Christmas Bells

Sharing of the New Year Greeting

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 155

Raise a song of gladness, peoples of the earth.

Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart.

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Prayer for a New Year

A new year is about to dawn! O Lord, call us so we may hear your voice. The world turns to hopes and dreams of the future. O Lord, keep us in your ways and on your path. We enter this new year with hope and excitement. O Lord, remind us that you lead us. O Lord, guide us as look to you, and worship you. Amen.

Hymn #107   Awake, Awake and Greet the New Morn

Hebrew Reading:   Isaiah 63:7-9

Hymn 110    Love Has Come

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 2:13-18

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 2:19-23

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:15-21

Litany of Gratitude

ONE: Generous God, for the abundance of your blessings to us day by day and year by year,

ALL: We give you our thanks.

ONE: For the simple pleasures of life: for garden harvests, coffee conversation, and familiar surroundings, For health and strength to appreciate the wonder of life, For needs met and desires fulfilled,

ALL: We give you our thanks.

ONE: For foods distributed to nourish body and spirit, For homes which supply shelter, which nurture order and beauty, and offer hospitality,

ALL: We give you our thanks.

ONE: With hearts that forgive as freely as you have forgiven,  with enthusiasm of spirit for the gift of life, with music which declares your everlasting goodness, with prayers for mutual understanding and peace,

ALL: We worship you with joy.

ONE: With creative pursuits which contribute our God-given talents, with words which honor you as Creator, Redeemer, and Holy Spirit, with time volunteered and dedicated to service in church and community, with years committed to extending the love of Jesus Christ,

ALL: We worship you with joy.

ONE: With gifts of money which reach farther than we can manage ourselves, with deeds done in service of neighbor and stranger, with holy days set apart to celebrate your goodness and grace, with family and friends distant and nearby

ALL: We worship you, God, with grateful hearts and joyful spirit.  Alleluia. Amen.

Hymn 134   Joy to the World

Invitation to the Offering

In Matthew 2:11 we read, “On entering the house, the wise men saw the child with his mother, and knelt down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts.”  Today as we celebrate the birth of the child, we are invited to offer our gifts as well.  We acknowledge and give thanks for all the gifts of time and creativity and talent and energy and ideas and money that are collected every day here at Bethany.  Let us respond from grateful hearts to this invitation to give.

Offertory Hymn 151     We Three Kings of Orient Are

Prayer of Dedication

God of Love and Light, on this day of mystery and wonder, we present our offering here, knowing you will guide us for its use.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 132    Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

Community Benediction for the New Year

Let us look for Christ wherever we go. Let us never stop seeking, believing that there is a light that shines in the darkness which the darkness shall not overcome. And may the love of the Creator, the joy of the Spirit, and the peace of the Christ-child be with us this New Year, and ever more.

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Hymn 119  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Christmas Chimes

Welcome and Sharing of Christmas Greetings

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Introit      "Christmastime"     Michael W. Smith, Arr. Lloyd Larson

Response Hymn 155

Raise a song of gladness, peoples of the earth.

Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart.

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Lighting of the Christ Candle

ONE: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and set lights in the sky – sun and moon and stars. By these stars, our ancestors charted their journeys. By these stars, they knew God was with them.

In the beginning, too, was the Word. And the Word, too, has come down from heaven to earth. By the Word made flesh, Christ our Savior, we know that God is with us.

Today we light the Christ candle to bring the fire of the stars down from heaven to earth, to nestle among the greens. We name this candle Christ.

ALL: Our lives are a journey, and we do not always know the way. But we chart our path by the star of Christ. Even when faith burns low and its promises seem too good to be true, we set our face steadily towards the light.

Sharing a word of Christ's Light:  Fred and Pam Matthews

ONE: Listen to ancient words come true anew this night: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:2,6)

ALL: Lord Jesus, as we search for signs of Christ's presence this week, help us to become the signs of Christ's presence that others are searching for. As these candles are but a glimpse of the light of the heavens, help us to be a glimpse of heaven on earth. Help us to shine like stars in the world. Amen.

