Worship for December 13, 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
On the Mystery of the Incarnation
by Denise Levertov
 
It's when we face for a moment
the worst our kind can do, and shudder to know
the taint in our own selves, that awe
cracks the mind's shell and enters the heart:
not to a flower, not to a dolphin,
to no innocent form
but to this creature vainly sure
it and no other is god-like, God
(out of compassion for our ugly
failure to evolve) entrusts,
as guest, as brother,
the Word.
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 been taking a deep dive into the songs of Luke’s Gospel. Today’s song is an obvious one: the announcement of the birth of Jesus by the angelic chorus in Luke chapter 2. Let’s talk about angels! 

... an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
  and on earth peace among those whom God favors!”

Transition Music
Night of Silence by Marty Haugen
Today's transition music video comes from Heidi Zinn's Facebook 'Christmas Song Challenge,' and was suggested by UCC General Minister and President Rev. John Dorhauer.

Worship Begins - 11:00 am

Welcome and Announcements ~ Pastor Ken

Advent Wreath Lighting ~ led by Marilyn and Greg Rampley
We have a variety of voices leading our Advent liturgy, sharing scripture and prayers. We appreciate the Rampleys leading us this morning.

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
"O Come O Come Immanuel," shared by Forrest and Carol Bachtel
Balancing Word and Deed
Word About Life for Today ~ Karen Richter
"Joy is God's Will for the Human Family"

Introduction to Breakout Rooms and Today's Discussion Questions
  • Describe for your fellow breakout room zoomers a time when you have experienced joy.
  • When you look into 2021, what communal joy do you anticipate for our community? How do we make that happen?

Words for Mission ~ Pastor Ken
One: When we remain mindful of our place in history and spend the energy of our lives in service, the span of our lives becomes marked by joy! 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.

Sending Forth ~ Joy to the World
shared by Forrest and Carol Bachtel