WE GATHER AND APPROACH GOD
PRELUDE Preston Parker, Piano
“O Come, Little Children“
VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS
INVOCATION
*LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH – Ronny and Judy Graham
Leader: Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. A voice cries out: Prepare the way of the Lord…make paths straight. Valleys and mountains shall stand side by side. God’s glory is about to be revealed to all humankind.
People: We light the second Advent Candle as a sign of peace in a world broken by violence and injustice. God’s Messiah is on his way. Repent…be forgiven of your sins…be washed in the waters of baptism…share in God’s transforming grace.
Leader: Come, Lord Jesus.
People: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.
*HYMN OF PRAISE
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” – Hymnal, No. 196
*INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord, hear us this day as we open our hearts and our spirits to you. These times in which we live are confusing and fearful. We are pushed to prepare for a season which is supposed to bring hope and peace; yet we crowd it with obligations and stresses and shut the door to your healing love and compassion. We find ourselves being on edge, fretful, wondering if we have done enough, can do enough. You answer our fears with your voice, “Peace, be still”. Help us to hear you. Slow us down. Encourage us to take some time to listen rather than shout, to stop and rest rather than run. Cause us to look around at situations and people who are in need and to place our focus on helping them. For it is in helping your people and reaching out in love that we will find true peace. These things we pray, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Jesus said, “I am bringing you peace, not the kind of peace the world would give to you. My peace I give to you, now and forever.” Be at peace. Know God’s love is given for you. AMEN.
ANTHEM – Kamryn Murphy, Solo
“See Amid the Winter’s Snow”
WE WORSHIP THROUGH OUR PRAYERS AND OUR OFFERINGS
PASTORAL PRAYER – Rev. Chris Winterman
LORD’S PRAYER
PRAYER RESPONSE
“Emmanuel, Emmanuel” – Hymnal, No. 204
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY – Chancel Choir
“What Feast of Love“
*DOXOLOGY
*HYMN OF THE GOSPEL
“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” – Hymnal, No. 218
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
SCRIPTURE – Philippians 1:3-11
SERMON – “Harvest Time”
Rev. Doug de Graffenried
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
HOLY COMMUNION
WE GO FORTH IN FAITH AND SERVICE
*HYMN OF COMMITMENT
“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” – Hymnal, No. 213
*BENEDICTION – Rev. Doug de Graffenried
*POSTLUDE – Deborah Guillory, Organ