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About this Sermon |

Isaiah 40:1-11
On this second Sunday of Advent, we consider again the question of what it looks like to be those who dream God’s dreams, and add to our understanding that dreamers always prepare the way. This morning, we consider the message from two prophets:  John the Baptist (Mark 1: 1-8) and Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40: 1-11), and see how preparing the way looks like telling people what’s up ahead.  What does it look like for us to be people who prepare the way, and how do we keep from getting distracted from doing that work?

Order of Worship |

Sunday, December 6, 2020

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Prelude – “Once in Royal David’s City” – Harriet Coppoc, flute

Welcome to Worship – Charles Gullion

Gathering Song – “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (verses 1 & 2)

(Verse 1) O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
(Verse 2) O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

Call to Worship – (Call to Worship, Candle Litany, and Prayer written by Sarah Are/A Sanctified Art LLC/sanctifiedart.org) – Charles Gullion

One: John the Baptist said, “Prepare the way.”
So, family of faith, how do we prepare our minds for worship?
All:    We silence the inner critic.
         We let go of busy thoughts.
         We make space for God to speak.
One: How do we prepare our hearts for worship?
All:    We bless all emotions.
         We feel what we feel.
         We open ourselves up to moved.
One: How do we prepare our bodies for worship?
All:    We take in the scent, sight, and feel of this space.
         We breathe in God’s mercy.
         We exhale God’s love.
One: How do we prepare our souls for worship?
All:    We bring our full selves into this .
         We wear our hearts on our sleeves.
         We trust that even now, God is here.
One: Family of faith, what we practice in worship,
we must live out in our daily lives.
So prepare the way.
Let us worship Holy God.

Hymn of Advent  – “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry”

(Verse 1) On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh:
Awake and listen for he brings
Glad tidings of the King of kings.

(Verse 2) Let every heart be cleansed from sin,
Make straight the way for God within,
And so prepare to be the home
Where such a mighty guest may come.

(Verse 5) To you, O Christ, all praises be,
Whose advent sets your people free;
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore!

Children’s SermonRev. Lisa Williams Hood

Lighting the Candle of Peace – Pamela Pickett & Aurie Swartz

Response to the Candle of Hope – O Come, O Come (verse 1)

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

Invitation to Prayer Rev. Hood

Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer Rev. Hood

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
 as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. 

Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 40:1-11 – Rev. Hood

Special Music – “Joy to the World” – Handbell Choir

Sermon – “Those Who Dream…prepare the way” – Rev. Hood

Invitation to the Table – Rev. Hood

Hymn of Peace – “Let There Be Peace On Earth”

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God our creator, children all are we.
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

Offering Rev. Hood

Almighty God, giver of every good and perfect gift,
Teach us to give to you all that we have and all that we are,
That we might praise you not with our words only,
But with our whole lives. Amen.

Offertory – “Noel” arr. Ouher – Melanie Manges

Doxology Melanie Manges

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

AnnouncementsRev. Hood

Benediction – Rev. Hood

Postlude – “Noel” arr. McLean – Melanie Manges

Worship Leaders in this Service:

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