We go in peace!
People: Amen!
Parting Carol: CH#148 "O Come All Ye Faithful" st. 4
Acolytes extinguish the candles as we share the responsive reading.
Leader: The light that was in one place at one time, is now in all places and all times,
People: For God has placed the light in us!Leader: We go in peace!
People: Amen!
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