SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
3rd Sunday of Advent
December 12, 2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Prepare the way of the Lord!
Let us sing praises to the Lord,
for God has done glorious things.
Let us shout aloud and sing for joy,
for great in our midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Come, let us worship God.
* HYMN #97 (Red) ‘Watchman Tell Us of the Night’
Watchman, tell us of the night,
what its signs of promise are.
Traveler, what a wondrous sight:
see that glory-beaming star.
Watchman, does its beauteous ray
news of joy or hope foretell?
Traveler, yes; it brings the day,
promised day of Israel.
Watchman, tell us of the night;
higher yet that star ascends.
Traveler, blessedness and light,
peace and truth its course portends.
Watchman, will its beams alone
gild the spot that gave them birth?
Traveler, ages are its own;
see, it bursts o’er all the earth.
Watchman, tell us of the night,
for the morning seems to dawn.
Traveler, shadows take their flight;
doubt and terror are withdrawn.
Watchman, you may go your way;
hasten to your quiet home.
Traveler, we rejoice today,
for Emmanuel has come!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Eternal God, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming of your Son. Grant us the wisdom to see your purpose and openness to hear your will, that we too may prepare the way for Christ who is coming in power and glory to establish his kingdom of peace and justice; through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Trusting in God’s salvation, faithfulness, and merciful love,
let us confess our sin and the sins of the world, as we lift our voices together.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, we confess that, in the midst of your glorious creation, we have neglected our role in its care. We ignore the cries of the hurting and the lonely, those on the margins and those who are oppressed. We focus on our own desires, while forgetting the needs of our neighbors. We have not prepared a way for the Lord, through either our words or our deeds, neither through our actions nor our thoughts. Grant us your mercy in forgiveness; and lead us to act with compassion and justice, guided by your glorious light. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Surely God is our salvation! We will trust in the Lord’s goodness and will not be afraid.
Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.
Thanks be to God!
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS ((refrain from ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’)
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
CANDLE OF REMEMBRANCE
A Blue Christmas Poem
There’s no room at Christmas for sadness,
There’s no place for hearts that are blue.
All the world wants to hear
Is a word full of cheer,
Not a sigh, not a tear, not from you.
There’s no room at Christmas for loneliness,
There’s no place for your emptiness and grief.
All the world wants is peace,
Mistletoe and Christmas trees,
Not a heartache that mars its beliefs.
There’s no room at Christmas for sickness,
There’s no place or time to be ill.
All the world wants is health,
Prosperity and wealth,
Not a pain that can spoil its goodwill.
There’s no room at Christmas for Jesus,
There’s no place for His family, too,
All the world would not share,
No one seems to really care,
A stable will just have to do.
Yes, there’s room at Christmas for sadness,
There’s a place in God’s heart for you.
For He know pain and loss,
Which He felt on the cross,
So this candle is lit here for you.
For Christ knows what it’s like to be blue.
This candle represents our memories. For the times we laughed together, cried together, were angry with each other or overjoyed with each other. We light this candle for the memories of caring and joy we shared together.
Prayer: Loving God, for some of us, our hearts are weary and heavy this holiday season. May the light of your love, found in the Christ Child and in the memories we hold of our loved ones, sustain us in the days and weeks ahead, throughout our lives. Bless those who are and will be alone, surround them, enfold them and hold them close. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘The Advent Hymn’ Donna Flint
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES
We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ, joining our voices with the joyful song of his mother Mary.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
You have shown strength with your arm, and scattered the proud in their conceit, casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and bloom;
Like the crocus, it shall bloom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
HYMN: #99 (Red) ‘My Soul Gives Glory to My God’ (v. 1, 2, & 3)
My soul gives glory to my God;
My heart pours out its praise.
God lifted up my lowliness
In many marvelous ways.
My God has done great things for me;
Yes, holy is God’s name.
All people will declare me blessed,
And blessings they shall claim.
From age to age to all who fear,
Such mercy love imparts,
Dispensing justice far and near,
Dismissing selfish hearts.
Prayer: A voice is crying in the wilderness, and we hear this voice, O Lord. We hear your cry to prepare the way of the Lord. Help us prepare our hearts for you. God of our Salvation, hear our prayer. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of hope, God of peace, God of joy who never lets us go, draw near to us in these ancient words. By your Holy Spirit may we be filled, lifted up, and leveled as you prepare in our hearts the path of your coming. Amen.
