SERVICE FOR THE 3rd SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 14, 2008 10:30 a.m.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
PRELUDE What Child Is This? arr. M. Hayes
Emmanuel (With
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. J. Raney
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Minute for Christmas Joy Offering Tom Sloan
CARILLON, CHORAL INTROIT
& LIGHTING ADVENT CANDLES (See Insert)
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN # 15 Rejoice! Rejoice, Believers
LESSON FROM THE LETTER 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION in Response to the Letter from Call to
Worship
O God, you long to fill our mouths with laughter, and
shouts of joy.
But we grow content with ashes and
mourning,
noting how consistently it puts us
in sync with CNN and daily news.
Your Apostle Paul urges, “Rejoice always!”
We say, “Maybe later.”
Again Paul says, “Pray without ceasing.”
We claim, “Too tired, don’t know how.”
Forgive our failure to respond to you.
Send your Spirit and anoint us to share
the good news of your joy.
(time
for silent, personal confession) Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS & THE PEACE
As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is
God’s love to those who fear him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset, God
has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children, God feels for
those in awe of him.
Thank God for love and
forgiveness in Jesus Christ.
The
peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Peace be with you.
(worshipers
exchange signs and words of the peace of Christ)
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNG
ANTHEM
Living Light D. Lantz III
LESSON FROM THE OLD
TESTAMENT Isaiah 61: 1-4 & 8-11
(NRSV)
SERMON “Hanging the Greens”
OFFERING OURSELVES TO THE
ONE WHO IS AND WHO COMES
Call to Respond
OFFERTORY The
People Who Walk in Darkness D. Angerman & M. Barrett
PRAYER TO
DEDICATE OUR LIVES TO HOLY PURPOSES
PRAYERS OF THANKS AND ASKING, THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN # 38 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
*UNISON CHARGE TO THE
CHURCH, TO EACH OTHER on Isaiah 61
Take good news to one another. BE good
news to God’s good, soft world.
Relieve broken hearts. Proclaim release to captives and prisoners.
Comfort those who mourn, give
garlands instead of ashes.
Spring up in righteousness and
praise.
*BLESSING
POSTLUDE Toccata on “Adeste Fideles” D. Hegarty
(Please feel free to leave quietly at
beginning of Postlude,
even
though some choose to remain seated to listen.)
|
Liturgists |
Diane Kier, Rev. Jonathan C. Siehl |
|
Sermon |
Rev. William R. Leety |
|
Moment with the
Young |
Hope Boring |
|
Musical
Leadership |
Chancel Choir Amy Christie, Flute Celebration Singers Sarah Shaffer, Choirmaster Nancy Deeth, Organ/Piano |