Let’s start with three deep breaths and relax….
Opening Reflection:
God of Mystery,
we want to stay awake
and be ready for your surprises,
but we are tired and overcome
with the un-usual routine.
We want to wait patiently
for the fulfillment of your kin-dom,
but we are frustrated by our need
for immediate gratification.
We want to believe your promises from ancient days,
but we are overwhelmed with postmodern doubts.
Come to us again, O God.
Awaken us with your unexpected grace.
Shock us with your daring mercy.
Lift us up from lethargy
and set our feet on your path once more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCjeN66loTA&ab_channel=DemossCenterforWorshipinthePerformingArts
let us begin today’s worship
Call to Worship (John 1, Ps 126)
L: Come! Rejoice in our God.
Let us give thanks, whatever life brings.
ALL: May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
L: Let us prepare our hearts and our world
for the Prince of Peace, who is coming.
ALL: May all who weep come home with shouts of joy.
L: Prepare the way of the Lord,
and make straight the path for God’s arrival.
ALL: In prayer, song, and service,
let us prepare for the birth of love.
Lighting of the Advent Candle …Joy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH1787uwnS0&ab_channel=AsburyMemorialChurchVideos
Awake Awake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUZDHkxbhBY&ab_channel=AshlandUCC
John 1:6-8, John 1:19-28
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.”[a] 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said,
“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’”
as the prophet Isaiah said.
24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah,[b] nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, 27 the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” 28 This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
The word of God for the people of God!
Thanks be to God!
Sermon:
A call to prayer
O Lord,
we wait for you to come again into our midst.
Sometimes we wait patiently, sometimes not.
Always we are aware of how much the world needs you.
We pray today for those in our community
who need your healing and comfort.
We pray for persons in leadership across our country,
that together we might make wise decisions.
We pray for brothers and sisters around the world,
whose lives are torn apart by war.
We pray for the saints who have witnessed to your love.
We pray, knowing that you are with us now,
and that you will strengthen us to keep awake,
to keep the faith,
to keep working for the time
when Christ will come again to surprise us anew
with love and justice on earth. Amen.
Please write your joys and concerns in the comment section and I will lift them up after this hymn
The Baptist Shouts on Jordan’s Shore – hymn starts at 7:39
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=589792068265292
Let us pray the prayer Jesus taught us
Our Creator, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kin-dom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kin-dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
Invitation to the Offering
Generous God, your love renews us
and restores our strength.
With gratitude, we offer you a portion
of what you have given to us.
Donate Here!
Doxology #778
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9My-_5s6bBQ&ab_channel=DanInglis
Offering Prayer
We dedicate these gifts to you, Generous God,
even as we dedicate our lives to you.
Keep us true to our promise,
that we may witness to you
with all that we are and all that we do. Amen.
The office is open for regular hours
We are accepting donations for the kidz cupboard and the food pantry
I am available for one on one virtual visits or phone calls if you need any prayer we will be together again one day, but until then remember you are the hands and the feet of our lord in this world and in this world of no physical contact we can still smile, wave, chat, check in
Come thou Long-Expected Jesus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkZFhzNbp8k&ab_channel=20schemesmusic
Closing Prayer
Lord, we have listened to your word for us this day. We are grateful for the love of Jesus who takes our burdens and lightens our spirits. Be with us today as we leave this place. May we continue to place our trust in you, for it is in the name of Jesus that we pray. AMEN.
Benediction/Sending Forth
God has called and chosen you to be witnesses to Peace, Hope and Joy in God’s world. Go in peace and this same healing, reconciling love and peace will be with you. Go and serve the Lord your God in all that you do. AMEN.
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