December 13, 2009

Pre-service music
Call to Worship
Leader: We live in troubled times,
waiting for God's light to burst into our dark world. Rejoice! God is coming in mercy to turn us around.
People: God takes away all judgments against us,
we no longer fear disaster.
God takes down oppressors and lifts up the oppressed.
Leader: God restores our hearts and minds and brings us home.
People: May we turn to God with prayer and thanksgiving,
May we be ready to proclaim to all the good news of God's
grace. May we turn to others in generosity and sharing.
Prayer of Invocation
Hymns Prepare the way
Here I am to worship
Children's Story Drummer Boy
Hymn Let all mortal flesh HWB 463

Hearing

Scripture Isaiah 12:1-6; Luke 3:7-18
Sermon Tunics, Toll Roads and Shaking Down…
Litany of response: (based on Zephaniah 3:14-20)
Leader: Lord, in this time of Advent, we celebrate your presence
with us and long for your coming. We rejoice that you do not
forget us, but break into the confusion of our lives. You keep
coming in mercy to turn us around.
People: Lord, help us in our turning around.
Help us repent and turn toward you.
Leader: We confess that we have tried many paths
and that our wandering has made us weary.
People: Guide us with your grace.
Leader: Lord, in your loving kindness, help us to fear no more.
People: Rejoice! Sing aloud! God forgives!
Leader: We rejoice because God is in our midst, turning us around
and taking away our fear. God rejoices over us with gladness,
God renews us with love.
All: God saves the lame, gathers up the outcasts and changes their shame into praise. We rejoice in your plan of salvation. You restore your people. Lord, come to save us! Amen.
Hymn My soul cries out STS 124

Responding

Sharing of Praises and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Offering/Hymn Praise God from Whom HWB 119
Announcements
Hymn Listen, God is calling STJ 42
Benediction

Today

Announcements

Please email all bulletin announcements by Wednesday 8:00 pm to Becky.

Prayers and Praises

MMN: People in Sweden celebrate St. Lucia Day with candles on this date just before the winter solstice, a turning point in the darkness of winter. Pray for Disa and Tom Rutschman and their family as they share the light of Jesus through teaching and other youth ministries from their home on the Artic Circle.

VMM: Today the Maranatha School for the Deaf in rural Jamaica celebrates Christmas with a program attended by family and community members. Thank God for the staff and for VMM workers Rodney and Lindsey Nice who have worked hard to prepare for this event, and thank God for the sponsors who have sent gifts to bless the students.

Pray for the local services for people in need: Love Inc., Shelter for Help in Emergency, Food Bank, Salvation Army, IMPACT--a justice ministry and PACEM-- the initiative for the homeless.

Gathering in Christ's name

Hearing

Responding

Today

Announcements

Prayers and Praises