Order of Worship 12-10-23
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
second Sunday of Advent
Christmas cantata
December, 10th, Ten Thirty in the morning
Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart and Rev. Susan Lassalle
Liturgists: Sharon Fortin and Louise Ochart
Boldface indicates congregational participation.
Please stand, in body or spirit
THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN
PRELUDE: Selections from A Christmas Light arr. Patrick Liebergen
PROCESSIONAL HYMN [GTG#95]: “Prepare the Way of the Lord”
Prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord,
And all people will see the salvation of our God.
WORDS OF WELCOME
EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE adapted from Isa 11:6, 9
1st Person: Prepare the way of the Lord, for the time is near.
ALL: We Will Obey God’s Command, that we may live in harmony with one another.
2nd Person: one day the wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the young goat, the calf and the lion will be together, and a little child will lead them. They will not harm or destroy each other, for the earth will be full of knowledge of the Lord.
[Light the Candles]
RESPONSIVE HYMN [GTG#88]: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
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.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Holy Lord, a voice has been heard in the wilderness preparing the way for
your son to arrive in this world. Prepare our hearts to receive your son and help
us to prepare for his coming. Amen.
*HYMN OF THE MONTH [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
His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,
Father forever, Prince of Peace (Repeat)
- 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!
His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,
Father forever, Prince of Peace (Repeat)
REPENTANCE
CALL TO CONFESSION
SILENT CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God with us, you are coming into the world to bring all people together in peace. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. We live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit and abuse both neighbor and nature, 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. Amen.
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,
world without end, Amen, Amen.
THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE LESSON Isaiah 40:1-11
Comfort, O comfort my people,
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that she has served her term,
that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
A voice cries out:
‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’
A voice says, ‘Cry out!’
And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’
All people are grass,
their constancy is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades;
but the word of our God will stand for ever.
Get you up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah,
‘Here is your God!’
See, the Lord God comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.
ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.
MANY: Thanks be to God
MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN
CANTATA: THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT
edited and arranged by Patrick M. Liebergen
Conductor: Renna Shows Pianist: Kelly Cuppett
Choir: Bill Bottomley, Hazel Clinard, Lila Crotty, Pat Ellzey, Will Ellzey, Cheryl Emery, Alice Hull, Briana Mayfield, Cameron Mayfield, Aaron Ochart, Ron Palmisano, Karla Russo, Lindsay Shin, Betty Wan, Theo Wan, Dee Watkins.
Narrators: Sharon Fortin, Susan Lassalle, Louise Ochart
THE WORD MADE FLESH
*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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]
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
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 [Blue #12] [GTG#105] “People, Look East”
- People, look east. The time is near Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able, Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today: Love, the guest, is on the way.
- Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare, One more seed is planted there:
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
That in course the flower may flourish.
People, look east and sing today: Love, the rose, is on the way.
- Birds, though you long have ceased to build,
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen God for fledging time has chosen.
People, look east and sing today: Love, the bird, is on the way.
- Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather, Bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today: Love, the star, is on the way.
- Angels, announce with shouts of mirth Christ who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming With the word, the Lord is coming.
People, look east and sing today: Love, the Lord, is on the way.
PARTING PRAYER
Almighty God, you have made us and all things to serve you. Now prepare the world for your rule. Come quickly to save us, so that wars and violence shall end, and your children may live in peace, honoring one another with justice and love; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
RESPONSE [GTG 90] “Wait for the Lord”
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; take heart!
POSTLUDE: Selections from A Christmas Light arr. Patrick Liebergen
Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service.
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.
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STAFF |
Church Office 504.888.1375
Playschool Office 504.888.1378
The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff
Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader
Sam Garnett – Music Director Kelly Cuppett – Assistant Music Director
Lauren Crisler – Playschool Director Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.
For more information, visit our website at www.JohnCalvinChurch.org
or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on
Order of worship 12-3-23
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
First Sunday of Advent
December, 3rd, Ten Thirty in the morning
Minister: Reverend Aaron Ochart
Liturgist: Amy Cardinale
Boldface indicates congregational participation.
Please stand, in body or spirit
THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN
PRELUDE: Gymnopede No. 1 by Satie, Garret Evans.
