December 4th, 2022 Worship Services "Be Alert” by Pastor Pat Halverson
December 4, 2022
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Gathering
MUSICAL OFFERING
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated as well as social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards. An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
We will be Hosting the Santa Clause event December 3rd along with the Gateway Community Center.
Also mark your calendars for December 11th for our annual meeting right after church in the sanctuary.
PRAYER REQUESTS Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur Judy Welcher, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx, Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Arlene Pawlik, Angela and Tristan, Bonnie Pillers, Deb Weller and Joyce Chamberlin and family as they mourn the passing of her father.
PRELUDE
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES
L: The season of Advent continues. Four thousand years of waiting for the Messiah, commemorated by the lighting of four candles.
P: We join with a hopeful throng in the lighting of the Advent candles, symbols of our faith and signs of God’s love.
L: We are a people of hope. Last Sunday the frail light of a single candle dared to pierce through the darkness of desolation and sin.
P: Hope lives in us and will abide with us.
L: Today we will light the candle of peace.
P: This light, too, must brave great darkness.
L: In an age when people so seldom find peace within themselves, and when all the earth stands under threat of total annihilation, we light a fire called peace.
P: Peace that is not merely the absence of war and conflict, but peace that is the fullness of blessing for all--that is the peace for which we dare to hope.
L: The Christ comes to bring peace to those who have been separated from God and one another.
P: In the name of that Child born so long ago, we light the candle of peace as we also seek to follow Christ’s teaching lifting up our hope for peace for our world today.
Lighting the candles of Hope and Peace
*GATHERING PRAYER
We come to worship today bearing the Hope of Advent in our hearts. We come seeking Peace not only for our own spirits but for our world that envy, strife, and discord may cease. We come to find the light that still shines in the darkness dispersing our gloomy clouds and dark shadows. As we worship, Emmanuel, may your light and peace fill us to overflowing, that we may offer hope to those around us. Amen.
*HYMN O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #9
(You may be seated.)
CALL TO CONFESSION Philippians 1:9-11
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Let us confess our sins and weaknesses to the Son of God.
Lord Jesus, this is the season when we expect love to overflow as we reach out to help our neighbors, give to charities, bring gifts and goods to our family and friends. But this is also the season when we feel overwhelmed, overtired, overcommitted, and overspent. Help us to truly understand what is MOST important as the scripture says, and to let go of that which is unnecessary or not helpful. Let our character, our actions, and our words speak of your goodness and bring you much praise and glory. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE Philippians 1:6
I’m convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.
Through Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
SONG OF PRAISE Gloria Patri #579
PASSING THE PEACE
(Please greet those around you as we all say these words in unison.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
INTERLUDE
Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
As we come before you, Prince of Peace, may our ears and minds and hearts be open to your Word for us this day.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Malachi 3:1-4, NIV
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.
GOSPEL LESSONS Matthew 3:1-12
3 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.”’
4 Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.11 ‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’
SERMON Be Alert
*HYMN Benedictus #601
(You may be seated.)
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
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.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
OFFERING OUR LIVES
As we move through this Advent season, may we be mindful of those in need around us, that we might be your messengers of hope and help. Amen.
*DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #592
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
L: It is through Christ’s reconciling work that we are the church,
united to God and to other believers.
P: As the church, we are the salt of the earth. We are the light of the world.
L: We are entrusted with the message of reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ.
P: As the church, we are witnesses by both word and deed.
L: We proclaim the new heaven and the new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
P: As the church, we proclaim that God’s life-giving Word and Spirit
has conquered sin and death.
L: God conquers irreconcilation, hatred and bitterness.
P: As the church, God’s life-giving Word and Spirit enable us to live in a new obedience, God opens new possibilities of life for society and the world.
All: We declare ourselves ready to venture out on the road of obedience and reconciliation-- servants of the God who wishes to bring about justice and true peace among people.*
*HYMN Go, Tell It on the Mountain #29
(You may be seated.)
Sending Forth
*CHARGE & BLESSING
POSTLUDE
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.
The Affirmation of Faith was written by Barbara Hedges-Goettl and included in worship resources for the Belhar Confession on the Presbyterian Church USA website under Office of the General Assembly.
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Gathering
MUSICAL OFFERING
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated as well as social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards. An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
We will be Hosting the Santa Clause event December 3rd along with the Gateway Community Center.
Also mark your calendars for December 11th for our annual meeting right after church in the sanctuary.
PRAYER REQUESTS Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur Judy Welcher, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx, Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Arlene Pawlik, Angela and Tristan, Bonnie Pillers, Deb Weller and Joyce Chamberlin and family as they mourn the passing of her father.
PRELUDE
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES
L: The season of Advent continues. Four thousand years of waiting for the Messiah, commemorated by the lighting of four candles.
P: We join with a hopeful throng in the lighting of the Advent candles, symbols of our faith and signs of God’s love.
L: We are a people of hope. Last Sunday the frail light of a single candle dared to pierce through the darkness of desolation and sin.
P: Hope lives in us and will abide with us.
L: Today we will light the candle of peace.
P: This light, too, must brave great darkness.
L: In an age when people so seldom find peace within themselves, and when all the earth stands under threat of total annihilation, we light a fire called peace.
P: Peace that is not merely the absence of war and conflict, but peace that is the fullness of blessing for all--that is the peace for which we dare to hope.
L: The Christ comes to bring peace to those who have been separated from God and one another.
P: In the name of that Child born so long ago, we light the candle of peace as we also seek to follow Christ’s teaching lifting up our hope for peace for our world today.
Lighting the candles of Hope and Peace
*GATHERING PRAYER
We come to worship today bearing the Hope of Advent in our hearts. We come seeking Peace not only for our own spirits but for our world that envy, strife, and discord may cease. We come to find the light that still shines in the darkness dispersing our gloomy clouds and dark shadows. As we worship, Emmanuel, may your light and peace fill us to overflowing, that we may offer hope to those around us. Amen.
*HYMN O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #9
(You may be seated.)
CALL TO CONFESSION Philippians 1:9-11
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Let us confess our sins and weaknesses to the Son of God.
Lord Jesus, this is the season when we expect love to overflow as we reach out to help our neighbors, give to charities, bring gifts and goods to our family and friends. But this is also the season when we feel overwhelmed, overtired, overcommitted, and overspent. Help us to truly understand what is MOST important as the scripture says, and to let go of that which is unnecessary or not helpful. Let our character, our actions, and our words speak of your goodness and bring you much praise and glory. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE Philippians 1:6
I’m convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.
Through Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
SONG OF PRAISE Gloria Patri #579
PASSING THE PEACE
(Please greet those around you as we all say these words in unison.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
INTERLUDE
Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
As we come before you, Prince of Peace, may our ears and minds and hearts be open to your Word for us this day.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Malachi 3:1-4, NIV
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.
GOSPEL LESSONS Matthew 3:1-12
3 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.”’
4 Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.11 ‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’
SERMON Be Alert
*HYMN Benedictus #601
(You may be seated.)
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
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.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
OFFERING OUR LIVES
As we move through this Advent season, may we be mindful of those in need around us, that we might be your messengers of hope and help. Amen.
*DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #592
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
L: It is through Christ’s reconciling work that we are the church,
united to God and to other believers.
P: As the church, we are the salt of the earth. We are the light of the world.
L: We are entrusted with the message of reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ.
P: As the church, we are witnesses by both word and deed.
L: We proclaim the new heaven and the new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
P: As the church, we proclaim that God’s life-giving Word and Spirit
has conquered sin and death.
L: God conquers irreconcilation, hatred and bitterness.
P: As the church, God’s life-giving Word and Spirit enable us to live in a new obedience, God opens new possibilities of life for society and the world.
All: We declare ourselves ready to venture out on the road of obedience and reconciliation-- servants of the God who wishes to bring about justice and true peace among people.*
*HYMN Go, Tell It on the Mountain #29
(You may be seated.)
Sending Forth
*CHARGE & BLESSING
POSTLUDE
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.
The Affirmation of Faith was written by Barbara Hedges-Goettl and included in worship resources for the Belhar Confession on the Presbyterian Church USA website under Office of the General Assembly.
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