ORDER OF WORSHIP – DECEMBER 11, 2022
PRELUDE: “NOEL” MCKAY (1935)
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
INTROIT: “CHORALE” J.S.B. (1685)
Call to Worship (inspired by Isaiah 35:1-10, adapted from Rev. Nancy J., used with permission, http://ruminari.wordpress.com/2010/12/09/advent-3a-call-to-worship/)
Listen–all creation rejoices, can you hear it?
There is so much noise and chatter, are you sure there is music?
Listen–the wilderness and desert are breaking out in song, can you hear it?
It’s been so long since we’ve heard a melody of praise.
Listen–the crocus blooms with joyful singing, the very mountains join in the refrain.
Listen – like Joseph listened when an angel broke into his dreams with unbelievable news.
Listen – where is God speaking?
We join our voices in hope,
worshipping our God who brings forth a new song in the world.
Life-giving God, in this moment of worship we pray that you might bless us anew.
Give us ears to hear the melodies of praise that fill the world around us.
And as we hear the songs, teach us to sing,
to rejoice in the wonders of your grace.
Forgive us when we have passed by signs of your mercy.
Forgive us when we have the opportunity to be grace-filled and to choose a better way, but allow fear or greed, assumptions or insecurities to occupy our minds instead.
Open our eyes to the places where joy is springing up from parched ground, give us courage to choose a way of love, your way.
Lead us by your Spirit on this 3rd Sunday of Advent, remembering our candles of hope, peace and joy. Amen.
Today we light this candle of joy remembering all the good news around us. May its light remind us of the sources of joy in our lives, drawing us closer to one another and to our God.
Lighting of the Advent Wreath – Jason, Heather, Maggie and Alex Snyder
Hymn 260 “Rejoice, Rejoice, the Kingdom Comes”
Children’s Program: How do you spell Christmas?
Hymn 256 “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers”
Prayers of the People
Pastoral Prayer/Lord’s Prayer
Offerings our Gifts/Remembering God’s Gifts
Hymn 819. “For the Life that You Have Given”
Joyful Noise – Moravian Open Door
Scripture Matthew 1:18-25. Elissa Waldron
Message “What’s in a Name?”
Hymn 274 O Come O Come Emmanuel
Benediction.
Prayers are adapted and used with permission from Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org.
Calvary Moravian Church 