SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
Second Sunday of Advent/Communion
12-06-20
WELCOME
HYMN “Comfort, Comfort You My People”
Comfort, comfort you my people,
Tell of peace, thus says our God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness
Bowed beneath oppression’s load.
Speak you to Jerusalem
Of the peace that waits for them;
Tell them that their sins I cover,
And their warfare now is over.
For the herald's voice is calling
In the desert far and near,
Bidding us to make repentance,
Since the kingdom now is here
O that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way;
Let the valleys rise in meeting,
And the hills bow down in greeting.
Make you straight what long was crooked,
Make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble,
As befits God’s holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord
Now o’er earth is shed abroad;
And all flesh shall see the token
That God’s word is never broken.
CALL TO WORSHIP
A voice cries out in the wilderness,
“Prepare the way of the Lord!”
Let us line the road with beauty
and pave it with acts of justice.
For the Holy One is coming our way,
the giver of life and the source of living water.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Merciful God, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE - Week 2
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage. Wait for the Lord!
An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded.
Scripture reading (Psalm 27 and Matthew 1)
(The Candle is lit, the BELLS toll, reminding and calling us to worship and thank God for sending us a Savior.)
You say to us, “Be still and know that I am God,” yet it is hard to be still during this busy season. The many demands of our lives press upon us, and we are weary and wary of your promise of peace. Reassure us in this time together of your presence, and by it soothe our troubled minds. Carry us forward by your promise that all manner of things shall be well. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Be gracious to us, O God; deliver us as we your people pray and confess our sins together:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
“Prepare the way of the Lord,” your prophet says to us. Forgive us when we have failed to prepare your way. Forgive us when we have stood in your way, instead: when we let the challenging words of your prophets roll off of lives, rather than let them spark change; when we walk around a neighbor in need, rather than encounter a chance for compassion. Forgive us, O Lord, and grant us assurance that the glory of your coming does not depend upon the righteousness of your followers. Forgive us, O Lord, and free us to try again.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Every valley is lifted up; every mountain, made low. Now the glory of the Lord is revealed, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA (please stand)
Gloria in excelsis Deo;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Holy God, our hope and strength, by the power of your Spirit prepare the way in our hearts for the coming of your Word, so that we may see the glorious signs of your light and of your promise fulfilled; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC: “He Shall Feed His Flocks” Rev. Norlita
SCRIPTURE READINGS
A voice is crying in the wilderness: Listen to the word of the Lord.
(Mark 1:3; John 1:23)
Isaiah 40:1-11
1Comfort, O comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that she has served her term,
that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Cry out!”
And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All people are grass,
their constancy is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades,
when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades;
but the word of our God will stand forever.
9 Get you up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah,
“Here is your God!”
10 See, the Lord God comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.
2 Peter 3:8-15
8 But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? 13 But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
14 Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
Mark 1:1-8
1The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way;
3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Heaven and earth will pass away but the word of the Lord stands forever.
Thanks be to God.
REFLECTION: “Pray, Prepare, Proclaim” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - APOSTLE’S 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 glory to reveal a new creation. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
(2 Peter 3:8-15)
SPECIAL MUSIC “Prepare the Way, O Zion” Richard & Judy Smith, Rev. Norlita, Bonnie Foster-pianist, Elizabeth Fox-flautist
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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
Loving God, you powerfully proclaim through your prophet John the need for us to repent of our sins and to prepare the way of the Lord. We place these offerings upon your altar with the knowledge that they will support many ministries that proclaim your Good News and lead people on your path. By offering you these generous gifts, we prepare ourselves to be led along your path of grace and love. We pray with your guiding presence. Amen.
Mark 1: 1-8 (David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we pray for the fulfillment of God’s promise, saying: In faith, O God, we seek your grace.
OUR TIME TO PRAY
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Table is set for us. All who would trust in Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
O Lord our God, creator and ruler of the universe. You formed us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life.
