Worship for November 29, 2020
We’re worshipping on Zoom this week and for the foreseeable future, still grateful for technology, still grateful for one another. 

Be safe and at ease, Shadow Rockers. And, stay tuned.
Reflection
Happy New Year! The liturgical year begins anew today with the first Sunday of Advent. It’s a season of waiting, looking expectantly, preparing, discerning. What will our Advent journey entail? Will we find ourselves on a dusty road that leads to Bethlehem… or will we be rushing to spot a star guiding us and our gifts toward the unknown… or will we join the young Christ child in a secretive sojourn to thwart those whose power is threatened? The stories of our tradition are all road trip tales. Only those who are comfortable with the status quo (Herod and his advisors) are staying in one place. 
We Covenant One With Another
Adult Spiritual Formation - 10:00 am
It’s Advent! In these weeks of anticipation leading up to Christmas, we’ve taking a deep dive into the songs of Luke’s Gospel. Today’s song is from Luke 1… we sometimes call it The Magnificat, Mary’s song celebrating her unborn child as she visits her relative Elizabeth. In what ways can we see pattern and example in the mother of Jesus?

And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
   and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
 for you have looked with favor on the lowliness of your servant.
  Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
 for You, Mighty One, have done great things for me,
  and holy is your name.
Your mercy is for those who fear you
  from generation to generation.
You have shown strength with your arm;
  You have scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
You have brought down the powerful from their thrones,
  and lifted up the lowly;
You have filled the hungry with good things,
  and sent the rich away empty.
You have helped your servant Israel,
  in remembrance of your mercy,
according to the promise your made to our ancestors,
  to Sarah and Abraham and to their descendants forever.”

Transition Music
"O Come O Come Emmanuel," by The Piano Guys

Worship Begins - 11:00 am

Welcome and Announcements ~ Pastor Ken

Advent Wreath Lighting ~ led by the Shadow Rock staff
We have a variety of voices leading our Advent liturgy, sharing poems and prayers. Today, you're invited to light a candle with the church staff.

Opening Prayer ~ Karen Richter
Perceiving and Responding
Giving and Stewardship
We are grateful for the fidelity of giving among our community. Your sharing makes our compassionate response to the world possible. Heidi's Corner, the weekly update from our financial officer, can be found here.

Celebrations, Prayer Requests and Pastoral Prayer
We share news of our lives, birthdays, concerns, celebrations, and moments of grace and service. Please unmute to share your celebration in the Zoom worship space or use the 'raise hand' function in the participant list.
 
Celebration Song
"Comfort, Comfort O My People" shared by Forrest and Carol Bachtel
Balancing Word and Deed
Word About Life for Today ~ Rev. Ken Heintzelman
"Hope and History" Part 1, Advent and the Wedgeblade

Introduction to Breakout Rooms and Sending Forth Blessing ~ Karen Richter
  • Did you hear echoes of our vision and covenant in the message this morning?
  • Is there a word or phrase from the sermon that you’ll carry with you into the week?
  • Part of our faith assumptions is that stories are formative and even transformative. Is there an Advent story from your own life or from your family that’s been a touchstone for you? Listening to one another’s stories and holding them tenderly is a spiritual discipline.

Words for Mission ~ Pastor Ken
One: Our Advent journey begins afresh! May our travels toward the point of the wedgeblade - and toward the manger - balance peace and challenge. These are the times.
All: We are the people.
One: All of Creation is blessed.
All: May we love all and serve all.
One: May God be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Amen.
All: Amen.