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 from the choir and the guest string quartet,
- Next we will sing the processional song, “While We Are Waiting, Come” as the advent wreath processes forward.
- Blake, Beth, Cameron, and Mira Thompson will light the fourth candle and lead the responsive reading.
- Katie will welcome everyone to Celebration.
- The opening hymn is, “Savior of the Nations, Come”.
- Next, Pat Schwinn will lead us in a Prayer for Peace.
- The children will be offered the opportunity to go to Godly Play,
- Next, there will be a time for invitations,
- Pat will lead us in a scripture lesson from Luke 1:46-56.
- The MPC Choir, with Kim directing, Marcia on the organ, and guest musicians on stringed instruments present, “Magnificat” RV 610, by Antonio Vivaldi (1678 – 1741).
- Next, there will be a time for God’s Work in the World, Pat will speak about the Christmas Joy Offering.
- Ben will offer a Pastoral Prayer,
- Then the offering plates will be passed, while the offertory, “Comfort, Comfort, Now My People”, by Genevan Psalter, 1551, is played.
- The closing hymn will be “People Look East”,
- We will recite the Charge, Ben will offer a benediction.
- We will end with a postlude from Marcia.
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.