FOURTH SABBATH IN ADVENT

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11:00 a.m. December 21, 2003

Assemble in God’s Name

s Hymnbook: "O Come All Ye Faithful" #170

s Passing the Peace

Concerns of the Church

Call to Worship

Leader: The angel of the Lord announced to Mary that she would bear the Holy Child.

People: He was born in Bethlehem then. We pray that he might be born again on this Christmas Eve in our hearts.

Leader: A choir of angels filled the night sky with hymns of praise for God's Christmas gift.

People: We would join that song with thankful hearts. We would offer our best gifts to God's gracious Son.

Lighting of the Advent Candle

Prayer of Confession (in unison)

Gracious Jesus, on this Sabbath before Christmas, we pray that your power would cast out our sin, that there may be room for you to be born in our hearts. We confess we have crowded you out of our lives with false priorities. We have been selfish and called it "prudence." We have been arrogant and called it "self-esteem." We have been cruel and called it "necessary." Forgive us, Lord.

We have hurt good people and claimed it was "nothing personal." We have hidden our sins behind clichés and habits for so long we are hardly aware of right and wrong. Forgive us, Lord. Awaken our consciences and purify our minds, that this Christmas we may truly welcome you. For Jesus' sake, Amen.

Declaration of Forgiveness (Psalm 103:8, 10-12)

Leader: The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.

People: For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.

s Hymnbook: "Angels from the Realms of Glory " #168

s Stewardship Prayer

Presentation of Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

s Doxology #544

Proclaim God’s Word

Children's Sermon "Christmas "

Luke 2:7

Dismissal to Children’s Church (5 and Under)

Anthem:

s First Reading: Luke 1:39-45

Second Reading: Luke 1:46-55

Sermon: "The Other Side of the Tray"

Go in God’s Name

s The Apostles' Creed

s Prayer of Thanksgiving

s The Lord's Prayer

s Hymnbook: "Joy To the World "…#161

s Charge and Blessing

Postlude

s: All who are able, please stand.

A Christmas Prayer

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus that we may share the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift, and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing that Christ brings and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May Christmas morning make us happy to be your children and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus sake. Amen

Ray and Marjorie King

Last Sabbath, the Session received Ray and Marjorie King as communicant members by letter of transfer. Ray and Marjorie come to us from Tirzah ARP Church. We rejoice to have them with us in our fellowship. In their honor, we will sing the first verse of #473, “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.”

Candlelight Service

Tonight!!! 7:00 p.m.

Many people say this is the most beautiful service in the church all year. We invite you to come and worship the Lord of light.

A Christmas Wish

What better wish than this, that you and yours will have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tony and Beth Grant

Next Sabbath is the last Sabbath of 2003 and the First Sabbath in Christmastide.

No Bible Study and no Youth meeting this Wednesday, December 24, nor the next Wednesday December 31. Bible Study and Youth Meetings will resume on January 7, 2004.

Joe Connolly is in Carolina Medical Hospital. Please remember Joe and all our sick and shut-ins in your prayers.

If you have questions or comments, email Tony Grant

Last modified 01/12/04