Wednesday Evening Prayer & Eucharist Season of Advent Advent Worship Services December 10 Special Music Sunday Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8; In Breath December 17 Children s Christmas Play Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28; Call Time December 21 Longest Night Worship Service, 7:00 PM December 24 Morning Advent services at 9:00 and 11:15 AM Samuel 7:1-11, Luke 1:26-38, Time Collapse 6:00 PM - Children s Christmas Pageant 8:00 PM - Traditional Candlelight Service Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20, Opening Night STAFF Ministers: Every member of the congregation Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli... Senior Pastor Dawn M. Hand... Executive Pastor / Chief of Staff Al Hammer... Associate Pastor / Chief Operations Officer Will Green...Associate Pastor / Director of Connecting Ministries Ben Roberts...Associate Pastor / Director of Social Justice Ministries Stanley Thurston... Director of Music Ministries Whitney Kinsey...Director of Family Ministries Alma Deligny...Director of Financial Services Kate Oliver... Office Manager Jasper Travis...Hospitality Coordinator MJ Jean... Executive Assistant Phil Carney, Erica Hollins, Carl Long... Evening/Weekend Admin Assistants Alice Chang...Wedding Coordinator Olivia James, Jackie Wright-Martin...Finance Assistants Rosa Vega... Hospitality Host Chasta Piatakovas, Sekethia Farrow, Michele Wright...Childcare Staff Jill Stevenson... Mission Possible Phase II Project Manager Jamie Darken, Eric Lee, Lee Kathenes, Wayne Nelson... Sound Technicians Pastor on Call... 202.332.4010 1
Wednesday, December 6 6:30 PM Service Prelude Welcome Will Ed Green +Lighting of the Advent Wreath (Lucenarium) Leader: Those who walk in darkness have seen a great light. People: On those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone. May the Lord, whose face shines upon us, be with you always. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is truly right to give you thanks and praise, O God, for you created both the light of day And the darkness of night and called them good. As evening falls, you renew your promise to reveal Among us the light of your presence. May your word be now a lantern to our feet And a light upon our path that we may behold your coming among us. Strengthen us in our weakness and fear and Free our tongues to sing your praise. Blessed be God: Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God now and forever. Amen. +The Peace At this time you are invited to greet one another with signs of peace and reconciliation. +Hymn: worship guide page 11 Creator of the Stars at Night Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-9, page 16 2
Hymn: page 12 O Come, O Come Emmanuel Selected verses Psalter: page 13 A Canticle of Light and Darkness +The Gospel Mark 13:24-37, page 16 Response: page 14 Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus Congregational Prayer As the liturgist lifts up petitions, they will end each one by saying we pray to the Lord after which you are invited to respond Come, Lord Jesus....As one family, let us pray in the words that Jesus, the Word of God, taught us: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kindom come, thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, And forgive 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 kindom, And the power, And the glory forever, Your Word, O God, has given us life; Your Word incarnate gives us new life in the Easter promise. May your word illuminate this Advent season, Dispelling the darkness of fear and mistrust; May your word dwell among us always, Awakening our hearts to your enduring love. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, your Light and Word. Amen. 3
Communion and Candle Lighting Holy Communion will be served using gluten-free bread and unfermented grape juice. You re invited to come forward as you re able to first receive a piece of bread and then dip it into the cup. After receiving the elements, you re invited to move to one of our candle lighting stations where you can light a candle symbolizing a place where you are in need of light during this Advent season or where you are experiencing the emergence of Christ s light in the world. The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise....and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join in their unending hymn, saying: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest....as we proclaim the mystery of faith, saying: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Music During Communion Doxology adapted by Stephen Gordon Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise God all creatures here below Praise God above ye heavenly hosts Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost Amen, Amen Hymn: page 15 Mighty God, We Thank and Praise You Benediction 4 Please return this bulletin to the basket in the back.
