Counselor

Psalm 33

The Greatness and Goodness of God

1 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.
    Praise befits the upright.
2 Praise the Lord with the lyre;
    make melody to him with the harp of ten strings.
3 Sing to him a new song;
    play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

4 For the word of the Lord is upright,
    and all his work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice;
    the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.

6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
    and all their host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathered the waters of the sea as in a bottle;
    he put the deeps in storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
    let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
    he commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
    he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
    the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
12 Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.

13 The Lord looks down from heaven;
    he sees all humankind.
14 From where he sits enthroned he watches
    all the inhabitants of the earth—
15 he who fashions the hearts of them all,
    and observes all their deeds.
16 A king is not saved by his great army;
    a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
17 The war horse is a vain hope for victory,
    and by its great might it cannot save.

18 Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
    on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 to deliver their soul from death,
    and to keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
    he is our help and shield.
21 Our heart is glad in him,
    because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
    even as we hope in you.

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Worship Prayers December 24

CENTERING PRAYER  Expectant God, Mary sings because she has new life in her, the promise of your salvation.  Fill me with hope this day as I lift my life to you and seek to do your will.  Look with favor on our world and all who are in need, that your love may be magnified as I follow humbly in your way.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                   

AND LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH                                                     

Reader 1    Last Sunday we lit the candle of Hope, remembering the hope which comes in Christ, the candle of Peace, remembering God’s dream of a peaceful world, and the candle of Joy, remembering the Spirit within us who brings joy.).  Today we light the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of Love.

Reader 2    Scripture tells us “There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear.”  God created    this world in love and this world will end in the love of God.  God’s love pervades all aspects of this life.  From birth to death, pain to delight, strangers to lovers, God’s love is there.  We light this candle remembering that God is Love.  Let us pray.

All             Merciful God, we give thanks that you send messengers to call us to greater faith. Lead us to lives of prayer and acts of holy compassion.  Teach us your ways of love and grace that we might touch others in your holy name.  Amen

                                                                                                                   

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Faithful God, we know that you are always there to guide us, yet we often make plans without listening to you and discover that our human agendas can drown out our ability to hear your will for us.  We repent of these faults and turn to you in love.  Forgive our offenses and pardon our sins, that our lives may magnify your holy name forever.  We continue to pray in Jesus' name. (Silent Confession)

  

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Apostles’ Creed)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

SCRIPTURE                                                                             Luke 1:26-38

Savior

Luke 2:8-12New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 

Footnotes:

1. Luke 2:11 Or the Christ

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Alpha and Omega

Revelation 22:12-14Modern English Version (MEV)

12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me to give to each one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 

Modern English Version (MEV)

The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.

Mighty God

Isaiah 9Modern English Version (MEV)

The Coming King

9 Nevertheless there shall be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time He contemptuously treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

2 The people who walked in darkness

    have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
    upon them the light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation
    and increased the joy;
they rejoice before You
    according to the joy of harvest
and as men rejoice
    when they divide the spoil.
4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden
    and the bar of his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor
    as in the day of Midian’s defeat.
5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For unto us a child is born,
    unto us a son is given,
    and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:2-6Modern English Version (MEV)

2 The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
    upon them the light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation
    and increased the joy;
they rejoice before You
    according to the joy of harvest
and as men rejoice
    when they divide the spoil.
4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden
    and the bar of his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor
    as in the day of Midian’s defeat.
5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For unto us a child is born,
    unto us a son is given,
    and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Modern English Version (MEV)

The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.

Rejoice!

Christmas Day

Reader 1: Rejoice, people of God! The light has come into the world. O God, now we light the candle of your nativity! With the company of heaven and with sounds of great joy, you come to us. This is the time of light and resplendent joy. 

Reader 2: The prophet Isaiah proclaimed a time when those who walked in the shadows would see a great light. A light would shine and a child would be born to us. The evangelist Luke painted the nativity sky and repeated the heavenly song of the angels, "Glory, peace on earth and goodwill!" John declared that this great light is Christ, the Word made flesh. This great light lives among us. By it we behold God's glory—full of grace and truth. At Christ's nativity, we now rejoice. 

All : God, our Life and Light, thank you for coming this day to us. Thanks for touching all heaven and earth with your splendor. In every corner of the world, shine with your peace. In every corner of our hearts, shine with your grace. Amen.

Isaiah 9: 2-7 John 1: 1-14

Luke 2:1-14Modern English Version (MEV)

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed. 2 This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.

4 So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid. 10 But the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly there was with the angel a company of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace, and good will toward men.”

Modern English Version (MEV)

The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.

Love

Fourth Sunday in Advent

Reader 1: O God, we light the fourth candle of Advent. We hear your angel Gabriel and witness the faith of Mary. Fill us with your grace and light. 

Reader 2: Mary was a young, strong, spiritual woman. Even though her life was not easy, she heard God's voice and said yes. Her song was a prayer that would uplift those who were downtrodden. Her lyrics shattered the proud and called the world to change. She would bear within her the promised child, Jesus, the Light of the World. This Advent, we respond to God's beckoning to us as well. 

All : Revealing God, visit us and fill us with your Spirit. Bring your good news to life within us. Give us courage to carry your light into the injustices and shadows of this world. Amen.

Luke 1:26-38Modern English Version (MEV)

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel came to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.”

29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered in her mind what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. And of His kingdom there will be no end.”

34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age. And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

38 Mary said, “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Modern English Version (MEV)

The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.

Worship Prayers from Dec. 17

PRAYER IN PREPARATION -. Eternal Source of birth and new life, help us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ.  Smooth out our roughness when it hurts ourselves or others.  Lift up the hidden parts of ourselves; the talents, the visions, the tenderness; so that your love may be seen and your glory revealed among us.  As this season unfolds, help us, like Mary, your servant, to rejoice in your surprising love.  Amen

       

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                  

AND LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH                 

Reader 1    O God, we light the third candle of Advent.  We hear your angel Gabriel and witness the faith of Mary.  Fill us with your grace and light.

Reader 2    Mary was a young, strong, spiritual woman.  Even though her life was not easy, she heard God's voice and said yes.  Her song was a prayer that would uplift those who were downtrodden.  Her lyrics shattered the proud and called the world to change.  She would bear within her the promised child, Jesus, the Light of the World.  This Advent,                 we respond to God's beckoning to us as well.  Let us pray together.

All   Revealing God, visit us and fill us with your Spirit.  Bring your good news to life                   within us.  Give us courage to carry your light into the injustices and shadows of             this world.  Amen.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of light, who shines in deepest darkness, we hear you calling us out of hopelessness into hope.  But we are frightened by your call.  We are afraid of taking chances; we are afraid of following your light, because it leads us into places where you need us.  We don’t want to see how your people hurt.  We don’t want to see your light shining in the eyes of our neighbor.  Yet we know that in those places your grace shines; help us to seek your light.  Guide us in your way that we might be your children.  Through the Light of the World, we pray.  Amen

  

   PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER                           

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.  [Prayer requests may be given to one of the pastors before the service.]

  

SCRIPTURE (5 PM & 8:30 AM)                                                 Luke 1:46-55
Click here for Pastor Susan's sermon if it doesn't appear below..