Prelude
Welcome & Announcements
Introit – "See Amid the Winter's Snow" - Ring of Faith
Hymn of Praise – On This Day, Earth Shall Ring, v 1,2,4 (UMH #248)
On this day earth shall ring
with the song children sing
to the Lord, Christ our King,
born on earth to save us;
him the Father gave us.
Ideo-O-O-O,
Ideo-O-O-O
Ideo gloria in excelsis Deo!
His the doom, ours the mirth,
when he came down to earth, Bethlehem saw his birth;
ox and ass beside him
from the cold would hide him.
Ideo-O-O-O,
Ideo-O-O-O
Ideo gloria in excelsis Deo!
On this day angels sing;
with their song earth shall ring, praising Christ, heaven’s King,
born on earth to save us;
peace and love he gave us.
Ideo-O-O-O,
Ideo-O-O-O
Ideo gloria in excelsis Deo!
Call to Worship:
Pastor: Our souls proclaim your greatness, O God.
People: And our spirits rejoice in you.
Pastor: We will worship and praise you as long as we live,
People: We praise the One who gives food to the hungry and enacts justice for the oppressed.
Pastor: Our souls proclaim your greatness, O God,
People: And our Spirits rejoice in you.
Advent Wreath Liturgy
A prophet gives testimony, pointing to the Light while audaciously proclaiming the coming of Good News. For the Spirit of the Living God announces that the brokenhearted will be bound up, captives will be liberated, prisoners will be released and mourners will be comforted as the Lord’s abundant blessings are revealed. This covenant comes from God and is everlasting.
We light our third candle in joyful anticipation of God’s good news being manifest in our lives, as righteousness and praise spring up for a weary world to see.
Lighting of the Third Advent Candle
O Come, O Come Emmanuel, verse 6 (UMH #211)
O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by thy justice here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Prayer (Unison) Living God, who proclaims liberty to captives, free us from sin, bind our wounds, and fill us with your Spirit such that all people may feel the warmth and awe of your redeeming love. Amen.
Message in Music: "The Herald Angels Sing" - Ring of Faith, Brian Barber, Piano
Prayer of Intercession
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, who loves and extends justice, you speak words of hope – Good News – into our lives. Still we persist in wrongdoing. You have given us the gift of your Spirit, yet our actions often quench its work. You have given us the words of the prophets and the Word himself, yet we allow questions to build and turn us away from you. Forgive us, Lord. Restore and strengthen us, such that righteousness and joy spring up in jubilee as your reign comes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Experiencing and Extending the Peace of Christ (Note: we will extend the Peace of Christ without physical contact.)
Offering
Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer
Message in Music: Jeff Cartwright
Hymn – Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (UMH #224)
Good Christian friends, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say: News, news!
Jesus Christ is born today!
Ox and ass before him bow,
and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today, Christ is born today!
Good Christian friends, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
Now ye hear of endless bliss: News, news!
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath opened heaven’s door,
and ye are blest for evermore.
Christ was born for this,
Christ was born for this!
Good Christian friends,
rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave: News, news!
Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all
to gain his everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save,
Christ was born to save!
Benediction
Postlude/Dismissal
Accompanist: Brian Barber
Ring of Faith Bell Choir
Jeff Cartwright, Amy Cons, Lynne Tomlinson
