SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
12-20-2020
PRELUDE
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN: “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came”
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
"All hail," said he, "O lowly maiden Mary,”
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
"For know a blessed mother you shall be,
All generations praise continually,
Your Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,”
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
"To me be as it pleases God," she said.
"My soul shall laud and magnify God's holy name."
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
CALL TO WORSHIP
An angel spoke to Mary: “Do not be afraid!”
The child she carries will be God’s son, and the world will never be the same.
An angel spoke to Mary: “Do not be afraid!”
God was with her, and God is with us,
drawing us into worship and praise.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING READING, WEEK FOUR (Elizabeth Fox)
We wait for light, and lo! there is darkness; and for brightness, be we walk in gloom.
Arise, shine for your light is come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness over the peoples. But the Lord will arise upon you and nations shall come to your light.
The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness, the moon give light to you by night.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people.
This will be a sign for you; you will find a child, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. Go at once, make haste. Go to Bethlehem, there you will find him.”
Isaiah 59-60 and Luke 2)
(As the candles are lit, a bell rings, reminding and calling us to worship and thank God for sending us a Savior.)
PRAYER:
Faithful God, you chose Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Sovereign and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now fill us with your grace, that with her, we may understand your ways, rejoice in your salvation, and embrace your will; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Then Mary said: Here am I, the servant of the Lord;
let it be with me according to your word. (Luke 1:38)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
An angel spoke to Mary: “Do not be afraid!” And yet, O Lord, we find ourselves paralyzed by fear of what we do not know. Forgive us of our sins, O Lord, and give us the faith of Mary to respond to your grace with lives of grateful praise. Let us hear the good news that she first heard: Light is breaking. Love is coming. The world is about to turn!
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. In the name of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, we are forgiven. (Isaiah 7:14)
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA (please stand)
Gloria in excelsis Deo;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Holy God, our hope and strength, by the power of your Spirit prepare the way in our hearts for the coming of your Word, so that we may see the glorious signs of your promise fulfilled; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A voice is crying in the wilderness: Listen to the word of the Lord.
(Mark 1:3; John 1:23)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
1Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” 3 Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.”
4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: 5 Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. 7 Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” 8 Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; 9 and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house.
16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.
Romans 16:25-27
25 Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
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: “Proclamation Through Song” Various Musicians
“Breath of Heaven” Zoe Aaron Regan, soloist
“Hallelujah” Nancy Ohnstad, violinist; Ron Parker, pianist
“Mary Did You Know” Jan Jones, soloist; Bonnie Foster, pianist
“He is Born/Birthday of a King" Elizabeth Fox & Lynn Foster, flautists; Bonnie Foster, pianist
“Love Came Down at Christmas” Richard Smith, soloist; Judy Smith, pianist
“O Holy Night” Donna Flint, soloist; Elizabeth Fox, flautist, Bonnie Foster, pianist "Ciacona in d minor" Rev. Kaul, organist
AFFIRMATION –APOSTLE’S CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
DEDICATION OF PARAMENTS
We dedicate a new set of paraments for the Sundays in Advent--to the glory of our Lord. The use of God’s gift of Christian art in worship proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ, encourages the praise of his people on earth, and reflects our intention to bring Jesus our best and finest offerings. These will serve well when they proclaim to the heart of the believer the message of what Christ has done for us. Today we set apart these paraments for use in God’s house, to his glory
We gather in prayer to dedicate new paraments to the glory of the Triune God.
We give thanks to the Lord for God is good
Gracious God, we know that you delight in hearing the prayers and praise of your people.
Thank you, Lord, for the making us your own, for the blessing of public worship, for the comfort and strength you give in this place, and for the praise and joy you prompt in our hearts.
Thank you for many gifts which help to proclaim your gospel: for language and poetry, for music, and for art and architecture; each focusing our minds and hearts on your marvelous grace in Baptism, Holy Communion, and the proclamation of your Word.
Bless us whenever we gather in your name and move us to use these gifts to praise you.
You have given to your Church throughout the world artisans who create fine and beautiful things that inspire our worship and glorify your name. For all who use their gifts to your glory:
We thank you, O Lord.
For those who use their time and ability to prepare and assist our worship: for those who preside at worship and preach the Gospel, for singers and musicians, for those who prepare your house each week, for talent with flowers, banners and with all the arts:
We thank you, O Lord.
