Order of Worship
Advent Week 2
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: Glory, Glory Let There Be Peace ( by Matt Maher)
-Michelle Currie
Call To Worship:
L: Family of faith, God is at work! God is healing and
creating, redeeming and dreaming,
All: Calling and sending, listening and loving.
L: Yes, indeed, God is at work!
All: So may we worship our God who never gives up.
May we worship our God who holds onto hope.
Advent Wreath: Paul and Cindy Gilpin
Voice 1: In a world which at times seems uncertain and full of fear, where do you see glimmers of peace?
Voice 2: We see glimmers of peace in the quietof early morning, when people shake hands, when loved ones say they’re sorry, and when the church sings together.
Voice 1: You are right. Even in an uncertain time,
peace is all around us.
Voice 2: Today we light the candle of peace as a
reminder of this good news. May this flicker of light
help us remember that even in a fearful world,
peace is present. We only have to look for it. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Lighting the two candles of Advent
Opening Reflection: Rev. Paula Norbert
Prayer of Confession:
Gracious God, we have every reason to hold onto hope.
We have every reason to believe that spring will come,
that flowers will bloom, that the sun will rise.
And yet, too often hope slips through our fingers.
With anxious hearts we cry out to you,
“Will change ever come? Will things ever get better?
Will I ever make a difference?” Soothe our wandering hearts and show us the places where the sun is shining. Show us the places where you are on the move. With open hearts we pray, amen.
Words of Forgiveness
My friends, in our honesty, we are heard. In our worries,
we are held. In our failings, we are forgiven. In our fear,
we are not alone. Friends, this is the good news of the gospel!
When we’re running out of hope, God is still at work.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Opening Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, verses 1 and 2
Scripture: Isaiah 43:19-21, Matthew 11:1-11 -Ada Goff
Meditation: Rev. Paula Norbert
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
Words of Invitation The Bread and The Cup
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Communion Meditation: Instrumental One Bread, One Body
Musical call to Prayer:
Prayers of the People
Silent Prayers Pastoral Prayer
Offertory: Where Are You Christmas (by James Horner/Will Jennings) -Michelle Currie
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: Night of Silence, Silent Night
Blessing: In a fearful world, may you look for God’s spirit.
May you reach for each other’s hands.
May you choose courage whenever you can.
And in all things, may you remember that good news is louder than fear. In the name of the One who calls,
the One who sends, and the One who journeys with—
go in peace and be not afraid. Amen.
Postlude: Instrumental Silent Night
With many thanks to Michelle Currie, Music Director and to our Deacons and Readers today.