Sunday, November 30, 2008

30 Nov. 2008 Bulletin

First Sunday in Advent

OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude
Introit "Emmanuel"

Welcome

The Blessing of the Advent Wreath
Bless this wreath, O God, whose lighting marks the days to your arrival; whose fire lights for us the way. Grant to us who wait, watch and hope for your coming, the gift of Your presence here among us. Grant that our waiting be active, our yearning for you passionate, and the power of light and warmth be the sign that you are here, even as we wait for you to come. Amen.

Text by Charles Borromeo, 16th century
Beloved, now is the acceptable time spoken of by the Spirit:
THE DAY OF SALVATION, PEACE AND RECONCILIATION: THE SEASON OF ADVENT!
This is the time eagerly awaited by the patriarchs & prophets, the time that holy Simeon rejoiced to see.
WE OBSERVE IT WITH FAITH & LOVE, OFFERING PRAISE & THANKSGIVING TO THE FATHER FOR THE MERCY & LOVE GOD HAS SHOWN US IN THIS MYSTERY.

The Lighting of the First Advent Candle
A congregant comes forward at this time to light.
*Opening Hymn BB 214 "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"

Let us be before our God in silence.

Close your eyes and you will see clearly.
Cease to listen and you will hear the truth.
--a Taoist poem

Unison Prayer: Psalm 63:2-7
O GOD, YOU ARE MY GOD, FOR YOU I LONG: FOR YOU MY SOUL IS THIRSTING. MY BODY PINES FOR YOU LIKE A DRY, WEARY LAND WITHOUT WATER...FOR YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE, MY LIPS WILL SPEAK YOUR PRAISE. SO I WILL BLESS YOU ALL MY LIFE, IN YOUR NAME I WILL LIFT UP MY HANDS. MY SOUL SHALL BE FILLED AS WITH A BANQUET, MY MOUTH SHALL PRAISE YOU WITH JOY!

Kyrie (sung)
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
CHRIST, HAVE MERCY ON US.
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.

A Word of Assurance and the Summary of the Law (Mark 12:29-31)
This is the first commandment:
HEAR O ISRAEL,
THE LORD OUR GOD,
THE LORD IS ONE!
THEREFORE YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD
WITH ALL YOUR HEART,
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL,
WITH ALL YOUR MIND,
AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.
This is the second commandment:
YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.
There is no greater commandment than these.

Anthem "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

THE WORD OF GOD
*Responsive Reading: Luke 1:46-55

*Gloria Patri (Hymn No. 623)
GLORY BE TO THE FATHER
AND TO THE SON
AND TO THE HOLY GHOST.
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING,
IS NOW AND EVER SHALL BE,
WORLD WITHOUT END,
AMEN, AMEN!

The Greeting of Peace
Announcements & "Come Lord Jesus" (hymn tune 91 "Alleluia")

Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19b; 64:2-7
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
The Celtic Allelulia!
Gospel: Mark 13:33-37
Sermon by James Stewart

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD
*The Offering
*Doxology (625) and Prayer
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW;
PRAISE GOD ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW;
PRAISE GOD ABOVE YE HEAVENLY HOSTS;
PRAISE FATHER (CREATOR), SON (CHRIST) AND HOLY GHOST. AMEN.

A Time of Giving Thanks & Praise
The Prayer of the People & the Lord's Prayer
*Hymn 120 "The Advent of Our God"
*Benediction
*Response to the Benediction
Postlude

*Please stand if you are able.

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