December 20, 2015
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Prelude on Greensleeves Searle Wright
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #114 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Mary, Woman of the Promise
Lighting of the Advent Candle of Love –
Kristine Graham
The people who walked in darkness have seen a
great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them
light has shined.
The lights that we have kindled each week light the
way to the coming Christ.
The candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy glow
brilliantly.
Today, we light the candle of Love.
The coming Lord is forever faithful.
The never-ending affection and tenderness the
Christ has for us is a gift that is unequalled.
Praising the God who cares so deeply for all
creation, we light this candle. Together, we will
demonstrate and share the love of Christ.
Call to Worship
One: Before the majesty of God, we gather to
worship; in quiet expectation, we come to hear
God’s promises.
All: This is where we belong; here we feel
welcomed. Surely God will feed our deepest
hunger.
One: Before God’s strength and power, we bow
down; in hesitant anticipation, we listen for God’s
judgment.
All: This is our home, where our lives are
redirected. Surely God will show us new ways
to live.
One: Before the mercy of God, we lift our hearts; in
humble imagination, we welcome a new visitation.
All: This day God is present with us; we feel it.
Surely God is preparing for us a time of joy.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Let your face shine on us, mighty God. Break
through the obstacles that keep us from seeing
your way. Melt down the barriers that keep us from
knowing the embrace of your love. Remove from us
the low self-esteem that keeps us from valuing the
overwhelming gift of life that you entrust to us.
Speak to us here in life-changing words. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
In this last week before Christmas,
The busyness and the anxieties of this holiday
season may overwhelm us, and keep us from
feeling the wonder of these days.
We pray to re-order our lives in the reality of Jesus
Christ: the Love, Compassion and Justice of God
who is breaking into our world.
Restore us, O God; let your face shine upon us.
Change our lives with your justice.
Heal our lives with your compassion.
Delight our lives with your love.
Reveal to us your Promised One,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
We will never turn back from you; give us life, and
we will call on your name.
Hear now our silent confessions as we seek your
mercy, forgiveness and grace.
Moment of silent prayer
Assurance of God’s Love
Gloria Patri: 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.
Responsive Reading – Psalm 149:1-6
(Page 717 OT in the pew bible)
Hebrew Scripture Reading – Isaiah 43:1-21
(Page 822 OT in the pew bible)
Children’s Message and Lord’s Prayer
(Children will leave for Sunday School and Youth
Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #103 Come, Thou long Expected Jesus
(Sung to the tune: HYFRYDOL)
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Christmas Moon
Hyun Kook
*Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings
flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise
God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Gospel Reading – Luke 1:39-55
(Page 69 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “My Spirit Rejoices in God”
Reverend Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer
Response: Mary, Song of Holy Wisdom
*Hymn: #134 O Little Town of Bethlehem
Benediction
Choral Response: Mary, Morning Star of Justice
Postlude: Cold December Flies Away Wilbur Held
(* Please stand if able.)
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and
fellowship following worship.
Our hosts today are Sue Bucceri & Sarah Zarbock.
Our ushers today are Rebecca & Bob Palmer.
Our Lay Reader today is Karin Noyes.
Prayer List
Marilyn Ritchie, Al Sly, Rosie Bell, Nancy Tuckerman,
Barbara Jacquette, Mary Wadsworth, Gloria Buckley,
Petie Robinson, Sue Bucceri, Bruce McEver, Jim
Aitchison, Jeri Johnson, Nancy Smith, Dick Dwelley,
Louise “Weezie” Hannegan.
Calendar For the Week
Today
11:15 am Christmas Caroling
4:00 pm Chorus Angelicus Concert
Tuesday
5:15 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday
Christmas Eve
5:30 pm Bell Choir Prelude
6:00 pm Christmas Eve Worship
Service
Pastor Diane will be on Sabbatical Leave from
December 28-January 28. We welcome Reverend
Eileen Epperson as our Pastoral Leader during this
time. Rev. Eileen will be leading worship for the
month and can be reached at the church office
number; her office hours will be Tuesday and
Thursday, 9-3, or by appointment.
OPPORTUNITIES
WINTER CLOTHING NEEDED
The Board of Christian Action is again collecting
winter clothing for Bridgeport. Please bring your
gently used or new coats, jackets, sweaters, hats,
and gloves to the Parish Hall and place in the
yellow chest in the hallway. They will be greatly
appreciated by those in need this winter!
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR COFFEE HOUR & FLOWERS
Please consider hosting coffee hour or providing
flowers for Worship. Sign up sheets are in the
Parish Hall. Thank you!