Chilmark Community Church
December 6, 2009
Prelude: 2-Part Invention J.S. Bach
Gathering and Announcements
Introit: Let Christmas Come English Melody
Call to Worship
MalachI 3:1-4
Candle Lighting Liturgy Judi and Jules Worthington
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, says the Lord of hosts.
[Here relight the first Advent candle.]
The light of hope has awakened our spirits.
A voice cries out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
Renew in us your covenant, O God, that we may be ready for the dawn of your salvation.
We light a second candle to bring light to every darkness, and to guide us in the way of peace.
[Here light the second Advent candle.]
With gratitude for your light, O God, we will prepare to welcome a new birth of your love.
*Hymn 2164 “Sanctuary” 2X
Peace
Confession (unison)
By Thy Tender Mercy, O God, let the dawn from on high break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Guide our feet into the way of thy peace. AMEN
Silent prayer
Word of Assurance
“Every Valley Shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Anthem by Helen Stratford
Proclamation and Praise
May the Words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to thee, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.
Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6
*Hymn 382 “ Have Thine Own Way Lord”
Concerns and Celebrations
Unison Prayer
In the advent seasons, when the past has fled, unasked, away and there is nothing left to do but wait, God, shelter us. Be our surrounding darkness; be the fertile soil out of which hope springs in due time. In uncertain times, help us to greet the dawn and labor on, love on, in faith awaiting your purpose hid in you waiting to be born in due time. Amen Duck
Silent Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Offering
*Hymn 95 “Praise God From Whom All Blessing Flow”
Prayer of Dedication (unison)
May these gifts bring light to those who walk in darkness, hope to those who live in despair, and justice to those who are oppressed. To these ends we dedicate our offerings and ourselves. Amen Lavon Baylor
*Hymn 211 O come, O come, Emmanuel”
Benediction (unison)
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound in hope.Romans 15:13
Postlude: Bourree J.S. Bach
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Organist: Carol Loud
Leader: Ann Deitrich Reader: Dan Cabot
Next Week’s Lessons: Zephanian 3: 14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians: 4:4-7;Luke 3:7-18
*Stand if you are able