ORDER OF WORSHIP
1st Sunday of Advent
November 27, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Let us go into the house of the Lord!
Let us meet God with joy!
God builds us up like a great city.
May peace be within our walls.
Let us seek the goodness of God;
Let us go into the house of the Lord!
*HYMN #106 (Red) ‘Prepare the Way, O Zion’
Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley a level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story.
O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.
He brings God’s rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding.
O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.
Fling wide your gates, O Zion; your Savior’s rule embrace,
and tidings of salvation proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing, their adoration voicing.
O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.
CALL TO CONFESSION
This is the time for us to wake from sleep; salvation is near to us. Let us then lay aside the tatters of sin, and put on the armor of righteousness, asking our Savior for forgiveness.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, we are steeped in a world of violence. War is one of the first things we learn, and we let it work its way into our lives. Your promises of peace sound like impossible dreams, and we become accustomed to cruelty. Forgive us. Wrest our weapons from our hands and show us how beautiful life can be when you forge them into instruments of peace.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Beloved, know this: the God of Presence, the God of Transformation, the God of Peace, hears our prayers and gives us power to love.
Through Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God!
* GLORIA IN EXCELSIS (Angels We Have Heard on High’ refrain)
Gloria in excelsis Deo!’
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
We gather here to recall the mystery of our redemption. Though sin drew us away from God, he never stopped loving us. The prophets told of the coming of a Messiah who would initiate a reign in justice and peace, This promise was fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Let us now reflect with joy on this wondrous mystery. Holy Spirit, illumine your Holy Word of Mystery to us. Amen.
:
A voice is crying in the wilderness Listen to the Word of the Lord.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING Beth L
The world says, “All is lost.”
God says, “All is loved.”
The darkness says, “The light is dying.”
The light says, “The fire is catching.”
Fear says, “Cover your eyes and your ears.”
Hope says, “Wait, Watch, and listen.”
As we light our first Advent candle,
We pray for holy hope of God.
Come now, O Child of Mary.
Come now, O Prince of Hope.
(Light one candle)
ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS
FIRST LESSON AND PRAYER
Genesis 3:1-15
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die, 5 for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
8 They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this,
cursed are you among all animals
and among all wild creatures;
upon your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman
and between your offspring and hers;
he will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
PRAYER
Lord of mercy, despite our sinfulness, you never stopped loving us. Fill our hearts with your mercy, that we may forgive others. Amen.
*HYMN: #370 (Red) ‘This is My Father’s World’
This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world; I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world. The battle is not done:
Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one.
SECOND LESSON
Jeremiah 23:5-8
5 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
7 Therefore the days are surely coming, says the Lord, when it shall no longer be said, “As the Lord lives who brought the people of Israel up out of the land of Egypt,” 8 but “As the Lord lives who brought out and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the land of the north and out of all the lands where he had driven them.” Then they shall live in their own land.
PRAYER
Lord, you promised that your reign would bring the justice that would never end. May we help to bring this justice in our time. Amen.
*HYMN #129 (Red) ‘Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming’
Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung;
of Jesse's lineage coming, by faithful prophets sung.
It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter
when half-spent was the night.
Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the rose I have in mind;
with Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright she bore for us a Savior
when half spent was the night.
This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere.
Enfleshed, yet very God, from sin and death he saves us
and lightens every load.
THIRD LESSON
Isaiah 11:1-10
1 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see
or decide by what his ears hear,
4 but with righteousness he shall judge for the poor
and decide with equity for the oppressed of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
5 Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist
and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
6 The wolf shall live with the lamb;
the leopard shall lie down with the kid;
the calf and the lion will feed together,
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
9 They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
10 On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
PRAYER
Lord, we wait for the day of your peace. May we help to bring this peace in our families, our communities and our world. Amen.
*HYMN #88 (Red) ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel (verses1-4)
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily:
to us the path of knowledge show; and teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times didst give the law in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Root of Jesse, free thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
from depths of hell thy people save, and give them victory o'er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
FOURTH LESSON
Isaiah 9:1-6
1 But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 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.
3 You have multiplied exultation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 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.
