Bulletin for Online Worship Service for December 11, 2022
Livestream at 9:00 a.m.

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

PRELUDE
“Sussex Carol” Patricia Hurlbutt
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.

SILENT MEDITATION
“Are you willing to close your book of complaints against the management of the universe, and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness – even for a day? Then you can keep Christmas.”
– Henry Van Dyke

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE OF JOY
Angie Aliano, Jeff and Marlys Boyum

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
“Light the Candle” Carl Schalk

ADVENT CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: We come from a world of darkness
People: Into Christ’s world of light.
Leader: We come from a world of weariness
People: Into God’s strength and hope.
Leader: We come from a slumbering world.
People: Strengthened by the Spirit, we come to awaken our souls, to watch for the coming of Christ. Let us worship God!

PRAISE AND ADORATION

ADVENT HYMN
#106 “Prepare the Way, O Zion” BEREDEN VAG FOR HERRAN

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, our doubt and despair lead us to low and longsuffering places. Our eyes downcast, we find nothing for which to give thanks, we find no reason to rejoice. Yet, you call us to resist the overwhelming forces that drag us down. You call us to rejoice in a babe about to be born. You call us to lift our eyes in hopeful anticipation of your kingdom to come. Forgive us. Help us. Save us, and restore our joy to us!

SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION AND PETITION

KYRIE ELEISON
#96 “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry” WINCHESTER NEW

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI
#583 “Glory to God” GLORIA (Taizé)

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER

THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON
Isaiah 35 page 578 of the pew Bible

JOYS AND CONCERNS

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The Lord’s Prayer
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.

ANTHEM
”The Little Jesus” Jason W. Krug

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

THE GOSPEL LESSON
Matthew 11: 1-11 page 792 of the pew Bible
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

SERMON
“Leaving the Wilderness” Rev. Dempsey

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
(From The PCUSA Study Catechism)
Why was the title “Christ,” which means “anointed one,” applied to Jesus?
Jesus Christ was the definitive prophet, priest and king. All of the Lord’s anointed in Israel anticipated and led finally to him. In assuming these offices Jesus not only transformed them, but also realized the purpose of Israel’s election for the sake of the world

How did Jesus Christ fulfill the office of prophet?
He was God’s Word to a dying and sinful world; he embodied the love he proclaimed. His life, death and resurrection became the great Yes that continues to be spoken despite how often we have said No. When we receive this Word by faith, Christ himself enters our hearts, that he may dwell in us forever, and we in him.

SANCTUS
#569 “Holy, Holy, Holy” SANCTUS (Oliver)

RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY
“Christmas Tapestry” Lloyd Larson

DOXOLOGY (#607)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all people here below;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Gracious God, accept these gifts in grateful response for your generosity in our lives. May these gifts bring joy to those most in need of Christ’s mission and ministry. Amen.

ADVENT HYMN
#93 “Life Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” TRURO

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

BENEDICTION
#92 “While We Are Waiting, Come” WAITING (Cason)

Read Announcements for the week of December 11, 2022