SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
4th Sunday of Advent
“Can They Hear Us Singing?”
Special Music Day/Simple Christmas Pageant
December 19, 2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Keep watch! For the One who brings peace is coming.
We wait in anticipation for Christ.
We wait for God’s revealing of joy. Remain alert!
Love is coming to dwell among us. Hope draws near.
*HYMN #106 (Red) ‘Prepare the Way’
Prepare the way, O Zion,
Your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley
A level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory,
Foretold in sacred story.
O blest is Christ who came
In God’s most holy name.
Christ brings God’s rule, O Zion;
He comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom,
And justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding,
For grace and joy abounding.
O blest is Christ who came
In God’s most holy name.
Fling wide your gates, O Zion;
Your Savior’s rule embrace,
And tidings of salvation
Proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing,
Their adoration voicing.
O blest is Christ who came
In God’s most holy name.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God of grace, your eternal Word took flesh among us when Mary placed her life at the service of your will. Prepare our hearts for his coming again; keep us steadfast in hope and faithful in service, that we may receive the coming of his kingdom, for the sake of Jesus Christ the ruler of all, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
In our waiting and preparation, we come to rest, again, at the foot of the cross. Even in this season of anticipation we see the fullness of God’s promised redemption in the waters of baptism. As those who are fully known and redeemed, we confess our sin before God and one another.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Almighty God our Savior, we confess that our hearts have been proud. We have sought wealth and neglected mercy. We have offered you what you have not desired and failed to do your will. Forgive our sins, O God of peace, and sanctify us by offering of Jesus Christ. Restore us, we pray, and let your face shine upon us that we may be saved. (silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Christ’s coming is certain. God’s promise is true. Trust in the transformational power of God’s forgiveness and receive the gift of God’s love. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Lo How a Rose E’re Blooming’ Dick S
LIGHTING 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 filled the hungry with good things,
And sent the rich away empty.
HYMN: #99 (red) ‘My Soul Gives Glory to My God’ (verses 1, 2, 3, & 4)
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.
Love casts the mighty from their thrones,
Promotes the insecure,
Leaves hungry spirits satisfied;
The rich seem suddenly poor.
The Lord will give you a sign, ‘Look the young woman is with child.
She shall bear a son and name him Emmanuel—God is with us.’
Prayer: Let us be a sign of your promised realm and make us ready to meet our Savior. Prepare your way in us O Lord, that we too may rejoice and be glad when you come in Glory. God of our Salvation, hear our prayer. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of hope, God of peace, God of Joy, God of Love, 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.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Come, My Light’ Rev. Kaul, Judy S, Rozanne M
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 1:39-55
39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Not That Far From Bethlehem’ Donna F
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE: A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Twas the night before Christ’s birth and far above the earth, the angels were ready to announce Jesus’ birth. The people in Bethlehem, a very small town, were just getting ready to lay themselves down. And out on the hillside, while watching their sheep, a group of young shepherds were falling asleep.
HYMN: #121 (Red) ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ (verses 1 & 3)
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
When suddenly out of the sky came a light, and an angel appeared making everything bright! Peace to all! Spread the news! Have no fear! For the news I bring is for all to hear. A baby is born! This night is his birth, and he came to live with all people on earth. In Bethlehem town you will find this dear child, with Joseph and Mary, Jesus’ mother so mild.
The Entrance of the Holy Family
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Mary Did You Know?” Jan J
Sharing the manger with oxen, donkeys and sheep, nestled in blankets, the babe, sound asleep. Good news we bring you this wonderful night. Christ Jesus has come, so run to the site. Glory to God in the highest we sing. The Savior is here, Christ Jesus our King!
HYMN: #119 (Red) ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ (verses 1 & 3)
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King.
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth,
Born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"
So the angels delivered the news, the shepherds with no time to lose! And just as the angels had told them aloud, they found Jesus with Mary and Joseph so proud.
The shepherds returned, praising God for his Son. They told many about his precious one. We share the good news saying Jesus is born!
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘How Quietly’ Choir
But Mary was different, she kept in her heart, all wondrous events of which she was part.
HYMN #145 (Red) ‘What Child is This?” (verse 1)
What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Now all of these things came to pass as was told, fulfilling the promises of God made of old, this child, God’s son, came to earth as a man, the beautiful unfolding of God’s covenant plan. So this season observe the night of Christ’s birth. Remember the good news of God’s grace and not works. Let us close with a message that seems only right,
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!
HYMN: #134 (Red) ‘Joy to the World’ (verses 1 & 4)
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.
