Order of Worship
December 01, 2024 (Candle of Hope and Communion)
(The First Sunday of Advent, Year C)
10:00 AM
*Those who are able, please stand. Those who may not be able to stand, please remain seated.”
Prelude: Prelude in C Major,” Johann Sebastian Bach “Gabriel’s Message” Michael Bedford
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
MISSION STATEMENT: (Let us say our Mission Statement together)
“To welcome and inspire All through faith, love, and fellowship according to Christ’s example.”
*Call to Worship (Responsive)
Leader: Have you seen the Spark of Hope God places among us?
People: All we can see is hectic lives, crowded stores, early darkness, and mounting anxiety.
Leader: Look again; the spirit of God is moving, bringing hope.
People: We need to place our hope in God but bear doubt.
Leader: A long time ago, people were afraid, and God brought them Light.
People: May God bring the Light of Hope to us today! AMEN.
Lighting the Advent Candle of Hope
Today, on this first Sunday of Advent, the Candle of Hope. We are called to be ready to receive something life-changing, something wholly new. The angels’ song reminded us that there is hope in the light of the deep darkness that descended upon the people’s lives. Those who are asked, come forward to light the Candle of Hope.
Candle Lighting Hymn: “One Candle is Lit” # 128 (verse #1)
Reader 1: Today, we light one candle, the candle of HOPE- as a reminder that God’s promises are true.
Reader 2: We place our hope in God.
Reader 1: We place our lives in God’s care.
Reader 2: Come, all is ready. Let the light of this one candle, HOPE, bring the brightness of your spirit.
*GATHERING HYMN: “We Gather Together” #276
PRAYER OF INVOCATION: Unison
Let us pray as Christ taught us to pray. Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen
STATEMENT OF FAITH: (Unison) We believe in God known to us in three persons: Creator of all, resurrected Christ, and the Holy Spirit, who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God’s love in the world.
We believe that each person is unique and valuable.
We believe that we are called to welcome each person who is on a
spiritual journey, no matter who they are or where they are on that
journey.
We believe that the persistent search for God produces an authentic
relationship with God, one that engenders love, strengthens faith,
dissolves guilt, and gives life purpose and direction.
We believe we are a people of possibility.
We believe we have the breathing room to explore and to hear our call. We believe that God is still speaking…
*SERMON HYMN: “Creator of the Stars of Night” #127
WORD OF GOD: Luke 21:25-36
25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Sermon: “The End of the Beginning” Rev. Norman Michaud
JOYS AND CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE: (Please share by phone, text, or email at [email protected] or 603-812-1161 before the service.)
CALL TO PRAYER:
Pastor: May God be with you.
People: And also with you.
Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer:
Choral Response: “Into My Heart” Harry Clarke
COMMUNION HYMN: “Break Thou the Bread of Life” #321 (verse 3)
SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION
Pastor: Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. You who have come to me shall not hunger; you who believe in me shall never thirst.”
All: (Unison) In company with all who hunger for spiritual food, we come to this table to know the risen Christ in the sharing of this life-giving bread.
Pastor: You need not be a member of this church or any church to partake of this spiritual food. All you need be is hungry.
Communion Prayer:
All: (Unison) Eternal God, who created the heavens and the earth, giving breath to every living thing, we thank you for the gifts of creation, and for the gift of life itself. We thank You for making us in your image, for forgiving us when we act as though you have no claim on us, and for keeping us in your steadfast care. Praise you for Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, and for calling forth your church for its mission in the world.
Pastor: We remember that on the night of betrayal and desertion, Jesus took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, saying “This is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, Jesus took the cup after supper, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
All: (Unison) Bless this bread and this cup. Bless all of us in our eating and drinking at this table, that our eyes may be opened and we may recognize the risen Christ in our midst, in each other, and in all for whom Christ lived and died. Amen.
Pastor: “Through the broken bread, we remember the body of Christ.”Through the cup of blessing, we remember the new life Christ gives.”
“The gifts of God for the people of God. Come, for all things are ready.”
Sharing of the Elements: Eat and drink in remembrance of Christ.
Prayer of Thanksgiving (Unison) : Holy one, you gave us this day our daily bread and nourished us with Christ’s presence. Through one loaf and cup, you have made us one, with you and each other. By your grace and love, feed the world with this bread. Let us remember the joy of your presence with the fruit of the vine. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
CALL TO GIVING: Pastor
Offertory Music for Inspiration: “Creator of the Stars of Night” Ryan H. Jones
Doxology: (Tune: Old Hundredth)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Christ the Word in flesh born low;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore;
One God, Triune, whom we adore.
*Prayer of Dedication: (Unison) Giver of all good things, we offer these gifts to you. Open our eyes to see more clearly all that we have been given and all we have to give so that hope will fill the hearts of all in need. Let us show our love and companionship wherever they are needed. Amen.
*HYMN OF DEPARTURE: “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” #705
Benediction: Pastor
Postlude: “Merton” David Thorne