The Worship of God The First Sunday of Advent • November 28, 2021 • 11:00 AM
HOPE Greeting to Worshipers
Dr. Chris George Senior Pastor
Organ Prelude
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
arr. Bish
Judy Parker. Associate Organist
Opening Litany
Rev. Bart McNiel Associate Pastor
The Lord be with you. And also with you. What will set us journeying in search of the Christ this Advent? How far are we prepared to go out of our way to look for the signs of His coming, and to prepare a path? Let us Hope How will we travel through this season? Will we be burdened by responsibilities and tasks, loaded with others’ expectations, overwhelmed by their needs? Will we be full of joy or weary of grief? Let us long for peace. What will guide our steps in these weeks? Will we follow a thread of longing, the hint of an alternative pathway, the words and music of the gathered community? Let us celebrate with joy. Sisters and brothers in Christ, Advent awaits us. Let us place our feet on the road and begin the journey. May we find in familiar words, rituals and customs the birth of the new thing that awaits us. Let us live together in love. May the God of hope, peace, joy and love guide our lives through this season of waiting. Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come.
Choral Music
E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come
Manz
Peace be to you and grace from Him Who freed us from our sins, Who loved us all and shed his blood that we might saved be. Sing holy, holy to our Lord, the Lord, Almighty God, Who was and is and is to come; sing holy Lord! Rejoice in heaven, all ye that dwell therein; rejoice on earth, ye saints be low, for Christ is coming soon. For Christ is coming soon! E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come, and night shall be no more; they need no light nor lamp nor sun, for Christ will be their All! Invocation
Rev. McNiel
Hymn 79
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Lighting the Candle of Hope
VENI EMMANUEL
Kim and David Siegenthaler
Prepare the way of the Lord. We light this candle in hope, the hope of our coming Savior, Jesus. Prepare, then, the way of the Lord. Candle Chorus
Edwards
Hope, peace, joy and love! These are gifts you bring from above. Jesus, Emmanuel, come to be light of Your hope, reflected in me. Vocal Solo
Advent Hymn
Nockels
Larry Decuir, soloist
Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the Everlasting Light, Son of Righteousness arise, and triumph o'er these shades of night. Come Thou long awaited one in the fullness of Your love, and loose this heart bound up by shame, and I will never be the same. So here I wait in hope of You, my soul's longing through and through. Dayspring from on high be near. Daystar in my heart appear. Dark and cheerless is the morn until Your love in me is born. Joyless is the evening sun until Emmanuel has come.
Offertory Prayer
Dr. Jim Smith
Offertory Prayer
Dr. Jim Smith
Pastoral Care Associate
Offertory Duet
Veni Emmanuel
Arr. Raney
Pastoral Care Associate
Offertory Duet
Heather Huff and Judy Parker, piano four-hands
Scripture Reading
Luke 1: 5-17
Veni Emmanuel
Arr. Raney
Heather Huff and Judy Parker, piano four-hands
Rev. Rebecca Caswell-Speight
Scripture Reading
Luke 1: 5-17
Rev. Rebecca Caswell-Speight
Minister of Families, Faith Formation and Connection
Minister of Families, Faith Formation and Connection
In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. 8Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, 9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 10Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. 13But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. 16He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. 8Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, 9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 10Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. 16He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, Thanks be to God.
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, Thanks be to God.
5
Choral Music
Canticle of Zechariah
Arr. Kellner
Blest be the God of Israel Who comes to set us free! Now our redemption is at hand, God’s wondrous love we see. Salvation’s dawn is breaking forth from David’s royal line; the prophet’s words are now fulfilled by this, a living sign. (Continued next page)
5
Choral Music
Canticle of Zechariah
Arr. Kellner
Blest be the God of Israel Who comes to set us free! Now our redemption is at hand, God’s wondrous love we see. Salvation’s dawn is breaking forth from David’s royal line; the prophet’s words are now fulfilled by this, a living sign. (Continued next page)
God saved us from our enemies and took away our fear that we might worship Him alone Whose help is always near. Behold, a Holy Child has come, a gift from God most high, Who shall forgive us of our sins for God has heard our cry. The tender mercy of our God, like light that breaks on high, has shone on those who live in fear; their dark night passes by. The path of peace is now in sight; Rejoice, O Israel! The Holy Child has come to us, our Lord Emmanuel.
