Sunday Prayers - Advent 2 - Dec 6

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Advent 2 Call to Worship

Advent 2 Reader:             “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.””

All:    In the beginning was the Word—spoken and breathed, a promise made and kept. God’s promise is true! The Word was in the beginning, and through Him all things come into being.

Advent 2 Reader:     Eternal and near at hand, already and not-yet, God’s promise is the foundation of all life. Speak out, giving voice to God’s peace that passes all understanding.

~2 Purple Advent candles are lit~

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Eternal God, whose power is absolute and abounds throughout the universe, we gather before You in this peaceful place of praise and prayer. We have set apart this time in our lives to worship and adore You. We have responded to Your call and continue to bless Your Holy Name.
People:                 Precious Father, we confess all of our sins to You. For years, we have stored up bitterness in our hearts and allowed pride to damage our souls. We have hurt other people with our spite and disappointed You with our misdeeds. We have sinfully fulfilled our selfish desires by casting aside Your sacred commandments. Forgive us, Gracious God, for we repent of our ugly ways and tarnished faith. Hear us now as we personally seek forgiveness from You.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Merciful Lord, You permit us to call upon Your Son Jesus for help, healing, and wholeness. He alone grants us forgiveness and salvation through His sacrificial death on the Cross. In Christ, we are pardoned and forgiven, reconnected to Your Kingdom and restored to Your everlasting favor. In Christ’s own precious words, we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Jesus is the King of Creation and the Lord of our lives. We did not give this honor to Him. God bestowed upon Jesus all authority on Earth and in Heaven to forgive our sins, to restore us to God’s blessing, and to be welcomed into His Eternal Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be truly thankful, for Jesus is our One, True, and Only Savior, both now and always. Amen.

Gloria Patri (sung in unison): 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.

Anthem

Children’s Sermon

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor:                 Your healing love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your strength is like the mighty mountains, and Your justice like the great deep. We humbly pray that You will preserve our lives and our loved ones. Your unfailing love and mercy is precious to us. May our families and friends find refuge in Your presence and the healing of all that harms them.
People:                May we regain our health and strength from the abundance of Your power; may You grant us our petitions and delight us with Your grace. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light; through Your peace, we are released from pain; by Your love we are set free from our fears. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others.

Pastor:                 Living and Gracious Lord, continue sending Your love to those who need You, and allow Your healing to be granted to those most cherished in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 36)


Prayer for Illumination
Reader :               Holy Spirit, challenge and change us through the truths that these sacred scriptures reveal. Move our hearts and show us how to fulfill Christ’s message in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison – led by pastor):       Lord Jesus, You know us completely and perfectly understand everything about our lives. We often fail to fulfill our service and devotion to You, and yet You still allow us to receive the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. With humble and sincere thanks, we offer You our time, talents, and money. Take these tokens of our gratitude and bless them for the continuing life, work, and ministry of Your Church in this community, across this nation, and throughout the world. In Your Precious Name, we pray. Amen.

Communion

Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ protect us from our sinful nature and keep us on His Holy path; may the Father continually cultivate our faith through His Love and Grace; and may the Holy Spirit enable us to go out into the world to effectively witness to God’s kingdom, glory, and power. Both now and forever. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Advent 3 Sunday Prayers - Dec 15

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship: Advent Three

Pastor:                 Isaiah 35:1-2                      The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 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.

Family:                  Joy is the theme of the Third Sunday in Advent. Joy refreshes our spirits in times of trouble and emptiness. Jesus Christ is the everlasting joy of our loving hearts. We look forward to that glorious day when He will return among us, so that the whole Earth may rejoice with Him forevermore.

Lighting of Three Advent Candles, which includes the Pink Joy candle.

Family:                  May the joy of Christ be present in our lives as we worship Him as our King.

All:                         Glory be to God on high! Amen.               Singing of “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.”

Hymn   

               

Prayer of Confession and Adoration

Guide:                  Almighty Lord, whose power cannot be limited and whose will can never be diminished; we applaud Your majestic works of creation and praise Your deeds of deliverance throughout history.  You sustain the Universe through mercy and grace. You watch over our lives with great care and compassion. Who are we to receive such blessings? What are we that You should love us so perfectly?