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.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Noel, Let Us Sing Loudly’ MK H
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
The whole world waits in December darkness for a glimpse of the Light of God. Even those who snarl “Humbug!” and chase away the carolers have been looking toward the skies. The one who declared he never would forgive has forgiven, and those who left home have returned, and even wars are halted, if briefly, as the whole world looks star-ward. In the December darkness we peer from our windows watching for an angel with rainbow wings to announce the Hope of the World. In December’s darkness is your light and hope. We experience it in the gifts you give us. Accept now these gifts O God. We give them humbly and without Bah Humbug! Use them, use us for your Kingdom. Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Ave Maria’ Rev. Kaul
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Emma (daughter of Dan & Carolyn M)
-Judy M’s son Mike
-Sharon W
-Michael (Dee’s son)
-Gwen B (Lee’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
-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 Canaday, Salonen, Borstad, and Peterson families and all who have lost loved ones.
This Week’s Prayer Families: Dan & Carolyn M & family Hannah, Allison & Emma; Marlys M, Don & Kay N, Dave & Lee P
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 #116 (Red) ‘The Snow Lay on the Ground’
The snow lay on the ground, the stars shone bright,
When Christ our Lord was born on Christmas night.
Venite, adoremus Dominum;
Venite, adoremus Dominum.
Refrain:
Venite, adoremus Dominum;
Venite, adoremus Dominum.
'Twas gentle Mary maid, so young and strong,
Who welcomed here the Christ-child with a song.
She laid him in a stall at Bethlehem;
The ass and oxen shared the roof with them. [Refrain]
Saint Joseph, too, was by to tend the child,
To guard him, and protect his mother mild.
The angels hovered round, and sang this song:
Venite, adoremus Dominum. [Refrain]
And thus that manger poor became a throne,
For he whom Mary bore was God the Son.
O come, then, let us join the heavenly host,
To praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADVENT POTLUCK is being held after worship service today. All are welcomed to enjoy good fellowship and food!
DONATIONS are being accepted for the local PROJECT JOY and PDA (PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE). Envelopes for Project Joy are available at the sanctuary entrance lectern or please make notation on your check for what account it goes to. Thank you for your generosity!
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE/COMMUNION will be held at 6:30 PM, Dec. 24, led by Elizabeth Fox, CRE.
ADULT AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL will not be meeting the next 2 Sundays, Dec. 26 or Jan. 2, 2022.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting 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 at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
REV. KAUL will be on session approved vacation from Dec. 20 – Jan 2. For pastoral care, please contact one of the CREs, Robby or Donna F or Elizabeth F.
Rozanne will be on session approved vacation Dec. 27-30.
BENEDICTION
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 has come to thee, O Israel
POSTLUDE
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; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993
4th Sunday of Advent
“Can They Hear Us Singing?”
Special Music Day/Simple Christmas Pageant
December 19, 2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Keep watch! For the One who brings peace is coming.
We wait in anticipation for Christ.
We wait for God’s revealing of joy. Remain alert!
Love is coming to dwell among us. Hope draws near.
*HYMN #106 (Red) ‘Prepare the Way’
Prepare the way, O Zion,
Your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley
A level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory,
Foretold in sacred story.
O blest is Christ who came
In God’s most holy name.
Christ brings God’s rule, O Zion;
He comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom,
And justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding,
For grace and joy abounding.
O blest is Christ who came
In God’s most holy name.
Fling wide your gates, O Zion;
Your Savior’s rule embrace,
And tidings of salvation
Proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing,
Their adoration voicing.
O blest is Christ who came
In God’s most holy name.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God of grace, your eternal Word took flesh among us when Mary placed her life at the service of your will. Prepare our hearts for his coming again; keep us steadfast in hope and faithful in service, that we may receive the coming of his kingdom, for the sake of Jesus Christ the ruler of all, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
In our waiting and preparation, we come to rest, again, at the foot of the cross. Even in this season of anticipation we see the fullness of God’s promised redemption in the waters of baptism. As those who are fully known and redeemed, we confess our sin before God and one another.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Almighty God our Savior, we confess that our hearts have been proud. We have sought wealth and neglected mercy. We have offered you what you have not desired and failed to do your will. Forgive our sins, O God of peace, and sanctify us by offering of Jesus Christ. Restore us, we pray, and let your face shine upon us that we may be saved. (silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Christ’s coming is certain. God’s promise is true. Trust in the transformational power of God’s forgiveness and receive the gift of God’s love. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Lo How a Rose E’re Blooming’ Dick S
LIGHTING 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 filled the hungry with good things,
And sent the rich away empty.
HYMN: #99 (red) ‘My Soul Gives Glory to My God’ (verses 1, 2, 3, & 4)
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.
Love casts the mighty from their thrones,
Promotes the insecure,
Leaves hungry spirits satisfied;
The rich seem suddenly poor.
The Lord will give you a sign, ‘Look the young woman is with child.
She shall bear a son and name him Emmanuel—God is with us.’