Lord, you blessed those who envisioned these new paraments with the ability to work together in unity and joy. You moved the hearts of our members to give generous offerings of time and talents back to you. The stewardship of time, talents, and treasures is a rich blessing to us. For those who labored faithfully and gave freely,
We thank you, O Lord.
You gave us the beauty of liturgy for worship. As you walk with us on our annual pilgrimage through the Christian Year, guide us with the changing colors of the paraments. For Christian art which proclaims the wonder of Christ for the benefit of fellow believers and for the strengthening of faith,
We thank you, O Lord.
Lord, we confess that we do not always put our hearts and minds into worship. Forgive us for approaching you too casually, carelessly, infrequently, or with indifference.
Send your Holy Spirit so that everything that we see, hear, and do in this place spiritually enriches us and is an offering to you.
Bless our use of both familiar and new forms and symbols in worship. Help us to sense our connection with believers of all times and places.
We dedicate these paraments to your glory, O Lord, and for the benefit of your holy people, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING:
All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
2 Peter 3:8-15
We offer ourselves: Special Music “O Come All Ye Faithful” Bonnie Foster, pianist
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
Dear Father, we admit that Advent can be a challenging time. We are not accustomed to waiting. We live in a world of instant gratification. Yet, you call us to wait, to anticipate, and to prepare for the birth of your son on Christmas Day. Now, we are counting the days—seven more days until Christmas Day. This countdown generates a variety of emotional responses—excitement, joy, relief, and maybe even panic. Provide us with a sense of calm. May the rhythm of worship and this offering moment calm us so that we are prepared to receive anew the birth of Jesus, the Christ Child. Amen.
(Luke 1:36-48, David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE
As this candle lights the darkness
May your presence light our lives
As its flame burns bright before us
May your spirit burn bright within us
As its warm glow surrounds us
May the warmth of your love be with us.
HYMN “Angels from the Realms of Glory”
Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye, who sang creation's story
Now proclaim Messiah's birth:
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn king!
Shepherds, in the field abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant light:
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn king!
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great desire of nations;
Ye have seen His natal star:
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn king.
All creation, join in praising
God the Father, spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To the eternal Three in One.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn king.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
Prepare the way of the Lord!
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent,
one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE will be held Dec. 24 at 6:30 pm via Zoom only. There will be no in person attendance per Session decision at their 12/10 meeting.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will not be meeting Dec. 24th but will meet again starting Dec. 31 via Zoom.
FEEDING BROOKINGS will be hosting a meal for Christmas. First Presbyterian Church has been asked to donate 125 cans of fruit. We will be accepting monetary donations through the end of December. Thank you for your generosity!
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will not be meeting until January.
“SOMETHING TO CHEW ON’ is held every Thursday evening at 6 pm at BUCC, except on the last Thursday of the month when Interfaith Council meets. We share a simple potluck supper, discuss local, state and national affairs or view and discuss a video of interest. Mainly we enjoy friendly fellowship. Everyone is welcome regardless of church affiliation. CDC guidelines are followed n regards to social distancing and masking.
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Those with health concerns:
-Bob & Jan J (recoveries)
-Sharon W (thanksgiving for recovery)
-LaVonne B (recovering at home)
-Jan B (recovery)
-Anthony (Teri B’s son)
-Harry (Bonnie S.’s father)
-Jeanne L’s pregnant relative
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie F.’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry Drew)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Dave (Rev. Norlita’s spouse)
-Elizabeth (Kennedy’s mom in Cameroon)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Harold & Marjorie P., Rozella P.
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rozella P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie VB, Dee W.
(Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
- We continue to pray for the Watson, Boy, Peterson, and Larson families
- Prayers for our sister churches First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; Second Presbyterian Church in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members.
- Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, especially doctors and nurses, and first responders across the world and their families.
- Prayers for our nation as it moves forward during these months of transition.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for December!
Dean H., LaVonne B., Carrie VB, Rozanne M, Sally M, Marge P, Jan B
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for December!
Stephen & Carrie VB, Bob & Pat F, Neal & Julie F, Skip & Sharon W
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
(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 B Vo.54.1 PCUSA; David S. Bell; from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 176.; Advent 4 Prayers e-worship.blogspot.com/search/label/Advent
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.