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Lakeville United Church of Christ5687 Big Tree Road Lakeville, New York 14480 December 23, 2007 10:30 a.m. Fourth 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.1, 5)
Lighting of the Advent Candle: Peace
One: Advent celebrates the season of peace.
Many: In the midst of all the struggles of our daily lives, God comes to us to provide tranquility and quietness.
One: But peace is not the absence of conflict in our lives.
Many: Peace is the assurance that justice has been accomplished.
One: The scripture reminds us about the Prince of Peace who will come from God.
Many: The Messiah, declared the granter of peace by the song of the angels, will come again to remind us to whom the reality of peace belongs.
One: And the lion and the sheep will lie down together in peace.
Many: And there will be no difference between the people of all nations. Peace with justice will make us one with the Prince of Peace—the center of our hope, faith, and love.
*Call to Worship
One: Come away from times of weariness.
Dare to accept the energy God offers you.
Many: Restore our energy, O Source of all power.
Let your goodness flow through us.
One: Come away from all your insignificant distractions.
Dare to let God show you a larger picture.
Many: Help us to examine the flow of our lives.
Reveal to us what is really important.
* Prayer: Shepherding God, whose signs are everywhere, restore in us your light that we may discern what you are about. Shine upon this assembly to give life to our tired routines. Fill our longing hearts with quiet confidence. Awaken the child in us to experience your revelation. Amen
Our Prayers of Confession
*Call to Confession: How often we have chosen evil and refused what is good! The result of our choices is not what we intend.
*Prayer of Confession: O God, you have called us to be apostles of your grace, but we have been judgmental instead of gracious. We refuse to listen to others' pain or to understand the source of their tears. We avoid those who are angry or scornful or embittered. It is easier to dismiss the feelings of others than to offer true empathy. You reach out to us, Emmanuel, and our melt. Heal us we pray. Amen.
*Assurance of Pardon: Jesus is coming to save us from our sins. Emmanuel is God with us.
*Gloria Patri (Brown Hymnal: back page)
A Time for Stewardship
Offertory Invitation: In thanks for all God's gifts, we now gather all that we have brought to share, praying that these resources will accomplish much good among us and far beyond our individual reach
Presentation of Talent – Choir
Presentation of our Treasure: The offering is collected at this time.
* Doxology
* Prayer of Dedication: Loving God, we would not weary you with empty words or with routine tips of obligation. You have granted us life with such abundant possibilities that we can never do enough to express our gratitude. You have honored us by calling us saints and apostles. Therefore we offer ourselves and our abundance in the confidence that you will continue to provide for us in whatever circumstances we face. Use us as ministers of your grace. Amen
Chatting with Children of All Ages
Reflection: Mary Lou Spencer
A Time for Scripture and Consideration of God's Word
Scripture Reading: Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25
Sermon: Refuse the evil and choose the good
A Time for Prayer
Hymn #105 (Black) Gentle Joseph, Joseph Dear
Sharing our Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer, followed by the Lord’s Prayer (sins)
Commission and Blessing
*Hymn # 123 (Black) Mary, Woman of the Promise (vs. 1, 2)
One: God widens the circle of acceptance to include us.
God welcomes us to the obedience of faith.
Many: Surely God's face shines on us to strengthen us.
Gifts of grace and peace are ours to receive.
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