People:                 Living God, the Earth belongs to You and everything in it. We joyfully seek to serve You all of our days, but sometimes we fail and make mistakes. We hurt other people with our foolish words and thoughtless deeds. We neglect the real needs of other people and cast aside our faith at times. Forgive our selfish ways and sinful choices. Help us to turn to Jesus for the mercy that we require, as well as for the grace that we do not deserve. Hear us now as we pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Loving Father, thank You for sending Jesus into our world to give us the joyful opportunity of being restored to Your Favor and Kingdom. We praise You for His perfect obedience and sacred sacrifice which have brought us complete and eternal salvation. In His words, we now pray:  “Our Father….The Lord’s Prayer (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  Jesus is the evening and morning star of our lives. He gives us purpose and meaning so that we can follow His ways and walk in his paths. When we are disobedient to God and sinfully selfish, He forgive our sins and helps us through His wisdom, teaching, and Spirit to change our lives and restore us to God. So let us truly rejoice and give thanks, for Jesus is our Savior and we are blessed through the riches of His grace and the wonders of His love. Amen.

Gloria Patri (unison):                    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

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                  We trust in You, O Lord, for You are good and we live to enjoy Your strength and salvation. We delight in You, and we pray that You will grant us the desires of our hearts.

People:                 We commit ourselves and our loved ones to You, O Lord, for we trust that You will help us and heal us from all harm. You brighten our lives with the promises of Your love. We pray that You will listen to our concerns and allay our fears through the power of faith.

Pastor:                  Let us be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for His grace. May our loved ones also await the Lord and abide in His way. May He bless them with hope, healing, and strength.          

               

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                  Salvation comes from the Lord, for He is our stronghold in time of trouble. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.                (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 37)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                                Holy Spirit, challenge us to change our lives through the scriptures we read today. Enable us to be worthy of Christ’s Name by applying the lessons we learn from the Bible. Grant us the gift of Your Spirit in our lives and enhance our understanding of God. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings                         

The Message and Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory     

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor)                   Lord Jesus, we feast from Your blessings and quench our spiritual thirst with Your teaching and truth. In response, we gather and present this offering, recognizing that there are ministries and missions which You have called upon our church to support, strengthen, and fulfill. May we glorify You through these gifts, as well as the giving of our lives. In Your Precious Name, we pray. Amen.

Hymn                                   

Benediction (unison):    May Christ keep us free from ignoring His wonders and ways in our lives. May the Father eliminate conceit in our hearts and replace it with compassion; and may the Holy Spirit deepen our faith and prepare us for the joyous time when all things will be reconciled to the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology            

Postlude

Advent 1 Sunday Prayers - Dec 01

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship: Advent One

Pastor:                 Isaiah 2:3            Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Family:                  Hope is the theme of the First Sunday in Advent. Hope reminds us that our future is in God’s safe hands and that His promises will always be fulfilled. He teaches us His ways through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lighting of First Advent candle.

Family:                  We are blessed by Christ’s Birth and redeemed through His Resurrection.

All:                         Glory be to God on high! Amen.               Singing of “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.”

Hymn   

               

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Everlasting God, whose deeds are constantly remembered and faithfully celebrated by every generation; whose power knows no limitations, and whose kingdom never ends; we gather before You to honor Your historic acts and to worship Your wonderful ways.

People:                 Gracious Lord, we have constantly known and experienced Your Wisdom and Love. Across the span of our lives, You have never forsaken or failed us. However, we have plainly rebelled and sinned against You. We have led fallen lives and made foolish mistakes. We have succumbed to selfish ways and surrendered to temptation. Forgive us, Merciful God, and hear our personal confessions.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Holy God, without Christ’s grace, we have no hope of forgiveness. Without Christ’s mercy, we could not be restored to Your favor and kingdom. Thank You for His sacrifice. Thank You for His Ministry among us. Thank You for reconciling us to You through Him. For we make our prayers in Jesus’ Name, and through His own Holy words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father….THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                  We recognize Jesus as God’s True and Holy Son. Only Christ has the authority on Earth to forgive our foolish ways and pardon our personal sins. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus came into our world to reconcile all things to God, through His Obedience, Sacrifice, and Love. Amen.

Gloria Patri (sung – unison)                       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

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                  Contend, O LORD, with those things which harm us; defend us against all things which weaken our bodies, minds, and spirits. Listen to our heartfelt prayers and pleas for healing; arise, Heavenly Father, and come to our aid.

People:                 Brandish Your power against those viruses and diseases, sicknesses and cancers which threaten our health. Grant peace for our troubled minds and bring strength to our souls by becoming our complete and holistic salvation.

