Standing Tall, Falling Hard The Story...Chapter 10
Gathering Gathering Music Caravan of the Three Kings Richard Purvis Welcome/Call to Worship *Opening Hymn #283 O Come, All Ye Faithful *Time of Honesty We have locked ourselves out, O God. Each of us, in our own way, has locked ourselves out of relationships, has locked ourselves out of opportunities, has locked ourselves out of our true home, because we are too arrogant, or too stubborn, or simply too human. We have filled our lives and our world with darkness and death, because we have, all too often, put our own judgment and desires over yours. We are lost, in need of light and hope and joy. (moment of silent prayer) Come, Lord Jesus; forgive us and restore us. Come, Lord Jesus; guide us and deliver us. Come, Lord Jesus; teach us and renew us. Come, Lord Jesus. *Assurance of Forgiveness (adapted from Titus 3:4-7, The Message) Jesus, the Word that became flesh, compassionate and loving Savior God, has stepped in and saved us. God gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God s gift has restored our relationship with God and given us back our lives. Praise God for setting us free and for our new life found in Jesus the Christ. Amen. *Song of Response Hear the Angels (You are invited to come to the Baptismal font and remember you are a child of God) *Prayer of the Day Life in Community Children s Message Word of Life Scripture Reading...1 Samuel 2:1-10 (NIV) Hannah s Prayer 2 Then Hannah prayed and said: 2
My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. 2 There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 3 Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. 4 The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. 5 Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry are hungry no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away. 6 The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. 7 The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. 8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord s; on them he has set the world. 9 He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails; 10 those who oppose the Lord will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 3
*Gospel Reading...Luke 1:46-55 (NIV) Mary s Song 46 And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. *Song of Response Message *Message Hymn *Prayers of the Community *Sharing of the Peace Thank Offering The Gospel of the Lord. Magnificat Pr. Adam Varner Thanks be to God. Lift up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates Offertory Jennifer Arndt, Vocal Soloist Shepherd s Pipe Carol John Rutter *Offertory Response vss. 1 & 3 *Offering Prayer What Child Is This 4
Lord s Supper *Great Thanksgiving *Preface *Holy, Holy, Holy *Words of Institution *Lord s Prayer Communion Distribution Communion Blessing Sending *Benediction *Song of Sending #270 *Sending Hark, the Herald Angels Sing Let us be a Christmas light in the darkness as we go out to love and serve the Lord... God is with us all... and WE WIL! Postlude Gigue on Good Christian Friends, Rejoice Lasky Prayers Please pray for Gloria Rickard, Dick Lowke, Laura Hills and Martha Bangasser on their health challenges and recovery Please pray for Linda Squires, sister of Laura Hills Please pray for Karen Oehler, sister of Kurt Oehler Please pray for Doneta Guengerich, mother of Steve Guengerich and Lael Cordes Pitts, sister of Rebecca Guengerich Please pray for Tricia (Adam) Burnight and family on the death of her grandmother, Mary Daniels Please pray for Isabel Huebner, Sandy Nielsen mother Please pray for Mikaila Schmidt, granddaughter of Milt and Sandy Nielsen along with their son in law Jeff Schmidt Please pray for our faith community, that we may be a church without walls and live out loud...faithfully! 5