December 18 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Fourth Sunday at St. Paul's UMC

Michele lights the fourth candle on the wreath

The cantata is wonderful!

Fellowship joy!

Goodies for everyone!

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Video of today's service

Today’s Meditation Verse: “Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises made to her.” —Luke 1:45

Welcome... Pastor Charles

Prelude... Lorie Courier / “A Christmas Celebration”

Lighting the Advent Candle... Steve & Michele Matthews

Light three candles. We often speak of shepherds and magi receiving the good news in this season, but they were not the first. Was it a cow or ox, donkey or sheep, who found its manger occupied with love incarnate?

The good news comes not just for humankind, but for all of  creation. Those representatives were there not just to be cute, but to remind us that all of God’s world groans awaiting the good news. Are we as welcoming as these creatures who gave of their stalls? Baby Jesus asleep on the hay. We know about birth and caring for our offspring. We know one needs a place of safety where one may curl and rest. Yet another light joins the fight against the night. Light the fourth candle on Advent wreath.

Prayer: The cattle are lowing; creatures are sharing their songs of parenting to welcome new birth. May we also welcome love’s birth with our own sounds of support. Amen.  —Before the Amen, Maren Tirabassi & Maria Tirabassi, 2007

*Hymn... “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (UMH #240)

Canticle of Zechariah (UMH #208)... Bob Muckle

*Offering/Doxology (To the tune of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God all creatures here below.

Praise God above ye heavenly hosts.

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrationsone

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

Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-16... Bob Muckle

Chancel Choir Cantata... "How Great Our Joy!," composed and arranged by Lloyd Larson and Douglas E. Wagner

*Hymn...“O Little Town of Bethlehem” (UMH #230)

*Words for the Journey... Pastor Charles

Postlude... Lorie Courier and Suzanne Polacek / “Ukrainian Bell Carol”