DECEMBER 11, 2011 SERVICE

Enter to Worship, Depart to Serve

We invite you to sign the worship registry at the end of each row and pass it on to others in your pew, then pass the book back. 

Our Mission:  "To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."

WORDS OF WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS

ORGAN PRELUDE

+CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader:   The advent of Christ brings the love of God’s presence in our midst!

People: We sing praises to God for the salvation Christ brings to us!

Leader:   Because of Christ, the weak are strengthened, the fearful are encouraged, and the unrighteous are redeemed!

People: Joy and gladness are ours, because God has come to us in Christ to walk with us in the paths of righteousness!

All:        Loving God, as we continue our preparations for Christmas, may our celebrations renew our faith and fill us with love and thanks.

+OPENING HYMN                    “People, Look East”                        #202

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES – Joel, Barb, and Bailey Johnson

Leader:      We light this candle for God's steadfast love and faithfulness

People:        May the Lord's love shine in our hearts.

Leader:      In John's Gospel it is written, "God so loved the world that he gave" his Son to mankind. Love is an im­portant word of Christmastide; may it be meaningful to all of us.

Light two purple candles and the pink candle, or three purple candles.)

(All Sing)

Light the Advent candle, three:  Think of heavenly harmony; angels singing “Peace on earth” at the blessed Savior’s birth. 

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

Leader:      Let us pray. God in heaven may we your family who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of your love and celebrate his birth with a new sense of love for each other.

All:        Amen.

HYMN                         “What Wondrous Love Is This”                        #292

Time with Young Disciples

SPECIAL MUSIC BY CHRIS OVERGAARD

SCRIPTURES Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

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          “Love Came Down at Christmas”                  #242

+ SENDING FORTH WITH BLESSING

+ POSTLUDE

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