Worship November 29

 

November 29, 2020

 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 

10:00 am Virtual Service 

ORDER OF WORSHIP

CENTERING PRAYER*                                                  *J. Birch, www.faithandworship.com 

Creative God, breath of all life, through whom all things are created and sustained; all sons and daughters, flocks and herds, all birds of the air, and fish of the sea. You walked this earth as child and Creator. You touched the soil, quenched your thirst, embraced this world, brought life and light, love and laughter into dark and death-filled lives. Creative God, breath of all life, through whom all things are created and sustained, we bring to you our sacrifice of a contrite and willing heart. Amen.

PRELUDE      Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light      Wilson 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

LITURGY OF THE ADVENT WREATH 

We light this candle of HOPE as a sign of the coming light of Christ.

 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; 

let all creation sing for joy at the coming of the Lord. 

The Lord of hosts is coming to restore us; God’s face will shine, and we will be saved. 

Light dawns for the righteous, and joy to the upright in heart.

 Rejoice in the Lord! Give thanks to God’s holy name. 

† HYMN      “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”      Hymnal #82 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 God-with-us, even in Advent, we confess you seem too far away. You are hidden when we need you near. In our hurt, doubt, and fear, we do not try to draw closer to you; instead, we lash out – against you, our neighbor, even those we love. Forgive us, we pray, and come to save us! Let your face shine until our tears are dried, our sins are faded, and our hope is restored. After all, we belong to you, and in your hands, we can be made new. We continue to pray in Jesus’ name. (Silent Confession) 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

SCRIPTURE Isaiah 64:1-9 

SERMON “Waiting for Better” Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession of Faith, Shorter Catechism 

Question One Q. What is our chief end?

A. Our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. 

OFFERING SPECIAL MUSIC      Waiting, Wandering, Wondering       Schram 

† THE DOXOLOGY 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

† HYMN      “While We Are Waiting, Come”      Hymnal #92 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION RESPONSE "Peace On the Earth” (Sussex Carol)

POSTLUDE      Toccatina      Callendar