Second Sunday of Advent
December 4, 2011
Welcome to Cityview Presbyterian Church
Community Life: After the Service
To Our Guests: Visiting a church can be an intimidating experience. We are glad that you are here, and we hope to remove as much of that awkwardness as we can from your visit to Cityview. Our worship service usually lasts about 75 minutes. This worship guide will help you navigate the service. There are short paragraphs on the next page to explain each part of the service. The service is designed to be accessible to you, whether you’ve spent years in the church or you’ve never been to a church service in your life. During the service, we will try to help you understand how the message of Jesus can apply to your life today. If you are new to Cityview or just visiting, we would love to know that you were here. We have clipboards next to each row: we call those our “Connection Cards”. Connection Cards are a way for you to let us know whatever information you might want us to know and to request any information from us that you might need. Pastor Dan Adamson
Each week, we linger for fellowship with one another. Please join us for refreshments in the cafeteria.
Community Groups In addition to weekly worship, we offer small groups (community groups, men’s and women’s bible studies, book studies) that meet throughout the week. We want all of our members and regular attenders to be intentional about building trusting and meaningful spiritual relationships. For a complete list of our small groups, please visit our website (www.cityviewchicago.org) or fill out one of our “connection cards” for more information.
(dadamson@cityviewchicago.org) is available to answer questions, as well.
For Children: Children of all ages are welcome in the worship service. Nursery is provided during the service for children 2 years of age and younger.
All songs used by permission CCLI License #11041992
Children ages three through 5th grade are given the choice of attending Sunday school classes beginning during the greeting portion of the service. If you have any questions about children’s ministry at Cityivew, please contact Children’s Ministry Coordinator Hilary Clark (hilary.r.clark@gmail.com).
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Scripture reprinted from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.
The Liturgy Preparing for Worship The goal of our time of gathering is to engage with God together, listening to him in his Word and speaking to him in prayer and song. Because we often enter this time tired, overwhelmed and distracted, we take a few moments at the beginning of our meeting to prepare to meet God in worship. Call to Worship We need to be “called” to come and worship God because we default to thinking the world revolves around our needs and agendas, and also because we struggle to believe that God truly wants us to draw near to him. The call to worship focuses our attention on God and prepares us to meet him. Confession of Sin The Scriptures declare that each of us has failed in the way we act toward God and each other. We confess our sin to be honest and transparent about this reality and to admit our ongoing dependence on the mercy of God through Jesus. We confess as a community to show our unity even in our brokenness. Assurance of Grace We confess our sins not just to admit what is true, but also to be reminded again of the truth that Jesus came into this world to save sinners; and all of our sin has been forgiven through him. Every week, following our confession, we hear God speak to us in Scripture of this forgiveness so that our faith might be strengthened. Worship Through Giving Because money is so powerfully tied to our hearts, this is a valuable expression of worship as we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and belongs to him. If you are visiting with us, we are just glad you are here- please do not feel obligated to give. The Sermon Some view the Sermon as a way to get principles for “right” living. In reality, as we open the Scripture we corporately encounter Christ. Therefore, as you listen, pray to be open to the Spirit’s leading, exhortation, encouragement, and healing. Communion Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is the family meal for Christians. We welcome all Christians - those who look to Christ alone for salvation, who are in good standing with His Church, and who seek strength to live more faithfully to their Savior - to join in this sacrament. The Benediction God always gets the last word in our encounter of worship. For Christians, it is always a word of blessing and sending to live our lives in the light of the reality of the Gospel of Christ.
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ORDER OF WORSHIP He will come like last leaf's fall. One night when the November wind has flayed the trees to bone, and earth wakes choking on the mould, the soft shroud's folding. He will come like frost. One morning when the shrinking earth opens on mist, to find itself arrested in the net of alien, sword-set beauty. He will come like dark. One evening when the bursting red December sun draws up the sheet and penny-masks its eye to yield the star-snowed fields of sky. He will come, will come, will come like crying in the night, like blood, like breaking, as the earth writhes to toss him free. He will come like child.
Rowan Williams
God Calls Us Advent Reading – Isaiah 2: 3-5 3
Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths. The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4
He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. 5 Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.
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Call to Worship Leader:
We light the second candle of Advent to remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
All:
Thanks be to God!
Lighting of the Advent Candle
Hymn of Praise
All Creatures of Our God and King
1. All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam, Refrain: O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 2. Thou rushing wind that art so strong Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along, O praise Him! Alleluia! Thou rushing morn in praise rejoice, Ye lights of evening find a voice,
(Refrain)
3. Thou flowing water pure and clear Make music for Thy Lord to hear Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou fire so masterful and bright That givest man both warmth and light,
(Refrain)
4. All ye men of tender heart Forgiving others take your part O sing ye! Alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, Praise God and on Him cast your care
(Refrain)
5. Let all things their Creator bless, And worship Him in humbleness. O praise Him! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son And praise the Spirit, Three in One
(Refrain)
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Words : St. Francis of Assisi Music: Traditional German Tune
Prayer of Adoration – from the Book of Common Prayer Leader:
Let us pray to our God:
All:
Advent Hymn
Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Words: from the Latin Music: 15th c. French hymn
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God Cleanses Us Call to Confession - Psalm 130:7-8 Leader:
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
Confession of Sin Leader:
Come and confess your sins to God:
All:
Heavenly Father, all Creation resounds with your glory, yet we fail to give you the worship you deserve. Your light has come to earth, but we often prefer darkness. You have called us to live as light of the Gospel, but we have failed to reflect the warmth of your love and beauty to our family, our community, and our world. Father, forgive us, renew us, and sing your grace to our hearts this morning. We pray for the glory of Jesus, who is the light of the world. Amen.