You set us in this world to love and serve you, and to live in peace with all that you have made. When we turned from you,
you did not turn from us. When we were captives in slavery, you delivered us to freedom, and made covenant to be our sovereign God. When we were stubborn and stiff-necked, you spoke to us through prophets who looked for that day when justice shall triumph
and peace shall reign over all the earth. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with the celestial choirs and with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
You are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. You sent him into this world to satisfy the longings of your people for a Savior, to bring freedom to the captives of sin, and to establish justice for the oppressed. He came among us as one of us, taking the lot of the poor, sharing human suffering. We rejoice that in his death and rising again, you set before us the sure promise of new life, the certain hope of a heavenly home where we will sit at table with Christ our host.
Remembering your gracious acts in Jesus Christ, we take from your creation this bread and this wine and joyfully celebrate his dying and rising, as we await the day of his coming.
With thanksgiving we offer our very selves to you to be a living and holy sacrifice, dedicated to your service.
Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ, that we may be one with all who share this feast, united in ministry in every place.
As this bread is Christ’s body for us, send us out to be the body of Christ in the world. Intercessions for the church and the world may be included here. Strengthen us, O God, in the power of your Spirit to bring good news to the poor and lift blind eyes to sight,
to loose the chains that bind and claim your blessing for all people.
Keep us faithful in your service until Christ comes in final victory, and we shall feast with all your saints in the joy of your eternal realm. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen.
Let us pray now with confidence as children of God the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray saying:
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.
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God of glory, in this holy feast you have made us one with Christ and with that great multitude of the faithful—those who hunger and thirst no more and worship night and day in your temple. Lead us in the paths of righteousness and guide us to the springs of the water of life, until we join the choir of the redeemed, sing: Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb: Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HYMN “From Heaven Above”
From heaven above to earth I come,
To bring good news to everyone!
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
To all the world, and gladly sing.
To you this night is born a child
Of Mary, chosen virgin mild;
This newborn child of lowly birth
Shall be the joy of all the earth.
This is the Christ, God’s Son most high,
Who hears your sad and bitter cry;
He will Himself your Savior be
And from all sin will set you free.
“Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto us the Christ has given.”
With angels sing the Savior’s birth,
A glad new year to all the earth.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
Prepare the way of the Lord!
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
(Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week! )
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020--2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell, and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 173-174.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting via Zoom starting Dec. 3.
PROJECT JOY Our Deacons are encouraging our participation in the PROJECT JOY gift drive this year. Personal donations may be taken to Brookings Radio, Lewis, and Walmart. Deadline: Dec. 7th. Project Joy trees are at Lewis, Walmart and HyVee.
FEEDING BROOKINGS will be hosting a meal for Christmas. First Presbyterian Church has been asked to donate 125 cans of fruit. We will be accepting monetary donations through the end of December. Thank you for your generosity!
POINSETTIAS FOR ADVENT/CHRISTMAS: Due to Covid guidelines, the Worship Committee has purchased two quality silk poinsettia arrangements. These poinsettias will grace our sanctuary and bless our worship throughout the season. Our tradition remains. Please donate monies toward this endeavor. The names of those honored/ remembered will be included in our PowerPoint, deadline is Dec. 16. Any questions, please contact Dolores (692-20370).
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will not be meeting until January.
Those with health concerns:
-Judy M
-Nancy T (recovery)
-Bob & Jan J (recoveries)
-Sharon W (thanksgiving for recovery)
-LaVonne B (recovering at home)
-Jan B (recovery)
-Anthony (Teri B’s son)
-Harry (Bonnie S.’s father)
-Jeanne L’s pregnant relative
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew) & Mike Jr. (son)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie F.’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry Drew)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Gilda (friend of Rev. Norlita)
-Dave (Rev. Norlita’s spouse)
-Elizabeth (Kennedy’s mom in Cameroon)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Nancy O, David & Lee P
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rozella P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie VB, Dee W.
(Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
• For the family and friends of Shirley R
We continue to pray for the Watson, Boy, Peterson, and Larson families
• Prayers for our sister churches First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; First Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members.
• Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing.
• Prayers for our nation as it moves forward during these months of transition.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for December!
Dean H, LaVonne B, Carrie VB, Rozanne M, Sally M, Marge P, Jan B
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for December!
Stephen & Carrie VB, Bob & Pat F, Neal & Julie F, Skip & Sharon W
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.