Hymn 133  O Come, All Ye Faithful

Christmas Prayer

O God of love, you have brought us together tonight and blessed us with your very self. Open our eyes to the light of Christ which glows in the darkness of a world engulfed in apathy, pain and loss; a world separated from you. Speak to us now that we may hear the good news of your salvation. Bring us into the wonder of your presence. Fill us with that light that we may carry it out with us into our lives. Amen.

Response Hymn 314

Christ, be our light!

Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today

Hebrew Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7

Musical Offering      Rocking Carol     Trad. Czech

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-7

Hymn 121  O Little Town of Bethlehem

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 8-14

Hymn 113  Angels We Have Heard on High

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:15-20

Christmas Message  Reverend Debra McGuire

Musical Offering   Night of Silence     Daniel Kantor

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory  Carol of the Bells     M. Leontovych, Arr. Robert Vandall

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all people in our city and our world. In faith and gratitude, we offer common things made miracles by your grace. Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen

Musical Offering     “O Holy Night”     Adolphe Adam

Christmas Candle Lighting

ONE: We who dwelled in darkness have seen a great light;       

ALL: And on us this night a great light shines.

ONE: A Child has been born for us.

ALL: And he is named Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel.

Hymn 122  Silent Night, Holy Night

Merry Christmas!

Go in Peace!

Advent Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Faithful God, you chose Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Sovereign and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now fill us with your grace, that with her, we may understand your ways, rejoice in your salvation, and embrace your will; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

Welcome and Announcements

Introit          The Virgin's Slumber Song     Max Roger

Advent Candle Lighting: LOVE

ONE: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and set lights in the sky – sun and moon and stars. By these stars, our ancestors charted their journeys. By these stars, they knew God was with them.

Today we light a fourth candle to bring the fire of the stars down from heaven to earth, to nestle among the greens. We name this candle Love.

ALL: We too are on a journey, and we do not always know the way. But we chart our path by the star of joy. Even when despair is all around us and apathy seems the order of the day, we set our face steadily towards the light.

Reflection on the word Love   Cody, Janine, Hank and Hudson Valine

Advent Prayer

ONE: Listen now to the wisdom of the early Christians: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:7-12)

ALL: Lord Jesus, as we search for signs of love this week, help us to become the signs of love that others are searching for. As this candle is but a glimpse of the light of the heavens, help us to be a glimpse of heaven's love. Amen.

Response Hymn 85

Light one candle to watch for Messiah;

Let the light banish the darkness.

He shall bring salvation to Israel,

God fulfills the promise.

Call To Worship 3

Throughout the generations God has sent the message of peace and reconciliation in the words of the prophets, in acted parable, in history in nature. God has revealed a loving intent towards men and women. Finally, in due time, God sent Jesus into the world to demonstrate in human terms God's way of living and loving. So today we come to prepare our hearts and minds once more to receive the Gospel of hope and healing. In this place we are invited to open ourselves to the Spirit of God. To prepare a place for God in our lives. Come then, let us worship God. Amen.

Hymn 105  People, Look East

Confession of Faith 4

Our souls magnify the Lord, and our spirits rejoice in God our Savior, for God looks with favor upon us and sees our unrealized potential. In the tradition of Mary, and all who have said “yes” to God, we stand here today, to add our assent to theirs. Like Mary, we feel overwhelmed; we wonder if we are worthy, or capable, of following the calling. Like Mary, we have our questions and we will not be afraid to ask them. Like Mary, we will hear and ponder the assurance that God will empower us. Like Mary we will strive to say - “Let it be with us according to your will.” To whatever God is inviting of us at this time in our lives, and relying on God's grace, we say “yes.”

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

and all people will see the salvation of our God.

Words of Assurance

ONE: Of all the opportunities to give our assent, saying yes to God is where we find our strength.  God is with us always.

ALL:  Thanks be to God!

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 103

Come now, O Prince of Peace; make us one body.

Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

                    Luke 1:26-38

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem   Ave Maria     J.S. Bach/Charles Gounod

Sermon   "Promise of Love"  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 99 My Soul Gives Glory to My God

Invitation to the Offering 5

The willingness to give is a sign of life. The fruit tree gives of its fruit, and we know it is alive. The ability to give comes and goes. Truly God is good to us in ways beyond our understanding. Offerings consist of many things, some of which are financial. As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with us. You are invited to come and put your offerings and any prayer requests in this basket on the table now, or later this morning, and you are welcome to continue mailing your offerings to the church. Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory   Celtic Magnificat     Traditional Irish, Arr. Larry Shackley

Prayer of Dedication 6

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all people in our city and our world. In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace. Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 88    O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude    An Advent Reflection     Joseph M. Martin

1 Worship@North

2 “The Outlook's Advent Candle Liturgy” Nov 2023

3 Church of Scotland's Starters for Sunday

4 Ann Siddall, Stillpoint Spirituality Centre and Faith Community

5 Thom Schuman Lectionary Liturgies

6 Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

Advent Bells

Opening Prayer  1

Holy God of Joy, We rejoice in the reality of who you are. We live within the joy of your love for us. Our contentment comes and goes. Our happiness ebbs and flows. Our feelings depend upon our circumstances, our physical health, our brain chemistry. But our joy is deeply rooted in our identity as your beloved children. And we give you thanks. Amen.

Welcome and Announcements

Introit       Come, Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace

Advent Candle Lighting: JOY

ONE: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and set lights in the sky – sun and moon and stars. By these stars, our ancestors charted their journeys. By these stars, they knew God was with them.

Today we light a third candle to bring the fire of the stars down from heaven to earth, to nestle among the greens. We name this candle Joy.

ALL: We too are on a journey, and we do not always know the way. But we chart our path by the star of joy. Even when despair is all around us and apathy seems the order of the day, we set our face steadily towards the light.

Reflection on the word Joy   Chris Angeles and Steve Cady

Advent Prayer

ONE: Listen now to the prophecy of Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion – to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

ALL: Lord Jesus, as we search for signs of joy this week, help us to become the signs of joy that others are searching for. As these candles are but a glimpse of the light of the heavens, help us to be a glimpse of heaven's joy. Amen.

Response Hymn 85

Light one candle to watch for Messiah;

Let the light banish the darkness.

He shall bring salvation to Israel,

God fulfills the promise.

Call To Worship 2

ONE: We come to prepare the way;

ALL: The way for Christ –

ONE: the hope of Christ, the peace of Christ –

ALL: to enter our world, to enter our hearts.

ONE: We cry out together in the wilderness:

ALL: The kingdom of heaven has come near.

ONE: We come to be part of the light–

ALL: the light that shines in the darkness.

Hymn 86 The People Who Walked in Darkness

Confession of Faith

ONE: The voice of one comes crying out in the wilderness

ALL: …prepare the way of the Lord.

ONE: A messenger prepares the way, transforming us like the refiner's fire

ALL: …calling us to account.

ONE: For the prophets of old have spoken, announcing the breaking open of the dawn

ALL: …guiding our feet in the way of peace.

ONE: Merciful God forgive us…

ALL: forgive us when we are quick to point the finger at someone else. Forgive us when we put our heads down and ignore the cries of injustice. Forgive us when we presume to understand the complexity of issues that divide and distract the peoples of the land your feet once walked.

ONE: Merciful God...

ALL: forgive us, heal us, encourage us and speak through us, that we may be transformed through the refiner's fire, and the offerings of our hands and our hearts may prepare the way for the Christ child to be welcomed among us in peace.  

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

and all people will see the salvation of our God.

Words of Assurance 5

ONE:  This is the time of God's favor, God's grace continues to proclaim release to the captives, sight to the blind, Good News to the poor and freedom to the oppressed.

ALL: We live as loved, forgiven and free people through the grace of God! Hallelujah! Amen.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 103

Come now, O Prince of Peace; make us one body.

Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.