PRAYER
God, you are always with us. May we always trust in your presence and share it with those around us. Amen.
*HYMN # 83 (Red) ‘Come Thou Long Expected Jesus’
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
GOSPEL:
Matthew 24:36-44
36 “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so, too, will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day[b] your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in lory to reveal a new creation. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
God of the Advent, as we joyfully enter this time of waiting, we feel nestled and safe in your everlasting peace. You have taught us the paths and choices that lead to being in your Temple. We wait hushed in anticipation of the coming of your son. He serves as the guide of our lives and the shepherd of our souls. We hope to emulate his generosity and compassion as we share these gifts. Use these gifts so others can be blanketed with the warmth of your unconditional love, like a newborn baby wrapped in the loving arms of a parent. Amen. (Isaiah 2:1-5 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Paige F
-Marge V
-Nelda H (recovery at the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew-for continued strength)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Bob B, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Arlyce T, Steve & Carrie V, Art & Marjorie V
Those who mourn: We pray for the Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, Webster, & Salonen families and all who have lost loved ones.
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 #123 (Red) ‘It Came Upon a Midnight Clear’
It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, good will to all, from heaven's all-gracious King."
The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats o'er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o'er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.
Yet with the woe of sin and strife The world has suffered long;
Beneath the heavenly hymn have rolled two thousand years of wrong;
and we at war on earth hear not the tidings that they bring;
O, hush the noise and cease the strife to hear the angels sing!
And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:
O, rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing.
For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world give back the song which now the angels sing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE PC(USA) CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING begins today, Nov. 27 until Dec. 18. Please put donations in the offering plate and write ‘Christmas Joy’ on the memo line. Thank you for your generosity!
ADVENT POTLUCK MEAL will follow worship next Sunday, Dec. 4. We ask that families bring a casserole, salad, snack, or dessert to share, but please join with us in fellowship even if you are unable to bring any food. The second will be on Sunday Dec. 18 with the same format.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will be taking the month of December off and will meet again Jan. 3, 2023.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from another. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2021-2022 Year C Vo.55.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2021 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993
1st Sunday of Advent
November 27, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Let us go into the house of the Lord!
Let us meet God with joy!
God builds us up like a great city.
May peace be within our walls.
Let us seek the goodness of God;
Let us go into the house of the Lord!
*HYMN #106 (Red) ‘Prepare the Way, O Zion’
Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley a level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story.
O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.
He brings God’s rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding.
O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.
Fling wide your gates, O Zion; your Savior’s rule embrace,
and tidings of salvation proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing, their adoration voicing.
O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.
CALL TO CONFESSION
This is the time for us to wake from sleep; salvation is near to us. Let us then lay aside the tatters of sin, and put on the armor of righteousness, asking our Savior for forgiveness.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, we are steeped in a world of violence. War is one of the first things we learn, and we let it work its way into our lives. Your promises of peace sound like impossible dreams, and we become accustomed to cruelty. Forgive us. Wrest our weapons from our hands and show us how beautiful life can be when you forge them into instruments of peace.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Beloved, know this: the God of Presence, the God of Transformation, the God of Peace, hears our prayers and gives us power to love.
Through Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God!
* GLORIA IN EXCELSIS (Angels We Have Heard on High’ refrain)
Gloria in excelsis Deo!’
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
We gather here to recall the mystery of our redemption. Though sin drew us away from God, he never stopped loving us. The prophets told of the coming of a Messiah who would initiate a reign in justice and peace, This promise was fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Let us now reflect with joy on this wondrous mystery. Holy Spirit, illumine your Holy Word of Mystery to us. Amen.
:
A voice is crying in the wilderness Listen to the Word of the Lord.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING Beth L
The world says, “All is lost.”
God says, “All is loved.”
The darkness says, “The light is dying.”
The light says, “The fire is catching.”
Fear says, “Cover your eyes and your ears.”
Hope says, “Wait, Watch, and listen.”
As we light our first Advent candle,
We pray for holy hope of God.
Come now, O Child of Mary.
Come now, O Prince of Hope.
