Colonial Park United Church of Christ 5000 Devonshire Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109 717-545-3782 www.cpucc.org From Lament to Everlasting Love December 6, 2015- Early Service The Rev. Dr. Bonita Zobeck The Rev. Roben Roof Minister of Youth Scott Siciliano Minister of Music and Worship Arts No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here.
Lamenting Welcome Parish Joys and Concerns Prayer Requests Organ Prelude Noel of the Little Bells Ralph Marryott Lighting the Advent Wreath Gessel Family Parent: We light two candles today because the second candle points to the peace that God gave to us through Jesus. Child: Why do we light one more candle each Sunday in Advent? Parent: Because Jesus is coming again. Because as light gradually pushes out darkness, peace gradually pushes out conflict. Jesus, the light of the world has come to earth and will come again. * Call to Worship Leader: We long for your tender care, in your pastures feed us. People: Lord, like a shepherd lead us. Leader: We long for a guardian of our way, from danger defend us. People: Lord, like a shepherd lead us. Leader: Let us seek to do your will, with your love to fill us. People: Lord, like a shepherd lead us and make us instruments of your peace. Leader: Come, let us worship our God of peace. * Opening Prayer * Hymn Comfort, Comfort O My People No. 101
* Call to Confession * Prayer of Confession We join the people of Israel as they invite God their Shepherd to save and to restore them. We ask the question - but we already know the answer. What would you have us do O Lord? You would have us insist upon justice for the oppressed; you would have us embrace loving-kindness in all situations; and you would have us trust you and you alone. Yes, we know the answer, but we struggle to live that answer. Our excuses are sincere, and yet we know they are foolish in your sight. Forgive us Lord and strengthen us that we may share the grace you have showered upon us, in all we say and do. * Silent Prayer and Words of Assurance * Hymn of Response Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us No. 252
* Passing the Peace of Christ (The congregation may greet each other with a sign of reconciliation and peace, such as a handshake or embrace and say these or similar words.) One: The peace of Christ be with you. People: And also with you. Hearing the Good News Show and Tell First Lesson Psalm 23 Refrain: H. Goodall Lesson Micah 5:1-5 Bible page 865 Reader: Here ends the lesson. People: Let Your Word abide in us, O God. Sermon "Birthing Peace" * Affirmation of Faith New Zealand Affirmation of Faith No. 886 Practicing Our Spirituality Prayers of the People Lord, Have Mercy Stefan Waligur Our Lord s Prayer Hymnal Page 9 Option C 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Mission Moment Invitation to Offering Offertory Season of Giving I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Longfellow/Marks
* The Offertory Response Doxology No. 778 To God, all glorious heavenly Light, To Christ revealed in earthly night, To God the Spirit now we raise Our joyful songs of thankful Praise! * Unison Prayer of Dedication God of all righteousness, receive these gifts of gratitude, the offerings of our lives, the offerings of our hearts. May they in infiltrate difficult places and bring shalom to our communities. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. Going Out with Celebration * Sending Hymn Let There be Peace on Earth Miller/Jackson Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me; Let there be peace on Earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God as our leader, together all are we. Let me walk with my neighbor in perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now. With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow: To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally. Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me! * Benediction * Benediction Response Danish Threefold No. 812 * Departing Music