Scripture: John 1:6-8, 19-28

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem  Mary Did You Know     Buddy Greene, Mark Lowry  

Sermon   Among You   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 96   On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry

Invitation to the Offering 6

The willingness to give is a sign of life. The fruit tree gives of its fruit, and we know it is alive. The ability to give comes and goes. Truly God is good to us in ways beyond our understanding. Offerings consist of many things, some of which are financial. As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with us. You are invited to come and put your offerings and any prayer requests in this basket on the table now, or later this morning, and you are welcome to continue mailing your offerings to the church. Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory   Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence     French Carol, Arr. Phillip Keveren

Prayer of Dedication 7

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all people in our city and our world. In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace. Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 102    Savior of the Nations, Come

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude   Joy To The World (Joyful Joyful)     Isaac Watts | Henry Van Dyke

1 Joanna Harader Spacious Faith

2 "The Outlook's Advent Candle Liturgy" Nove 2023

3 Joanna Harader

4 originally posted on the Monthly Prayers page (now Weekly Worship) of the Christian Aid website

5 Rev Gord Worship Offerings

6   Thom Schuman Lectionary Liturgies

7 Christine Longhurst, re: Worship

Advent Bells

Opening Prayer  1

Loving God, be to us as a bulldozer of the spirit. Clear your road in us; clear a path through the detritus of possessions and obsessions. Thrust aside our divided aims and devious games. Topple the ramparts of pride and the doubts that deride. Make a highway on which Christ may come and take possession of the whole territory of our being. To the glory of your name we pray. Amen!

Welcome and Announcements

Introit     Carol for Advent     Nancy Price & Don Besig

Advent Candle Lighting: PEACE

ONE: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and set lights in the sky – sun and moon and stars. By these stars, our ancestors charted their journeys. By these stars, they knew God was with them.

Today we light a second candle to bring the fire of the stars down from heaven to earth, to nestle among the greens. We name this candle Peace.

ALL:  We too are on a journey, and we do not always know the way. But we chart our path by the star of hope. Even when better days seem very far away and the weight of the world seems to crush your promises, we set our face steadily towards the light.

Reflection on the word Peace   Janine Mooney and Chris Barrow

Advent Prayer 2

ONE: Listen now to the plea of the apostle Paul: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

ALL: Lord Jesus, as we search for signs of peace this week, help us to become the signs of peace that others are searching for. As these candles are but a glimpse of the light of the heavens, help us to be a glimpse of heaven's peace. Amen.

Response Hymn 85

Light one candle to watch for Messiah;

Let the light banish the darkness.

He shall bring salvation to Israel,

God fulfills the promise.

Call To Worship 3

ONE: We come to prepare the way;

ALL:   The way for Christ --

ONE:  The hope of Christ, the peace of Christ --

ALL:   To enter our world, to enter our hearts.

ONE:  We cry out together in the wilderness:

ALL: The kingdom of heaven has come near.

ONE:  We come to be part of the light --

ALL: the light that shines in darkness.

Hymn 89  For You, O Lord, My Soul in Stillness Waits

Confession of Faith 4

ONE: The voice of one comes crying out in the wilderness

ALL: …prepare the way of the Lord.

ONE: A messenger prepares the way, transforming us like the refiner's fire

ALL: …calling us to account.

ONE: For the prophets of old have spoken, announcing the breaking open of the dawn

ALL: …guiding our feet in the way of peace.

ONE: Merciful God forgive us…

ALL: forgive us when we are quick to point the finger at someone else. Forgive us when we put our heads down and ignore the cries of injustice. Forgive us when we presume to understand the complexity of issues that divide and distract the peoples of the land your feet once walked.

ONE: Merciful God...

ALL: forgive us, heal us, encourage us and speak through us, that we may be transformed through the refiner's fire, and the offerings of our hands and our hearts may prepare the way for the Christ child to be welcomed among us in peace.  

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

and all people will see the salvation of our God.

Words of Assurance

ONE:  This is the good news in Jesus Christ.  God's amazing love for us is that God's love will never end. Rejoice and be glad, for God comes to us!

ALL:  Thanks be to God!

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 103

Come now, O Prince of Peace; make us one body.

Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11

                    Mark 1:1-8

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     Come, Messiah!     Lloyd Larson

Sermon   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 77   Isaiah the Prophet Has Written of Old

Invitation to the Offering 5

The willingness to give is a sign of life. The fruit tree gives of its fruit, and we know it is alive. The ability to give comes and goes. Truly God is good to us in ways beyond our understanding. Offerings consist of many things, some of which are financial. As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with us. You are invited to come and put your offerings and any prayer requests in this basket on the table now, or later this morning, and you are welcome to continue mailing your offerings to the church. Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory   Advent Hymn     Christy Nockels

Prayer of Dedication 4

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all people in our city and our world. In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace. Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord, we have pulled out the Advent wreath, the Christmas tree, the poinsettias. We dusted off the hymns, unsung for a year, and unearthed the words of your prophets.  Yet, in your eyes, these efforts are for nothing without the regular, persistent, deep pursuit of justice for all people. Our efforts are hollow without consistent work toward peace, reconciliation, and participation in your mission for creation.

In our hearts, we do long to be your people, to carry out your mission, to be lights in the darkness-proof that no darkness can overcome your truth. Awaken us to action. Stir us to courage. Rouse us to prepare a way in the wilderness for your coming, clearing the brush of oppression, racism, injustice, and hopelessness-so that all may see your light and perceive your coming. Amen.

(the prayers are heard)

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 87    Comfort, Comfort Now My People

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     Even So Come     Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, Jess Cates

Announcements

1  Bruce Prewer

2 "The Outlook's Advent Candle Liturgy" Nov 2023

3 Joanna Harader

4  originally posted on the Monthly Prayers page (now Weekly Worship) of the Christian Aid website

5  Thom Schuman Lectionary Liturgies

6   Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

7   lutheranjulia

Advent Bells

Opening Prayer  1

Lord Jesus Christ, we await your coming. We wait filled with hope, knowing your light will shine in the darkness. We wait anticipating your peace, believing that one day it will fill our world. We wait embracing your love. May we reach out to share it with our neighbors. We wait with joy, bubbling us in expectation of your birth. Lord we wait. Come soon and fill us with your life. Amen.

Welcome

Introit      Hope, Ascending     Alexis French

Advent Candle Lighting: HOPE

ONE: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and set lights in the sky – sun and moon and stars. By these stars, our ancestors charted their journeys. By these stars, they knew God was with them.

Today we light one candle to bring the fire of the stars down from heaven to earth, to nestle among the greens. We name this candle Hope.

ALL:  We too are on a journey, and we do not always know the way. But we chart our path by the star of hope. Even when better days seem very far away and the weight of the world seems to crush your promises, we set our face steadily towards the light.

Reflection on the word Hope  Lyn Hughes and George Lynch

Advent Prayer 2

ONE: Listen now to the prayer of an ancient poet: “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my might rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 67:5-8).

ALL: Lord Jesus, as we search for signs of hope this week, help us to become the signs of hope that others are searching for. As this candle is but a glimpse of the light of the heavens, help us to be a glimpse of heaven's hope. Amen.

Response Hymn 85

Light one candle to watch for Messiah;

Let the light banish the darkness.

He shall bring salvation to Israel,

God fulfills the promise.

Call To Worship 3

ONE: It doesn't matter whether or not you can have faith; whether or not you are cynical or despairing, hope-filled or hope-less: what matters to God is simply that you are here.

ALL: We are entering the time of Advent, in preparation for Christmas. 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.

ONE: We need to make the space in our lives where love might be born.

ALL: Welcome to this tiny corner of a harsh and dark world. Together, let us practice being ready in the faith that Christ will come.

Hymn 104    O Lord, How Shall I Meet You

Confession of Faith

We confess, O God, that we do not take seriously your coming into our lives.  We do not believe that salvation is near; we do not act uprightly, loving you, our neighbors, or ourselves; nor do we bend our swords and spears.  Forgive us, we pray, that we might once again walk in your light, choosing for the world of our Christ.  Amen.

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

and all people will see the salvation of our God.

Words of Assurance 3

ONE:  This is the good news in Jesus Christ.  We can stand before God, not through our own goodness, but through God's great kindness to us.  Rejoice and be glad, for God comes to us!

ALL:  Thanks be to God!

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 103

Come now, O Prince of Peace; make us one body.

Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.

