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 Marcia will play, “Now Sing We, Now Rejoice”; by J. S. Bach,
- next we will sing the processional song, “While We Are Waiting, Come” as the advent wreath processes forward.
- Lise and Mai Thogersen will light the third candle and lead the responsive reading.
- Ben will welcome everyone to Celebration.
- The opening hymn is, “Prepare the Way, O Zion”.
- Next, Martha Smith will lead us in a Prayer for Peace.
- And now, the Children’s Christmas Pageant, “The Holy Family”.
- Next, there will be a time for invitations,
- Martha will lead us in a scripture lesson from Luke 1:26-56, and
- Ben will preach a sermon, “Unexpectedly Mary”;
- next is the hymn of response, “Canticle of the Turning”,
- then the offering plates will be passed.
- The closing hymn will be “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry”,
- we will recite the Charge, Ben will offer a benediction.
- We will end with a postlude from Marcia, “In Dulci Jubilo” 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.