We Can’t Go Alone
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: Rev. Paula Norbert
Gathering Music: Let There be Light Advent Meditation (by Patricia Mulholland) -Patricia Mullholland & The Union Church Choir accompanied by Sara Lambert Bloom
Call To Worship:
L: In a world that is lonely,
All: We will save a seat for you.
L In a world that is anxious,
All: we will light candles against the gloom.
L: In a world that is weary,
All: we will sing songs of joy and truth.
L: I am not alone.
All: We are not alone.
L: For here in this place, God is weaving us together.
All: Light the candles! Sing with joy! We are a three-cord strand, not easily broken. Thanks be to God.
Advent Wreath: Don and Ardis Chretien
A: In a weary and worn world, how do we begin again?
Where do we start?
B: Let us begin together. Let us begin arm in arm.
Let us begin by holding each other up, instead of tearing each other down. Let us begin with words of peace.
A: Yes, let us begin with peace.
B: Today we light the candles of hope and peace.
May these lights remind us of what could be.
May these lights mark a new beginning.
May peace flow like a river, and may it start with us.
A: Arm in arm, hand in hand, side by side. May we begin again. Amen.
Lighting the two candles of Advent
Opening Prayer:
Holy God, The words of this world whip around us like a mighty wind. We are caught up in the news that too often causes us sorrow and grief. But here on this bright morning we remember: you too are speaking. Still the voices around us.
Calm our minds and center our hearts so that we can hear your words above the wind. We are leaning closer. We are at the edge of our chairs. We are beginning again. Speak to us, as only you can. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Opening Hymn: O Little Town of Bethlehem # 121 vs. 1 & 2
Scripture: Ruth 1 | Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 | Luke 3:1-6: Nancy Ost
Sermon: Who Is Your Storm Home? Rev. Paula Norbert
Music: Meditative Instrumental ~ Sara Lambert Bloom
Musical call to Prayer: (two timers)
Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at ease. The spirit brings release, so wait upon the Lord.
Offertory: Prelude No 1 in C major, BWV 846 by J.S. Bach
-Sara Lambert Bloom
Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above heavenly hosts, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Closing Music: Let There be Peace on Earth
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth the peace that was mean’t to be
With God our Creator, family all are we, let us walk with each other in perfect harmony
Let peace begin with me let this be the moment now
With every step I take let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally! Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
Blessing:
Postlude:
Postlude: We Need a Silent Night In Here (by Marsha Jean Moors-Charles/Chuck Bell) – Congregation
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.