From Rev. Ben –
Blessings to you on this, the first Sunday in Advent—and the first day in the Church year. Advent is the season when we prepare ourselves spiritually for Christmas with a special emphasis on the ways our faith brings illumination to our lives. Even when the nights are long and cold, still God’s loves shines on us and warms us, giving us hope and bringing us joy.
Thank you to everyone who put together this week’s service!
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View November 29th Celebration online
- Marcia’s prelude is an arrangement of the hymn “Comfort, Comfort Now My People”. Be sure to listen closely to the prelude, because we’ll be singing the hymn later in the service, and the tune may not be familiar.
- Talitha will welcome us and lead us as we sing in the Advent wreath with, “While We are Waiting, Come”.
- Cynthia Cudaback and Andrew Newell will call us to celebration with the lighting of the first Advent Candle.
- Our opening hymn is “Prepare the Way O, Zion.”
- Betsy King will lead us in a prayer for peace.
- Tara Flanagan will read to us from Isaiah, chapter 40.
- I will preach a sermon that explores what it means to take comfort in religion.
- Special music, sung by Claire Kelly, is “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”,
- Talitha will lead us in a pastoral prayer.
- The closing hymn is “Comfort, Comfort Now My People.” Remember to listen to Marcia’s prelude.
- The family life video will include announcements, an invitation from our alternate giving program, “Giving to the World,” our charge and a benediction.
The Charge (say together) Go out into the world in peace. Have courage; hold on to what is good. Return no one evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, and help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.