PLEASE NOTE: Celebration is back in the sanctuary! Everyone will need to wear masks and provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test within 3 days of each Sunday. You also may watch the service on a live stream in the courtyard or at home. To learn more about these choices, please visit mpcfamily.org/celebrate. In order to keep everyone healthy & safe, we will:
- require mask-wearing when indoors
- require either proof of Covid vaccination OR a negative Covid test from within the last three days. Please see the ushers for details
- run the furnace filtration system for ventilation, doors and windows open only when necessary
If you can get tested using an at-home test or a clinical test before coming to Church, that’s one way you can help keep the congregation safe.
You can submit comments and prayer requests via our Comments Form at mpcfamily.org/comments . We’d love to hear from you!
If you are visiting today, we hope you’ll fill out our online Visitor Card at mpcfamily.org/hello .
If you’d like to support our work in the world (which is much appreciated!) please visit mpcfamily.org/donate .
In celebration this week:
- First, please center yourself for worship as you enjoy the prelude Kim will play, “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”;
- Next we will sing the processional song, “While We Are Waiting, Come” as the advent wreath processes forward.
- The Zolezzi family will light the second candle and lead the responsive reading.
- Ben will welcome everyone to Celebration.
- The opening hymn is, “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”.
- Next, Bonnie Hamiln will lead us in a Prayer for Peace, (Adapted from and inspired by Prayers of Iona)
- Claire Kelly will lead us in celebrating December birthdays, then
- Children will be offered the opportunity to go to Godly Play for pageant rehearsal.
- Next, there will be a time for invitations,
- Then the MPC Choir will perform the anthem, “The Father’s Love”, by William Roger Price, Kim Rankin directing, Marcia Roy accompanying.
- Bonnie will lead us in a scripture lesson from Isaiah 9:2-7.
- Ben will preach a sermon, “Waiting for Chestnuts”;
- Next is the hymn of response, “Now the Heavens Start to Whisper”,
- The offering plates will be passed, and Marcia will play the offertory, “Lo, How a Rose” arrangement by Norris L. Stephens.
- Next we will celebrate communion together, and recite the Lord’s Prayer.
- The closing hymn will be “Love Came Down at Christmas”,
- We will recite the Charge, Ben will offer a benediction.
- We will end with a postlude from Marcia, “From Heaven Above, To Earth I Come” arr. Wilbur Held
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. Care for Creation. Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Celebration live stream recordings
Every week, we post a live stream recording to YouTube. You can view information about those live stream recordings and access a link to the playlist on our Celebration Recordings page.