God saved us from our enemies and took away our fear that we might worship Him alone Whose help is always near. Behold, a Holy Child has come, a gift from God most high, Who shall forgive us of our sins for God has heard our cry. The tender mercy of our God, like light that breaks on high, has shone on those who live in fear; their dark night passes by. The path of peace is now in sight; Rejoice, O Israel! The Holy Child has come to us, our Lord Emmanuel.
SERMON
Hope and Hearing
Dr. George
SERMON
Hope and Hearing
Dr. George
HYMN 83
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
HYFRYDOL
HYMN 83
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
HYFRYDOL
Dr. George
PARTING WORDS
PARTING WORDS CLOSING CHORUS
Fear Not
Williams
Dr. George
CLOSING CHORUS
Fear Not
Fear not: for I have good news for you! Fear not: for now your Lord is near! He’ll be everything you need and more. Won’t you come to Him now and adore? ORGAN POSTLUDE
Song of Gratitude
Williams
Fear not: for I have good news for you! Fear not: for now your Lord is near! He’ll be everything you need and more. Won’t you come to Him now and adore? Broughton
ORGAN POSTLUDE
Song of Gratitude
Broughton
Altar flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Carolyn Ragan by her family.
Altar flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Carolyn Ragan by her family.
Next Sunday, December 5, 2021 • ADVENT 2
Next Sunday, December 5, 2021 • ADVENT 2
Mary
Mary
Do not be afraid. You have found favor with God.
Do not be afraid. You have found favor with God
Choral Music
E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come
Manz
Peace be to you and grace from Him Who freed us from our sins, Who loved us all and shed his blood that we might saved be. Sing holy, holy to our Lord, the Lord, Almighty God, Who was and is and is to come; sing holy Lord! Rejoice in heaven, all ye that dwell therein; rejoice on earth, ye saints be low, for Christ is coming soon. For Christ is coming soon! E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come, and night shall be no more; they need no light nor lamp nor sun, for Christ will be their All! Invocation
Rev. McNiel
Hymn 79
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Lighting the Candle of Hope
VENI EMMANUEL
Kim and David Siegenthaler
Prepare the way of the Lord. We light this candle in hope, the hope of our coming Savior, Jesus. Prepare, then, the way of the Lord. Candle Chorus
Edwards
Hope, peace, joy and love! These are gifts you bring from above. Jesus, Emmanuel, come to be light of Your hope, reflected in me. Vocal Solo
Advent Hymn
Nockels
Larry Decuir, soloist
Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the Everlasting Light, Son of Righteousness arise, and triumph o'er these shades of night. Come Thou long awaited one in the fullness of Your love, and loose this heart bound up by shame, and I will never be the same. So here I wait in hope of You, my soul's longing through and through. Dayspring from on high be near. Daystar in my heart appear. Dark and cheerless is the morn until Your love in me is born. Joyless is the evening sun until Emmanuel has come.
The Worship of God The First Sunday of Advent • November 28, 2021 • 11:00 AM
HOPE Greeting to Worshipers
Dr. Chris George Senior Pastor
Organ Prelude
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
arr. Bish
Judy Parker. Associate Organist
Opening Litany
Rev. Bart McNiel Associate Pastor
The Lord be with you. And also with you. What will set us journeying in search of the Christ this Advent? How far are we prepared to go out of our way to look for the signs of His coming, and to prepare a path? Let us Hope How will we travel through this season? Will we be burdened by responsibilities and tasks, loaded with others’ expectations, overwhelmed by their needs? Will we be full of joy or weary of grief? Let us long for peace. What will guide our steps in these weeks? Will we follow a thread of longing, the hint of an alternative pathway, the words and music of the gathered community? Let us celebrate with joy. Sisters and brothers in Christ, Advent awaits us. Let us place our feet on the road and begin the journey. May we find in familiar words, rituals and customs the birth of the new thing that awaits us. Let us live together in love. May the God of hope, peace, joy and love guide our lives through this season of waiting. Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come.