Worship November 29, 2021; the First Sunday in Advent, Year C

THE GATHERING

* Stand if willing and able

Gathering Music: Hymn #92 “While We Are Waiting, Come”

Welcome and Announcements    

Prelude: “Song of the Watchman” by. Edward Grieg

* Call to Worship 

Grace to you and peace from the one who is and who was and who is to come,

And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.

The whole earth is full of God’s glory.

Let us pray together:

* Prayer of the Day    

Holy One, you have promised us that the day of our salvation is near. Keep us faithful in love and watchful in prayer, so that we may stand with confidence and hope at the coming of Christ, our redeemer and Lord.

* Hymn of Praise #415 “Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy”

Candle Lighting – Advent I: Hope

The world says, “All is lost.”

God says, “All is loved.”

The darkness says, “The light is dying.”

The light says, “The fire is catching.”

Fear says, “Cover your eyes and your ears.”

Hope says, “Wait, watch, and listen.”

As we light our first Advent candle, we pray for holy hope of God.

Come now, O Child of Mary.  Come, O Prince of Hope.

Advent Carol #83 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

* Invitation to Wholeness

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be weighed down by the sins and worries of this life…” therefore, let us watch and pray for the grace of God:

* Prayer of Wholeness

Lord, have mercy on us.  We are not ready for your coming, yet at the same time we long for it.  It has been a long year of living confused, uncertain, and at times at fault with one another and ourselves.  It seems as though there is no justice.  Sometimes we live in fear, as though there were no grace.  Forgive us, Lord.  Show us mercy and steadfast love.  Lead us in your truth, and teach us your paths, for you are the God of our salvation.

            Please observe a moment of silent prayer, then sing as one voice:

* Advent Response #103 “Come Now, O Prince of Peace”

* Assurance of Pardon and Passing of the Peace

Friends, believe this Good News: God is One and God is Three – Love constantly flowing in, out, and through; the gift of Jesus Christ for me and for you. For this we say:

Thanks be to God!

Since God has loved us through Christ, let us love one another; the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

And also with you!

Let us share signs of peace.

* Song of Thanksgiving #658 “God is So Good”

Celebrating Joys and Where We Have Seen God at Work

 Hymn #654: “In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful” 

THE WORD

Prayer of Illumination:

O Lord, you have the words of life. Speak to us by the power of your Holy Spirit, that we might hear what you would say to us today.  Amen.

Hebrew Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16 p. 972 OT          

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Optional Children’s Storytime

Epistle Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 p. 276 NT

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:25-36 p. 116-117 NT

“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you O Christ”

Reflection: “TL 11-28-2021 Hope Once More” ~ Pastor Scott Crane

Please spend several moments in silent reflection

RESPONSE TO THE WORD

* Hymn of Response: #100 “My Soul Cries Out…”

* Affirmation of Faith: Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.18-19

God expressed love for all humankind through Israel, whom God chose to be a covenant people to serve him in love and faithfulness…Out of Israel, God in due time raised up Jesus, who calls the church to be his servant for the reconciliation of the world.

Intercessory Prayers of the People

Call and response: “Lord in your mercy,” “Hear our prayers.”

Invitation to Present Our Offerings

People of God, the Lord has given us so much. Let us praise the Lord through our tithes and offerings, grateful for the Spirit’s sustaining power.

Offertory: “Choral” by Flor Peeters        

* Doxology

            Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

            Praise Christ all creatures here below!

            Praise Holy Spirit evermore!

            Praise Triune God whom we adore!  Amen!

* Prayer of Dedication

Dear God, we offer these gifts back to you. In hope and confidence, we pray they be multiplied in your hands for the good of all. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught his disciples to pray, saying:

* The Lord’s Prayer (…debts…debtors…)

SENDING

* Closing Hymn #357 “The Days Are Surely Coming”

* Charge

Beloved, be encouraged in the Lord, and do not be led astray. Stand firm in the witness of the gospel and do good deeds, all for the glory of God.

* Blessing

* Congregational Song “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Lyrics found on the inside front cover of the hymnal.

Bathrooms and a diaper changing station are located in the Fellowship Hall.  Please join us across the way for refreshments and conversation following worship.

Questions for Reflection

Even in the midst of trouble and turmoil, God allows us glimpses of the kingdom to come.  What signs of promise do you see that bolster your hope in a new heaven and a new earth?

Household Prayer: Morning

Dear God,

Thank you for this new day to watch for signs of your indwelling. By your Spirit, let me abound in love for you and your children, that in living and loving, I may point to your coming reign. Empower me to encourage others, offering them hope as I go throughout my day.  In Jesus’ name I ask it.  Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

Dear God,

Thank you for the signs I saw today of your coming reign. Bless all those whom I met today, and strengthen their hope in your loving grace. Now as I rest this night, help me relinquish all anxieties and fears, trusting in your providence and mercy. Amen.