GATHERING
ENTRANCE
REFLECTION
Our whole life is Advent — that is, a time of waiting for the ultimate, for the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth . . . . Learn to wait, because he has promised to come. . . . We call to him: “Yes, come soon, Lord Jesus!”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, A Testament to Freedom
CANDLE LIGHTING
As the Advent candles are lit each week this season, there is a short reading adapted from Godly Play. The first week speaks of the prophets who foretold Christ’s coming; the second week, we hear of Mary, Joseph, and the donkey on the way to Bethlehem; the third week, we remember the shepherds who heard the angels sing; and the fourth week, we think of the magi, who followed a wild star to the place where the Christ Child lay.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Holy Spirit of all Creation,
we come here eager to know what lies ahead.
People: We come, hungry for the Good News
that you will be present here
in ways we can’t anticipate.
Leader: We come, bringing our hopes, our fears,
and our commitment to be with you.
All: Holy God, tear open the heavens
and show us how to be your people in this time,
this place, this pregnant moment in history.
INVOCATION
HYMN
WORD FOR THE CHILDREN
SILENCE
PRAYERS
COMMON CONFESSION
Leader: We are an impatient people,
wanting the heavens torn open now.
People: We run away and hide from the work you call us to do.
Leader: We care for our own comfort more than justice for all.
All: We are mired in greed and selfishness.
INDIVIDUAL PRAYERS OF CONFESSION
ASSURANCE
Leader: The donkey with its sacred burden
does plod toward Bethlehem.
The Holy One who is coming is here even now,
offering love and forgiveness.
All: Amen
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION
PRAYER OF COMMITMENT
All: O Holy One, we come today
to claim our relationship with you.
We pray for the commitment to grow together,
sharing the gifts you give us with others
here and in the wider world.
Forgive us for the hurt we have inflicted,
and help us forgive those who have hurt us.
Give us strength and discipline
to nurture our relationship with you;
to care for every part of your creation;
to foster justice and be in solidarity with those in need;
to work to end all war, and violence, and discord;
and to respond joyfully when you call,
freely giving our selves as you have shown the way.
We open our hearts to you and your creation
in the name of Jesus, who is the Christ. Amen.
HYMN
THE WORD
SCRIPTURE
SERMON
SILENT REFLECTION
OFFERING
COMMUNION
GREAT THANKSGIVING
Leader 1: God of grace and generosity,
we thank you for your ultimate promise
of a new heaven and a new earth.
People: We offer our gratitude
for Christ always with us,
as we wait for Christ coming.
Leader 2: We overflow with gratitude
for your Holy Spirit moving in us
as we wait in anticipation.
People: We thank you for your holy church,
where we find communion
with our brothers and sisters.
BLESSING THE ELEMENTS
Leader 1: Christ invites everyone to eat the bread of life,
to drink the cup of the new covenant.
Leader 2: Jesus said, I am the bread of life.
You who come to me shall never hunger,
You who believe in me shall never thirst.
Leader 1: On the night of his arrest, Jesus took bread,
and after giving thanks to God, broke it and said,
This is my body,
broken for the healing of the world.
Whenever you eat it, do so remembering me.
Leader 2: After supper, Jesus took the cup and said,
This is the cup of the new covenant,
poured out for you and for all.
Whenever you drink it, do so remembering me.
SHARE THE ELEMENTS
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND DEDICATION
All: God of abundance and mercy,
we give joyful thanks
for your eternal love and healing presence
in our celebration of bread and cup.
Bless this body of Christ
that we may attend faithfully
to our call to be your servants,
with each other and throughout the world.
Amen.
SHARED REFLECTIONS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HYMN
BENEDICTION
Leader: The one for whom we wait is near.
Prepare the way of the Lord!
And may the God of justice and righteousness,
who feeds you like a shepherd,
bless you, heal you, and give you peace.
All: Amen
