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Worship Bulletin—December 03, 2023

Prelude: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (arr. Lani Smith)

Choral Call to Worship: A Candle is Burning

A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright
a candle of hope in December’s dark night
While angels sing blessings from heaven’s dark sky
our hearts we prepare now, for Jesus is nigh

“A Candle is Burning” Music by James R. Murray © Public Domain. Words by Sandra Dean © 1986 Sandra Dean.

Advent Candle LightingEvon Hasaballa, Hanna Megally, Sophia Hanna

Musical Response: A Candle is Burning

A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright
a candle of hope in December’s dark night
While angels sing blessings from heaven’s dark sky
our hearts we prepare now, for Jesus is nigh

Song: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here,
until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel

O come, thou day-spring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night
And pierce the clouds and bring us light

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel

O come, desire of nations, bind
all peoples in one heart and mind;
bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease;
fill all the world with heaven’s peace

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” by John Mason Neale, Thomas Helmore. © Public Domain. CCLI License # 133385

Prayer of ConfessionRev. Drew Paton

Advent God, we confess we are not the people you hope us to be.
We call out to you, “Be the God we dream!”
You respond by being the God we need.
We question and expect of you.
You reframe our questions and unravel our expectations.
We seek clear-cut and easy answers. You give us the mystery of hope.
We desire now. You bid us wait.
We look for obvious salvation. You send a child.
Forgive us, Emmanuel.
When we lose our way, show us yours.
Lead us down the streets of your kingdom.
Help us to let go of our expectations
so that we might be ready to welcome the One who is on the way.

Assurance of Pardon

One: Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.
All: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven and are being made whole. Amen.

Passing the Peace

One: The peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.

Regathering Music: I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me

I’m so glad Jesus lifted me
I’m so glad Jesus lifted me
I’m so glad Jesus lifted me
Singing glory, hallelujah
Jesus lifted me.

Satan had me bound Jesus lifted me
Satan had me bound Jesus lifted me
Satan had me bound Jesus lifted me
Singing glory, hallelujah
Jesus lifted me.

When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me
Singing glory, hallelujah
Jesus lifted me.

I’m so glad Jesus lifted me
I’m so glad Jesus lifted me
I’m so glad Jesus lifted me
Singing glory, hallelujah
Jesus lifted me.

“I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me” African American Traditional. © Public Domain.

Litany of Parting & WelcomeRev. Michelle Vecchio-Lyzenga

Congregation: May God be with you there.
Children: May God be with you here.

Scripture: Luke 1:18

Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I know that this will happen? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.”

One: The word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.

Sermon: “How Will I Know That This Is So?”Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell

Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Invitation to the TableRev. Michelle Vecchio-Lyzenga

Great Prayer & Lord’s PrayerRev. Mark Stryker

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Words of Institution & Instructions

Musical Reflection

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Call to GiveJamie McClave

Song: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free
From our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee
Israel’s strength and consolation
Hope of all the earth thou art
Dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a king,
born to reign in us forever
Now thy gracious kingdom bring
By thine own eternal spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone
By thine all sufficient merit
Raise us to thy glorious throne

“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” by Charles Wesley, Rowland Hugh Prichard. © Public Domain.

BenedictionRev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell

Postlude: Postlude on “HYFRYDOL” (arr. Eurydice Osterman)

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