NOVEMBER 27 SERVICE

Enter to Worship, Depart to Serve

WORDS OF WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS

ORGAN PRELUDE

+CALL TO WORSHIP

        Leader:          You know what time it is,

        People:         how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. 

        Leader:          For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers;

        People:         the night is far gone, the day is near.

        Leader:          Let us then lay aside the works of darkness

        People:         and put on the armor of light. 

                           (Romans 13:11-12)

+OPENING HYMN              “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”              #196

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE – Marion and Susan Friday

ADVENT PRAYER

Leader:  “Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33)

People: We watch and wait in anticipation for the coming of the Christ Child.  We prepare our hearts and
minds for his coming.  We submit our lives to the transforming power of his continued return.   

Leader: The first candle in the Advent wreath represents our watching and anticipation, both this year and in the
years gone by. 

Prayer: Dear God, as we light the first candle in our Advent wreath, we confess our lack of eagerness, our unwillingness to become excited about the true meaning of Christmas.   We pray that you will change our dull selves into authentic, vibrant children of love.  O’ God help us make waiting in anticipation a method that fashions us for your service.  Amen. 

THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE IS LIT

(All Sing)

Light the Advent candle, one:  Now the waiting has begun; we have started on our way, time to think of Christmas Day. 

Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night; candle, candle, burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light. 

Time with Young Disciples

HYMN                    “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”                     #236

SCRIPTURES       Mark 13:24-37

MESSAGE

OFFERING

As forgiven and reconciled people, let us offer ourselves and our gifts to God.  

+DOXOLOGY #95

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

+ CLOSING HYMN             “People, Look East”                                            #202

+ SENDING FORTH WITH BLESSING

+ POSTLUDE

(+) Those who are able are invited to stand.