Worship for December 20, 2020 |
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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.
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We’ve had poems as our Advent reflections this season. Please enjoy these lovely lines by Madeleine L’Engle this last week of Advent 2020. The content of our theology may differ, but we recognize the humanity and the joy of this creative imagining.
O thou who bears the pain of the whole earth,
I bore thee.
O thou whose tears give human tears their worth,
I laughed with thee.
Thou who, when thy hem is touched, give power,
I nourished thee.
Who turns the day to night in this dark hour,
Dayspring for me.
O thou who held the world in thy embrace,
I dandled thee.
Whose arms encircle all with thy grace,
I once held thee.
O thou who laughed and ate and walked the shore,
I played with thee.
And I, who with all others, thou died for,
I now hold thee.
May I be faithful to this final test:
For the last time I hold my child, my son,
Thy body close enfolded to my breast,
The holder held, the bearer borne
Mourning to joy: darkness to morn.
Open, my arms: the work is done.
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We Covenant One With Another
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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 the prophecy of Simeon in the 2nd chapter. The Holy Family’s encounter with Simeon is full of both joy and hearts pierced - what we might call a comprehensive view of life.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Transition Music
"Peace on Earth" by The National Parks
Today's transition music video was suggested by Roy Zaborowski.
Worship Begins - 11:00 am
Welcome and Announcements ~ Pastor Ken
- Reminder :: Pastor's Charitable Fund, a Christmas at Shadow Rock tradition of giving and service
- Holiday Happenings :: look for a special email with links for Christmas Eve worship, Christmas Day Cookie Fellowship, and a new Watch Night (New Year's Eve) service.
Advent Wreath Lighting ~ led by the Tackman Family
We have a variety of voices leading our Advent liturgy, sharing scripture and prayers. We appreciate the Tackmans leading us this morning.
Opening Prayer ~ Karen Richter
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Perceiving and Responding |
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Giving and Stewardship
We are grateful for the fidelity of giving among our community. Your sharing makes our compassionate response to the world possible. The December 13 financial update ('Heidi's Corner') 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
"Angels We Have Heard on High," shared by Forrest and Carol Bachtel
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Word About Life for Today ~ Rev. Ken Heintzelman
“You gonna build me a house? No! I’m gonna build you a house!” ~ 2 Samuel 7: 1-16
Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” 3 Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.”
4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: 5 Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. 7 Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” 8 Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; 9 and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings. 15 But I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.
Introduction to Breakout Rooms and Today's Discussion Questions
- Discussion in breakout rooms today will be sharing-and-listening focused. In your group, share one joy and one sorrow with one another.
Words for Mission ~ Pastor Ken
One: Our journey nears completion. May these last days of anticipation bring us rest and peace. 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.
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