Approaching God
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude & Gathering Song
Lighting of Advent Candles
Family: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9).
People: We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
(2 Purples and the Pink candle are lit)
Family: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in Him was life, and the life was the light of all people (John 1:1– 4).
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Everlasting God, who constantly sustains the universe and who sets the stars on their courses, we honor and bless You with our lips; we praise and worship You from our hearts. Heavenly Lord, You know and see all things. We thank You for sharing Your wonders with us; we glorify You for granting us life, learning and love.
People: Divine Majesty of Good and grace, we seek Your peace and yearn for the blessings of Your favor. We know that we are not worthy of Your devotion, for we are weak and sinful creatures, subject to fear and full of sin. We acknowledge our selfish and faithless ways. We have allowed greed to corrupt our hearts and pride to diminish our compassion. We have neglected to help other people and have declined opportunities to witness to Your Word. Forgive us for being fearful and timid servants. Hear us now as we personally confess our failings.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Lord, keep us steadfast in our faith and loyal to Your Holy Son Jesus. He alone has provided for our salvation. He alone has the authority to forgive our sins and restore us to Your Favor. We pray in Jesus’ Name and through His own precious words, we unite our hearts together, saying, “Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: By accepting Jesus into our lives, we are acquitted of our sins and accepted into God’s Kingdom. By being faithful to Christ alone, we are received into His Spirit and He remains within us at all times. Let us rejoice and be glad for we are a forgiven and favored people, both now and forever. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung) : 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: O Lord our God, do not keep Your distance or remain inactive when we pray to You for healing. In the midst of our troubles, calm our souls and strengthen our hearts, O God.
People: When things become chaotic and fearful in our lives, be our shield and firm foundation. When we face disease and discomfort, pain and sickness, be our Comforter, Healer and Savior.
Pastor: When fears overcome our families and despair attacks our friends, bring them assurance, peace and love. By Your Power, Lord, heal us and all loved ones from all that harms the body, mind, heart and spirit. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: O LORD our God, You alone are the Most High over all the earth. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 83)
Anthem
Singing of Jesus, Draw me Close.
Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, call us into account for all that we do today. Let these sacred scriptures fill our hearts and minds, so that we can apply the challenges and lessons Christ gives to us this very day. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, by the giving of our tithes and offering, You enable us to fulfill the life, work and ministry of our church. You know all that You require us to do and You also know that we have been given all the resources of time, talents and money to fully support and enhance Your mission for this church. Help us to carefully and cheerfully give of ourselves and our assets to You. In Your Holy Name. Amen.
Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ help us to love one another; may the Father enable us to care for one another; and may the Holy Spirit equip us to support and bless one another; in the Name of the One, Triune and Living God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
No comments:
Post a Comment