11:00 a.m. December 7, 2002
Assemble in God’s Name
Organ Prelude:
Choral Introit:
s Hymnbook: "There's a Song in the Air" #155
s Passing the Peace
Concerns of the Church
Call to Worship (Isaiah 40:3-5)
Leader: A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
People: Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
Leader: Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
People: And all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
Lighting of the Advent Candle
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
God of blessing and love, when the time was right you sent your Son to the world. Teach us the art of patience and give us an understanding of your wisdom.
Forgive us for making this holy season of anticipation a whirlwind of lists and activities, a flood of joyless obligations and heartless generosity. Forgive our rush as we forgive those who are rushing all around us. Forgive us for forgetting the meaning of this holy time. Lead us not into anxiety, but deliver us from pretense.
For your kingdom is coming with the power of love and the glory of angelic carols, now and forever, heralded in the birth of the Christ. Amen.
Declaration of Forgiveness
Leader: The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (I Timothy 1:15).
People: He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed (I Peter 2:24).
s Gloria Patri #546
s Stewardship Prayer
Presentation of Tithes and Offerings
Offertory
s Doxology #544
Children's Sermon: “The Toothbrush Bird"
II Corinthians 1:4
Dismissal to Children’s Church (5 and Under)
s First Reading: Psalm 85
s Hymnbook: "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" #164
Second Reading: John 18:33-37
Anthem:
Sermon: "Tough Things"
Go in God’s Name
s The Apostles' Creed
s Prayer of Thanksgiving
s The Lord's Prayer
s Hymnbook: "Angels We Have Heard on High"…#158
s Charge and Blessing
Postlude:
“May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another” (Romans 15:5). Just as God welcomes us all to this sanctuary, let us strive to be in harmony with one another that we may have peace in our hearts.
There will be a Congregational Meeting following Morning Worship today. The purpose of the meeting is to adopt a budget for 2004 and to elect congregational officers..
Bible Study: Wednesday 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
There will be a joint meeting of the Session and Diaconate next Sabbath, December 14.
Deacons who were elected at the congregational meeting in November (Barbara Bennett, Bob Connolly, Carroll Moore, and Carroll Robinson) will be ordained and installed next Sabbath, November 14.
Christmas Party: Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.
Men's Fellowship meets, December 21. This is an 8:00 a.m. breakfast meeting. Come and be with us.
Candlelight Service: December 21, 7:00 p.m.
Joe Connolly is in Carolina Medical Hospital. Frances Nivens has been released from the hospital, and is staying at the home of her sister, Betty Hines. Barbara Bennett is to have surgery next week. Archie Barron is also to have surgery next week.
If you have questions or comments, email Tony Grant
Copyright 2000 York Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
Last modified 01/12/04