Sunday December 3, 2023 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

 PRELUDE — Three Advent Chorales — J.S. Bach
“Savior of the Nations, Come”; “God’s Son is Coming”; “Lord Christ the Only Son of God”
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.

SILENT MEDITATION
Advent, the four-week period that leads up to Christmas, is a series of events designed not to delay the celebration of Christmas, but to enhance it. It’s a kind of delayed gratification that culminates in a … satisfaction that is all the richer for the waiting. – Joan Chittister, Listen with the Heart

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE OF HOPE                                            
11:10      The Fuller Family (Valerie, James, Avery, Maren, and Emmie)

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (#83) — Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus — STUTTGART

ADVENT CALL TO WORSHIP — Psalm 67:5-8
“For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
       God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
       Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”

 PRAISE AND ADORATION

*ADVENT HYMN #97 — Watchman, Tell Us of the Night — ABERYSTWYTH
(*Please stand if you are able)         

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                                     

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, we pray today awaiting the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  As we look carefully at our lives, we realize that we live with broken relationships. We sometimes harbor ill thoughts toward our friends and neighbors.  God, forgive us and help us prepare for the coming of the Lord with our hearts and minds.  Renew us, that we may heal one another and our world.   

SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION AND PETITION

 KYRIE ELEISON (#89) — “For You, O Lord, My Soul in Stillness Waits” — MY SOUL IN STILLNESS WAITS

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*GLORIA PATRI (#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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON — Isaiah 64: 1-9 — page 606 of the pew Bible

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 — “There is a flower” — John Rutter

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

THE GOSPEL LESSON — Mark 13: 24-37 — page 826 of the pew Bible  
Leader:           This is the Word of the Lord.        
People:           Thanks be to God.

SERMON — “Don’t Doze Off!” — Dr. Zieman

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH — based on Psalm 25:1-10
In this Advent season of waiting on the Lord,
we trust in the Lord’s goodness. 
We rely on his mercy.
We find shelter in his steadfast love.
In this Advent season of waiting on the Lord,
we walk in the Lord’s way.
We follow his example of love.
We keep our covenant promises.
In this Advent season of waiting,
Lord, forget our sins.
Remember your love.
Remember each one of us.
Remember your people everywhere.
In this Advent season of waiting,
Lord, we wait for your salvation.
We wait for your leading.
We wait for your coming.    Amen.

*SANCTUS  — “Holy, Holy, God Almighty” — DIVINUM MYSTERIUM

RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY —  “Rise, Shine!” — arr. Marques L. Garrett & Tom Trenney

*DOXOLOGY (#607) — “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” — OLD HUNDREDTH
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
Faithful God, we come before you with this offering, and the offering of our lives.  Your promises stand unshaken through all generations.  Renew us in hope, that we may be awake and alert as we watch for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, our judge and Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

*ADVENT HYMN #100 — My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout — STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*CHORAL BENEDICTION — “E’en so, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come” — Paul Manz                                          

POSTLUDE — ”Savior of the Nations, Come” — Paul Manz