Silent Confession Hymn of Confession
Veiled in Darkness, Judah Lay
Words: Douglas Rights Music: Johann Ebeling 7
Words of Assurance - based on Isaiah 40: 1-2 Leader:
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Your sins are pardoned. The penalty is paid.
All: Leader:
Thanks be to God! Brothers and sisters, you have heard Godʼs holy demands and have confessed your sins to him. Do you believe that Jesus Christ, by his perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection has atoned for your sins and satisfied the wrath of God for you?
All:
We do.
The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy 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 thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.
Hymn of Assurance Psalm 73 4. Yet always You are near You guide me by Your Word And always, my Lord God, You are my strength My portion You will be You’re my refuge, my Sovereign Lord I will sing of Your awesome deeds Tag: You’re my refuge, my Sovereign Lord I will sing of Your awesome deeds
1. Surely God is good To all the pure in heart But as for me, my feet had almost slipped I nearly lost my grip For I envied, the arrogant They are free, from my burdens 2. Surely I, in vain, Have kept my, my heart pure And surely they are strong and free from trials While I am so confused Then I entered Your holy place Then I saw their destiny 3. Surely, they’re cast down As those on slippery ground As dreams fade when we wake, so they become Completely swept away In my heart I was arrogant Like a beast before You 8
Words and Music: Kevin Twit and Mac Purdy
Story of Grace Opportunities and Concerns Passing of the Peace - from John 13:34 Leader:
Hear the teaching of Christ: “A new command I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you.” The peace of Christ be with you all.
All:
And also with you!
Worship Through Giving Hymn of Illumination
Gabriel’s Message
Words and Music: Basque Hymn
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God Speaks To Us Sermon Text – Isaiah 40: 1-10 1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." 6A voice says, "Cry!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 9 Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!" 10 Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
Leader: All:
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! 10
Sermon
The Unexpected Dawn
Sermon The Unexpected Dawn: The Comforting Lord Reverend Dan Adamson
God Strengthens Us Confession of Faith - From the Heidelberg Catechism Leader: What is thy only comfort in life and death? All:
That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins,and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Consecration
Leader:
The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you. Communion Leader: Lift up your hearts. All: Leader: All:
We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
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Communion Hymn
O Come, O Come, Messiah
Words and Music: Isaac Wardell
Prayers for Reflection Prayer for those searching for truth Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. As I consider the reasons for doing so, grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that you promise. Amen. Prayer of belief Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness and new life. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer for those struggling with sin Lord Jesus, grant that I may see in you the fulfillment of all my need, and may turn from every false satisfaction to feed on you, the true and living bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely, and faithfully follow you in life. Amen. Prayer of commitment Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you in baptism and in a life of committed discipleship in your church. Grant that I may take the necessary steps to be one with your people, and live in the fullness of your Spirit. Amen.
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Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above, ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
God Commissions Us Hymn of Benediction
Once in Royal David’s City
Words: Cecil Frances Alexander Music: Henry J. Gantlett
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Benediction - based on Philippians 4:7 Leader:
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
All:
Amen.
Dismissal Leader:
Let us go forth to serve the world as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
All:
Thanks be to God!
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Around Cityview
Prayer for the Church- Join a group to pray for Cityview before the service each Sunday at 9:30 am. Talk to Malissa Mackey or Megan Hohenstein for more info.
Children of Men Movie Night- This coming Sat., December 10th, Dan and Jodi Hoard
Next Sunday Evening- Midnight Clear, the Chicago-area concert with sister churches, will take place at Covenant Presbyterian Church (2012 West Dickens) at 6 pm. Please bring a dessert to share during a fellowship time afterwards if you are so inclined!
Citvview Christmas Party- December 18tth at the Adamson home.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service- December 24.
Serving This Week Sound/ Set-Up
Josh Koonce Andrew and Stacy Gordon Kylene Young Carolyn Koonce Michael Chin Charlynne Bowsher
Greeters Bread Snacks Nursery Sunday School
(2249 S. California, #12) will be hosting a movie night to get us thinking about what it means to expect the arrival of a newborn that can change the world. RSVP to Dan Hoard at dan.h.hoard@gmail.com. The movie will begin at 6:30pm, with snacks beforehand at 5pm.
Serving Next Week Sound/ Set-Up Greeters Bread Snacks Nursery Sunday School
Erica Oh Malissa Mackey and Emily Adamson Hilary Clark Christina Jenq Nick Lake Carolyn Koonce
Contacts
November 2011 Congregational Giving*
Actual Monthly Giving: Budgeted Monthly Giving: $ (3,614) Actual YTD Giving: Budgeted 2011 Giving YTD: Difference:
CITYVIEWCHICAGO.ORG $ 8,546 $ 12,160 Difference: $125,373 $133,760 $ (8,387)
*In addition to congregational giving, 20% of our overall operating budget is currently comprised of financial support from other churches and individuals. Our
budgeted congregational giving represents 80% of the overall operating budget.
Dan Adamson, Pastor dadamson@cityviewchicago.org Jenny Avila, Administrative Coordinator jenny.n.avila@gmail.com Herb Bowsher, Financial Administrator bowsher@comcast.net Hilary Clark, Children’s Ministry Coordinator hilary.r.clark@gmail.com Carolyn Koonce, Social Coordinator carolyn.groenewold@gmail.com Paul Leo, Service & Outreach Coordinator contactpaulleo@gmail.com Paul-David Young, Music Coordinator music@cityviewchicago.org 16