Pastor:                  Permit our loved ones to also rejoice in Your healing, LORD;  let them recover through Your total deliverance. Enable us to give You thanks in this congregation for answered prayers; from the depths of our souls, we bring You our concerned pleas and personal petitions for hope, health, and healing.                               

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor:                  May we and all our loved ones say, "The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of His people." In Jesus’ Name.             Amen.                  (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 35)

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                                Holy Spirit, assure us, as we go through life, that God has made Jesus our Savior, Redeemer and Lord. Reveal to us, through these sacred scriptures, the meaning of Christ’s message and ministry for us today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture Readings                         

The Message and the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:    

Dedication (unison – led by pastor)                        Lord Jesus, Your grace gives us hope and we are blessed by Your promises of salvation. With our time and talents, as well as our resources and gifts, You can enhance the ministries and missions of this church. Take these tokens from our labors and savings, and bless them for Your work in this congregation, community, and around the world. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Communion

Hymn                                   

Benediction (unison):    May Christ keep us constant in our daily faith; may the Father continue to involve us in His work of reconciliation; and may the Holy Spirit continually inspire our spirits, nourish our souls, and provide us with many opportunities to witness to the glory, kingdom, and power of the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forever. Amen.

Doxology and Postlude

Advent Candle Readings 2013

Advent One

Pastor:                 Isaiah 2:3            Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Family:                  Hope is the theme of the First Sunday in Advent. Hope reminds us that our future is in God’s safe hands and that His promises will always be fulfilled. He teaches us His ways through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lighting of First Advent candle.

Family:                  We are blessed by Christ’s Birth and redeemed through His Resurrection.

All:                         Glory be to God on high! Amen.

Advent Two

Pastor:                 Isaiah 11:6-7      The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

Family:                  Peace is the theme of the Second Sunday in Advent. Peace is what we all long for in our lives and the scriptures tell us of a wonderful day when all of nature will be at peace forever. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace and we welcome His sacred presence in the world.

Lighting of Two Advent candles

Family:                  May Christ’s peace descend upon our hearts and souls during this time of praise.

All:                         Glory be to God on high! Amen.

Advent Three

Pastor:                 Isaiah 35:1-2                      The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 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.

Family:                  Joy is the theme of the Third Sunday in Advent. Joy refreshes our spirits in times of trouble and emptiness. Jesus Christ is the everlasting joy of our loving hearts. We look forward to that glorious day when He will return among us, so that the whole Earth may rejoice with Him forevermore.

Lighting of Three Advent Candles, which includes the Pink Joy candle.

Family:                  May the joy of Christ be present in our lives as we worship Him as our King.

All:                         Glory be to God on high! Amen.

Advent Four

Pastor:                 Isaiah 7:14          Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Family:                  Love is the theme of the Fourth Sunday in Advent. Love is what we all seek from our families and friends. The scriptures tell us that God is love, and that He loved the world so much, He allowed His Son Jesus to come among us. Love is at the heart of our faith and will continue beyond our mortal lives, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lighting of Four Advent Candles, including the Pink Joy Candle.

Family:                  May the love of God be experienced by all in our worship today.

All:                         Glory be to God on high! Amen.

Christmas Eve

Pastor:                 Isaiah 9:6-7        For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Family:                  On this holy night, Christ will be born among us and our spirits will be at one with Him. He came into the world to offer us salvation. He will return again and meet us face-to-face, when we, as Christian believers, will be restored to God’s favor forevermore.

Lighting of all four candles, plus the white Christ candle in the center.

Family:                  May we all know the blessing of Christ in our hearts and homes this night. May His blessings of hope, peace, joy, and love be with us and all our loved ones, both near and far.

All:         Glory be to God on high and on Earth, peace and goodwill to everyone. Amen.

Sunday Worship Prayers - Advent 3 - Third in Advent - Dec 11

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Call to Light the Advent Wreath

Family: Today - the third Sunday in Advent, we hear from the writer of the Psalm and the prophet Isaiah.
Congregation: We hear of a world where even the desert sings, rejoices and blossoms.

Family:            A world where eyes will see and ears will hear; where everyone will want to dance and sing for joy. We watch and wait for these signs of the in-breaking of God's kingdom.
Congregation:            We wait in hope and peace, and with joy.

(Two purple candles are relit)

Family:            The God in whom we rejoice, prepares our hearts for the coming of the Lord. We light the candle of joy.

