Worship Prayers for Dec. 31, 2023

 CALL TO WORSHIP 

Psalm 96 

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord and bless God’s name; tell the good news of salvation from day to day. Declare God’s glory among the nations, God’s marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world, and those who live in it. Let the whole creation sing for joy at the presence of God, who is coming. God is coming indeed, to judge the earth with righteousness, and the peoples with equity and truth. Praise the Lord!

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, forever. Amen.

For the complete order of worship, click here. 

Scripture for Dec. 31, 2023

From the Carols and Lessons Worship on Dec. 31 

SEVENTH LESSON Luke 2:8-16 

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to 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. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

Read full chapter

The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds, Govert Flinck, 1639

Daily Prayer December 29

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Daily Readings for Friday, December 29, 2023

• Morning Psalms 96; 148
• First Reading 2 Samuel 23:13-17b
• Second Reading 2 John 1:1-13
• Gospel Reading John 2:1-11
• Evening Psalms 132; 97

New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us the desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. God of all times and places, in Jesus Christ, lifted up on the cross, you opened for us the path to eternal life. Grant that we, being born again of water and the Spirit, may joyfully serve you in newness of life and faithfully walk in your holy ways. God of all joy, fill our souls to overflowing with the fullness of your grace. Lord, remind us of your triumph over the tragedy of the cross, and your victory for us over the powers of sin and death, so that we may reflect your glory as disciples of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

With God's help and love may your lives be blessed and your labors fruitful as you offer yourselves gladly in the service of our common Lord.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)

ORDER OF WORSHIP Christmas Eve 7:00 Service

(re-printed for those who might have missed the service Dec. 24.  To watch on YouTube, click here)

CENTERING PRAYER Living God, on this holy night we gather—to stand with shepherds, amazed at your glory; to sing with angels, rejoicing in your work; to wait with Joseph, trusting in your promise; to sit with Mary, cradling your love. May the good news of this night inspire us to tell the world of our great joy: for to us is born a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. Glory and praise to you forever! Amen. 

PRELUDE Angels We Have Heard on High    (Robert Lau)

CHRISTMAS WELCOME 

† CAROL “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Hymnal #133 

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING 

SPECIAL MUSIC Bless Us All (Paul Williams) Alan Naylor 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Jesus, you are God’s holy child, born of Mary. Lord have mercy. Jesus, in you all the fullness of God is pleased to dwell. Christ have mercy. Jesus, you are the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth. Lord have mercy. (Silent Confession) 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† GLORIA PATRI Hymnal #581 

† CAROL “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Hymnal #121 

SCRIPTURE Luke 2:1-20 

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE  “Searching, Singing, and Sending” Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

† CAROL  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hymnal #119

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 

OFFERTORY/ O Little Town of Bethlehem (Dan Forrest )

CHRISTMAS JOY Chancel Choir

 OFFERING O Holy Night (Adolphe Adam & John Sullivan Dwight) Alan Naylor 

 † THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #609

THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION Invitation to the Table

 Great Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer  

Words of Institution   

Sharing of the Bread & Cup   

Prayer After Communion 

CANDLE LIGHTING As the lights are dimmed, the minister will take light from the Christ candle and pass it to the ushers who will carry the light from pew to pew. Please share the light with those around you by tipping the unlit candle toward the lit candle. 

† CAROL “Silent Night, Holy Night” Hymnal #122 

† CHARGE, BLESSING, AND CARRYING YOUR LIGHT INTO THE WORLD 

POSTLUDE Christmas (William Stickles) (Please extinguish your candles as you exit the sanctuary.) 

† In body, or spirit, please rise

(Photo from 2017)

Worship Prayers: FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT 12/24/2023

 

CENTERING PRAYER

 

Mighty God, your faithfulness is magnified in the coming of your Son, in the long-awaited birth of the promised Messiah. May we, like Mary, proclaim your greatness as we rejoice in our Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 CALL TO WORSHIP:  Advent Candle Readings

 

LOVE

 

Last Sunday we lit the third candle in our Advent Wreath, the candle of joy. We light it again along with the candles of hope and peace. As we remember of the love that God has for us.

 

(A person lights the candle of hope, peace, and joy)

 

The fourth candle of Advent is the Candle of Love. Its light is meant to remind us of the love that God has for us. Jesus shows us God's perfect love.  He is God's love in human form.  The Bible says that "God so loved the world that God gave the only Son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." 

 

Love is patient, love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful or conceited, rude or selfish. Love is not quick to take offense, it keeps no records of wrongs, it does not gloat over other people's troubles, but rejoices in the right, the good, and the true.  There is nothing that love cannot face, there is no limit to its faith, to its hope, to its endurance. Love never ends. We light this candle today to remind us of how God's perfect love is found in Jesus

 

(Light the Fourth Candle)

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Faithful God, we know you are always there to guide us, yet we often make plans without listening to you and discover 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. (Silent Confession)

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Apostles’ Creed

 

SCRIPTURE for December 24 (Morning worship)

Luke 1:39-55 

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary’s Song

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

Read full chapter

Philippe de Champaigne - http://www.guiarte.com/noticias/philippe-champaigne.html

Daily prayer Dec. 22

 

