“Enter Into His Gates with Thanksgiving and Praise”
People:
Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.
Leader:
In the fulness of time, O God, you sent your son, to be born of our sister Mary; and his name was Emmanuel: God With Us. We thank you for your Presence with us, and we pray that you might be always present with those whom we love, but see no longer.
Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2022 ~ ~ ~
People:
Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.
OPENING SELECTION
Leader:
O Christ, hear our prayers, restore us, and show us the glorious light of your countenance, that we might be saved. Come, Lord Jesus.
“Jesus Is the Reason for the Season” By: Kirk Franklin People:
Amen.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING LITURGY** (See Insert)
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH** (Apostles’ Creed)
CALL TO WORSHIP** “Prayer of the People for Advent” (Referencing Isaiah 2:1-5, 11:1-10, 35:1-10 & 7:10-16) Leader:
In the hushed anticipation of your coming, O Lord, remind us that you are always with us, that like Joseph, we might always be eager to fulfill your will, and be eager to pray. O God, in days to come, the mountain of your house will be established, and your joy shall reign. We pray for the church, (especially Norfolk United Methodist Church), that you might teach us your ways, and that we might walk in your paths.
People:
Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.
Leader:
Out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and you, O God, shall judge between the nations. We pray for our nation, and all nations, that your peace would be manifest in every corner of the earth.
People:
Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.
Leader:
In your Kingdom, O Lord, wolves lie down with lambs, and children play with serpents without fear. We pray for the sick, the suffering, and those in distress of any kind (especially…); that you would heal all injuries, comfort all grief, and settle all wrongs.
People:
Come, Lord Jesus, and hear our prayer.
Leader:
In your Kingdom, O Lord, even the wilderness and dry land are glad and rejoice. We pray for those who rejoice this week as they celebrate their birthday (especially… and anniversaries…); that they might obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow, and sighing might flee away.
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 Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at 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 Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Verse 1 Hark the herald angels sing. Jesus, the light of the world. Glory to the newborn King, Jesus, the light of the world. Verse 2 Joyful, all ye nations rise. Jesus, the light of the world. Join the triumph of the skies. Jesus, the light of the world. Verse 4 Hail, the heav’n-born Prince of Peace. Jesus, the light of the world. Hail, the Son of righteousness! Jesus, the light of the world. Refrain We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light. Come where the dew-drops of mercy shine bright. Oh, shine all around us by day and by night. Jesus, the light of the world. (Verse 3 omitted.)
THE OLD TESTAMENT READINGS Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
THE NEW TESTAMENT READING Romans 1:1-7
THE GOSPEL READING** Matthew 1:18-25
MINISTRY THROUGH MUSIC
*Universal
“There’s No Christmas Without You” By: Kirk Franklin
PRAYER Dr. Sherry L. Daniels
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ THE WORD FOR TODAY Dr. Sherry L. Daniels
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING** “Jesus, the Light of the World” By: George D. Elderkin/Charles Wesley Arr. By: Evelyn Simpson-Curenton
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INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
** Indicates to stand.
MINISTRY THROUGH TITHES AND OFFERINGS Holy God of Hope and Promise: When the children were in deep despair, you promised them a sign, the indication of a Savior coming into their midst. As we bring you our tithes and offerings this day, so many of us are discouraged, trying to find our way. We need your sign, we need your Son, not as simply a reminder of history, but as a new direction, a revolution of love that starts in our hearts, a resurrection of compassion that looks beyond self, and the accumulation of more and more things that don’t satisfy. We need what only a Savior can give us. Guide us by your signs on this day and as we begin the journey to Bethlehem once again. In the Savior’s name, we pray. Amen. (Isaiah 7:10-16)
MY NOTES FROM WORSHIP Sermon highlights: ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________
BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
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Go in peace.
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CLOSING SELECTION “Get All Excited” By: William J. Gaither
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Thank you for being a part of our worship experience. God Bless You, and we hope you will join us again.
______________________________________ Other information: ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________
“Depart To Serve” NORFOLK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
TODAY’S WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS Worship Leader Little Miss Ashleigh Taborn
6870 N. Military Highway ~ Norfolk, VA 23518 757-628-6543 (telephone) 757-628-8181 (fax) Office Hours Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Website
Minister of Music Mr. William A. L. Brown, II
http://www.numcva.org
Drummer Mr. Walter Gilchrist
www.facebook.com/NorfolkUMC
Choir Triple A Praise Team “Anointed, Appointed & Assigned”
officenorfolk@gmail.com
Video Operator Mrs. Janice Graves
Norfolk United Methodist Church 6870 N. Military Highway Norfolk, VA 23518
Dr. Sherry L. Daniels, Senior Pastor Rev. Carolyn Graves, Associate Pastor Rev. Finley O. Jones, Minister of Visitation
Text-Giving
757-230-2125
December 18, 2022 9:00 AM