12212016 Longest Night Worship

THE LONGEST NIGHT HEBREWS 10:35-11:1 DECEMBER 21, 2016 • 7:00 P.M.

OVERCOMINGDARKNESS REV. KEN LOUDENBACK

The Longest Night December 21, 2016 - 7:00 p.m.

Prelude Zoe Wiltrout

Piano Welcome * Call to Worship Leader: Come, Holy Spirit.

People: Comfort us and all who mourn this night.

Leader: Give us strength to grieve as we must.

People: Help us receive your healing in the midst of our pain, Leader: Help us find new order after the chaos of loss; All: Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. * Unison Prayer From the darkness of a stable, you brought forth the light of the world, he carried your light into every darkened corner, calling those kept in darkness to rejoice in your love, and exposing those who hid from your truth to the light of your righteous judgment.

So we come to you, Lord, seeking your peace and understanding.

We come as children searching for the love and protection of a good Father. We come to you, Lord, to worship and share our pain while searching for relief and comfort. We pray for your power to manifest yourself in peace, provision, protection through your presence in ourselves. Shine your great light and truth in the midst of our darkness and make us whole in you through your Son Jesus Christ. Be with us, Lord, now and forever. Amen. * Hymn 211 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

vs. 1, 2, 4, & 6 Lighting the Advent Candle Leader: This first candle we light to remember those whom we have loved and lost. We pause to remember their name, their face, their voice, the memory that binds them to us in this season.

People: May God’s eternal love surround them.

Leader This second candle we light is to redeem the pain of loss; the

loss of relationships, the loss of jobs, the loss of health. We

pause to gather up the pain of the past and offer it to God,

asking that from God’s hands we receive the gift of peace.

People: Refresh, restore, and renew us, O God, and lead us into

your future.

Leader: This third candle we light is to remember ourselves this

Christmas time. We pause and remember these past weeks

and months; the disbelief, the anger, the down times, the hugs

and handshakes of family and friends, all those who have

stood with us. We give thanks for all the support we have

known.

People: We remember that dawn defeats darkness.

Leader: This fourth candle is lit to remember our faith and the gift of

hope which the Christmas story offers to us. We remember

that the God who shares our life promises us a place and a

time with no more pain and no more suffering.

People: We remember the One who shows the way, who reveals the

truth, and who brings light and life.

Hymn 206 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Scripture Hebrews 10:35-11:1 Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet “in a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay; but my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.”

But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Message Rev. Ken Loudenback Overcoming Darkness Hymn of Preparation 196 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Holy Communion Communion Anthem It Is Well with My Soul The Lord’s Prayer 895 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Lighting of the Christ Candle * Hymn 239 Silent Night, Holy Night

vs. 1 & 4 * Dismissal with Blessing * Hymn of Parting 242 Love Came Down at Christmas

vs. 1 & 2

PLAINFIELD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 600 SIMMONS STREET • PLAINFIELD, IN 46168 317.839.2319 • WWW.PUMC.ORG