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.
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.
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
No comments:
Post a Comment