(The pink candle is lit)

Family:            God of grace and truth, may our spirits rejoice in the forthcoming birth of Christ, our Savior, in whom we are privileged to experience Your mercy and see Your glory.

Congregation:            May this house of prayer become a sanctuary of joy. May our hearts and spirits be lifted up through the praising and glorifying of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is yet to come amongst us again. Amen.

First Hymn:

           

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide: Almighty God, whose words of hope have been written across the universe as signatures of Your salvation and guarantees of Your grace, we rejoice at being in Your presence and are glad to worship You.

You know all things and see the years yet to come, therefore we acknowledge Your authority over our lives and proclaim You as Sovereign over all creation.

People:           Gracious Father, we confess our selfish feelings and faithless ways. We regret our past mistakes and sinful deeds. Instead of wanting to witness to Your glorious kingdom, we waste our lives on fulfilling our own desires. Forgive us for casting You aside when we make important decisions. Forgive us for casting others aside when they need our help. And pardon us for setting aside Your commands when we are under pressure, deeply troubled, or worried. Hear us now as we make our confessions to You alone.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Compassionate Father, without Your mercy, we would meander through life and drift into the darkness of death without any hope. Because of Your Son Jesus and through His sacrifice, we can be redeemed from our sins and restored to Your kingdom. We praise You for sending Jesus into the world and for giving Him authority over our lives. In His Name, we offer our confessions and with His own words we continue to pray, saying, “Our Father...” THE LORD’S PRAYER  (debts/debtors)

           

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: Christ came to reveal to us the mercy of God and to grant us the opportunity of being restored to His Father. He alone can bring us this everlasting hope, and in Him, we can find eternal salvation. So let us praise our Savior's Name, both now and forever. Amen.

Gloria Patri(sung unison): 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.

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

           

Encountering God

Choir Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:             Be merciful to us, O Lord, in the midst of our troubles. Heal us from all that harms us. When we get anxious about our lives, grant us peace. When we become impatient with our issues, grant us strength.

People:           Turn to us, O Lord, and deliver us; save us because of Your unfailing love. When we are worn out from worrying, and crushed by our concerns, take us by the hand and help us to overcome our fears.

Pastor:             When we are weak with sorrow and beset with problems, have mercy on us, O Lord. We bring before You all our loved ones, who need Your strength and compassion, Your care and healing. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

Pastor:             The Lord has heard our cries for healing. The Lord accepts our prayers. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 6)

           

Singing of “Jesus Draw Me Close.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:           Holy Spirit, we have come to worship God in this holy place and we seek to become His servants. As we hear these sacred words, open our hearts and minds, as well as our spirits and souls to Christ’s teaching. In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The message and the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, You brought to us the Gospel and now welcome us into God's Kingdom. You empower us to serve You and to use our gifts to glorify Your ways. Take our tithes and offerings, and bless them for the holy work of Your Church on Earth.  In Your Sacred Name, we give and pray. Amen.  

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison): May Christ continue to comfort us in the midst of our troubles; may the Father embrace us each and every day; and may the Holy Spirit empower us to share these blessings with others, to the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology         May God's Blessing & Postlude

Sunday Worship Prayers - Advent 2 - Second in Advent - Dec 4

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Call to Light the Advent Wreath

Family: Today - the second Sunday in Advent - we hear about Isaiah's
vision of a new and transformed world.
Congregation: A world where all creatures live together in harmony and peace.

Family: We wait with hope for this vision to become reality.
Congregation: The God of hope fills us with joy and peace in believing. We light the candle of hope.

(The first purple candle is relit)

Family: We proclaim our belief in God's faithfulness in keeping promises, as we light the candle of peace.

( A second purple candle is lit)

Family:  God of all faithfulness - Isaiah's vision paints a picture of a world shaped in accordance with Your will and Your design.

Congregation:   He tells of One so enlightened by your Spirit that he would open eyes and ears and hearts to a new understanding of your will and your design for the world. Isaiah described the one for whom the people waited - the Messiah .

Family:  We wait also, but we wait in the joyful knowledge that the Messiah has come in the form of your beloved Son.

Congregation:   We wait in faith, praying that through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus - Prince of Peace - will be born anew in our hearts and in our lives. Amen

First Hymn:

           

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:              Everlasting Lord and God of all the Universe, who calls us each by name, we offer You our devotion and pledge to You our hearts. Almighty Father, who helps the powerless and supports the weak, we worship Your holy ways and glorify Your loving deeds.

