December 12, 2021 Third Sunday of Advent
Welcome
Prelude “Prepare the Way, O Zion” arr. Robert Lau
Call to Worship Alta Hall
Sing praises to the Lord, who has done marvelous things.
Let it be known in all the earth.
Shout aloud and sing for joy,
For in our midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Hymn “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” #203
Lighting the Advent Candle* Beth, Bob, Clyde and Ren Crizer
Response “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #211 verse 3
First Lesson Isaiah 12:2-6 Jora Landis
Second Lesson Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel Luke 3:7-18
L: The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ P: Praise to you, Lord Christ
Message “Waiting with Joy" Pastor Gilbert Stones
Hymn ”Rejoice, the Lord Is King” #715
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer Mike and Kathy Lindsay and Sharon Payne Bolton
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who
sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever.
Amen.
Offering [Click here to go to online giving]
[Click here to request an Estimate of Giving card]
Offertory “What Sweeter Music” John Rutter
Prayer of Dedication
Hymn “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” #224
Benediction
Song of Blessing: “Shalom to You”
Passing the Peace of Christ with phone calls, texts, emails, cards and prayers
+ + + + + + +
Thanks to everyone who made today’s service possible
Barbara Hoff - Organ and Piano
Jora Landis, Cheryl Dove, Rich Bolin, Gilbert Stones - Vocals
Jora Landis - Reader
Alta Hall and - Liturgy
Rich Bolin - Music Coordinator
Rich Bolin, Kasey P. Lindsay, Mary Anne Meyer, Gilbert Stones - Primary Videography
Kasey P. Lindsay - Video Editing
*Advent Candle Lighting
Opening Prayer:
Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit
within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this sacred
circle through which all creation is related. You show us the way to live a
generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with
respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and
forever. Amen.
Lighting the Advent Candle (west) - Rejoice
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good
news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and
recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of
the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19
We light this candle in the western direction, the direction of the setting sun and
symbolizing autumn, the time of the harvest. We light this candle thankful that
Christ brought good tidings, the promise of new life—the blind receiving sight, the
lame walking and the prisoner set free. We light this candle, thankful for our
adult responsibilities, for seeing how we may help to make the world a better
place for our children and grandchildren. We rejoice that Christ has set us free!
Prayer:
Creator, strengthen our weak hands that we may find your holy way, the way of
the redeemed where joy and gladness live. May we understand our own gifts and
bring teachings for the good of our communities and for the world. May we do
the work that Jesus has given us to do with purpose and joy. Amen