December 8 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

A visit with Sammy!

Lylah brings in the light

Farewell gift to the Alkulas

Louise prepares the cake

Fellowship potluck

Second Sunday of Advent

Link to service Worship 12-8-24

Today’s Meditation Verse: “Because of our God’s deep compassion, the dawn from heaven will break upon us.” —Luke 1:78 (CEB)

Welcome...Pastor Charles

Prelude...Kyle Dacon

Lighting the Advent Candle...Steve & Martha Batch and Molly Nunnery

First Reader: Joseph must decide what to do.

Light the first candle on the Advent wreath.

One candle in the darkness doesn’t offer much light. And with a promise to act comes the responsibility to respond. Taking a risk in a threatening world goes against our need to run and hide.

Second Reader: Poor Joseph, caught in a dilemma. Do what society expects and distance yourself from what might appear scandalous. Or stick by the frail child facing pregnancy. What will his choice be?

First Reader: “Mary, I’m here. We’ll go through this together.” A second candle now flickers in the darkness. Light the second candle on the Advent wreath.

Prayer: It takes courage, O God, to stand with those who would do Your work. May we find strength to offer our support to Your good news. Amen.

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

*Hymn...“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” (UMH #213)

Canticle of Mary (UMH #199)...Bob Muckle

Gospel Lesson: Luke 3:1-6...Bob Muckle

Choral Anthem...“People Look East,” arranged by John Leavitt 

Community prayer concerns and celebrations

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

Old Testament Lesson: Malachi 3:1-4...Pastor Charles

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

Sermon...Pastor Charles / “Cleaning house as a spiritual act”

Litany of Farewell

*Hymn...“Angels From the Realms of Glory” (UMH #220)

*Words for the Journey...Pastor Charles

Postlude...Kyle Dacon