November 27 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

We are ready!

EFFA Love Wreath & The Mitten Tree

Lending a hand for the Chrismon Tree

We go to great lengths for our church

Fellowship time fun!

First Sunday of Advent

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Today’s Meditation Verse: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD!’”     —Psalm 122:1

Welcome... Pastor Charles

Prelude... Lorie Courier / “Emmanuel Comes”

Lighting the Advent Candle... Bob Muckle

One: Mary hears from God – We are waiting. We are frustrated and tired. So much of our world seems caught in turmoil. Many are caught in turmoil not of their own making. The darkness closes in on us. Where is the hope?

Two: In the darkness God lights the first candle of Advent. The divine word is sent to a young teen in a little land in the Mideast. “I’m going to bring a new life into the world, to bring about change, to offer love and salvation.” What will be her answer? We wait with bated breath.

Three: “Let is happen as you say, O God. May the fruit of my womb bring good news to us all.” Light the first candle on the Advent wreath

Prayer: As You brought the word of hope to Mary and through her to our world, rekindle anew in us this season a sense of hope as we prepare to celebrate Your nativity. Amen.

—Before the Amen, Maren Tirabassi & Maria Tirabassi, 2007

*Hymn... “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (UMH #211)

Prayer for Advent (UMH #201)...Claudia Mills

Merciful God, You sent Your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may celebrate aright the commemoration of the nativity and may await with joy the coming in glory of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

*Offering/Doxology (See insert—to the tune of “the First Noel”)

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer...Pastor Charles

First Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5... Claudia Mills

Choral Anthem... “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” arranged by Douglas E. Wagner

Epistle Lesson: Romans 13:11-14... Pastor Charles

This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon... Pastor Charles / “Reflections on the Nativity”

Celebration of Ministry: The Mitten Tree... Claudia Mills

*Hymn... “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” (UMH #203)

*Words for the Journey... Pastor Charles

Postlude... Lorie Courier / “Rise Up Shepherd”