12-17-23

Pine Street Presbyterian Church in the City of Harrisburg Pine Street is a Welcoming Church, Glorifying God through Worship, Fellowship and Service in the World.

December 17, 2023

Third Sunday of Advent

GATHERING IN THE PRESENCE OF THE RISEN CHRIST PRAYER OF PREPARATION Lord, give us eyes to see Christ today among those who are oppressed, imprisoned, brokenhearted, or beaten down. Amen.

VOLUNTARY Advent Tidings

Michael Akers

Introit You Are the Light

Tom Fettke You are the Light we see. You are the Truth we know. You are the Life we live. You are the Hope, You are the Joy, You are the Song we sing.

† SALUTATION

Marty Gruver

One: This is God’s house. You are welcome as you are.

Many: Let us worship our loving God.

† HYMN 104 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You

VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN

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† Those who are able are invited to stand Bold text is read or sung by all

† ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING One:

Many: One: Many: One: Many:

The Kunkle Family God can part the sea. God can bring water from a rock and provide bread in the desert.

God can walk on water. God can heal the sick and turn water into wine.

How does a weary world practice joy?

How does a weary world practice joy?

Today, we light the candle of joy.

With God’s help, may we bring joy into a weary world.

† CANTICLE OF HOPE Come, Come Emmanuel

† PRAYER OF THE DAY † PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Rev. Matt Drumheller Holy God, somewhere along the way we seem to outgrow awe. We turn into adults who obsess over data and facts. We praise those who have answers and assume that wonder is an answerless game. Forgive us for closing the door to awe.

Remind us that the kingdom of God belongs to children. Teach us the ways of awe and wonder. Like Zechariah, when we find ourselves speechless, may our first words be those of praise.

† SILENCE FOR PERSONAL CONFESSION † KYRIE

†ASSURANCE OF PARDON One:

Hear the good news: We are loved. We are claimed. We are forgiven.

Many: Thanks be to God. Amen.

† GLORIA

READING AND HEARING THE WORD PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION FIRST LESSON Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Isaiah Shu

Old Testament Page 691

One: The Word of the Lord.

Many: Thanks be to God.

† HYMN 73 When God Delivered Israel

SHEAVES

SECOND LESSON 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

New Testament Page 205

THIRD LESSON Luke 1:57-66

New Testament Page 57

SERMON

“We Allow Ourselves to be Amazed”

Rev. Drumheller

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

† THE PEACE One:

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Many: And also with you.

WELCOME (Please sign the Friendship Register) THE OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS TO GOD (Text 267-367-4910 to give)

ANTHEM Come, Thou Dear Redeemer

Cesar Franck Come Thou, come Thou, dear Redeemer. Come Lord Jesus to set us free, from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee, hope of all the earth Thou art, Joy of every longing heart. Come Thou, come Thou, dear Redeemer born a Child, yet Thou art a King, born to reign in us forever. Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring.

Rule in all our hearts alone, raise us to Thy glorious throne. Amen. Amen.

† PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS

OLD HUNDREDTH

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.

† PRAYER OF DEDICATION SEALING THE WORD SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER INVITATION TO THE TABLE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING One: Many: One: Many: One: Many:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.

…with all creation, we join the unending hymn:

The prayer continues. …Great is the mystery of faith:

INTERCESSION, SUPPLICATION, AND CONSECRATION One: In your mercy, Many: Lord, hear our prayer. … now and forever.

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, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE BREAD AND CUP

One: The gifts of God for the people of God. Many: Let us keep the feast.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

BEARING AND FOLLOWING THE WORD OF GOD INTO THE WORLD † HYMN 366 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

HYFRYDOL

† BENEDICTION † CHORAL RESPONSE You Are the Light

Tom Fettke Within our hearts, Your light. Within our minds, Your truth. Within our lives, Your love; living Your hope, spreading Your joy, singing Your beautiful song; singing Your beautiful song, Your song.

VOLUNTARY The Advent of Our God

Robert Powell

LEADING IN WORSHIP TODAY Rev. Matt Drumheller, Interim Pastor Joseph Garrison, Minister of Music and Worship Marty Gruver, Liturgist Isaiah Shu, Lector

Callie Garman, Acolyte Chancel Choir Handbell Choir Timothy Lupia, tenor Matt Topping, piano

FLOWER DEDICATION The flowers in the sanctuary are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of December birthday of Marilyn J. Miller by Gerald L. Miller.

Dates for Your Calendar Sunday, Dec 17 – 3rd Sunday of Advent 8:45 am- Sunday School 9:00 am- Café Conversations- Fellowship Hall 10:00 am- Worship- Rev. Matthew Drumheller Preaching 11:30 am- Christmas Tea Wednesday, Dec 20 7:30 pm- Advent program via Zoom Sunday, Dec 24– 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve 8:45 am- Sunday School 9:00 am- Café Conversations- Fellowship Hall 10:00 am- Worship- Rev. Matthew Drumheller Preaching 7:30 pm- Christmas Eve Service COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Music in the bulletin is used with permission under OneLicense.net #A-71074. All rights reserved.

Liturgy reprinted and adapted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word® Worship Companion. Copyright 2013.

Liturgy reprinted and adapted by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved.

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310 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 238-9304 | www.pinestreet.org