Approaching God
Welcome & Announcements
Gathering Song & Prelude
Call to Worship: Third Sunday in Advent: JOY
Advent Guide: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Everlasting Joy of God’s Heart and the Holy Savior of the nations.
All: You come among us to release us from our burdens and take great delight in our eternal happiness.
(Lighting of Two Purple candles and the Pink Joy Candle)
Advent Guide: Lord Jesus, quieten us with Your Precious Love and fill our spirits with heavenly joy. Amen.
Hymn:
Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Everlasting God, who sets the stars on their courses and sustains the entire universe, we praise and worship You from our hearts. We thank You for sharing Your wonders with us; we glorify You for granting us life, learning, and love.
People: Loving Lord, 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 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. In His Holy Name, we pray 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 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
Anthem
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 fear overcomes 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)
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
The Message & The Apostles’ Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication(unison): Lord Jesus, we freely give of our tithes and resources to enable us to fulfill the life, and work of our church. Empower us to do everything that You require of us in ministry and mission. Help us to prayerfully and cheerfully give of ourselves and our assets to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. 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 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow & Postlude
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