A voice is crying in the wilderness: Listen to the word of the Lord.
Mark 1:3; John 1:23
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Zephaniah 3:14-20 (read responsively)
14 Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,
he has turned away your enemies.
The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
you shall fear disaster no more.
16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands grow weak.
17 The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing
18 as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you,
so that you will not bear reproach for it.
19 I will deal with all your oppressors
at that time.
And I will save the lame
and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
and renown in all the earth.
20 At that time I will bring you home,
at the time when I gather you;
for I will make you renowned and praised
among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
before your eyes, says the Lord.
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
A TIME FOR CHILDREN
Luke 3:7-18
7 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10 And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” 11 In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”
15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
Heaven and earth will pass away but the word of the Lord stands forever.
Thanks be to God. Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31
REFLECTION: “What Then Shall We Do?” Rev. Norlita Kaul
* HYMN: #163 (Red) ‘Wild and Lone the Prophet’s Voice’
Wild and lone the prophet's voice
echoes through the desert still,
calling us to make a choice,
bidding us to do God's will:
"Turn from sin and be baptized;
cleanse your heart and mind and soul.
Quitting all the sins you prized,
yield your life to God's control.
"Bear the fruit repentance sows:
lives of justice, truth, and love.
Trust no other claim than those;
set your heart on things above.
Soon the Lord will come in power,
burning clean the threshing floor:
then will flames the chaff devour;
wheat alone shall fill God's store."
With such preaching, stark and bold,
John proclaimed salvation near,
and his timeless warnings hold
words of hope to all who hear.
So we dare to journey on,
led by faith through ways untrod,
till we come at last like John
to behold the Lamb of God.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The one sufficient revelation of God is Jesus Christ, the Word of God incarnate, to whom the Holy Spirit bears unique and authoritative witness through the Holy Scriptures, which are received and obeyed as the word of God written.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.27
MINUTE FOR MISSION
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Let us magnify the Lord, rejoicing in the one who scatters the proud, lifts up the lowly, and fills the hungry with good things. Luke 1:46-47, 51-53
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
Lord of Light, 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. Philippians 4:4-7 (David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Sharon W
-Michael (Dee’s son)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Andrew L
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Gene & JoAnn G
-Roger J
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Rick’s father (family as caregivers)
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Melissa (SDSU student from Peru) and her parents
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
For continued recovery
-Cara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Heather (Ella’s daughter)
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
Our homebound or in care members: Gene G, Marlys K, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V
(Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We continue to pray for the Borstad and Peterson families and all who have lost loved ones.
This Week’s Prayer Families: Maria M, Mike & Judy M, Robert & Rozanne M.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; churches searching in pastoral search process, First PC Rapid City, Olive PC in Platte, and Wildflower PC in Sioux Falls; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to natural disasters. For those whom this holiday season will be one of struggle, heartache, and/or loneliness.
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 woes 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 you, 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
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45 AM.
There will be NO Sunday School Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.
POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS: We are accepting monetary donations for poinsettias to grace and beautify our sanctuary starting Sunday, Dec. 12th. If you would prefer to purchase and bring your own poinsettias, we will be glad to display them also. Names of those honored or remembered will be included as always in the PowerPoint. There will be a sign-up sheet on the office counter.
TREE OF WARMTH: The Deacons have set up a Christmas tree for donations of new mittens, caps, scarves. All sizes are needed for children to choose and give to siblings and parents for Christmas. Last day of donations is December 15th.
MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES: Celtic Advent Worship Service will be held on Wednesday December 15 at 6:00 PM (30 minutes of Prayer, Scripture, and Hymns in the sanctuary only—there will be no Zoom).
BLADE ARTICLES are due Dec. 15.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will meet Thursday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 PM in the church basement.
SISTERHOOD will not be meeting in December—we’ll get together again in January 2022.
ADVENT POTLUCK will be held after worship service on Dec. 19.
CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING PC(USA) will end next Sunday, Dec. 19.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will meet at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM.
All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM in the church.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE/COMMUNION will be held at 6:30 PM, Dec. 24, led by Elizabeth Fox, CRE.
BENEDICTION
Prepare the Way of the Lord!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
Response: (refrain from ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’)
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel, shall come to thee, O Israel!