Wednesday, December 13 6:30 PM Service Prelude Welcome Will Ed Green +Lighting of the Advent Wreath (Lucenarium) Leader: Those who walk in darkness have seen a great light. People: On those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone. May the Lord, whose face shines upon us, be with you always. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is truly right to give you thanks and praise, O God, for you created both the light of day And the darkness of night and called them good. As evening falls, you renew your promise to reveal Among us the light of your presence. May your word be now a lantern to our feet And a light upon our path that we may behold your coming among us. Strengthen us in our weakness and fear and Free our tongues to sing your praise. Blessed be God: Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God now and forever. Amen. +The Peace At this time you are invited to greet one another with signs of peace and reconciliation. +Hymn: page 11 Creator of the Stars at Night Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11, page 17 5
Hymn: page 12 O Come, O Come Emmanuel Selected verses Psalter: page 13 A Canticle of Light and Darkness +The Gospel Mark 1:1-8, page 17 Response: page 14 Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus Congregational Prayer As the liturgist lifts up petitions, they will end each one by saying we pray to the Lord after which you are invited to respond Lord, have mercy....seeking reconciliation with God and with one another, let us pray in the Spirit of Jesus saying: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kindom come, thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, And forgive 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 kindom, And the power, And the glory forever, Come, Living Light of Love, free us from our fears, release us from our cynicism and doubt, and unshackle us from our own needs and wants so that we may seek your peace and justice in all things. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 6
Communion and Candle Lighting Holy Communion will be served using gluten-free bread and unfermented grape juice. You re invited to come forward as you re able to first receive a piece of bread and then dip it into the cup. After receiving the elements, you re invited to move to one of our candle lighting stations where you can light a candle symbolizing a place where you are in need of light during this Advent season or where you are experiencing the emergence of Christ s light in the world. The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise....and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join in their unending hymn, saying: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest....as we proclaim the mystery of faith, saying: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Music During Communion Doxology adapted by Stephen Gordon Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise God all creatures here below Praise God above ye heavenly hosts Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost Amen, Amen Hymn: page 15 Mighty God, We Thank and Praise You Benediction Please return this bulletin to the basket in the back. 7
Wednesday, December 20 6:30 PM Service Prelude Welcome Will Ed Green +Lighting of the Advent Wreath (Lucenarium) Leader: Those who walk in darkness have seen a great light. People: On those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone. May the Lord, whose face shines upon us, be with you always. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is truly right to give you thanks and praise, O God, for you created both the light of day And the darkness of night and called them good. As evening falls, you renew your promise to reveal Among us the light of your presence. May your word be now a lantern to our feet And a light upon our path that we may behold your coming among us. Strengthen us in our weakness and fear and Free our tongues to sing your praise. Blessed be God: Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God now and forever. Amen. +The Peace At this time you are invited to greet one another with signs of peace and reconciliation. +Hymn: worship guide page 11 Creator of the Stars at Night Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, page 18 8
Hymn: page 12 O Come, O Come Emmanuel Selected verses Psalter: page 13 A Canticle of Light and Darkness +The Gospel John 1:6-8, 19-28, page 18 Response: page 14 Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus Congregational Prayer As the liturgist lifts up petitions, they will end each one by saying we pray to the Lord after which you are invited to respond Lord, hear our prayer....and now, with the courage of those upon whom Christ s light shines and for whom it has been given, we are bold to pray together: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kindom come, thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, And forgive 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 kindom, And the power, And the glory forever, You, O Lord, are the potter, and we are the clay, the work of your hand. Create us in the ways of your justice and mercy, form us in your peace, and craft us in your love. We ask these things in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 9
Communion and Candle lighting Holy Communion will be served using gluten-free bread and unfermented grape juice. You re invited to come forward as you re able to first receive a piece of bread and then dip it into the cup. After receiving the elements, you re invited to move to one of our candle lighting stations where you can light a candle symbolizing a place where you are in need of light during this Advent season or where you are experiencing the emergence of Christ s light in the world. The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise....and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join in their unending hymn, saying: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest....as we proclaim the mystery of faith, saying: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Music During Communion Doxology adapted by Stephen Gordon Praise God fom whom all blessings flow Praise God all creatures here below Praise God above ye heavenly hosts Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost Amen, Amen Hymn: page 14 Mighty God, We Thank and Praise You Benediction 10
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O Come, O Come, Emmanuel O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer, our spirits by thy justice here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death s dark shadows put to flight. Refrain O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind. From dust thou brought us forth to life; deliver us from earthly strife. Refrain From the UMH Hymnal 12
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Taken from Songs for Liturgy by Cardiophonia Collective 15
Isaiah 61:1-9 Scripture Readings Week One The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord s favour, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, foreigners shall till your land and dress your vines; but you shall be called priests of the Lord, you shall be named ministers of our God; you shall enjoy the wealth of the nations, and in their riches you shall glory. Because their shame was double, and dishonour was proclaimed as their lot, therefore they shall possess a double portion; everlasting joy shall be theirs. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. Mark 13:24-37 But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, 16
nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake. Week Two Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort, O comfort my people,says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. A voice says, Cry out! And I said, What shall I cry? All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, Here is your God! See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. Mark 1:1-8 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight, John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the 17
thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Week Three The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord s favour, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. John 1:6-8, 19-28 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, I am not the Messiah. And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the prophet? He answered, No. Then they said to him, Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? He said, I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet? John answered them, I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal. This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
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