when the stars begin to fall, when the stars begin to fall.

1 You will hear the trumpet sound to wake the nations underground,

looking to my God’s right hand, when the stars begin to fall. [Refrain]

2 You will hear the sinner cry, to wake the nations underground,

looking to my God’s right hand, when the stars begin to fall. [Refrain]

3 You will hear the Christian shout, to wake the nations underground,

WORDS OF WELCOME

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

Call to Worship Isaiah 60:2

ONE: For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness, the peoples;

MANY: but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE 

1st PERSON: Introduction of the Advent Day 

2nd PERSON: Lighting of the Candle

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

HYMN  [GTG#86]      The People Who Walked in Darkness

The people who walked in darkness awaken to see a great light.

The people who dwelt in the land of the shadow

rise to a star shining bright.

Chorus:

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,

Father forever, Prince of Peace.

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,

Father forever, Prince of Peace.

For God has enlarged the nation, and prospered the fruit of its land.

God’s people are blest with the harvest of victory,

gift from a bountiful hand. Chorus

The yoke of despair and bondage, the chains of the slave master’s rod

are shattered and scattered like dust in a windstorm,

loosed by the justice of God. Chorus

For us now a child is given, for all the despised and forlorn.

The rule of compassion shall rest on his shoulder.

God’s own Messiah is born! Chorus

How vast is our God’s dominion! How far truth and mercy extend.

The zeal of the Lord will accomplish its purpose:

justice shall reign without end. Chorus

 REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of the future,

you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors, abuse the earth, and refuse your justice and peace.

In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, 

and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                    

*GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#581] 

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, 

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                                        Psalm 25:1-10

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.

Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

2nd SCRIPTURE                                1 Thessalonians 3: 6-13

But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON        “Thanks and Avanti”         CP Ford Dieth 

 THE WORD MADE FLESH   

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             Apostle’s Creed

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN [Blue ] [GTG#88]  O Come, O Come Emmanuel

1 O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

shall come to thee, O Israel.

2 O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily: to us the path of knowledge show; and teach us in her ways to go. [Refrain]

3 O come, O come, thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height in ancient times didst give the law

in cloud and majesty and awe. [Refrain]

4 O come, thou Root of Jesse, free thine own from Satan’s tyranny; from depths of hell thy people save

and give them victory o’er the grave. [Refrain]

5 O come, thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; make safe the way that leads on high,

and close the path to misery. [Refrain]

6 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]

7 O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy, strife, and discord cease;

PARTING PRAYER

Faithful God,

your promises stand unshaken through all generations. Renew us in hope, that we may be awake and alert as we watch for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, our judge and Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [GTG#654] In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful

In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful; in the Lord I will rejoice!

Look to God; do not be afraid.

Lift up your voices, the Lord is near.

Lift up your voices; the Lord is near.

POSTLUDE                      

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.