Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Lighting of First Advent Candle
Family: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9).
People: We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
(First candle is lit)
Family: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Immortal and Almighty Lord, Most Powerful and Everlasting Majesty, we sing of Your greatness and praise Your magnificent ways. Your strength is undiminished and Your words are always fulfilled; we adore Your Holy Presence and devote ourselves to Your Sacred Kingdom.
People: Lord of Salvation and Grace, we are sinful and selfish people. We are sometimes distracted and become deceitful servants. We follow our own desires and damage our faith with pride, greed, and neglect. Tear down the walls of stubbornness and bitterness, foolishness and waywardness that we have built against You. Come into our hearts and help us to seek forgiveness. Hear us now as we personally pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Father, without Jesus we would have no hope of ever being forgiven. Without His sacrifice, we would have no salvation. We thank You for this opportunity to sincerely confess our sins, to declare our guilt, and be released by Your grace and favor.
People: For we pray this in Jesus’ Name and through His holy words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: When we come to the Lord and feed upon His words, He releases us from the wrath of God. When we ask Jesus to cleanse us by His blood, He restores us to God’s holiness. So let us truly rejoice and give thanks, for Christ is our Savior and we are completely forgiven, from this day forth and forevermore. 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
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Let us declare our joy to God, who is our strength; let us proclaim His great and mighty works! Gracious Lord, remove our burdens from us; release us from our deepest worries and concerns.
People: In the midst of our sickness and illnesses, at the time when we are weak and helpless, we look to You, O Living God to answer our prayers. Give us patience to wait for You; grant us mercy for all of our requests.
Pastor: Subdue our fears and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. Merciful Father, heal us and all our loved ones with Your healing Hands. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: The Lord will feed us with hope and strength; with His goodness and grace, we shall experience healing, hope and salvation. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 81)
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, bring us into Christ’s Presence and let Him answer all our questions about life. Show us how powerful God’s love is and enable us to apply these lessons of faith in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: (unison) Lord Jesus, there have been many times when this church has become a sanctuary to us and we have been supported by the love of Your people. We trust You to work among us each week, and we hope that we serve You faithfully, diligently and sincerely. Take our tithes and offerings and bless them for the life, work and ministry of this church, to help our congregation reach out to the wider community. In Your Name, we give and pray, both now and forever. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction: (unison) May we give thanks to Christ each day for all that we personally owe Him; may we respect and revere God’s work throughout today’s world; and may we honor the guidance and counsel, the power and direction of the Holy Spirit, in this life and the one to come, to the glory of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
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