(Light one candle)
ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS
FIRST LESSON AND PRAYER
Genesis 3:1-15
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die, 5 for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
8 They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this,
cursed are you among all animals
and among all wild creatures;
upon your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman
and between your offspring and hers;
he will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
PRAYER
Lord of mercy, despite our sinfulness, you never stopped loving us. Fill our hearts with your mercy, that we may forgive others. Amen.
*HYMN: #370 (Red) ‘This is My Father’s World’
This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world; I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world. The battle is not done:
Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one.
SECOND LESSON
Jeremiah 23:5-8
5 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
7 Therefore the days are surely coming, says the Lord, when it shall no longer be said, “As the Lord lives who brought the people of Israel up out of the land of Egypt,” 8 but “As the Lord lives who brought out and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the land of the north and out of all the lands where he had driven them.” Then they shall live in their own land.
PRAYER
Lord, you promised that your reign would bring the justice that would never end. May we help to bring this justice in our time. Amen.
*HYMN #129 (Red) ‘Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming’
Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung;
of Jesse's lineage coming, by faithful prophets sung.
It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter
when half-spent was the night.
Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the rose I have in mind;
with Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright she bore for us a Savior
when half spent was the night.
This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere.
Enfleshed, yet very God, from sin and death he saves us
and lightens every load.
THIRD LESSON
Isaiah 11:1-10
1 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see
or decide by what his ears hear,
4 but with righteousness he shall judge for the poor
and decide with equity for the oppressed of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
5 Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist
and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
6 The wolf shall live with the lamb;
the leopard shall lie down with the kid;
the calf and the lion will feed together,
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
9 They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
10 On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
PRAYER
Lord, we wait for the day of your peace. May we help to bring this peace in our families, our communities and our world. Amen.
*HYMN #88 (Red) ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel (verses1-4)
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily:
to us the path of knowledge show; and teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times didst give the law in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Root of Jesse, free thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
from depths of hell thy people save, and give them victory o'er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
FOURTH LESSON
Isaiah 9:1-6
1 But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 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.
3 You have multiplied exultation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 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.
PRAYER
God, you are always with us. May we always trust in your presence and share it with those around us. Amen.
*HYMN # 83 (Red) ‘Come Thou Long Expected Jesus’
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
GOSPEL:
Matthew 24:36-44
36 “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so, too, will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day[b] your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in lory to reveal a new creation. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
God of the Advent, as we joyfully enter this time of waiting, we feel nestled and safe in your everlasting peace. You have taught us the paths and choices that lead to being in your Temple. We wait hushed in anticipation of the coming of your son. He serves as the guide of our lives and the shepherd of our souls. We hope to emulate his generosity and compassion as we share these gifts. Use these gifts so others can be blanketed with the warmth of your unconditional love, like a newborn baby wrapped in the loving arms of a parent. Amen. (Isaiah 2:1-5 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Paige F
-Marge V
-Nelda H (recovery at the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew-for continued strength)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Bob B, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Arlyce T, Steve & Carrie V, Art & Marjorie V
Those who mourn: We pray for the Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, Webster, & Salonen families and all who have lost loved ones.
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 #123 (Red) ‘It Came Upon a Midnight Clear’
It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, good will to all, from heaven's all-gracious King."
The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats o'er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o'er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.
Yet with the woe of sin and strife The world has suffered long;
Beneath the heavenly hymn have rolled two thousand years of wrong;
and we at war on earth hear not the tidings that they bring;
O, hush the noise and cease the strife to hear the angels sing!
And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:
O, rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing.
For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world give back the song which now the angels sing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE PC(USA) CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING begins today, Nov. 27 until Dec. 18. Please put donations in the offering plate and write ‘Christmas Joy’ on the memo line. Thank you for your generosity!
ADVENT POTLUCK MEAL will follow worship next Sunday, Dec. 4. We ask that families bring a casserole, salad, snack, or dessert to share, but please join with us in fellowship even if you are unable to bring any food. The second will be on Sunday Dec. 18 with the same format.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will be taking the month of December off and will meet again Jan. 3, 2023.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from another. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2021-2022 Year C Vo.55.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2021 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993