Order of Worship
Let us be as open vessels that God’s spirit may enter.
The Community Gathers: Experience God’s presence in the assembly. Please greet one another with joy and welcome new friends into our community of love.
You are welcome here…come and worship!
Welcome:
Gathering Music: There Is Only Love (by Michale Gott/Karen Drucker/Arr. for UC Choir by Patricia Mulholland) – Patricia Mulholland & The UC Choir/Accompanist Barbara Berry
Call To Worship:
L: Jeremiah said, “I am only a boy.” Moses said,
“Who am I to do this work?”
All: Mary said, “How can this be?” We often say,
“But God, I am afraid.”
L: Even when we are afraid, God invites us closer.
All: So may we trust the Inviter. May we heed God’s invitation.
L: May we summon our courage and sing God’s praise.
All: Let us worship our courageous, inviting, calling God. Amen!
Advent Wreath: Karen Stanley and Debbie Lamb
In a world full of fear, where do you see
glimmers of joy?
We see glimmers of joy in birthday candles and homemade
cards. We see joy in the laughter of children and the delight
of grandparents.
We see joy in meals around the table and in the
singing of Christmas songs.
You are right. Even in a fearful world, joy is all around us.
Today we light the candle of joy as a reminder of this
good news. May this flicker of light help us remember that
even in a fearful world, joy is here.
Joy is real. We only have to look for it. Thanks be to God
for that good news! Amen.
Lighting the three candles of Advent
Opening Prayer:
Holy One, the story of this season is not a new one.
We’ve heard this tale before. We’ve seen the nativities,
watched the plays, sung the songs, witnessed the children act it out. The story of this season is not a new one, and yet we long to hear it as if it is. So spark our spirits awake. Call forth awareness, attention, and reverence in us. Allow us to hear this ancient tale with brand new ears. May we feel the simple joys of this season. With hope we pray, Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Opening Hymn: O Little Town of Bethlehem # 121
Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 1:26-39 -Nancy Ost
Sermon: Moments of Joy Rev. Paula Norbert
Music: Meditative Instrumental Michelle Currie
Musical call to Prayer: Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at ease. The Spirit brings release, so wait upon the Lord.
Prayers of the People
Silent Prayers Pastoral Prayer
Offertory: “Sounding Joy” (by Ellie Holcomb) -Michelle Currie & The UC Congregation
LYRICS (Chorus)
1.Sounding Joy Oh-oh-oh, JOY, oh-oh-oh, JOY, oh-oh-oh
2.Sounding Joy Oh-oh-oh, JOY, oh-oh-oh, JOY, oh-oh-oh *2X
3. Sounding Joy
Oh-oh-oh, JOY, oh-oh-oh, JOY, oh-oh-oh *4X
Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly hosts, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication:
Closing Music: Joy To the World #134 vs. 1, 2 & 4
Blessing:
Postlude:
Postlude: We Need a Silent Night In Here (by Marsha Jean Moors-Charles/Chuck Bell) -Michelle Currie &
We need a silent night in here.
We need your presence to come near.
Give us the hope we seek
and the peace we need.
We need a silent night in here.
Give us the hope we seek
and the peace we need.
We need a silent night in here.
Many thanks to Michelle Currie, our Music Director; to Patricia Mulholland and the Church Choir along with Barbara Berry and to our Readers and Deacons today.