Church Bulletin
GATHERING AROUND THE WORLD
MEDITATION ~ "It is not only impossible but useless to know God without Christ." ~ Blaise Pascal, French Theologian and Mathematician
LIGHTING OF THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP
Jesus says: I am coming soon.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
heaven and earth will pass away,
but the words of God endures forever.
Let us worship God.
*WORSHIP IN SONG ~ Hymn #9 ~ "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!"
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God our Marker, we confess that we are not ready to meet you. We study the trends of our times and ignore the signs of your reign. We trust in things that pass away and forget your eternal promise.
Time of Prayer and Silent Confession
Forgive us, God of grace. Strength us, by your hand so that we may be ready for that day when you come to reign in glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
...Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
PASSING THE PEACE OF JESUS CHRIST
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON ~ Zechariah 9:9-13, p. 884
RESPONSE ~ The word of the Lord. ~ Thanks be to God!
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON ~ John 1:19-23, p. 92
RESPONSE ~ The word of the Lord. ~ Thanks be to God!
ANTHEM ~ Special Music
SERMON ~ "Prisoners of Hope" ~ Pastor MacK
APOSTLE'S CREED ~ Traditional
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise him all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
*WORSHIP IN SONG ~ Hymn #2 ~ "Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus"
SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
Invitation to the Lord's Table
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord's Prayer
Communion of God's People
Prayer after Communion
SENDING OUT INTO THE WORLD
WORSHIP IN SONG ~ Hymn #8~ "Lift Up You Heads, Ye Mighty Gates"
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*RECESSIONAL ~ Hymn "Go Now in Peace"
*PERSONAL PRAYER AND MEDIATION
*POSTLUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We give thanks to God for today's Liturgist, Scott Withers.
Potluck Lunch ~ Today everyone is invited to attend our monthly potluck. we will gather after worship.
Our Prayer Circle ~ meets Wednesday morning at 7:30 am in the Sanctuary, please enter and exit through the Sanctuary doors.
Mack's Political Roundtable ~ meets on Monday at 7 pm. Topic: " The Fatal Conceit" by Hayek.
Dessert and Discussion ~ meets on Tuesday at 5:30 pm. Topic: "The Book of Romans"
Choir Practice ~ will be on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm.
Sound the Trumpet! Arcadian Choral Holiday Concerts!! The first performance will be on Friday, December 14 at 7:30pm at St. Rose of Lima Church, 16 McLean Street in Freehold. The second performance is on Sunday December 16 at Holy Spirit Church, 705 Second Ave in Asbury Park. Tickets for General Admission are $20, Seniors $15 and students with ID$10. Credit Card/PayPal orders are available on our website: www.arcadianchorale.org. Tickets will also be available at the door and group rates too.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service ~ is at 7:30 pm.
Schedule for Sunday, December 9
Liturgist ~ Ken Surgent
From last week:
Attendance ~ 22
Plate/Envelope ~ $723/$1200