"My word shall accomplish that which I purpose," says the Lord, "and succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Daily Readings for Friday, December 22, 2023

• Morning Psalms 102; 148
• First Reading 2 Samuel 7:18-29
• Second Reading Galatians 3:1-14
• Gospel Reading Luke 1:57-66
• Evening Psalms 130; 16

Eternal God, as we are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ, so give us the grace of repentance that we may pass through the grave with him and be born again to eternal life, for he is the One who was crucified, dead, and buried, and rose again for us, Jesus our Savior. Eternal God, you sent us a Savior, Christ Jesus, to break down the walls of hostility that divide us. Send peace on earth, and put down greed, pride, and anger, which turn nation against nation and race against race. Speed the day when wars will end and the whole world accepts your rule. God of mercy, you are full of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in mercy, and always ready to forgive. Grant us grace to renounce all evil and to cling to Christ, that in every way we may prove to be your loving children. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)

Gospel for Dec. 21, 2023

 Gospel Reading Luke 1:39-48a (48b-56)

39In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."

46And Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

49for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

50His mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

51He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

52He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,

and Lifted up the lowly;

53he has filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty.

54He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

55according to the promise he made to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

56And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Christmas Eve Worship

 

Christmas Thoughts

 Reprinted from St. Mark's 1984 booklet Thoughts on Advent
December 11, 1984 "Christmas Thoughts"
Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

Waiting

For the season

 Which proclaims a new birth

The holly remembers enduring love--

Christmas

Bethlehem--a small town

The eyes of the world focus 

On a humble birth.

Watching 

A gleaming star

That shines its light on us'

An angel beckons us to sing

Christmas.

In a field far away,

The shepherds tend grazing sheep

Searching for a star.

Clear and star-filled night

Three wisemen follow one star--

A promise is kept.

In a manger bare,

Stand the humble and noble

To witness a birth.

A straw-filled manger

Holds a precious jewel--

A child of God is born.

Flying

Into our lives

Comes the angel of God

Reminding us to celebrate

Christ's birth.

Into our cold lives

Comes the breath of Christmas

Spreading joy and warmth.

By the shining tree

Stands a pensive Santa Claus

Sharing Christmas love.

The drawings above were the inspiration for this "poem".  For the truth about this poem, Click here.

Alternative Giving

 

HONORING FAMILY AND FRIENDS THROUGH ALTERNATIVE GIVING Finding the perfect gift for someone who has many wonderful possessions is a difficult task! With this in mind, in 2001 the newly formed Mission Committee at St. Mark created “Christmas Alternatives.” Purchasing a gift through Christmas Alternatives honors the recipient and also helps deserving people who have so little but need so much.

Form is included in the Messenger Newsletter, in the office or in the Narthex.  Examples of "gifts" are:

·       Support PC(USA) Mission Co-Workers in Peru

·       “Give a Child a Christmas” through a donation to Presbyterian Children’s Home & Services, or donate for school supplies or eye exam/glasses.

·       Contribute to “building a well,” or provide medical supplies or a school scholarship in Africa through Marion Medical Mission.

·       Fund Secondary School scholarships for youth in Plan Grande #2, our Nicaraguan partner community.  Since the program began in 2004, the community has seen a significant increase in high school attendance.  We have celebrated 54 graduates, many of whom have continued their training or education.  Some of our graduates are teachers, agricultural technicians, youth program coordinators – and all are grateful, educated citizens.

Worship Prayers Dec. 17

 

 

 

CENTERING PRAYER

 

We thank you, O God, for all those in Scripture who point to Christ; for your prophets Elijah, Isaiah, and John. We thank you, too, for those in our lives who point us to Christ: pastors, teachers, strangers, and friends. Give us eyes to see Jesus today among those who are oppressed, imprisoned, brokenhearted, or beaten down, and we will give our testimony, too: how Christ releases and sets free; how he turns ashes into garlands; how he repairs and builds up what was ruined. We, too, will point others to Jesus, the Light of the World. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP –  JOY

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT 12/17/2023

 

Last Sunday we lit the candle of peace.  We light it and the candle of hope again as we remember that Christ will come again and bring us everlasting hope and peace.

 

(a person lights the candles of hope and peace)

 

The third candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy.  It reminds of the joy that Mary felt when the angel Gabriel told her that a special child would be born to her - a child who would save and deliver his people.

God wants us all to have joy.  The angel who announced to the shepherds that Jesus had been born told them: "Do not be afraid.  I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all people - for to you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord."

 

We light this candle to remember that Christ brings the promise of a new life - a life in which the blind receive sight, the lame walk, and the prisoners are set free.   We light it to remember that He is the bringer of true and everlasting joy.

(Light the PINK Third Candle)

 

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Merciful God, you love justice; why, then, do we persist in wrongdoing and every form of evil? You give us the gift of your Spirit; why, then, do we quench your Spirit among us? You give us the words of the prophets and the Word himself; why, then, do we despise and ignore what we hear from you? You sent the light into the world; why, then, have we loved darkness rather than light? Forgive us. Restore us. Till and tend us as your garden until righteousness and praise spring up, for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whose name we continue to pray. (Silent Confession)

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Apostles’ Creed