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FOURTH SABBATH IN ADVENT

11:00 a.m. December 22, 2002

Assemble in God’s Name

Organ Prelude:

Choral Introit:

s Hymnbook: "Joy to the World" #161

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 Gloria Patri: #546

Presentation of Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

s Doxology #544

Prayers of the People

Proclaim God’s Word

Children's Sermon "Christmas is Coming"

Dismissal to Children’s Church (5 and Under)

s First Reading: Psalm 147:1-8

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

Second Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Anthem:

Sermon: "Refusing Joy"

Go in God’s Name

s The Apostles' Creed

s Prayer of Thanksgiving

s The Lord's Prayer

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

s Charge and Blessing

Postlude

Announcements

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

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 2002 and the First Sabbath in Christmastide.

No Bible Study and no Youth meeting this Wednesday, December 25, nor the next Wednesday January 1. Bible Study and Youth Meetings will resume on January 8, 2003.

If you have questions or comments, email Tony Grant

Last modified 1/29/03