Worship Resources for Advent 1C

Below is a copy of my church worship bulletin for Sunday, December 3, 2006 (Advent 1C), which uses an alternate gospel reading from Luke 1:5-25. This passage recounts how Zechariah was struck silent because of his unbelief, and the sermon and service reflect this theme. The Psalm is my paraphrase, and the hymns are from the United Methodist Hymnal.

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude…..Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus…..Thygerson
During the Prelude let us cease our conversation with each other and use this time for quiet communion with God. In our worship when you see a “†”, please stand if able.

Lighting the Altar Candles

Choral Introit (10:45)…..The Lord Is In His Holy Temple…..Root

† Call to Worship – Psalm 25:1-10
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
In you, O God, I trust; do not let me be brought to shame;
do not let my enemies rejoice over me.
Yea, do not let any wait upon you be ashamed;
let those who deceive in vain be ashamed.
Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in truth, and instruct me,
for on you, the God of my salvation do I wait all day long.

Be mindful of your tender mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Remember not my youth offences nor my rebellion;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
remember me for the sake of your goodness’, O Lord!
Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He guides the humble in justice, and teaches the lowly his way.
All the paths of the Lord are loving kindness and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

† Hymn – No. 626 (Vs 1,2,3) Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Advent Wreath Ceremony – For Two Readers Hope
Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the Sunday in which we recall the hope we have in Christ.
The prophets of Israel all spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a saviour would be born, a king in the line of David. They spoke of how he would rule the world wisely and bless all nations.
On Christmas day the Christ of our hope was born. On Good Friday the Christ of our hope died. On Easter day the Christ of our hope rose from the dead. He then ascended into heaven. On the last day, the Christ of our hope will come again to establish his kingdom over all things on earth.
As the follower of Christ, we await his return. We light this candle to remember that as he came to us as humbly in the manger at Bethlehem and gave light to the world, so he is coming again in power to deliver his people.
We light this candle to remind us to be alert and to watch for his return. (The First Candle is Lit)

Let Us Pray
Loving God, we thank you for the hope you give us.
Help us prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming.
Bless our worship. Help us live holy and righteous lives.
We ask it in the name of the one born in Bethlehem. Amen.

Response…..The Advent Candle Shines…..Tune: from O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
The advent candle shines with hope
and faith to fuel its timeless flame.
Like prophets past we declare, “Emmanuel” our Savior’s name.
Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

A Reading from Jeremiah 33:14-16 (Page 738, Old Testament)

Choral Response (10:45)…..Advent Introit…..Sands

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Call to Prayer – No. 230 (Vs. 1,3)…..O Little Town of Bethlehem

The Morning Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer – In Unison
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Response (8:15) – No. 230 (Vs. 4)…..O Little Town of Bethlehem

Choral Response - 10:45…..O Holy Child of Bethlehem…..Redner

A Reading from 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13(Page 204, New Testament)

Giving of God’s Tithes and Our Offerings
Only our members and friends who have made a commitment to the church are obligated to support the ministries of First United Methodist Church. Visitors should consider themselves our guests

Offertory…..Reflection on “Lourdes Hymn”…..Spong

† Doxology – No. 221 (Vs. 2,4)…..In the Bleak Midwinter

† Prayer of Blessing

Chancel Choir (10:45)…..Make My Life a Bethlehem…..Courtney

A Reading from Luke 1:5-25 (Page 56, New Testament)

Hymn – See Insert…..A Star Shone Bright (An Advent Hymn)

Message – Pastor Will…..The Sound in Silence

† Hymn – No. 202…..People, Look East

† Dismissal with Blessing

† Response (8:15) – No. 204…..Emmanuel, Emmanuel

† Choral Response (10:45)…..Low, How A Rose…..Schackley
† Chimes (10:45 )

† Postlude…..Come, Savior of the Gentiles…..Pachelbel