Chilmark Community Church
December 9,2012
Prelude: Invention 8 Bach
Gathering and Announcements
Introit: #210 O Come, O Come Emanuel vs.1,2
Call to Worship Warren and Marilyn HollinsheadLeader:
As we light the second Advent candle let us remember the words of Isaiah:”The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
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;
.’” *Hymn 2236 “Gather Us In” vs1,2,4
Prayer of Reconciliation (unison
)SO Holy One of Israel, Remember now your ancient promise: make straight the paths of our hearts that lead to you, and smooth the rough ways of our minds, that today we might draw close to you and, knowing your compassion, clear our hearts to love all humanity.
Silent prayer
Amen
Children’s Moment
Proclamation and Praise Ann Deitrich
Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 1:68-79
Special Music
Luke 3:1-6
Sermon: “Prepare the Way of the Lord”
*Hymn # 207 “ Prepare the Way of the lord”
Concerns and Celebrations
Unison Prayer:God of hope, As we joyfully await the glorious coming of Christ, we pray to you for the needs of the church and the world. silent prayerHear our humble prayer that we may serve you in holiness and faith and give voice to your presence among us until the day of the coming of Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Offering*Hymn 95 “Praise God From Whom All Blessing Flow”
Prayer of Dedication
Great God of the mountains and the valleys, we make this journey of Advent, confident of the coming of the Messiah; and in that confidence, we often have ignored the call to repentance. We have rushed to the stable and manger scene and have turned our backs on the real work of change in our lives and transformation in our world, making mountains low and valleys high, and making the love made flesh in Jesus accessible to all and not just to a few. As we give our gifts this morning, may they do the work of kingdom construction. May the work of renovation begin in our hearts, that “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Amen.
*Hymn #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
Benediction
Postlude: The Kingdom of God by AustinLovelace
Organist: Carol Loud
Pastors: Rev. Arlene Bodge
Reader: Ann Deitrich
Please join us for coffee in the Community Room after the service.