Second Sunday of Advent/Communion
12-06-20
WELCOME
HYMN “Comfort, Comfort You My People”
Comfort, comfort you my people,
Tell of peace, thus says our God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness
Bowed beneath oppression’s load.
Speak you to Jerusalem
Of the peace that waits for them;
Tell them that their sins I cover,
And their warfare now is over.
For the herald's voice is calling
In the desert far and near,
Bidding us to make repentance,
Since the kingdom now is here
O that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way;
Let the valleys rise in meeting,
And the hills bow down in greeting.
Make you straight what long was crooked,
Make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble,
As befits God’s holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord
Now o’er earth is shed abroad;
And all flesh shall see the token
That God’s word is never broken.
CALL TO WORSHIP
A voice cries out in the wilderness,
“Prepare the way of the Lord!”
Let us line the road with beauty
and pave it with acts of justice.
For the Holy One is coming our way,
the giver of life and the source of living water.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Merciful God, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE - Week 2
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage. Wait for the Lord!
An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded.
Scripture reading (Psalm 27 and Matthew 1)
(The Candle is lit, the BELLS toll, reminding and calling us to worship and thank God for sending us a Savior.)
You say to us, “Be still and know that I am God,” yet it is hard to be still during this busy season. The many demands of our lives press upon us, and we are weary and wary of your promise of peace. Reassure us in this time together of your presence, and by it soothe our troubled minds. Carry us forward by your promise that all manner of things shall be well. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Be gracious to us, O God; deliver us as we your people pray and confess our sins together:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
“Prepare the way of the Lord,” your prophet says to us. Forgive us when we have failed to prepare your way. Forgive us when we have stood in your way, instead: when we let the challenging words of your prophets roll off of lives, rather than let them spark change; when we walk around a neighbor in need, rather than encounter a chance for compassion. Forgive us, O Lord, and grant us assurance that the glory of your coming does not depend upon the righteousness of your followers. Forgive us, O Lord, and free us to try again.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Every valley is lifted up; every mountain, made low. Now the glory of the Lord is revealed, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA (please stand)
Gloria in excelsis Deo;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Holy God, our hope and strength, by the power of your Spirit prepare the way in our hearts for the coming of your Word, so that we may see the glorious signs of your light and of your promise fulfilled; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC: “He Shall Feed His Flocks” Rev. Norlita
SCRIPTURE READINGS
A voice is crying in the wilderness: Listen to the word of the Lord.
(Mark 1:3; John 1:23)
Isaiah 40:1-11
1Comfort, O comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that she has served her term,
that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Cry out!”
And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All people are grass,
their constancy is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades,
when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades;
but the word of our God will stand forever.
9 Get you up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah,
“Here is your God!”
10 See, the Lord God comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.
2 Peter 3:8-15
8 But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? 13 But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
14 Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
Mark 1:1-8
1The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way;
3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Heaven and earth will pass away but the word of the Lord stands forever.
Thanks be to God.
REFLECTION: “Pray, Prepare, Proclaim” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - APOSTLE’S 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 glory to reveal a new creation. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
(2 Peter 3:8-15)
SPECIAL MUSIC “Prepare the Way, O Zion” Richard & Judy Smith, Rev. Norlita, Bonnie Foster-pianist, Elizabeth Fox-flautist
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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
Loving God, you powerfully proclaim through your prophet John the need for us to repent of our sins and to prepare the way of the Lord. We place these offerings upon your altar with the knowledge that they will support many ministries that proclaim your Good News and lead people on your path. By offering you these generous gifts, we prepare ourselves to be led along your path of grace and love. We pray with your guiding presence. Amen.
Mark 1: 1-8 (David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we pray for the fulfillment of God’s promise, saying: In faith, O God, we seek your grace.
OUR TIME TO PRAY
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Table is set for us. All who would trust in Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
O Lord our God, creator and ruler of the universe. You formed us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life.
