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Lakeville United Church of Christ5687 Big Tree Road Lakeville, New York 14480 December 16, 2007 10:30 a.m. Third Sunday of Advent God is Still Speaking, |
Welcome and Greeting One Another
A Time for Gathering
Centering Hymn # 116 (Black) O Come, O Come Emmanuel (vs.2, 3,)
Lighting of the Advent Candle: Love
One: As Advent begins we consider Hope. (First candle is lit.)
The second Sunday we celebrate faith. (Second candle is lit.)
The Advent season continues now as God speaks to us about
God’s love for all of Creation. (Third candle is lit.)
Many: When God created all things, God saw that it was good.
One: And God loved all the creatures and all the creation.
Many: In love God sent kings, queens, prophets, and teachers.
One: And God even sent the ultimate expression of that love.
Advent celebrates that ever present, all inclusive love!
Many: We commit ourselves to love the same way God has loved us.
*Call to Worship (please stand)
One: Come away from haste and frantic busyness.
This is the season for quiet waiting.
Many: It is hard to still our souls when we are so busy.
It is hard to be patient with ourselves or others
One: Receive God's mercy and strengthen your hearts.
A Savior is coming; God's love is near.
Many: We want to hear and believe God's promises.
We want to become patient, loving seekers.
* Prayer: Mighty One, we rejoice that you strengthen our weak hands and make firm our feeble knees. You open our eyes and unstop our ears. You meet our hungers with good things. You disturb our false pride while helping us discover our true strength. We long to know you in this hour. Amen
Our Prayers of Confession
*Call to Confession: As hard as we might, we sometimes stray from the love of God. God awaits our confession with compassion and the promise of healing.
*Prayer of Confession: Come into our emptiness, gracious God. We pretend to be powerful because we have not claimed the peace that is available deep within when you dwell with us. Quiet our grumbling and complaining. Enter our lives with the forgiveness you have promised to all who are truly sorry for their unfaithfulness. Release us from our self-created prisons. Amen.
*Assurance of Pardon: God speaks to our fearful hearts: Be strong. Do not fear. I will come to save you.
*Gloria Patri (Brown Hymnal: back page)
A Time for Stewardship
Offertory Invitation: God continues to lift up the lowly and to topple the powerful from their thrones. God judges us, not by worldly standards of greatness but according to the genuineness of our compassion and the extent of our faithfulness. Our offerings are one measure of our priorities.
Presentation of Talent – Choir
Presentation of our Treasure: The offering is collected at this time.
* Doxology
* Prayer of Dedication: Majestic God, thank you for inviting us to share the blessings you pour out on us. We want to extend the healing ministry of Jesus who gave sight to those who were blind and new insight to some who only pretended to see. Use our resources to heal attitudes as well as bodies, to bring wholeness, not just cures. Lead us into your realm in the midst of our daily living. Amen
Chatting with Children of All Ages
Reflection: Ed Hoefer
A Time for Scripture and Consideration of God's Word
Scripture Reading: Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10
Gospel: Matthew 11: 2-6
Sermon: An unlikely source
A Time for Prayer
Hymn # 107 (Black) Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn
Sharing our Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer, followed by the Lord’s Prayer (sins)
Commission and Blessing
*Hymn # 122 (Black) Come, O Long-Expected Jesus
One: God has been present with us here today.
God also sends us out into the world.
Many: The world we about to enter is God's world.
We can count on God to be with us every day.
Amen. Amen.
A Time to Depart
*Fellowship Circle Go Tell it on the Mountain
* Benediction
*Please stand in body or in spirit.
Bold print indicates Unison