EBENEZER UNITED
(410)795-6136
Rev.
Judith A. Emerson, Pastor
Second Sunday of Advent
PRELUDE “When He Cometh” Young
LIGHTING THE CANDLES
WELCOME
*CALL
TO WORSHIP
From Isaiah to John the Baptist to the
Evangelist Mark, the message comes, loud and clear: As it is written in the
prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way for the savior. Make the
paths straight!’”
What a winding,
twisting road still lies ahead of us. Cookies to bake, packages to wrap, cards to send, plans to make, people
to see, travel ahead . . .
Can you prepare a way for the good
news of Jesus Christ? Can you level the barriers,
straighten your calendar, save a place for the savior in your heart?
We need a
beacon, a shining light, to call to us always, to warn us, to warm us, to worm
its way into our sight!
Listen
to the voice crying in the wilderness. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus!
*HYMN “Wild
and Lone the Prophet’s Voice” TFWS No. 2089
PRAYER
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 greet with
joy the coming of Jesus Christ, our
Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH Luke 2:8-10
(
(
The Kessinger Family
Congregational Response
Today we give thanks for the shepherds among us, back-breaking laborers on whom our economy stands, those we overlook or rarely see, yet rely on for our very survival, the ones who have much to teach us about watching for God in the darkness.
Lighting the Candles
Sung Response “Emmanuel,
Emmanuel”
FROM THE GOSPELS Mark 1:1-8 NT
pgs. 32-33
The Gospel of Mark begins with the
ministry of John the Baptist. He is the messenger spoken of in the scriptures,
the voice which cries aloud in the wilderness. He is sent to prepare the way of
the Lord through his call for repentance and baptism in water for the
forgiveness of sins. The people flock to him, but he tells of a mightier one
still to come who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
ANTHEM
(
SERMON
“We Just Need to
HYMN
“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”
PRAYERS
OF THE PEOPLE
Joys and Concerns
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Compassionate God, be with us
this day in our strength and our weakness. Be patient, O God who guides. Be
merciful. Bring peace to our weary souls. Forgive us in what we have done and what
we have failed to do. Hear our heartfelt confession, and bring us back to gladness.
May we rejoice always in your name. Amen.
Words of Assurance
THE GIFTS OF THE PEOPLE
Offertory
“Every Valley” Ken
Middleton
*Presentation of Gifts
*Doxology “What
Gift Can We Bring”
Stanza #4
This gift we now
bring, this present, this token,
these
words can convey it, the joy of this day!
When grateful we
come, remembering, rejoicing,
this
song we now offer in honor and praise!
*Prayer of Dedication
Riches and honor come
from you, O God. We give thanks to you and praise your glorious name. Who are
we that we should be able to make this freewill offering, for all things come
from you. Bless our offering today, and bless us as well in the giving. Amen.
THE
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in
heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us 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 kingdom, and the power, and the
glory, forever. Amen.
The Sharing of the Cup and Bread
The
Prayer after Receiving
Communion Offering for
*HYMN “Heralds
of Christ”
*DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING
*POSTLUDE
This Week
|
Day |
Event |
Time |
|
Tuesday |
Advent Bible study |
|
|
Wednesday |
OWLS lunch at church Choir practices |
|
|
Saturday |
Christmas dinner at Winfield Fire Hall |
|
CALLING
We are looking for musical volunteers to play in our December Instrumental Ensemble. There will be one rehearsal on Saturday, December 17th at 10:30 AM. We will be included in the Sunday service on December 18th. Come and enjoy playing arrangements of favorite traditional carols. See Linda for music and more information or contact her at bigbange@aol.com.
CHRISTMAS
DINNER
Adults (Ages 11 and up) - $15.00
Children (Ages
Infant to 2 years old - Free!
CHURCH
DOORS
Please double check the outside
doors each time you enter and exit the church building. There are times when
the door does not completely close and the bar on the door must be pressed in
again in order for the door to close and lock. Your cooperation is appreciated!
THANKSGIVING OFFERING
Our offering from the Thanksgiving
Eve Service totaled $745.41. Half of this amount will be given to the Shalom
Zone in Westminster. The other half will be sent to the Children of Zion
Village in support of the missionary work Heidi Davis will offer during her
time in Africa. In addition to this offering Ebenezer United Methodist Church
will make a contribution from our Mission fund in support of Heidi’s ministry
to the Children of Zion Village. Thank you for your donations.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SCHEDULE
6:00 PM Service for Children and Families
8:00 PM Traditional Service with Chancel Choir
10:00 PM Candlelight Service with Special Music
CHRISTMAS
No Sunday school
Worship at 10:00 AM Only