FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 14, 2025
PRELUDE Let Us Sing Loudly, arr. Clokey
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
-SECOND ADVENT POTLUCK will be held today Sunday, December 14, following worship. All are welcome!
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet again after the holidays on Thursday, January 8, 2026
-JOINT CHRISTMAS LUNCH FOR SISTERHOOD AND MEN’S BROTHERHOOD this Thursday, Dec. 18, 11:30 AM at the FPC lounge. Following lunch, we will be singing Christmas carols. Please join us!
-PC(USA) CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING ‘Prepare the Way’ donations will be accepted Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 2025. Envelopes will be by the offering plates. Thank you for your generosity!
CALL TO WORSHIP
God’s vision of peace is a realm where all live together in harmony;
Enemies become friends, fear gives way to understanding.
God calls us to be this community;
Let us gather together to worship.
*OPENING HYMN #2 (blue) “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.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of creation, your vision of peace is beyond our knowing. We have been hurt and we have seen destruction, so we turn around and hurt others, destroying what you have called good. Forgive us, and fill us with your knowledge, so we may help bring forth your peaceful kingdom.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
RESPONSE (v. 3 “Lift up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”)
3. Redeemer, come! I open wide
my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide.
let me thy inner presence feel;
thy grace and love in me reveal.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE AND REPONSE Week 3 - “JOY”
Scripture: Isaiah 61:1, 3
“He has sent me to bring good news… the oil of gladness instead of mourning.”
Reading: (Light two purple candles)
Today we light the third candle, the candle of Joy. Joy does not wait for perfect circumstances; it rises up even in places of sorrow and weariness. Isaiah promises that God’s good news brings beauty instead of ashes and gladness instead of mourning. As these candles glow brighter, they remind us that Christ brings joy that the world cannot give and cannot take away. (Light one pink candle) This candle calls out to us with delight: “Come rejoice! Lift your laughter—raise your voice
Congregation sings to the tune of “Come Ye Thankful People Come”
Three bright candles glow today, Joy is calling: “Come with praise!”
Lift your laughter, raise your voice, God’s good news is reason’s choice.
Light the candle, shine the light, Christ is coming, holy, bright.
Hope and peace and joy and love, come to us from heav’n above
SPECIAL MUSIC Christmas selections (“Away in the Manger” [2 versions], “Gentle Mary Laid her Child”, and “It Came upon a Midnight Clear” by Choir and Instrumental students of Nancy Ohnstad: Violin- Amelia Koenig; Viola-Shayla Vilhauer; Cello-Christine L’Amour. Pianist is Marlee Braun.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Holy God, open our hearts to your Word. Prepare us not only to come to you, but to call others to share the journey. Shine your light upon us, and guide us by your Spirit. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 35:1-10
1 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. 9 No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, 10 and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
James 5:7-10
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Matthew 11:2-11
2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
SERMON- Are We to Wait for Another? Duane Mullen
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
HYMN #84 (blue) “In the Cross of Christ I Glory”
In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o'er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
When the woes of life o'ertake me,
Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me:
Lo! it glows with peace and joy.
When the sun of bliss is beaming
Light and love upon my way,
From the cross the radiance streaming
Adds more luster to the day.
Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Those Who Mourn: prayers for the families and friends of Robert (Bob) Fishback who passed away December 7 and Mike McCann who passed away December 9
Concerns: Marlys M, Duane & Kris, Bob O
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Chad & Diane B, Jan B, LaVonne B
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.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*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.
*CLOSING HYMN #9 (blue) “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
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, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Desire of nations, bind all people in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE O Come, Emmanuel arr. Held
ORDER OF WORSHIP
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 14, 2025
PRELUDE Let Us Sing Loudly, arr. Clokey
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
-SECOND ADVENT POTLUCK will be held today Sunday, December 14, following worship. All are welcome!
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet again after the holidays on Thursday, January 8, 2026
-JOINT CHRISTMAS LUNCH FOR SISTERHOOD AND MEN’S BROTHERHOOD this Thursday, Dec. 18, 11:30 AM at the FPC lounge. Following lunch, we will be singing Christmas carols. Please join us!
-PC(USA) CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING ‘Prepare the Way’ donations will be accepted Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 2025. Envelopes will be by the offering plates. Thank you for your generosity!
CALL TO WORSHIP
God’s vision of peace is a realm where all live together in harmony;
Enemies become friends, fear gives way to understanding.
God calls us to be this community;
Let us gather together to worship.
*OPENING HYMN #2 (blue) “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.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of creation, your vision of peace is beyond our knowing. We have been hurt and we have seen destruction, so we turn around and hurt others, destroying what you have called good. Forgive us, and fill us with your knowledge, so we may help bring forth your peaceful kingdom.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
RESPONSE (v. 3 “Lift up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”)
3. Redeemer, come! I open wide
my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide.
let me thy inner presence feel;
thy grace and love in me reveal.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE AND REPONSE Week 3 - “JOY”
Scripture: Isaiah 61:1, 3
“He has sent me to bring good news… the oil of gladness instead of mourning.”
Reading: (Light two purple candles)
Today we light the third candle, the candle of Joy. Joy does not wait for perfect circumstances; it rises up even in places of sorrow and weariness. Isaiah promises that God’s good news brings beauty instead of ashes and gladness instead of mourning. As these candles glow brighter, they remind us that Christ brings joy that the world cannot give and cannot take away. (Light one pink candle) This candle calls out to us with delight: “Come rejoice! Lift your laughter—raise your voice
Congregation sings to the tune of “Come Ye Thankful People Come”
Three bright candles glow today, Joy is calling: “Come with praise!”
Lift your laughter, raise your voice, God’s good news is reason’s choice.
Light the candle, shine the light, Christ is coming, holy, bright.
Hope and peace and joy and love, come to us from heav’n above
SPECIAL MUSIC Christmas selections (“Away in the Manger” [2 versions], “Gentle Mary Laid her Child”, and “It Came upon a Midnight Clear” by Choir and Instrumental students of Nancy Ohnstad: Violin- Amelia Koenig; Viola-Shayla Vilhauer; Cello-Christine L’Amour. Pianist is Marlee Braun.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Holy God, open our hearts to your Word. Prepare us not only to come to you, but to call others to share the journey. Shine your light upon us, and guide us by your Spirit. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 35:1-10
1 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. 9 No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, 10 and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
James 5:7-10
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Matthew 11:2-11
2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
SERMON- Are We to Wait for Another? Duane Mullen
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
HYMN #84 (blue) “In the Cross of Christ I Glory”
In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o'er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
When the woes of life o'ertake me,
Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me:
Lo! it glows with peace and joy.
When the sun of bliss is beaming
Light and love upon my way,
From the cross the radiance streaming
Adds more luster to the day.
Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Those Who Mourn: prayers for the families and friends of Robert (Bob) Fishback who passed away December 7 and Mike McCann who passed away December 9
Concerns: Marlys M, Duane & Kris, Bob O
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Chad & Diane B, Jan B, LaVonne B
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.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*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.
*CLOSING HYMN #9 (blue) “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
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, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Desire of nations, bind all people in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE O Come, Emmanuel arr. Held
