DECEMBER 22, 2024 10:30 AM
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
**Kindly stand if you are able
PRELUDE Mary Lee Farris, Organ
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 148)
Leader: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
PEOPLE: Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
Leader: Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!
PEOPLE: Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
Leader: Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
PEOPLE: He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
Leader: He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him.
ALL: Praise the LORD!
INVOCATION
Dearest Lord, we join together in rejoicing our love and adoration for you and for the long-awaited arrival of he, whom you sent to live and dwell among us, to teach us the way to faith and love. Amen.
**OPENING HYMN “The King of Glory Comes” Red #134
CALL TO CONFESSION
In the final week of our great anticipation, we welcome the birth of Jesus, but still, we need to be mindful of our imperfect nature and how should remain as humble as the shepherds. Let us pray together.
PRAYER OF UNDERSTANDING
Dearest God of compassion, you send forth your spirit, yet we ignore your counsel. We sing of peace on earth yet live in divided times. Angels herald good tidings yet we commit sinful deeds. Forgive us our misuse of your graciousness and bring us a greater understanding of the meaning of Christ in our lives. Amen
(a moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
My fellow seekers of understanding, believe in the word of our Lord, and the comfort of Scripture even as we struggle to live within the wisdom of the prophets. Amen
**HYMN OF PRAISE “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” Red # 171
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
SCRIPTURE FOR THIS DAY:
Instead of a Scripture reading for today, we are blessed with the presence of Clara Wilkinson, whose work with farmers and villagers and the children of Fimpulu, Zambia in Africa, is literally Scripture in real life and action. Clara will share some of her experiences with us.
SPECIAL MUSIC “APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS”
A Celebration of the Season with the music of John Jacob Niles
Intro “I Wonder as I Wander” sung by James Phillips
#2 “Carol of the Birds” sung by Victoria Cottone
#3 “What Songs Were Sung” sung by Nick Butler
#4 “Lulle, Lullay” sung by Cynthia Topps
#5 “Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head” sung by Victoria
#6 “Seven Joys of Mary” sung by Cynthia and Nick
FINALE: “I Wonder as I Wander” sung by James and the Ensemble
TITHES And OFFERINGS:
It is right to share our abundance with those who have less or need more. May what we offer here help to be the answer of the prayers of others in the name of Jesus, Amen.
OFFERTORY “Sweet Little Boy Jesus”
**DOXOLOGY Traditional
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORDS PRAYER
And Lord we pray for those in our own hearts whose names you already know, for their own healing and comfort, in your name and that of our redeemer Jesus Christ, who taught to pray, saying:
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
** PRAYER OF THANKS
Gracious God, accept our gifts that they may be used wisely in your service for those who hunger, or thirst, or merely seek a greater understanding of your love. This we gratefully pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
HYMN OF PARTING “Let There Be Peace on Earth” Follow the video
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE “Jesus, the Christ is Born” Mary Lee Farris, Piano
John Redman, CRE
Mobile: (914) 474-0722
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954
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