Scripture: Mark 13:24-31

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Reading: Hope

It hovers in dark corners

before the lights are turned on,

it shakes sleep from its eyes

and drops from mushroom gills,

it explodes in the starry heads

of dandelions turned sages,

it sticks to the wings of green angels

that sail from the tops of maples.

It sprouts in each occluded eye

of the many-eyed potato,

it lives in each earthworm segment

surviving cruelty,

it is the motion that runs the tail of a dog,

it is the mouth that inflates the lungs

of the child that has just been born.

It is the singular gift

we cannot destroy in ourselves,

the argument that refutes death,

the genius that invents the future,

all we know of God.

It is the serum which makes us swear

not to betray one another;

it is in this poem, trying to speak.

- Lisa Mueller

Anthem  O Come, O Come Emmanuel     Coffin, Neale, Helmore

Sermon  “Live Inside the Hope”     Rev. Dr. G. Penny Nixon

Hymn 357   The Days Are Surely Coming

Invitation to the Offering 4

The willingness to give is a sign of life. The fruit tree gives of its fruit, and we know it is alive. The ability to give comes and goes. Truly God is good to us in ways beyond our understanding. Offerings consist of many things, some of which are financial. As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with us. You are invited to come and put your offerings and any prayer requests in this basket on the table now, or later this morning, and you are welcome to continue mailing your offerings to the church. Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory   Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming     Arr. Jean Anne Shafferman

Prayer of Dedication 4

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all people in our city and our world. In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace. Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen.

Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

Welcome to the delight that is this table.  Our Lord's table.  Welcome to the table where the love of God meets Humanity.  We welcome everyone to this table, no matter your church background, your knowledge of biblical ideas, no matter your sexual orientation or gender truth, no matter your mood.  Wherever and whoever you are you are welcome here, you belong, you are worthy.  

This is for you, but it may change you from one who is anxiously concerned about their own redemption into one who knows that Christ's body is the earth and all who walk upon it, are one in Him.  Into knowing that we are not redeemed by our being good but by our being connected.  Into knowing that daring to eat at the table of Jesus Christ has unimaginable consequences.

So come, come to be made whole, and to participate in the work of making us one with God and each other.

Preparation of the Table

ONE: The Lord be with you

ALL: And also with you

ONE: Lift up your hearts

ALL: We lift them up to the Lord

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

ALL: It is right to give our thanks and praise

ONE: We give you thanks, O God, for making your love evident since the very beginning of time when you spoke the word which replaced the darkness of chaos with life-giving light. A light which has nurtured generations of people, and plants and creatures, great and small. A light which also revealed the fear and powerlessness caused by corrupt and evil actions. And so you spoke the Word which would once and for all dispel the darkness of chaotic lives. Through your love for the world the Word became flesh and lived among us full of grace and truth. The angels caroled glory to you in the highest heavens and peace to all people on earth, and we join with them and with all people to praise your holy name saying together:

ALL: Holy Lord, God of endless love, heaven and earth are surely full of your glory. The angels sang of it - we have been lavished with it. Blessed is he who was born that we might have life. Glory to God and on earth peace to all people.

ONE: Holy God, as the travelers with their treasures were overwhelmed with joy on finding Jesus, so we also are overwhelmed on finding out the depth of his love for us. For Jesus showed just how beloved we are to him, by loving us and giving himself for us.

Send the power of your Holy Spirit upon these gifts of bread and wine, O God, that we may experience the presence of the Word-made-flesh - Jesus Christ. Breathe your Spirit in us that we may be one body with him - living out his ministry in the world today and every day. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Generous God, You are the source of all life, creating and sustaining every living thing. You are the source of all food, material and spiritual, nourishing us in both body and soul. You are the light that goes before us, shining into the darkness. May we be filled with your breath nourished by your food renewed by your living water and sustained by your love.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 384    Soon and Very Soon

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus     Traditional  

Announcements

1 Christine Sine GodSpace (2012)

2 “The Outlook's Advent Candle Liturgy” Nov 2023y

3  Cheryl Lawrie  [hold this space]

4 Thom Schuman Lectionary Liturgies