INTROIT: Call to Advent
PROCESSIONAL HYMN[BLUE#2] [GTG#82]: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
- Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
- Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.
WORDS OF WELCOME
EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE adapted from Isa 59:9& Ps. 80:18-19
1st PERSON: O Lord of light, Come to save us.
2nd PERSON: We wait for your light, but all is in darkness;
We wait for brightness, but we walk in gloom.
ALL: Give us life, and we will call on your name
Restore us, o Lord God of hosts.
Let your face shine that we may be saved.
[Light the Candle]
RESPONSIVE HYMN[BLUE#9] [GTG#88]: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God of the promised Messiah, as we wait for the fulfillment of your promise,
we watch, we listen, and we open our hearts for your Word. Show us signs of
your presence: a light in the darkness, a voice in the silence, and a stirring deep
within us. Amen.
*HYMN OF THE MONTH [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
His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,
Father forever, Prince of Peace
- The yoke of despair and bondage, the chains of the slave masters’s rod
are shattered and scattered like dust in a windstorm, loosed by the justice of God.
His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,
Father forever, Prince of Peace
- 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!
His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,
Father forever, Prince of Peace
MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN
RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#349): Sleepers Wake, A Voice Astounds us” v. 1
1 “Sleepers, wake!” A voice astounds us; the shout of rampart guards surrounds us:
“Awake, Jerusalem, arise!” Midnight’s peace their cry has broken,
their urgent summons clearly spoken: “The time has come, O maidens wise!
Rise up, and give us light; the Bridegroom is in sight. Alleluia!
Your lamps prepare and hasten there, that you the wedding feast may share.”
REPENTANCE
CALL TO CONFESSION
SILENT CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God with us, you are coming into the world to bring all people together in peace. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. We live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit and abuse both neighbor and nature, 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. Amen
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,
world without end, Amen, Amen.
THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE LESSON Jeremiah 33:14-25
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
For thus says the Lord: David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel, and the levitical priests shall never lack a man in my presence to offer burnt offerings, to make grain offerings, and to make sacrifices for all time. The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: Thus says the Lord: If any of you could break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night would not come at their appointed time, only then could my covenant with my servant David be broken, so that he would not have a son to reign on his throne, and my covenant with my ministers the Levites. Just as the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be measured, so I will increase the offspring of my servant David, and the Levites who minister to me. The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: Have you not observed how these people say, “The two families that the Lord chose have been rejected by him,” and how they hold my people in such contempt that they no longer regard them as a nation? Thus says the Lord: Only if I had not established my covenant with day and night and the ordinances of heaven and earth, would I reject the offspring of Jacob and of my servant David and not choose any of his descendants as rulers over the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will restore their fortunes, and will have mercy upon them.
ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.
MANY: Thanks be to God
SERMON “Hope in the Darkness” Reverend Aaron Ochart
THE WORD MADE FLESH
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Scots Confession
We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to whom alone we must cleave, whom alone we must serve, whom only we must worship, and in whom alone we put our trust. Who is eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible; one in substance and yet distinct in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. By whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by [God’s] inscrutable providence for such end as [God’s] eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of [God’s] own glory.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach
*DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]
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.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
ONE: The Lord be with you.
MANY: And also with you.
ONE: Lift up your hearts.
MANY: We lift them to the Lord.
ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
ONE: …Therefore with all creation, we sing your praise:
MANY: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
ONE: … Great is the mystery of faith:
MANY: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again…
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
ONE: … The gifts of God for the people of God.
MANY: Thanks be to God.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
*HYMN [Blue #13] [GTG#106] Prepare the Way O Zion (106)
1 Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley a level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story.
Refrain: O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.
2 He brings God’s rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding. [Refrain]
3 Fling wide your gates, O Zion; your Savior’s rule embrace,
and tidings of salvation proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing, their adoration voicing. [Refrain]
*PARTING PRAYER
Almighty God, you have made us and all things to serve you. Now prepare the world for your rule. Come quickly to save us, so that wars and violence shall end, and your children may live in peace, honoring one another with justice and love; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*RESPONSE [GTG 90] “Wait for the Lord”
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; take heart!
POSTLUDE Verso in E Minor by Domenico Zipoli
Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart CE Leader; and Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service.
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.