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Online Bulletin | Sunday Worship | December 3, 2023
Welcome & Announcements
Advent Candles
Speaker 1: Fire burns. It hurts. It can destroy. Fire also gives warmth and light. The coming of Christ is both a day of judgment and a day of promise. Two candles, of hope and peace, flickering brightly, help us remember that the coming of Christ has many meanings.
Speaker 2: “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky” (Psalm 85:10-11).
[The first two candles are lit.]
Speaker 3: Light two candles; see them glow
Brightly, so that all may know
How two candles show the way
Making our darkness bright as God’s day.
Speaker 4: Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.
Please pray with me:
ALL: Dear God, we have much to do and we are not sure we will be ready for the day of your coming. In Advent’s light, help us to see what is important: to be who you want us to be, and to do what you would have us do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
from: https://www.faithward.org/advent-candle-lighting-readings/
Opening Song
“Joy To The World,” 246 UMH, vs. 1, 2, 4
Prayer
ALL: Loving God, as we enter this season of goodwill, there is much to confess. In spite of the holiday cheer, our lives are filled with stress and anxiety. Sometimes we even miss the reason for the season. Help us to adjust our Christmas priorities so that we might dream the dream you have planted in us. May we join with you to prepare a world that welcomes the one who brings us peace. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Scripture Reading
Isaiah 9:1-7
Reflection & Prayer – Pastor Laura
Handel’s Messiah
Community Messiah Program
Phill Hatton, Conductor
Opening Hymn: “Joy To The World” with Orchestra, 4 verses
“Overture” Orchestra
“Comfort Ye My People” – Soloist William Kretzer
“Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted” – Soloist William Kretzer
“And The Glory Of The Lord”
“And He Shall Purify”
“Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive” – Soloist Megan Vucasovich
“O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings” – Soloist Abby Müller
“For Behold, Darkness Shall Cover The Earth” – Soloist Nathan Smith
“The People That Walked In The Darkness” – Soloist Nathan Smith
“For Unto Us A Child Is Born”
“I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” Offertory – Solost Elizabeth Stanley
“There Were Shepherds Abiding In The Field” – Soloist Alicia Pope
“And Lo, The Angel Of The Lord Came Upon Them” – Soloist Alicia Pope
“And The Angel Said Unto Them” – Soloist Alicia Pope
“And Suddenly There Was With The Angel” – Soloist Alicia Pope
“Glory To God”
“Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion” Soloist Abby Müller
“Then The Eyes Of The Blind Shall Be Opened” – Soloist Megan Vucasovich
“He Shall Feed His Flock Like A Shepherd” – Soloist Lenore Odekirk
“Hallelujah”
Benediction
Postlude
“Sleigh Ride” Orchestra