1. Be Ready Our theme this week is: GATHER 11/21/2017 8:52 AM
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The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

2. +In the name of the Father…
Peace be with you
AND WITH YOUR SPIRIT
We light our candle to remind us of Christ’s presence with us as we gather…
+In the name of the Father…
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

3. Awake, Awake, for the Lord is coming; Awake, Awake, there’s no time to sleep; Awake, Awake, for the Lord is coming; The King is coming in glory.
All over the world, people are waiting, Waiting for love and the promise of new life
All over the world, people are working, Working for peace and the promise of new life.
HYMN

4. Lord Jesus, you are our provider and our comforter
Lord Jesus, you are our provider and our comforter. For the times we have been too busy thinking about our worries and needs instead of others.
Lord have mercy. LORD HAVE MERCY
Lord Jesus, you show us the plans you have prepared for us. For the times we have forgotten to spend time thinking about you and your plan for us.
Christ have mercy. CHRIST HAVE MERCY
Lord Jesus, you ask us to always be prepared and ready.
For the times we have not been prepared for what you want us to do.

5. Opening Prayer
In this Advent of expectation draw us together in unity, that our praise and worship might echo in these walls and also through our lives. In this Advent of expectation draw us together in mission, that the hope within might be the song we sing, and the melody of our lives. In this Advent of expectation draw us together in service, that the path we follow might lead us from a stable to a glimpse of eternity.
AMEN

6. Jesus who is truly with us in words of the Gospel.
We now stand to welcome
Jesus who is truly with us in words of the Gospel.
LISTEN

7. Listen to the Word of God among us. What will it reveal to us today?
The words of the Gospel should not be displayed for the congregation. Instead include a prompt to encourage the listening to God’s word.
© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

8. Time to reflect on God’s word for us today.
While we are getting ready for Christmas, there is something else that we must be prepared for as well. Jesus promised that he would come again and the Bible tells us that we must be watching and be prepared for his return. We all know when Christmas is coming, but when will Jesus come again? The Bible says that no one knows the hour of his return. Not even the angels who announced his birth know when he will come again.

9. If we don’t know when Jesus is coming, how can we be prepared?
What can we do to make sure we are always ready?
In the run up to Christmas, when people are rushing around, how can we slow down and spend time preparing?

10. As we spend time getting ready and excited for Christmas, let’s make sure we pause and prepare ourselves for Jesus’ return.

11. Closing Prayer
We thank you, Lord God, for the prophets and leaders who looked forward to the coming of Jesus the Saviour. We thank you for those who prepared the way for him, like John the Baptist. We thank you for the angels you sent with the message about Jesus. and we thank you for Mary, who believed the message and was willing to do your will. We thank you most of all for Jesus, who was born to save us.
In this Advent time, when we get ready for Christmas, help us to hear your message, to be excited that you want to be with us, and help us to be part of your plan for this world you care so much about.
We ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
AMEN
‘Father God’ is not a Catholic expression and so should be avoided. Attributes of God (loving God, compassionate God etc ) can be named and might be able to be linked to the theme.

12. THANKS BE TO GOD In the week ahead let’s…
Make sure we put aside time each day to spend with Jesus.
Stay alert and watch what is happening around us so we are always ready.
Prepare ourselves to help others when they need it, just like Jesus would.
The call to action should come after the closing prayer for it is the message with which we are sent out into the world to act for God and therefore is the last thing we should hear in our liturgy.
THANKS BE TO GOD
GOING FORTH

13. Let’s go out in the world, making everyone know about our
merciful God!
Have a wonderful week.