Jerome Haven Church Bulletin – December 16, 2012

GATHERING

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING

PRELUDE                                                                                                  Kathy Nash

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: All creation holds its breath.
Response: The time is almost here.
Leader: The heavenly choir of angels waits for its cue to sing.
Response: Excitement is all around us.
Leader: Prepare your hearts–The grace of God takes on human form.
Good news! Emmanuel, God-with-Us, comes to us.
Response: We gather to make ready our hearts for the coming of Christ, our hope.

 

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE

The Boardman Family will light the third candle –  JOY.

 

* HYMN             “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”                                  UMH #218

 

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION-Unison

We give thanks, O God, that You are unchanging, that Your concern for justice and righteousness was so strong that You came in human form to share that concern with us in person.  We confess that all too often we hesitate to speak or act when we see people being treated unjustly. Forgive us, O God, for the times when we have been happy to hear the gospel without truly living it. Forgive us for uncaring attitudes when we base our opinion of another person’s worth on what they own, or how they look; on what they say, or how they live, rather than accepting them for who they are—people made in Your image. Forgive us when our longing to live simply and with humility is defeated by selfish desires—for pursuing profits before seeking Your will. Forgive us for placing our hope in other than the Christ-child born in a poor stable. Our hope lies in the promise of Your mercy, O God, extending to those who fear You from generation to generation.  Heal, restore and bless us, we pray, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.  Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

 

TIME WITH YOUTH                                                               Janet & Michael Keffer

*HYMN                     “Angels We Have Heard on High”                           UMH #238

 

LITANY for ADVENT

Leader: Advent calls us to joyful anticipation of the Messiah, but sometimes joy is lacking.

Response: Restore us, O God.

Leader: When our delight is overshadowed by worry and fear,

Response: Restore us, O God.

Leader: When problems loom large and solutions are elusive,

Response: Restore us, O God.

Leader: When relationships are painful and hurt results,

Response: Restore us, O God.

Leader: When busyness and activity crowd out what is meaningful and important,

Response: Restore us, O God.

Leader: When disappointments mount and disillusionment descends,

Response; Restore us, O God. Amen.

Leader: Joy to the world! The light of the world is coming!

All: Restore to us, O God, the joy of your salvation!

 

ANTHEM           “Away in a Manger”                           Haven UMC Choral Ensemble

PRAYERS AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Unison – Lord of Light, y\You gave Yourself to this world by the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  We thankfully rejoice and praise You for Your peace and light shared with all nations. Now, center us on the King of Glory during these prayerful moments of giving.  We present these gifts as Your humble and willing servants in the name of the One who comes to us anew, Jesus the Living Christ.  Amen. 

RECEIVING OUR OFFERING

*PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING

*DOXOLOGY                                                                                               UMH#95

 

JOYS AND CONCERNS-PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE                      Michael Keffer THE LORD’S PRAYER

 

PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON                                                                    Luke 2:8-20

THE MESSAGE                                                                                          Janet Keffer

*HYMN                     “The First Noel”                                      UMH#245   Verses 1-4

 

SENDING FORTH

*CIRCLE SONG:                         “Shine, Jesus Shine”                              Renew #247

Shine, Jesus shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory, blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire; Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy, send forth Your word, Lord, and let there be light. 

*BENEDICTION

*Stand as you are able. The quiet room is available in the back of the sanctuary if needed.

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