December 1, 2024
Prelude: Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
Burkhardt/Brahms
Introit: We Praise You, O God
Cory/Neder-landtsch Gedenck-Clanck
We praise you, O God, our Redeemer, Creator,
In grateful devotion our tribute we bring.
We lay it before you; we kneel and adore you;
We bless your holy name; glad praises we sing.
We worship you, God of our fathers and mothers;
Through trial and tempest our guide you have been.
When perils o’ertake us, you will not forsake us,
And with your help, O Lord, our struggles we win.
With voices united our praises we offer
And gladly our songs of thanksgiving we raise.
With you, Lord beside us, your strong arm will guide us.
To you, our great Redeemer, forever be praise!
Welcome
Lighting the Advent Candles
David and Carollen Ryan
We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
Advent means coming. We are preparing ourselves for the days
when nations shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword
against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
[Isaiah 2:4]
Come Now, O Prince of Peace
Lee
Come now, O Prince of Peace; make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.
Come now, O God of love; make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.
Confession
God of fellowship, we thank you for the people and relationships that have brought us closer to you. As we enter another Advent season, help us support one another in hope. Forgive us when we lose focus or perspective and fail to watch for your kingdom. Forgive us for daring to hope only for what we think we can reasonably expect or predict. Lead us in your truth, and teach us, for you are the God of our salvation; for you we wait all day long. Amen.
Silence
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Hymn 2)
Wesley/Prichard
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou are;
Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Gloria Patri (Hymn 579)
Greatorex
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,
Word without end. Amen, Amen.
Children’s Message
The Days Are Surely Coming
Gambrell/Welsh folk melody
The days are surely coming, says God to all the earth,
When you will see my promise: salvation come to birth.
My righteousness and justice will spread throughout the land
And you will be delivered by my almighty hand.
The days are surely coming, says Christ, the promised one,
When you will read my warning in moon and stars and sun.
Though earth and heaven tremble, stand up and do not fear,
For I am your redeemer, and I am drawing near.
The days are surely coming when we will know at last
The fullness of God’s presence, God’s promise, come to pass.
Then righteousness and justice will spread throughout the land
And we will be delivered by God’s almighty hand.
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Gary Guenther
Old Testament: Jeremiah 33:14-16
New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Homily: At the Coming of the Lord Jesus
Scott Starbuck
Focus: Advent means “coming.” Advent is our yearly exercise of preparing our hearts, minds, homes, and schedules for the in-breaking of Jesus Christ.
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Music: Savior of the Nations, Come
Bach
Communion Prayer
Call to Stewardship
Ruth Seignemartin
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
-Luke 1:68
Offertory: O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright
15th cent/arr. Bisbee
Doxology for Advent
To you, O Christ, all praises be, whose advent sets your people free;
Whom with the Father we adore and Holy Spirit evermore!
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
Swedish folk tune/Manz
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