Prayer: Let us be a sign of your promised realm and make us ready to meet our Savior. Prepare your way in us O Lord, that we too may rejoice and be glad when you come in Glory. God of our Salvation, hear our prayer. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of hope, God of peace, God of Joy, God of Love, 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.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Come, My Light’ Rev. Kaul, Judy S, Rozanne M
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 1:39-55
39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Not That Far From Bethlehem’ Donna F
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE: A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Twas the night before Christ’s birth and far above the earth, the angels were ready to announce Jesus’ birth. The people in Bethlehem, a very small town, were just getting ready to lay themselves down. And out on the hillside, while watching their sheep, a group of young shepherds were falling asleep.
HYMN: #121 (Red) ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ (verses 1 & 3)
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
When suddenly out of the sky came a light, and an angel appeared making everything bright! Peace to all! Spread the news! Have no fear! For the news I bring is for all to hear. A baby is born! This night is his birth, and he came to live with all people on earth. In Bethlehem town you will find this dear child, with Joseph and Mary, Jesus’ mother so mild.
The Entrance of the Holy Family
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Mary Did You Know?” Jan J
Sharing the manger with oxen, donkeys and sheep, nestled in blankets, the babe, sound asleep. Good news we bring you this wonderful night. Christ Jesus has come, so run to the site. Glory to God in the highest we sing. The Savior is here, Christ Jesus our King!
HYMN: #119 (Red) ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ (verses 1 & 3)
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King.
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth,
Born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"
So the angels delivered the news, the shepherds with no time to lose! And just as the angels had told them aloud, they found Jesus with Mary and Joseph so proud.
The shepherds returned, praising God for his Son. They told many about his precious one. We share the good news saying Jesus is born!
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘How Quietly’ Choir
But Mary was different, she kept in her heart, all wondrous events of which she was part.
HYMN #145 (Red) ‘What Child is This?” (verse 1)
What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Now all of these things came to pass as was told, fulfilling the promises of God made of old, this child, God’s son, came to earth as a man, the beautiful unfolding of God’s covenant plan. So this season observe the night of Christ’s birth. Remember the good news of God’s grace and not works. Let us close with a message that seems only right,
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!
HYMN: #134 (Red) ‘Joy to the World’ (verses 1 & 4)
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.
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.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Noel, Let Us Sing Loudly’ MK H
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
The whole world waits in December darkness for a glimpse of the Light of God. Even those who snarl “Humbug!” and chase away the carolers have been looking toward the skies. The one who declared he never would forgive has forgiven, and those who left home have returned, and even wars are halted, if briefly, as the whole world looks star-ward. In the December darkness we peer from our windows watching for an angel with rainbow wings to announce the Hope of the World. In December’s darkness is your light and hope. We experience it in the gifts you give us. Accept now these gifts O God. We give them humbly and without Bah Humbug! Use them, use us for your Kingdom. Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Ave Maria’ Rev. Kaul
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Emma (daughter of Dan & Carolyn M)
-Judy M’s son Mike
-Sharon W
-Michael (Dee’s son)
-Gwen B (Lee’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
-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 Canaday, Salonen, Borstad, and Peterson families and all who have lost loved ones.
This Week’s Prayer Families: Dan & Carolyn M & family Hannah, Allison & Emma; Marlys M, Don & Kay N, Dave & Lee P
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 #116 (Red) ‘The Snow Lay on the Ground’
The snow lay on the ground, the stars shone bright,
When Christ our Lord was born on Christmas night.
Venite, adoremus Dominum;
Venite, adoremus Dominum.
Refrain:
Venite, adoremus Dominum;
Venite, adoremus Dominum.
'Twas gentle Mary maid, so young and strong,
Who welcomed here the Christ-child with a song.
She laid him in a stall at Bethlehem;
The ass and oxen shared the roof with them. [Refrain]
Saint Joseph, too, was by to tend the child,
To guard him, and protect his mother mild.
The angels hovered round, and sang this song:
Venite, adoremus Dominum. [Refrain]
And thus that manger poor became a throne,
For he whom Mary bore was God the Son.
O come, then, let us join the heavenly host,
To praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADVENT POTLUCK is being held after worship service today. All are welcomed to enjoy good fellowship and food!
DONATIONS are being accepted for the local PROJECT JOY and PDA (PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE). Envelopes for Project Joy are available at the sanctuary entrance lectern or please make notation on your check for what account it goes to. Thank you for your generosity!
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE/COMMUNION will be held at 6:30 PM, Dec. 24, led by Elizabeth Fox, CRE.
ADULT AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL will not be meeting the next 2 Sundays, Dec. 26 or Jan. 2, 2022.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting 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 at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
REV. KAUL will be on session approved vacation from Dec. 20 – Jan 2. For pastoral care, please contact one of the CREs, Robby or Donna F or Elizabeth F.
Rozanne will be on session approved vacation Dec. 27-30.
BENEDICTION
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 has come to thee, O Israel
POSTLUDE
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; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993