You set us in this world to love and serve you, and to live in peace with all that you have made. When we turned from you,
you did not turn from us. When we were captives in slavery, you delivered us to freedom, and made covenant to be our sovereign God. When we were stubborn and stiff-necked, you spoke to us through prophets who looked for that day when justice shall triumph
and peace shall reign over all the earth. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with the celestial choirs and with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
You are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. You sent him into this world to satisfy the longings of your people for a Savior, to bring freedom to the captives of sin, and to establish justice for the oppressed. He came among us as one of us, taking the lot of the poor, sharing human suffering. We rejoice that in his death and rising again, you set before us the sure promise of new life, the certain hope of a heavenly home where we will sit at table with Christ our host.
Remembering your gracious acts in Jesus Christ, we take from your creation this bread and this wine and joyfully celebrate his dying and rising, as we await the day of his coming.
With thanksgiving we offer our very selves to you to be a living and holy sacrifice, dedicated to your service.
Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ, that we may be one with all who share this feast, united in ministry in every place.
As this bread is Christ’s body for us, send us out to be the body of Christ in the world. Intercessions for the church and the world may be included here. Strengthen us, O God, in the power of your Spirit to bring good news to the poor and lift blind eyes to sight,
to loose the chains that bind and claim your blessing for all people.
Keep us faithful in your service until Christ comes in final victory, and we shall feast with all your saints in the joy of your eternal realm. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen.
Let us pray now with confidence as children of God the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray saying:
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.
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God of glory, in this holy feast you have made us one with Christ and with that great multitude of the faithful—those who hunger and thirst no more and worship night and day in your temple. Lead us in the paths of righteousness and guide us to the springs of the water of life, until we join the choir of the redeemed, sing: Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb: Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HYMN “From Heaven Above”
From heaven above to earth I come,
To bring good news to everyone!
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
To all the world, and gladly sing.
To you this night is born a child
Of Mary, chosen virgin mild;
This newborn child of lowly birth
Shall be the joy of all the earth.
This is the Christ, God’s Son most high,
Who hears your sad and bitter cry;
He will Himself your Savior be
And from all sin will set you free.
“Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto us the Christ has given.”
With angels sing the Savior’s birth,
A glad new year to all the earth.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
Prepare the way of the Lord!
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
(Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week! )
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020--2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell, and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 173-174.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting via Zoom starting Dec. 3.
PROJECT JOY Our Deacons are encouraging our participation in the PROJECT JOY gift drive this year. Personal donations may be taken to Brookings Radio, Lewis, and Walmart. Deadline: Dec. 7th. Project Joy trees are at Lewis, Walmart and HyVee.
FEEDING BROOKINGS will be hosting a meal for Christmas. First Presbyterian Church has been asked to donate 125 cans of fruit. We will be accepting monetary donations through the end of December. Thank you for your generosity!
POINSETTIAS FOR ADVENT/CHRISTMAS: Due to Covid guidelines, the Worship Committee has purchased two quality silk poinsettia arrangements. These poinsettias will grace our sanctuary and bless our worship throughout the season. Our tradition remains. Please donate monies toward this endeavor. The names of those honored/ remembered will be included in our PowerPoint, deadline is Dec. 16. Any questions, please contact Dolores (692-20370).
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will not be meeting until January.
Those with health concerns:
-Judy M
-Nancy T (recovery)
-Bob & Jan J (recoveries)
-Sharon W (thanksgiving for recovery)
-LaVonne B (recovering at home)
-Jan B (recovery)
-Anthony (Teri B’s son)
-Harry (Bonnie S.’s father)
-Jeanne L’s pregnant relative
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew) & Mike Jr. (son)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie F.’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry Drew)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Gilda (friend of Rev. Norlita)
-Dave (Rev. Norlita’s spouse)
-Elizabeth (Kennedy’s mom in Cameroon)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Nancy O, David & Lee P
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rozella P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie VB, Dee W.
(Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
• For the family and friends of Shirley R
We continue to pray for the Watson, Boy, Peterson, and Larson families
• Prayers for our sister churches First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; First Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members.
• Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing.
• Prayers for our nation as it moves forward during these months of transition.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for December!
Dean H, LaVonne B, Carrie VB, Rozanne M, Sally M, Marge P, Jan B
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for December!
Stephen & Carrie VB, Bob & Pat F, Neal & Julie F, Skip & Sharon W
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.