December 10, 2017

Prelude Words of Welcome and Announcements

Peace is a Ribbon Voices United 7 (When God Is a Child) Words: Brian Wren 1985 Music: Joan Collier Fogg 1987 Words and music ©1989 Hope Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Used with permission under One License.net #A605530

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth. Verse 2 slide 2/3

strong, and none shall be afraid. When God is a child there's joy in our song. The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid. Refrain slide 3/3

Advent Light

One: We light our second candle of our advent wreath as a sign of peace in the world and in our lives. We know true peace and comfort for the people of God will come when we all love as God has called us to do.  

All: In our worries, may this candle of peace remind us that we are the source of peace in God’s world.  

The Second Advent Candle is Lit

One: Let us pray: O God of peace; We are a people who are anxious at the news of a troubled world. Comfort, comfort us with your living presence that we might carry this light of peace into the world. Amen 

Voices United 18 There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Words: James Lewis Milligan 1925 Music: Henry Hugh Bancroft 1938 Words are in public domain. Music © 1938 Henry Hugh Bancroft. All rights reserved. Background image by www.vladstudio.com. Used with permission.

in the wilderness crying, a call from the ways untrod: There's a voice in the wilderness crying, a call from the ways untrod: prepare in the desert a highway, a highway for our God! Verse 1.1 Slide 2/9

The valleys shall be exalted, the lofty hills brought low; make straight all the crooked places where God, our God, may go! Verse 1.2 Slide 3/9

good tidings, get thee up to the heights and sing! O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up to the heights and sing! Proclaim to a desolate people the coming of their King. Verse 2.1 Slide 4/9

Like the flowers of the field they perish, like grass our works decay; the power and pomp of nations shall pass, like a dream, away. Verse 2.2 Slide 5/9

But the word of our God endureth, whose arm is ever strong; God stands in the midst of nations, and soon will right the wrong. Verse 3.1 Slide 6/9

God shall feed the flock like a shepherd, the lambs so gently hold; to pastures of peace will lead them, and bring them safe to fold. Verse 3.2 Slide 7/9

There's a voice in the wilderness crying, a call from the ways untrod: prepare in the desert a highway, a highway for our God! Verse 4.1 Slide 8/9

The valleys shall be exalted, the lofty hills brought low; make straight all the crooked places where God, our God, may go! Verse 4.2 Slide 9/9 Last

The Prophet’s Words of Comfort Isaiah 40:1-11 Drama The Prophet’s Words of Comfort Isaiah 40:1-11

More Voices 81 Love us into Fullness Words and Music: Daniel Charles Damon Words copyright © 2002 and music copyright © 2006 Hope Publishing company Used with permission – One License.net license #A605530

touch us with your grace; Jesus in your mercy, draw us to your face. Love us into fullness, touch us with your grace; Jesus in your mercy, draw us to your face. Verse 1 Slide 2/2

Passing the Peace The Peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you.  

We Listen to the Word Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1-8

One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. All: Thanks be to God.

Anthem: “Advent Hymn” Words- Don Besig & Nancy Price Arr. by Ron Schaufert

Sermon: “Finding Comfort”

Comfort, Comfort Isaiah 40 Voices United 883 Comfort, Comfort Isaiah 40 Words Johannes G. Olearius1671 & Catherine Winkworth Music Louis Bourgeois 1551. Used under the One License.net license #A605530

Comfort, comfort now my people; speak of peace; so, says our God. Comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning under sorrow’s load. Verse 1.1 Slide 2/7

Cry out to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them; Tell them that their sins I cover and their warfare now is over.  Verse 1.2 Slide 3/7

For the herald’s voice is crying in the desert far and near, Calling all to true repentance, since God’s judgement now is here. Verse 2.1 Slide 3/7

Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way! Let the valleys rise in meeting and the hills bow down in greeting. Verse 2.2 Slide 5/7

Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits a holy reign. Then make straight what long was crooked; make the rougher places plain. Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits a holy reign. Verse 3.1 Slide 6/7

now on earth is shed abroad, For the glory of our God now on earth is shed abroad, And all flesh shall see the token that God’s word is never broken. Verse 3.2 Slide 7/7 Last

Gathering of Our Prayers:

Words & Music Copyright Les Presses de Taize VU 948 O God Hear My Prayer Words & Music Copyright Les Presses de Taize

O God, hear my prayer when I call answer me. O God, hear my prayer; come and listen to me (Repeat) Slide 2/2

Prayers of the People

(Sing VU 960) The Lord’s Prayer Music: David Haas 1986 Music © 1986 G (Sing VU 960) The Lord’s Prayer Music: David Haas 1986 Music © 1986 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.

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 them that trespass against us. Slide 2/3

And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen Slide 3/3 Last

Our Offering and Response Offertory/Doxology

More Voices 194 Bread of Life, Feed My Soul Words and music:  Stephen Spencer, 2005; arr. Rick Gunn 2005 Words and music © 2005 by Stephen Spencer. Arrangement © 2005 Rick Gunn. All rights reserved. Used under One License.net #A605530 Background image Bread and Wine by “khrawlings” – www.flickr.com, used under CC-a license.

