Service for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 24, 2006: 10:30 a.m.

 

GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

In this first season, wait and wait with silence as prelude

to the nativity of our Lord

 

PRELUDE                            Carols…Plugged and Unplugged                              L. Shackley

                                                            Come Unto Him               from MESSIAH/G. F. Handel

                                                         What Child Is This?                   Traditional English Carol                            

 

WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS & REGISTRATION

           

*LIGHTING THE FOURTH CANDLE

            Light One Candle, Stanzas 1, 2, 3 & 4 (See Insert)

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP                    Hymn to Christ the Light (Phos Hilaron), Book of Common Worship

                O radiant Light, O Sun divine, of God the Father’s deathless face,

            O image of the Light sublime, that fills the heavenly dwelling place.

               O Son of God, the source of life, praise is your due by night and day.

               Our happy lips must raise the strain of your esteemed and splendid name. 

 

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN # 31                                            Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

 

PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD

 

FIRST LESSON                                                                                      Luke 1:39-45 (NRSV)

 

ANTHEM                                             Carol of the Inn                                                R. Haan                            

 

WORD WITH CHILDREN

 

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

 

Presentation of Taylor Grace Miller, daughter of David and Stacy Miller

 

Sentences from Scripture

Profession of Faith, and Promises of Parents and Congregation

Prayer of Thanksgiving over the Water

Baptism and Welcome                                                                             Elder George Hubbard

Prayers for Parents and Children

 

SECOND LESSON                                                                                 Luke 2:25-36 (NRSV)

including Canticle of Simeon (verses 29-32), The Book of Common Worship

     Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah.  Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying      

 

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: 

   your word has been fulfilled.

My eyes have seen the salvation

   which you prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.  

     And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother  Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in  Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed  so that the inner thoughts  of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too."

 

*THE PEACE

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

                Peace be with you. (worshipers share words and gestures of peace)

 

SERMON                                                                                                          “’TO SEE’ List”

 

RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

 

OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD’S PURPOSES

    

 

 

Call to Respond: Minute for the Christmas Joy Offering 

     Offertory                                   Break Forth with Joy                                        L. Shackley

    

PRAYERS OF DEDICATION, THANKS AND INTERCESSION

            The Lord’s Prayer (traditional)                                                         The Hymnal, P. 16

                   

DEPART IN GOD’S NAME

 

*HYMN # 38                                                                        It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

 

*CHARGE & BLESSING

 

CHORAL RESPONSE  #13                                                                           Prepare the Way

 

POSTLUDE                                        I Saw Three Ships                                  arr. L. Shackley                                                

 

*Congregation stands as able

Next Week’s Scriptures: 1 Sam. 2: 18-20, 26; Ps. 148; Col. 3: 12-17; Luke 2: 41-52

 

 

WE ARE A STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION

 

WORSHIP LEADERS

 

Liturgists 

Betsy Maurath

Sermon

Reverend William R. Leety

Word with Children

Betsy Maurath

Musical Leadership

Chancel Choir

Sarah Shaffer, Director

Nancy Deeth, Organist