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped 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; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993
3rd Sunday of Advent
December 12, 2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Prepare the way of the Lord!
Let us sing praises to the Lord,
for God has done glorious things.
Let us shout aloud and sing for joy,
for great in our midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Come, let us worship God.
* HYMN #97 (Red) ‘Watchman Tell Us of the Night’
Watchman, tell us of the night,
what its signs of promise are.
Traveler, what a wondrous sight:
see that glory-beaming star.
Watchman, does its beauteous ray
news of joy or hope foretell?
Traveler, yes; it brings the day,
promised day of Israel.
Watchman, tell us of the night;
higher yet that star ascends.
Traveler, blessedness and light,
peace and truth its course portends.
Watchman, will its beams alone
gild the spot that gave them birth?
Traveler, ages are its own;
see, it bursts o’er all the earth.
Watchman, tell us of the night,
for the morning seems to dawn.
Traveler, shadows take their flight;
doubt and terror are withdrawn.
Watchman, you may go your way;
hasten to your quiet home.
Traveler, we rejoice today,
for Emmanuel has come!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Eternal God, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming of your Son. Grant us the wisdom to see your purpose and openness to hear your will, that we too may prepare the way for Christ who is coming in power and glory to establish his kingdom of peace and justice; through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Trusting in God’s salvation, faithfulness, and merciful love,
let us confess our sin and the sins of the world, as we lift our voices together.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, we confess that, in the midst of your glorious creation, we have neglected our role in its care. We ignore the cries of the hurting and the lonely, those on the margins and those who are oppressed. We focus on our own desires, while forgetting the needs of our neighbors. We have not prepared a way for the Lord, through either our words or our deeds, neither through our actions nor our thoughts. Grant us your mercy in forgiveness; and lead us to act with compassion and justice, guided by your glorious light. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Surely God is our salvation! We will trust in the Lord’s goodness and will not be afraid.
Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.
Thanks be to God!
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS ((refrain from ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’)
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
CANDLE OF REMEMBRANCE
A Blue Christmas Poem
There’s no room at Christmas for sadness,
There’s no place for hearts that are blue.
All the world wants to hear
Is a word full of cheer,
Not a sigh, not a tear, not from you.
There’s no room at Christmas for loneliness,
There’s no place for your emptiness and grief.
All the world wants is peace,
Mistletoe and Christmas trees,
Not a heartache that mars its beliefs.
There’s no room at Christmas for sickness,
There’s no place or time to be ill.
All the world wants is health,
Prosperity and wealth,
Not a pain that can spoil its goodwill.
There’s no room at Christmas for Jesus,
There’s no place for His family, too,
All the world would not share,
No one seems to really care,
A stable will just have to do.
Yes, there’s room at Christmas for sadness,
There’s a place in God’s heart for you.
For He know pain and loss,
Which He felt on the cross,
So this candle is lit here for you.
For Christ knows what it’s like to be blue.
This candle represents our memories. For the times we laughed together, cried together, were angry with each other or overjoyed with each other. We light this candle for the memories of caring and joy we shared together.
Prayer: Loving God, for some of us, our hearts are weary and heavy this holiday season. May the light of your love, found in the Christ Child and in the memories we hold of our loved ones, sustain us in the days and weeks ahead, throughout our lives. Bless those who are and will be alone, surround them, enfold them and hold them close. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘The Advent Hymn’ Donna Flint
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES
We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ, joining our voices with the joyful song of his mother Mary.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
You have shown strength with your arm, and scattered the proud in their conceit, casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and bloom;
Like the crocus, it shall bloom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
HYMN: #99 (Red) ‘My Soul Gives Glory to My God’ (v. 1, 2, & 3)
My soul gives glory to my God;
My heart pours out its praise.
God lifted up my lowliness
In many marvelous ways.
My God has done great things for me;
Yes, holy is God’s name.
All people will declare me blessed,
And blessings they shall claim.
From age to age to all who fear,
Such mercy love imparts,
Dispensing justice far and near,
Dismissing selfish hearts.
Prayer: A voice is crying in the wilderness, and we hear this voice, O Lord. We hear your cry to prepare the way of the Lord. Help us prepare our hearts for you. God of our Salvation, hear our prayer. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of hope, God of peace, God of joy who never lets us go, draw near to us in these ancient words. By your Holy Spirit may we be filled, lifted up, and leveled as you prepare in our hearts the path of your coming. Amen.
A voice is crying in the wilderness: Listen to the word of the Lord.
Mark 1:3; John 1:23
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Zephaniah 3:14-20 (read responsively)
14 Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,
he has turned away your enemies.
The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
you shall fear disaster no more.
16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands grow weak.
17 The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing
18 as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you,
so that you will not bear reproach for it.
19 I will deal with all your oppressors
at that time.
And I will save the lame
and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
and renown in all the earth.
20 At that time I will bring you home,
at the time when I gather you;
for I will make you renowned and praised
among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
before your eyes, says the Lord.
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
A TIME FOR CHILDREN
Luke 3:7-18
7 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10 And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” 11 In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”
15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
Heaven and earth will pass away but the word of the Lord stands forever.
Thanks be to God. Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31
REFLECTION: “What Then Shall We Do?” Rev. Norlita Kaul
* HYMN: #163 (Red) ‘Wild and Lone the Prophet’s Voice’
Wild and lone the prophet's voice
echoes through the desert still,
calling us to make a choice,
bidding us to do God's will:
"Turn from sin and be baptized;
cleanse your heart and mind and soul.
Quitting all the sins you prized,
yield your life to God's control.
"Bear the fruit repentance sows:
lives of justice, truth, and love.
Trust no other claim than those;
set your heart on things above.
Soon the Lord will come in power,
burning clean the threshing floor:
then will flames the chaff devour;
wheat alone shall fill God's store."
With such preaching, stark and bold,
John proclaimed salvation near,
and his timeless warnings hold
words of hope to all who hear.
So we dare to journey on,
led by faith through ways untrod,
till we come at last like John
to behold the Lamb of God.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The one sufficient revelation of God is Jesus Christ, the Word of God incarnate, to whom the Holy Spirit bears unique and authoritative witness through the Holy Scriptures, which are received and obeyed as the word of God written.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.27
MINUTE FOR MISSION
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Let us magnify the Lord, rejoicing in the one who scatters the proud, lifts up the lowly, and fills the hungry with good things. Luke 1:46-47, 51-53
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
Lord of Light, 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. Philippians 4:4-7 (David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Sharon W
-Michael (Dee’s son)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Andrew L
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Gene & JoAnn G
-Roger J
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Rick’s father (family as caregivers)
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Melissa (SDSU student from Peru) and her parents
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
For continued recovery
-Cara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Heather (Ella’s daughter)
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
Our homebound or in care members: Gene G, Marlys K, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V
(Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We continue to pray for the Borstad and Peterson families and all who have lost loved ones.
This Week’s Prayer Families: Maria M, Mike & Judy M, Robert & Rozanne M.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; churches searching in pastoral search process, First PC Rapid City, Olive PC in Platte, and Wildflower PC in Sioux Falls; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to natural disasters. For those whom this holiday season will be one of struggle, heartache, and/or loneliness.
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 woes 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 you, 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
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45 AM.
There will be NO Sunday School Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.
POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS: We are accepting monetary donations for poinsettias to grace and beautify our sanctuary starting Sunday, Dec. 12th. If you would prefer to purchase and bring your own poinsettias, we will be glad to display them also. Names of those honored or remembered will be included as always in the PowerPoint. There will be a sign-up sheet on the office counter.
TREE OF WARMTH: The Deacons have set up a Christmas tree for donations of new mittens, caps, scarves. All sizes are needed for children to choose and give to siblings and parents for Christmas. Last day of donations is December 15th.
MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES: Celtic Advent Worship Service will be held on Wednesday December 15 at 6:00 PM (30 minutes of Prayer, Scripture, and Hymns in the sanctuary only—there will be no Zoom).
BLADE ARTICLES are due Dec. 15.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will meet Thursday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 PM in the church basement.
SISTERHOOD will not be meeting in December—we’ll get together again in January 2022.
ADVENT POTLUCK will be held after worship service on Dec. 19.
CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING PC(USA) will end next Sunday, Dec. 19.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will meet at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM.
All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM in the church.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE/COMMUNION will be held at 6:30 PM, Dec. 24, led by Elizabeth Fox, CRE.
BENEDICTION
Prepare the Way of the Lord!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
Response: (refrain from ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’)
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel, shall come to thee, O Israel!
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped 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; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993