FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Third Sunday of Advent
December 15, 2024
PRELUDE
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
• MEN’S BROTHERHOOD meets in the church lounge Thursday, Dec. 19 at 5:30 PM
CALL TO WORSHIP
Where crooked roads need straightening
Prepare the Way for the Lord.
Where people walk in darkness
Prepare the Way for the Lord.
Where busy lives need stilling
Prepare the Way for the Lord.
Let us worship together.
ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING - Third Week of Advent (Joy)
Reader 1: "The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing " (Isaiah 35: 1-2a, NRSV).
Reader 2: "Joy to the World" is a beloved carol written in the early 1700s by Isaac Watts. It captures the enthusiasm we feel when announcing to the world the joy of our Messiah.
Reader 3: The first verse speaks to this joy, "Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing." As we light the third candle of Advent, let us carry the joy of our redemption into the world that the people may catch the Spirit. (Light two white candles and one pink candle.)
Reader 4: Let us Pray.
Lord of Joy we await your coming with great expectation. Our lives are marked by joy even when our circumstance might prove to the contrary. May we bring joy to every heart this Advent season. Amen.
*OPENING HYMN #40 (Blue) ‘Joy to the World’
1. Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her King;
Let every Heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
2. Joy to the world! the Savior reigns:
Let us our songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
4. He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
Holy and loving God, we have dwelt in darkness and preferred it to the light; we have been proud of our accomplishments and despaired over our shortcomings. Smooth down the mountains of our pride and lift up the valleys of our doubts. Open a path in the wilderness of our lives that we might find our way to you again. Refine us and prepare us once again for life in your kingdom. Hear our prayer, O Lord. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Christmas Hallelujah Cloverton’ Choir and Congregation
Congregation joins in the Refrain: Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Heavenly Father, as we prepare to read your Holy Word, pour out upon us Your wisdom and understanding that, being taught by you, our hearts and minds may be opened to live Your Word, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 12: 2-6 (read responsively, on screen),
2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid,
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day:
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth.
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Gospel Luke 3:1a, 2b, 3-5, 10-14,18
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, 2b the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
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."
18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
SERMON "The Gospel of Change: John’s Challenge to Live with Integrity" Donna Flint
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe that the Church receives the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ through the testimony of those whom Christ sent, both those whom we call apostles and those whom Christ has called throughout the long history of the Church. The Church has been and is even now sent into the world by Jesus Christ to bear that testimony to others. The Church bears witness in word and work that in Christ the new creation has begun, and that God who creates life also frees those in bondage, forgives sin, reconciles brokenness, makes all things new, and is still at work in the world.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE Make Me a Blessing (insert)
1. Out in the highways and byways of life, many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, making the sorrowing glad.
Refrain:
Make me a blessing, make me a blessing!
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
2. Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love, tell of His pow'r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove true, ev'ry moment you live. [Refrain]
3. Give as 'twas given to you in your need, love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed, unto your mission be true. [Refrain]
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Daniel & Carolyn M & family Hannah, Allison, & Emma; Marlys M
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 hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #525 (Blue) ‘Here I am Lord’
1. I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them? Whom shall I send?
Refrain:
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
2. I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne My people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them. They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts of love alone.
I will speak My word to them. Whom shall I send? [Refrain]
3. I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them. Whom shall I send? [Refrain]
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Third Sunday of Advent
December 15, 2024
PRELUDE
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
- WORSHIP COMMITTEE meets after worship service today Sunday, Dec. 15.
- ADVENT CAPELLE CONCERT will be held at First Presbyterian sanctuary this Sunday, December 15 at 2:00 PM. All are welcomed! NOTE time change.
- TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP, 9:30ish AM at the Mission Coffee House.
- THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM in the center meeting room. Christmas Special will be on Dec. 5-19.
• MEN’S BROTHERHOOD meets in the church lounge Thursday, Dec. 19 at 5:30 PM
- PC(USA) SPECIAL OFFERING through Dec. 22. Donations can be placed in the offering plate with a notation ‘PCUSA Christmas Joy.’
CALL TO WORSHIP
Where crooked roads need straightening
Prepare the Way for the Lord.
Where people walk in darkness
Prepare the Way for the Lord.
Where busy lives need stilling
Prepare the Way for the Lord.
Let us worship together.
ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING - Third Week of Advent (Joy)
Reader 1: "The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing " (Isaiah 35: 1-2a, NRSV).
Reader 2: "Joy to the World" is a beloved carol written in the early 1700s by Isaac Watts. It captures the enthusiasm we feel when announcing to the world the joy of our Messiah.
Reader 3: The first verse speaks to this joy, "Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing." As we light the third candle of Advent, let us carry the joy of our redemption into the world that the people may catch the Spirit. (Light two white candles and one pink candle.)
Reader 4: Let us Pray.
Lord of Joy we await your coming with great expectation. Our lives are marked by joy even when our circumstance might prove to the contrary. May we bring joy to every heart this Advent season. Amen.
*OPENING HYMN #40 (Blue) ‘Joy to the World’
1. Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her King;
Let every Heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
2. Joy to the world! the Savior reigns:
Let us our songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
4. He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
Holy and loving God, we have dwelt in darkness and preferred it to the light; we have been proud of our accomplishments and despaired over our shortcomings. Smooth down the mountains of our pride and lift up the valleys of our doubts. Open a path in the wilderness of our lives that we might find our way to you again. Refine us and prepare us once again for life in your kingdom. Hear our prayer, O Lord. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Christmas Hallelujah Cloverton’ Choir and Congregation
Congregation joins in the Refrain: Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Heavenly Father, as we prepare to read your Holy Word, pour out upon us Your wisdom and understanding that, being taught by you, our hearts and minds may be opened to live Your Word, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 12: 2-6 (read responsively, on screen),
2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid,
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day:
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth.
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Gospel Luke 3:1a, 2b, 3-5, 10-14,18
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, 2b the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
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."
18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
SERMON "The Gospel of Change: John’s Challenge to Live with Integrity" Donna Flint
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe that the Church receives the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ through the testimony of those whom Christ sent, both those whom we call apostles and those whom Christ has called throughout the long history of the Church. The Church has been and is even now sent into the world by Jesus Christ to bear that testimony to others. The Church bears witness in word and work that in Christ the new creation has begun, and that God who creates life also frees those in bondage, forgives sin, reconciles brokenness, makes all things new, and is still at work in the world.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE Make Me a Blessing (insert)
1. Out in the highways and byways of life, many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, making the sorrowing glad.
Refrain:
Make me a blessing, make me a blessing!
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
2. Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love, tell of His pow'r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove true, ev'ry moment you live. [Refrain]
3. Give as 'twas given to you in your need, love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed, unto your mission be true. [Refrain]
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Daniel & Carolyn M & family Hannah, Allison, & Emma; Marlys M
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 hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #525 (Blue) ‘Here I am Lord’
1. I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them? Whom shall I send?
Refrain:
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
2. I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne My people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them. They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts of love alone.
I will speak My word to them. Whom shall I send? [Refrain]
3. I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them. Whom shall I send? [Refrain]
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE