Third Sunday of Advent
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND
FUNNY STORY Pastor Bob
CENTERING WORDS (Isaiah 35, Luke 1)
Even in our weakness, Christ arrives with strength and courage. Even in our sorrow, Christmas comes to bring hope and joy. May this promise take root in our souls, as we wait with patience for Christ and Christmas to arrive.
CALL TO WORSHIP
(Isaiah 35, Luke 1, James 5)
responsive reading Sharon Stewart
Rejoice! God’s promises are ever near.
We wait for Christ’s birth with patience.
Rejoice! God’s strength is with us.
We rest in the power of God’s mighty love.
Rejoice! We gather in the joy of our salvation.
In this love, we gather to worship and pray.
GATHERING HYMN
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
UMC Hymnal #224
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Isaiah 35: 1-10 Sharon Stewart
ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING
Pastor Bob & Sharon Stewart
Scripture: Luke 1: 46b-55
Lighting the Third Candle of Advent
The Candle of JOY
Emmanuel, Emanuel UMH #204
Advent Prayer (Unison)
Gather us in, Emmanuel, as we come to worship and rejoice together with joy. Be with us now, as you have always been with us. Prepare our hearts to receive your presence and prepare our lives to produce fruit of your justice and righteousness. Gather us in, Emmanuel, that we might be strengthened to go forth as your beloved children. Amen.
EPISTLE READING
James 5: 7-10 Sharon Stewart
CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
PREPARATION for PRAYER
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel vs 1
UMC Hymnal #211
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
We Attend to the Word
HYMN: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
UMC Hymnal #218
GOSPEL LESSON Luke 1: 39-45 NLT
MEDITATION Pastor Bob
The Three Components of JOY
We Gather at Christ's Table
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Pastor Bob
As the people of God, we are called to be justice for the oppressed, food for the hungry, freedom for the imprisoned, and sight for the blind. Let us lift up those in need, as we share gifts for the church’s mission. Give as you are called and as you are able.
OFFERTORY
Mary Did You Know?
Barbara Houser – soloist
DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
UMC Hymnal #94
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING
(Unison) Pastor Bob
God of promises and joy, receive these gifts we return to you now. Bless this offering, that our gifts may be signs of joy and hope for others in need. Amen.
We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
HYMN: I Come with Joy vs 1,2,3, & 5
UMC Hymnal #617
BENEDICTION
Pastor Bob
Go forth with joy and expectation, not in fear or trembling. Embrace
the joy promised in Christ’s birth. Bring the message of Hope to the hopeless; Peace to the troubled; and Joy of the Good News of Jesus. Amen.
DEPART IN PEACE...SHALOM!
SENDING FORTH HYMN
Let There Be Peace on Earth
UMC Hymnal #431
JOY to the WORLD is nearing.
DEPART IN PEACE MY FRIENDS...SHALOM!
Worship Liturgy is taken from two sources: Lectionary Liturgies and the Abingdon Worship Annual 2022.