We have only one service (10:40) this week following
the Christmas Breakfast at 9:30am.
NOTES: This fourth Sunday of Advent, we celebrate JOY. We listen to Mary's song and ponder how she found joy and delight in the challenge offered to her by God's messenger. She finds JOY because she recognizes God's presence with her. What challenges will we take JOY in this Christmas season?
SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:46-56
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
10:40AM Service
Welcome
Prelude
Prelude
We Gather in the Light of Christ
Call to Worship
Leader: Listen–all
creation rejoices, can you hear it?
People: There is so much noise and chatter, are you sure there is music?
Leader: Listen–the wilderness and desert are breaking out in song, can you hear it?
People: It’s been so long since we’ve heard a melody of praise.
Leader: Listen–the crocus blooms with joyful singing, the very mountains join in the refrain.
Can you hear it?
People: We join our voices in hope,worshipping our God who brings forth a new song in the world.
People: There is so much noise and chatter, are you sure there is music?
Leader: Listen–the wilderness and desert are breaking out in song, can you hear it?
People: It’s been so long since we’ve heard a melody of praise.
Leader: Listen–the crocus blooms with joyful singing, the very mountains join in the refrain.
Can you hear it?
People: We join our voices in hope,worshipping our God who brings forth a new song in the world.
~
written by Rev. Nancy J. and posted on wonderings
thru life and other such nonsense. http://ruminari.wordpress.com/2010/12/09/advent-3a-call-to-worship/
Hymn of Praise: CH #150 "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" All
Invocation (UNISON)
God with us,
kindle your spark of JOY within us,
that together we may shine forth your light,
we might banish the shadows of this world,
we might be the continuation of the Christmas miracle:
Emmanuel is in this world,
God is with us, now and evermore. Amen.~ written by Rev. Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy, Pastor at First Church Congregational in Rochester, NH.
Lighting of the Advent Candle
Leader: We light this candle to proclaim the coming of the light of God into the world.
With the coming of this light there is JOY. JOY is not ours only at Christmas, but always.
People: God gives us JOY.
Leader: O Holy One, as Christmas draws near,
there is a sense of excitement in the air. We can feel a JOY in our lives ad see it in the world around us.
The sorrow of loss lingers among us and loneliness can be a heavy load, but the JOY you give is not daunted by sadness. Help us to touch today the deepest JOY of all, the JOY of loving and being loved. As we carry this gift of JOY with us, may it lighten the burdens of all who experience it. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Advent Hymn: CH#128 "One Candle is Lit" st. 3
Passing of the Peace
We return to our seats as the piano music begins.
Hymn of Faith:#155 "Angels We Have Heard on High" verses 1, 3, & 4
We Contemplate God’s Word
Scripture
Anthem
Children’s Sermon
Sermon
We Prayer Together
We Share Our Joys &
Concerns
Prayer Hymn:#149 "Angels From the Realms of Glory" verses 1, 2, & 4
Praying Together
We Gather at The Lord’s Table
Invitation to the Table
Communion Hymn#151 "The First Noel" verses 1, 2, & 4
Communion Hymn#151 "The First Noel" verses 1, 2, & 4
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 Hymn:#143 :Joy to the World" all verses
Discipleship Hymn:#143 :Joy to the World" all verses
Acolytes come forward.
Blessing
Leader: We go in peace!
People: Amen!
Parting Song:#445 "Go in Peace" sing once
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment