Order of Worship; November, 28, 2021- First Sunday pf Advent

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

First Sunday of Advent

November 28, 2021      Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart                            Liturgist: Dennis McCrea

Bold face indicates congregational participation.         🔔 indicates to stand in body or in spirit

 

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent” Henry Colemen

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Lighting the Advent Candles)

Candle Lighters: What is worship? 

Choir, Lay Leader and Minister: Is it something we do once a week? 

Children and youth: Is it about us or about God? 

(Light the candle) 

(video) Luke 2:16-20 The shepherds went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they  saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at  what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully.  The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. 

Women and girls: We worship the Creator, the Messiah, the wind of the Spirit, the newborn King. 

Men and boys: We worship with all that we are and all that we have, our hearts, our minds, our souls  and our strength. 

Congregation: Worship is here, and we worship everywhere, bringing to others the good news of the  Prince of Peace. 

Let us pray: Creator of all, as we begin this holy season, filled with the hope of the coming of the Messiah, quiet our  hearts and minds that we may worship you fully, love you more dearly and see you more clearly. Amen.🔔 HYMN: My Soul Cries Out With a Joyful Shout”  STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN

  1. My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great,

and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.

You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn, 

so from east and west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain: My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.

  1. Though I am small, my God my all, you work great things in me, 

and your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.

Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,

you will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

  1. From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;

there are tables spread; every mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

  1. Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:

God’s mercy will deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.

This saving word that our forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound, 

till the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around. (Refrain)

THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE: “ The Waiting Place”

ANTHEM: “Long ago, Prophets Knew” Arranged by Lloyd Larson

Long ago, prophets knew Christ would come, born a Jew, come to make all things new,

bear his people’s burden, freely love and pardon. 

God in time, God in man, this is God’s timeless plan: He will come, as a man, 

born himself of woman, God divinely human.

Ring bells ring! Sing choir sing! When he comes, who will make him welcome?

Mary hail! though afraid, she believed, and she obeyed. In her womb, God is laid 

till the time expected, nurtured and protected. 

Journey ends! Where afar, Bethl’hem shines, like a star, stable door stands ajar 

unborn Son of Mary, Savior do not tarry!

READING: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 (p. 731)

HOMILY: “Wait” the Rev. Aaron Ochart

INVITATION TO CELEBRATE A GOOD ADVENT

One: Advent means waiting. As God’s people waited for deliverance, as they waited through exiles and occupations for the coming of David’s Son; so we wait for Christ to come afresh in our lives, and God’s Kingdom to be revealed. 

Many: Come thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free.

THE SANCTUARY EVERGREENS/ WREATHS

ONE: How Shall we make this place a reminder of our need for repentance, and that faithfulness and integrity comes from God our maker and redeemer?

MANY: Let us hang garlands and wreaths as Hosea speaks the word of God. 

READING: Hosea 14:8-9

O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; your faithfulness comes from me. Those who are wise understand these things; those who are discerning know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

One: God, the Holy one of Israel, is a God of comfort and compassion. With the Christmas tree we remember God’s everlasting promises to the poor and needy. Isaiah spoke of God’s making of the wilderness a place of blessing where water and plants, even pine trees, would manifest God’s loving action to save and provide. 

MANY: God’s Love is everlasting, Christ is everliving.  

READING: Isaiah 41:17-20

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, so that all may see and know, all may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.

HANGING CHRISMONS AND OTHER SYMBOLS OF FAITH

One: Here in this place we prepare for the coming of the Lord. Here we will remember his Advent, his birth in Bethlehem, weak and helpless as an infant. And here we rekindle our prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus” as we await his coming as the bright and morning star. 

Many: Hang symbols and signs of Christ: ruler, prophet, priest. Hang stars, crosses, triangles, the ‘alpha’ and the ‘omega’ to remind us of his identity, his story, and of the holy Trinity. 

READING: Revelation 22:12-21

‘See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.’ Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. ‘It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’

The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’

And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’

And let everyone who is thirsty come.

Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift…

The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’

People: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.               

EXPLANATION OF OTHER SYMBOLS

 RESPONSE 

🔔 AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

🔔DOXOLOGY     Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE and THE 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; and 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, forever.  Amen

🔔Hymn 9: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” VENI EMMANUEL

  1. O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lowly exile here until the Son of God appear. 

Refrain: Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. 

  1. O come, O come, thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai’s hight 

in ancient times didst give the law in cloud and majesty and awe. (Refrain)

  1. O Come, thou root of Jesse, free thine own from Satan’s tyranny; 

from depths of hell thy people save and give them victory over the grave. (Refrain)

  1. O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here;

disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. (Refrain)

  1. O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind; 

bid envy, pride, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. (refrain) 

🔔PARTING PRAYER: Prayer of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32)

Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Garnett                 



Order of Worship 11_14_21

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

25th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

November 14, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Lynn Sens

Please silence all cell phones. 

Face masks are to be worn by all participants unless leading worship.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME           

PRELUDE     Chaconne in F Minor by Pachelbel

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                    Isa. 12:2         

ONE: Surely God is our salvation;

MANY: Trust in the Lord and do not be afraid.                                                       

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of all people, Show us how to let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an every-flowing stream. Create justice and righteousness in us, that all may rejoice in your blessings. Amen.

HYMN                              “Together We Serve”

  1. Together we serve, united by love,

inviting God’s World to the glorious feast.

We work and we pray through sorrow and joy,

extending God’s love to the last and the least.  

  1. We seek to become a beacon of hope,

a lamp for the heart and a light for the feet.

We learn, year by year, to let love shine through

until we see Christ in each person we meet. 

  1. We welcome the scarred, the wealthy, the poor,

the busy, the lonely, and all who need care.

We offer a home to those who will come,

our hands quick to help, our hearts ready to dare.

  1. We gather, by grace, we witness and work,

remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong.

Together we serve in Spirit and truth,

 Remembering love is the strength of our song. 

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love. We have not loved our neighbors, and we have refused to hear the cry of the needy.

Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI 579 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                          John 7:10-18, 37-44                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN    

ANTHEM                             Author of Justice                      Jordan/Larson

Author of justice, on time’s endless page, 

Your theme is justice in race, creed and age;                                                                                  Justice for women, for children, for men.  

Stewards of justice, we pledge our “Amen.”                                                                                        Where there is someone unfairly accused, 

where there is strength and in power abused,                                                                                   Where prejudice lives, and dignity dies, 

lead us to action courageous and wise.                                                                                                 Let it be written we sang freedom’s song, 

challenging rights that are morally wrong.                                                                                      From rage and chaos, to hope and control, 

Author of justice, heal our wounds, make us whole.                                                                             Friends of the helpless, of victims in need, 

foes of intolerance, hatred and greed;                                                                                             May we move mountains, as faith lights our way.  

Brighter tomorrows are born of today.                                                                                           Author of justice, your message impart, 

till loving kindness redeems ev’ry heart;                                                                                                     And earth embraces her new destiny,

 justice for everyone with true equity.  Amen.

 

        

SECOND LESSON                                         Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24

The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of King Uzziah of Judah and in the days of King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel, two years before the earthquake. And he said: The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds wither, and the top of Carmel dries up.

Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good,

and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals. I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

      

SERMON                         “Empty Devotion”               Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                   Brief Statement of Faith: Lines 1-8, 20-26, 27-27-41, 52-57, 77-80

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God.   

Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal. 

We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments. we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation.

We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church.

 With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY      “God of Wonders” arr. Carol Tornquist             

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE 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, and 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, forever. Amen.

HYMN 434          “Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples”

  1. Today we are all called to be Disciples of the Lord,

To help to set the captives free, Make plow-share out of sword,

To feed the hungry, quench their thirst, Make love and peace our fast,

To serve the poor and homeless first, Our ease and comfort last.

  1. God made the world and at its birth Ordained our human race

To live as stewards of the earth, Responding to God’s grace.

But we are vain and sadly proud, We sow not peace but strife,

Our discord spreads a deadly cloud That threatens all of life.

  1. Pray justice may come rolling down As in a mighty stream,

With righteousness in field and town To cleanse us and redeem.

For God is longing to restore An earth where conflicts cease,

A world that was created for A harmony of peace.

  1. May we in service to our God Act out the living word,

And walk the road the saints have trod Till all have seen and heard.

As stewards of the earth may we Give thanks in one accord

To God who calls us all to be Disciples of the Lord.

PARTING PRAYER               Thomas Merton

Almighty God, we thank you for all the gifts You have given us: our lives, our loved ones, all that we have and all that we are. Most of all, we thank You for Jesus, your Son and our Redeemer, who came among us to show us the way to eternal life. Jesus was the perfect steward of your gifts, showing that complete trust in You is necessary, and that giving of self is a most important part of following Him. May the offerings of our time, our talents, and our material resources be made in the same spirit of sacrifice that Jesus taught us by His life and death for us.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE     Toccata in C                        




ANNOUNCEMENTS