Bulletin December 12, 2021

Third Week of Advent

Praise Song

Welcome

The People Gather
L: Come and rejoice in God!
P: Sing praise to God who continually blesses our lives!
L: In the midst of troubles and stress, God is near, offering compassion.
P: Our hope is in the Lord.
L: Let all the people praise God.
P: Hallelujah! AMEN.

Hymn

The People Pray
Lord, we have come to this place from a world of demands and schedules. We have sought hope and peace and have found them here. Now we seek the inner joy that only your presence can bring to our lives. Open our hearts and our spirits to your love. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

Lighting the Advent Candle
READER: Today we light three candles- the first Candle is called HOPE, and reminds us of the promise that darkness will not win.
The second Candle is called LOVE, and reminds us of the promise that God so loved the world God left the heavens to be with us.
The third Candle, a pink one, is called JOY, and reminds us of the promise of God’s presence in our lives.
Come, all is ready. Let the light of this these candles, called HOPE, PEACE, and JOY, bring brightness to your spirits.
Light the candles

Reception of New Members
Misty Proffitt
Vinnie Rinaudo

Special Music

Children’s Moment

The People Confess Their Sin
It is getting more and more difficult, Lord, for us to keep our attention on the holy things. Our lives are caught up in the planning, parties, gifts, and other such things. We get side-tracked too easily. The cries of those in need abound and we are overwhelmed by the need, and so we turn aside. Heal our hearts and spirits, Lord. Help us understand that you do not ask us to heal everything but rather to find a simple way in which we might demonstrate your love. You have brought hope and peace to us. Now cause us to rejoice in the wondrous things promise of your presence. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. AMEN.

God’s Words of Assurance
Jesus has been sent to you out of God’s steadfast love. Know that this is a great gift from God, who has always and will always love you. AMEN.

The Word of God for the People of God

Scripture
Isaiah 7:14
14 Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.

*Luke 1:46-55 *
Mary said,
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
47 In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
48 He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
49 because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
50 He shows mercy to everyone,
from one generation to the next,
who honors him as God.
51 He has shown strength with his arm.
He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
52 He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty-handed.
54 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy,
55 just as he promised to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”

Message God Lifts Up the Lowly

Prayers of the People
L: Among the poor,
P: among the proud.
L: among the persecuted,
P: among the privileged,
L: Christ is coming.
P: CHRIST IS COMING TO MAKE ALL THINGS NEW.

L: In the private house,
P: in the marketplace,
L: in the wedding feast,
P: in the judgment hall,
L: Christ is coming,
P: CHRIST IS COMING TO MAKE ALL THINGS NEW

L: With a gentle touch,
P: with an angry word,
L: with a clear conscience,
P: with burning love,
L: Christ is coming,
P: CHRIST IS COMING TO MAKE ALL THINGS NEW.

L: That the kingdom might come,
P: and the world might believe
L: that the powerful might stumble,
P: that the humble might be raised,
L: Christ is coming,
P: CHRIST IS COMING TO MAKE ALL THINGS NEW.

L: Within us,
P: without us,
L: among us,
P: before us,
L: in this place,
P: in every place,
L: for this time,
P: for all time,
L: Christ is coming.
P: CHRIST IS COMING TO MAKE ALL THINGS NEW.

The People Bring Their Gifts
There are baskets in the back or use your online app

The People Go into The World

Praise Song

Benediction

*Organ Postlude *