20 December 2015 Fourth Sunday of Advent A Gathering Around Word and Table

20 December 2015Fourth Sunday of

AdventA Gathering Around Word and Table

ORDER OF WORSHIPWE GATHER

Centering Music

Christ Candle

Welcome & Prayer

Lighting the Advent Wreath

Gathering Prayer

Gathering Songs

Unison Prayer of Confession

Individual Silent Confession

Assurance of Grace

Sharing Signs of New Hope

WE LISTEN & RESPOND

Anthem

Scripture

Sermon

Response

Stories of New Hope & Announcements

Our Prayers

Sharing Joys & Concerns

Lighting God’s Candle

Prayer for Our Congregation & World

Lord’s Prayer

Offering & Offertory

Doxology & Dedication

Communion

WE GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE GOD’S LOVESending Hymn

Benediction & Blessing

Music for Reflection

Carrying the Light of Christ into the World

Congregational Amen

We Gather

CENTERING MUSICChorale Prelude on “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”

Johannes Brahms

CHRIST CANDLEWe light the candle to remember God’s promise to be present when God’s people gather today.(Please allow this as time for reflection and quieting your

heart and thoughts for worship.)

WELCOME AND PRAYER


Centering Music

Christ Candle

Welcome & Prayer


Gathering Prayer

Gathering Songs



Assurance of Grace


WE LISTEN & RESPOND

Anthem

Scripture

Sermon

Response


Our Prayers




Lord’s Prayer



Communion





Congregational Amen

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

*GATHERING PRAYER

Faithful God, who promises presence, ready our hearts for the brightness of Jesus’ birth once again, that we might shine your presence to the world. Amen.

*GATHERING SONGSO Come, O Come, Emmanuel UMH #211

Benedictus: An Advent Hymn by Jane Marino

Benedictus: An Advent Hymn (to the tune of O Perfect Love UMH #645)

We wait for thee, our Lord and mighty SaviorBorn to redeem, to set thy people freePromised of old by word of holy prophetIn silent worship we prepare for thee.

Thy word is true, a covenant of mercyIn quiet prayer we wait the opening dayFearless we rise to greet the unknown futureStrong in the faith that you will guard our way.

Show us thy path, O God of great compassion, From all our sin grant us a sure release.Let thy dawn break for us who dwell in darknessAnd guide our feet into the way of peace.


Centering Music

Christ Candle

Welcome & Prayer


Gathering Prayer

Gathering Songs



Assurance of Grace


WE LISTEN & RESPOND

Anthem

Scripture

Sermon

Response


Our Prayers




Lord’s Prayer



Communion





Congregational Amen

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSIONOn behalf of the global Church, we confess our sin before God and one another.

Ever present God, in the midst of a busy season we confess that at times we are distracted. Forgive us when we fail to be your presence in the world through our thoughts, words, and deeds. Free our lives to be your carols of praise so that the world would hear the good news announcing the coming of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

INDIVIDUAL SILENT CONFESSION

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

Leader: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.People: In the name of Jesus Christ, We are forgiven.All: Alleluia. Thanks be to God.

*SHARING SIGNS OF GOD’S PEACE

We Listen and Respond


Centering Music

Christ Candle

Welcome & Prayer


Gathering Prayer

Gathering Songs



Assurance of Grace


WE LISTEN & RESPOND

Anthem

Scripture

Sermon

Response


Our Prayers




Lord’s Prayer



Communion





Congregational Amen

ANTHEMWere You There on that Christmas Night?

Natalie Sleeth

SCRIPTURELuke 1:39-55

(moment of silent reflection upon today’s scripture)

Lector: Holy Wisdom, Holy Word.All: Thanks be to God.

SERMON

“Receiving the Gift” Pastor Dan

RESPONSEStories of New Hope & Announcements

CONGREGATIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS(please refer to your bulletin for most announcements)

DECEMBER F.O.N.-A-THON ~ Every Sunday in December

Feeding Our NeighborsDecember 26th, 4PM, @UNO Center (57 River St., NA) Assemble Lunches

December 27th, 12.30pm @ Bracewell Park (River & Houghton) Give out lunches and communion

January 6th Epiphany Party 6:30 pm


Centering Music

Christ Candle

Welcome & Prayer


Gathering Prayer

Gathering Songs



Assurance of Grace


WE LISTEN & RESPOND

Anthem

Scripture

Sermon

Response


Our Prayers




Lord’s Prayer



Communion





Congregational Amen

OUR PRAYERS

SHARING OUR JOYS & CONCERNSFor each request shared, please respond:Lord, hear our prayer.

A CANDLE TO SYMBOLIZE GOD’S GLOBAL VISION OF COMPASSION, JUSTICE, AND PEACE:

~ We pray for those facing home insecurity whether refugees, strangers, or friends. ~ May Christians meet them in their need that they would know God’s presence and find in Jesus a compassionate friend.

PRAYER FOR OUR CONGREGATION AND WORLD(you are invited to pray silently while the worship leader prays aloud)

LORD’S PRAYER(variation on traditional English version)

Our Father in Heaven.

Your Name is Holy.

Your Kingdom come.

As Your will is done in heaven, may it also be done on earth.

Give our daily bread to us today;

Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us;

Lead us not into temptation, And deliver us from Evil;

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory belong to you

forever and ever. Amen.


Centering Music

Christ Candle

Welcome & Prayer


Gathering Prayer

Gathering Songs



Assurance of Grace


WE LISTEN & RESPOND

Anthem

Scripture

Sermon

Response


Our Prayers




Lord’s Prayer



Communion





Congregational Amen

PRESENTING A TITHE AND OFFERING OF OUR TIME, TREASURE AND TALENT TO GODThis week’s food offering will be distributed to the Berkshire Food Project in North Adams.

OFFERTORYStill, Still, Still Emma Lou Diemer

*DOXOLOGY AND SINGING PRAISE(to the tune of UMH #95)

Praise God, who is our Emmanuel;Praise God, who was pleased with us to dwell;Praise God, all you in heaven and on earth;Praise our Triune God of matchless worth. Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

SHARING IN COMMUNIONInvitation & Communion Prayer(please follow along with the bulletin)

Receiving the Bread and Cup

Song During CommunionCome to the Table of Grace Worship&Song #3168

Prayer After Communion(please follow along with the bulletin)

SHARING IN COMMUNION(continued)Come to the Table of Grace Worship&Song #3168 1 Come to the table of grace.Come to the table of grace.This is God’s table; it’s not yours or mine.Come to the table of grace. 2 Come to the table of peace…

3 Come to the table of love…

4 Come to the table of hope…

5 Come to the table of joy…

SHARING IN COMMUNIONInvitation & Communion Prayer(please follow along with the bulletin)

Receiving the Bread and Cup

Song During CommunionCome to the Table of Grace Worship&Song #3168

Prayer After Communion(please follow along with the bulletin)

We Go into the World to Share God’s Love


Centering Music

Christ Candle

Welcome & Prayer


Gathering Prayer

Gathering Songs



Assurance of Grace


WE LISTEN & RESPOND

Anthem

Scripture

Sermon

Response


Our Prayers




Lord’s Prayer



Communion





Congregational Amen

*SENDING HYMNSChrist for The World We Sing UMH #568

BENEDICTION / BLESSING TO LIVE AS GOD’S PEOPLE IN THE WORLD

MUSIC FOR REFLECTIONAdvent Voluntary William Gudger

CARRYING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD

CONGREGATIONAL AMEN: AMEN!

Connect with New Hopewww.new-hopeumc.org

[email protected]

413.458.3183

Mailing: Gathering:

P.O. Box 744 Images Cinema

North Adams, MA 01247 Williamstown, MA 01267

Documents

20 December 2015 Fourth Sunday of Advent A Gathering Around Word and Table