Bread of life, feed my soul, as the presence of the Spirit makes me whole. Bread of life, fill my heart with the grace and mercy you impart. Slide 2/6

I have heard your voice calling, “Come, my friend, and share in the feast that is laid out for you to show how much I care.” Slide 3/6

Bread of life, help me live a life as pure and true as Jesus did. Bread of life, help me see the boundless love of Christ for you and me. Slide 4/6

I have heard your voice calling, “Come, my friend, and share in the feast that is laid out for you to show how much I care.” Slide 5/6

Bread of life, feed my soul, as the presence of the Spirit makes me whole. Bread of life, fill my heart with the grace and mercy you impart. Slide 6/6 Last

Glory to God in the highest! And on Earth, peace to all! Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God. Let us give thanks to God. It is good to give thanks and praise.

We give you thanks, God of peace and promise We give you thanks, God of peace and promise. Through the words of your prophets and the faith of your followers you prepare the way of our redemption and bring hope to birth.

And though we often grow weary of waiting, your signs call us to keep watch for that day when all things shall be made new. In assurance of this hope, we join with all the company of heaven and earth to give you praise:

More Voices 36 Glory to God (Gloria a Dios) Words: traditional liturgical text Music: traditional melody, Peru; arr. More Voices, 2007 Arrangement © 2007 The United Church of Canada. All rights reserved. Words are in public domain. Background image © FaithClipart.com. Used with permission.

Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! X2 (1st time one, 2nd time all) Slide 2/7

To God be glory forever! x2 (1st time one, 2nd time all) Slide 3/7

One: Alleluia, amen! All: (4x) Slide 4/7

Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! X2 (1st time one, 2nd time all) Slide 5/7

To God be glory forever! X2 (1st time one, 2nd time all) Slide 6/7

One: Alleluia, amen! All: (4x) Slide 7/7 Last

Let us remember together that vision of God’s reign shown to us in Jesus at table: he shared food with followers and friends, with saints and sinners, with crowds of thousands on the hillside, and a few friends in an upper room, He invites us to the table today.

On the night before he died, he had supper with his companions. He took a loaf of bread, and after giving thanks, he broke it, and gave it to them, saying: “Take, eat. Do this in remembrance of me.”   Then, he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he passed it among them, saying: “Drink this. Do this in remembrance of me.” All: Through this loaf and cup, Jesus lives within us. In word and deed, Jesus lives among us.

Then, he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he passed it among them, saying: “Drink this. Do this in remembrance of me.” All: Through this loaf and cup, Jesus lives within us. In word and deed, Jesus lives among us.

With thanksgiving we take this bread and this cup and proclaim Jesus’ death and resurrection. We remember him and ask that you pour out your Holy Spirit upon us that this meal will be our communion in the Body of Christ. Make us one with Christ and with all who share this feast.

Unite us in faith, encourage us with hope, inspire us to love, that we may serve as your faithful disciples until we feast at your table in glory. All: We praise you, eternal God, through Christ your Word made flesh, and in the power of your life-giving Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Bread to sustain you as you wait for the coming of the Christ child. Thanks be to God. The Cup of the New Covenant to remind you of the promises made and kept in the Bethlehem birth.

Prayer After Communion All: Life Giving God, For the bread we have eaten, for the wine we have tasted we give you thanks. Now may your Spirit dwell in our hearts as we rise from this place filled and healed by the generosity of your loving presence. Amen

More Voices 154 Deep in Our Hearts Words: John Oldham, 1995 Music: Ron Klusmeier, 1996 © 1996 by www.musiklus.com All rights reserved. Used under One License.net #A605530 Background image © FaithClipart.com. Used with permission.

Deep in our hearts there is a common vision; deep in our hearts there is a common song; is a common story telling Creation that we are one. Slide 2/5

Deep in our hearts there is a common purpose; deep in our hearts there is a common goal; is a sacred message, justice and peace in harmony. Slide 3/5

Deep in our hearts there is a common longing; deep in our hearts there is a common theme; is a common current; flowing to freedom like a stream. Slide 4/5

Deep in our hearts there is a common vision; deep in our hearts there is a common song; is a common story telling Creation that we are one. Slide 5/5 Last

Commissioning, and Benediction

More Voices 36 Glory to God (Gloria a Dios) Words: traditional liturgical text Music: traditional melody, Peru; arr. More Voices, 2007 Arrangement © 2007 The United Church of Canada. All rights reserved. Words are in public domain. Background image © FaithClipart.com. Used with permission.

Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! X2 (1st time one, 2nd time all) Slide 2/7

To God be glory forever! x2 (1st time one, 2nd time all) Slide 3/7

One: Alleluia, amen! All: (4x) Slide 4/7

Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! X2 (1st time one, 2nd time all) Slide 5/7

To God be glory forever! X2 (1st time one, 2nd time all) Slide 6/7

One: Alleluia, amen! All: (4x) Slide 7/7 Last

Please join us in the room next door Postlude Please join us in the room next door for coffee, tea and fellowship.