December 15, 2024
Join us for worship on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The sermon is by Dr. Marshall Zieman, based on Luke 3: 7-18. Our music is provided by the Carillon Choir; Larry Frederickson, director; Kristi Treu, piano, Annette White, guest organist.
- To watch the service, click the Service tab below. The livestream will begin around 11:05 a.m. A recording of the livestream will be available afterward, and you can watch it anytime.
- To read the Bulletin, click the Bulletin tab below. You may flip back and forth between the Service and Bulletin tabs at anytime without interruption. Below the video screen, you can use the button to access a PDF of the Bulletin, if you prefer.
Please make sure your device and the service video are not muted. Please set your volume appropriately.
Sunday December 15, 2024 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m.
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
PRELUDE — Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending — arr. Susan T. Nelson
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.
SILENT MEDITATION
DO YOU WANT TO SEE the humility of God? Look in the manger and see him lying there. Surely this is our God. Seeing an infant, I wonder how this could be the one who says, “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” I see a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. Is this the one who is clothed in the beautiful glory of unapproachable light? Listen! He is crying. Is this the one who thunders in the heaven making the angels lower their wings? Yes, but he has emptied himself in order to fill us. — Guerric of Igny (d. 1157), Liturgical Sermons
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE OF JOY — The Morey family
CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE — Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory — JOYOUS LIGHT — Marty Haugen
ADVENT CALL TO WORSHIP
We come from a world of darkness
Into Christ’s world of light.
We come from a world of weariness
Into God’s strength and hope.
We come from a slumbering world.
Strengthened by the Spirit, we come to awaken our souls, to watch for the coming of Christ.
PRAISE AND ADORATION
*HYMN #93 — Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates — TRURO
(*Please stand, if you are able)
CONFESSION AND PARDON
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, today we light the candle of joy! But we admit that we forget to seek joy in our lives. Instead of looking for the laughter, celebrating blessed memories and cherishing dear friendships, we focus on anger and ugliness. God, forgive us. Help us to respond to the world as your people baptized with the Spirit and living into the promise that is in Christ Jesus.
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION AND PETITION
KYRIE ELEISON (#578) — O Lord, Have Mercy ORÉ PORIAJÚ VEREKÓ
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (#583) — Glory to God — GLORIA (Taizé)
WELCOME
During the welcome, children are invited to come forward for a time with Dr. Zieman
TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES
*HYMN #105 — People Look East — BESANCON
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER
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 — One Small Child — Meece; arr. Lloyd Larson
PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD
SCRIPTURE LESSON — Luke 3: 7-18 — page 834 of the pew Bible
SERMON — “People of Integrity” — Dr. Zieman
OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD
*PROFESSING THE FAITH OF OUR CHURCH
In love you came to a stable in Bethlehem
to become one with us.
In love you walked the plains and hills of Galilee and Judea
to teach us how to live.
In love you were nailed on a cross on Calvary
to bear away our sin.
In love you rose from a tomb in Joseph’s garden
to defeat death’s power over us.
In love you ascended beyond the clouds
to be our reigning Lord.
You came to love us so that we need never feel unloved, deserted, alone, or condemned.
*GLORIA PATRI (#581) — Glory Be to the Father — GLORIA PATRI (Greatorex)
PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY — A Festival of Carols — arr. Douglas E. Wagner
*DOXOLOGY (#609) — Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow — LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise Christ, all creatures high and low.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God, in Jesus fully known: Creator, Word, and Spirit one.
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Almighty God, you have done and are doing great things for us, and holy is your name. Bless all we offer you—ourselves, our time, and our possessions – that through us your grace and favor may be made known to all the world, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
*HYMN #102 — Savior of the Nations, Come — NUN COMM, DER HEIDEN HEILAND
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE
*POSTLUDE — Salvation Now Is Come to Earth J.S. Bach