People:           Merciful Lord, we know that we are utterly dependent upon You to sustain our lives, yet we humbly confess that we often take You for granted and frequently try to cast You aside. When we take Your name in vain, or choose to neglect our neighbor's need, or decide to hate our enemies, please forgive us. When we place ourselves at the center of our lives, or selfishly seek to satisfy our sinful desires, or forget to honor Your Son, pardon our mistakes. Hear us now as we humbly confess our faults to You alone.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Loving Father, left to ourselves, we would do nothing about our need to repent, nor would we change our lives. You Son Jesus challenges our ways and offers us the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins and restored to Your favor. Therefore, in His precious Name, we make these confessions and continue to pray in His own words, saying, “Our Father, Who art in heaven...THE LORD’S PRAYER”  (debts/debtors)

           

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: Christ came into the world, to reconcile all things to Himself, and to witness to God's everlasting grace. He alone is the Savior of our souls and the Redeemer of the Earth. Let us rejoice and be glad in Him, both now and forever. Amen.

Gloria Patri(sung in unison): 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.

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

           

Encountering God

Choir Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:             Give ear to our words, O Lord, consider our feelings and prayers. Listen to our cries and pleas for help, for You are our King and God.

People:           This morning, O Lord, we lay our requests before You and wait in expectation. We have come into Your house seeking mercy; in reverence we bow before Your presence and ask for healing.

Pastor:             Help us to release our prayers to You and to put all that concerns us into Your hands. Lead us O Lord, in Your righteousness. Make plain Your ways before us, as we pray for our loved ones and ourselves. Heal us from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and soul.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

Pastor:             We will take refuge in the Lord and be glad. May He bless us with His favor and love. In Christ's Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 5)

           

Singing of ‘Jesus Draw Me Close.’

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:           Holy Spirit, may God speak to us through these sacred words. May we become familiar with His ways and honor the teachings of His Son. In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, You call upon us to do everything in a fit and orderly way. We bring before You our tithes and offerings, praying that they may be given to Your service and dedicated for Your work by this congregation. Take these gifts, and our lives, for the glory of God's Kingdom and the life, ministries and missions which You ask us to undertake, accomplish and fulfill.  In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.            

Communion

Closing Hymn:

Benediction(unison): May our Lord Jesus Christ bring us closer to the Father of all compassion; may the Holy Spirit lead us each day to the One, Triune and Everlasting God of all comfort, joy, and love, both now and forever. Amen.          

Doxology         May God's Blessing & Postlude

Advent 4 worship prayers - Fourth Sunday in Advent - 19 December

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Family:            This is the Fourth Sunday in Advent and we seek the Lord’s blessing.

All:                  His Peace heals our pain and His Love liberates our souls.

(Lighting of Three Purple Advent Candles and Pink Joy candle)

Family:            Since we have been justified through our faith, we have everlasting peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prelude

First Hymn:

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide: Everlasting Lord, whose ways are beyond our imagining and whose will is beyond our control, we assemble in Your Holy Presence and gather to praise Your Sacred Name.

People: Almighty God, whose covenants have always been fulfilled, and whose compassion is unequalled, we gladly worship Your Power and glorify Your wonderful deeds.

Guide: Heavenly Father, when sin affects our souls and we willfully damage our spirits by yielding to temptation, enable us to humbly seek Your forgiveness, and grant us the favor of Your pardon. You alone have the authority to condemn us or forgive us, to judge us or justify us. Hear us now as we personally make our confessions to You.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Gracious God, You are our refuge and hiding place, our safe haven and sanctuary. Your Holy Son Jesus Christ has purchased our salvation with His own blood. We are grateful for the opportunity to be acquitted of our past mistakes and restored to Your love and blessing.  We humbly make these confessions in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Only Savior and precious Lord, in whose words we faithfully pray, saying,

"Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:  God sent Jesus into the world to heal it of all its unholiness and to reclaim creation to God's Kingdom. We know Jesus as our Savior and Christ, our Peace Bringer and Soul Restorer. So let us gladly rejoice in His perfect obedience, complete forgiveness and everlasting reassurance. In His Name. Amen.

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.

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

Encountering God

Choir Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:             O Lord of Life, in the midst of weakness or strength, we place our hope in Your sacred words. When we are fearful or anxious, O God, we look to You for comfort and compassion.

