Sunday, November 28, 2010
1st Sunday of Advent
GATHERING
WELCOME IN THE NAME OF THE SAVIOR JESUS THE CHRIST
ANNOUNCEMENTS: First Sunday in Advent
PRELUDE MUSIC: Patty Bell
*OPENING HYMN: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” verse 1-3 UMH 218
TIME WITH YOUTH: ISAIAH 2:1-5
**LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE:
O God, this year we have known hardship, and we have known war. So many have suffered; some have died, while others have mourned. It has been a difficult time in our nation and around the world.
We thank you for your promise of a time when sword will be exchanged for shovels and when tanks will be replaced by tractors.
We look forward to the promised day when nations will live together in peace; and when we learn, not about war, but about you and one another.
(Light the candle)
Lord, may the light of this first candle shine bright and clear, reminding us of your promise of peace on earth.
All: Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.
SONG: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” stanza 4 only:UMH 218
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: Friends, pay attention! Things are not as they seem.
People: The salvation of the Lord is closer than it has ever been.
Leader: Call everyone to attention! Sound the alert!
People: It is time for us to keep watch; the Lord’s appearance draws near.
Leader: We do not know when it will come, whether in the day or the night.
People: Therefore, let us stay awake and be on our guard.
Leader: The hour of Christ’s coming is upon us.
People: Thanks be to God! We await the promised one!
INVOCATION: Gracious God, we are a people of many distractions, pulled in different directions, responding to multiple and often conflicting needs. We thank you for the gift of Sabbath and worship, for a space and a time to set aside everything that tugs at us and instead focus our hearts and minds on you. Draw us more deeply into your presence. Grant us rest as we rely on your provision, and faith as we trust in your grace. Quiet our spirits so we may hear your Spirit speaking to us. Amen.
HYMN: “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” UMH 196
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: sharing joys and concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY PRAYER
We ask for grace, that we not push our giving to you to the bottom of our priorities, that we will experience freedom and joy in giving to both you and others, and that the joy of your gift to us in your Son will permeate our hearts and lives. We offer our time, talents and treasure to you with grateful and generous spirits. Amen.
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
*PRESENTATION OF OUR GIFTS
RESPONSE: “We Will Glorify” Renew 33
We will glorify the King of Kings, we will glorify the Lamb; We will glorify the Lord of Lords, Who is the great I AM.
PROCLAMING GOD’S WORD
EPISTLE LESSON: Romans 13:11-14 PB, pg. 153
GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 24:36-44 PB, pg. 26
MESSAGE Pastor Vicki
RESPONSE TO THE WORD: “This Is My Song” UMH 437
SENDING FORTH AND BENEDICTION
CIRCLE SONG: “Surely the Presence” UMH 328
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place; I can feel His mighty power and His grace. I can hear the brush of angel’s wings, I see glory on each face; surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
*BLESSING:
Quiet room available if needed.
*Please stand as you are able.
**Used by permission: copyright 2010 General Board of Discipleship
Reminder: Dec. 19 is All Church Conference @ 10:00. Rev Gary Kennedy is preaching.
The Christmas program will be by the youth on Christmas Eve. @ 5:45 pm.
Come, let us adore them!!!