First Sunday of Advent
Gathering in God’s Presence
Opening Music The Worship Team
“Deep (Way Down)” ~ Steve Smallman, Allan Hall, Nicol Smith, and Todd Smith
Advent Candle Lighting—Hope Gail Hybarger & Larry Gonzales
Voice 1: The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill my promise to my people.
ALL: Justice and righteousness will fill the land, and all will live in peace and joy.
Voice 2: We light this candle as a symbol of the hope we have in the promise of the Lord’s coming. (Candle is lit)
Voice 1: For the Lord will fulfill the promise made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
Voice 2: A righteous Branch will spring up for David; and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
ALL: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
“Light Of The World” ~ Paul Mabury, Paul Duncan, and Lauren Daigle
Prayer Pastor Daniel
Greetings & Community Announcements Pastor Daniel
Time with Young Christians
Before leaving for Kid’s Church & Sunday School, our students are invited to join Pastor Daniel at the front for a time of learning. Parents are asked to escort children to their classroom and to pick-up children following the service. Please sign your child in and out. Thank you.
Listening for the Word of God
First Scripture Reading Jeremiah 33:14-16
14 The time is coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill my gracious promise with the people of Israel and Judah. 15 In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is what he will be called: The LORD Is Our Righteousness.
Reader: The Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Worship in Song The Worship Team
“You Are Holy (Prince Of Peace)” ~ Marc Imboden and Tammi Rhoton
Second Scripture Reading Luke 21:25-36
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves. 26 The planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken, causing people to faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. 27 Then they will see the Human One coming on a cloud with power and great splendor. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.”
29 Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that God’s kingdom is near. 32 I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until everything has happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
34 “Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by drinking parties, drunkenness, and the anxieties of day-to-day life. Don’t let that day fall upon you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. It will come upon everyone who lives on the face of the whole earth. 36 Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.”
Reader: The Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Sermon: Ready for Christmas! Pastor Daniel
Responding to the Word
Invitation to Give Pastor Daniel
Stewardship Minute Doug Evens
“The Cycle” ~ Ren Geisick
- Sharing the Peace of Christ Pastor Daniel
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you all.
ALL: And also with you.
Leader: Let us offer one another signs of God’s peace and love.
Please be mindful that not everyone is comfortable with all signs of Christian affection, exchange signs of peace with others near you. Moving throughout the worship space is discouraged. Signs of peace might include: hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, a head nod, or a wave are all possibilities. Please be respectful of each other’s comfort levels with physical contact and closeness as we carefully bring this practice back to our worship service.
Gathering at God’s Table
Prayer of Great Thanksgiving Pastor Daniel
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
PEOPLE: And also with you.
Pastor: Lift up your hearts.
PEOPLE: We lift them up the Lord.
Pastor: Let us give thanks to thanks to the Lord, our God.
PEOPLE: It is right so to do.
The pastor continues the prayer recalling God’s mighty acts of salvation culminating in Jesus, his ministry, institution of the Lord’s Supper, and recalling his passion, death and resurrection. The pastor concludes the prayer inviting the present working of the Holy Spirit among us giving praise to God and inviting us to pray the Lord’s Prayer together. Joys and concerns shared through the “Connections” cards are lifted to God during this prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer UMH 895
Sharing the Bread and the Cup Pastor Daniel
We receive by intinction — dipping the bread into the cup. There are pre-packaged options available to your right behind the person serving the cup if you would prefer that option. As a note, pastor and the cup server do sanitize their hands before handling the elements at this point in the service. You may not notice them using the hand sanitizer but be assured they are using it before handling the bread and cup.
If movement is difficult for you, the elements will be brought to you in your place. If parents have not yet made the choice for their children to receive, pastor will pray a blessing for each child. Pastor will bless each animal companion brought forward if you have one with you.
Communion Music The Worship Team
“The Blessing” ~ Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, and Steven Furtick
Prayer after Receiving Pastor Daniel
Pastor: Let us pray.
ALL: Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Sending into the Mission Field
- Dismissal with Blessing Pastor Daniel
- Postlude & Closing Music The Worship Team
“I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever” ~ Martin Smith