People:                        In times of distress or despair, we will not forget Your words of holiness and healing. When our patience is stretched and our peace is broken, reassure us with Your presence and strengthen us with Your love.

Pastor:             When we fall down, or when we feel feeble or frail, do not forsake or abandon us; do not forget our pleas or reject our prayers. Compassionate Father, we appeal to Your mercy and grace and we ask for healing. Restore all our loved ones, and us to health and wholeness. Protect us from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and soul. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

Pastor: Preserve us according to Your gracious words. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Healer of the World and Savior to the Nations. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 119:Kaph)

Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:             Holy Spirit, release us from our fears and strengthen our faith in Jesus. Let God's word bring us closer to Him and equip us to go out into the world liberated by Your love and inspired by this message. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison)   Lord Jesus, You have taught us to cheerfully give of ourselves to You and God's Kingdom. You have sacrificed Your life for our salvation, so we gratefully bring to You these gifts and tithes, praying that You will accept them for the life, ministry and work of Your church here in this congregation, our community, and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison):

May Christ lead us each day to accomplish His purpose for our lives; may the Father's gracious love keep us always in obedience to Him; and may the Holy Spirit continually influence us so that we may glorify and praise the One, Triune and Living God, from this day forth and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology        Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude

First Sunday in Advent Prayers - Advent 1 - November 28

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Family:            This is the First Sunday in Advent and the beginning of a new journey of faith.

All:                  Our hope is in the Lord and we await His Return.

(Lighting of the First Purple Advent Candle)

Family:            This hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. Amen.

Gathering & Prelude

Hymn:

Prayer of Adoration & Confession

Guide:                         Almighty Lord of Life and Creator of the Cosmos, You have called us by name and we have responded to Your voice. In this house of praise and prayer, we seek Your presence and yearn for Your favor.

People:            Faithful Father, whose words bless our lives and whose ways grant us hope, we turn to You as our Counselor and Comforter, our sacred source of goodness and holiness, of strength and love.  We are also weary of our sins and regret our past mistakes; we are sorry for our failings and apologize to You for our imperfections.

Guide:                         Merciful Majesty, when we choose to ignore Your voice and follow our own counsel, forgive us. When we rebel against Your word and neglect to do good, pardon us. When idolize ourselves and cast aside Your ways, have mercy upon us. Hear us now as we humbly pray.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Gracious Lord, Your love sustains us and Your grace restores us. Your Son Jesus bled for our sins and died for our selfish deeds. We will always be indebted to You for grace. We will always be thankful to You for saving us.  We place our lives into Your hands and give our hearts to Jesus. By His authority we are forgiven and in His words, we now thankfully pray, saying, "Our Father..." THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:             Christ taught us about God and showed us how to live our lives. He was sent to save humanity and restore the entire world to God's Kingdom. His truth endures and we are forgiven of our past mistakes. We are returned to God's love and favor. So let rejoice forever, for we are Christ's people and through Him, we are God's favored servants. Amen.

Gloria Patri (sung/unison):   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.

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

Encountering God

Choir Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:             O LORD, You are the most important part of our lives and we have promised to obey You. Today, we seek You with all of our hearts; be gracious to us and hear our prayers.

People:                        Help us to reconsider our ways and look to You for strength and salvation. Enable us to adhere to Your sacred will and accept Your holy words.

Pastor:             Though fear and frustration, pain and perplexity may disturb our souls, we will not forget Your mercy. We give You thanks for the possibilities of prayer; we humbly ask that You heal us, our families and friends, of all that is harmful to our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves.

Pastor:             The Earth is filled with Your love, O Lord; teach us Your gracious ways. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 119:Heth)

Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw me Close.'

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:             Holy Spirit, we have gathered from different places, both near and far, to be with our families at worship. Strengthen us by Christ's mighty words, and inspire us to receive, follow, and apply His ways. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, when we ask You to guide and help us, You always answer our needs and prayers. In response to these blessings, we bring to You our tithes and offerings, as symbols of our thankfulness and tokens of our faith. Receive this offering and bless it for the continuing life, work, and mission of Your church in this community and throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Closing Hymn:

Benediction (unison):              May Christ boldly challenge our lives and change our ways; may the Father constantly remind us of His love and mercy; and may the Holy Spirit keep granting us grace, so that we may encourage other people every day to glorify the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Doxology        Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude