Sunday, December 15, 2019

Third Sunday of Advent

For Meditation and Reflection: “The visible world is an active doorway to the invisible world, and the invisible world is much larger than the visible.” (Richard Rohr)

Welcome and Announcements

Lighting of Third Advent Candle

Scripture Reading – Isaiah 35:10

Reading – (unison) We light this candle as a symbol of Christ our Joy.

May the joyful promise of your presence, O God,

Make us rejoice in our hope of salvation.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship Pastor: Praise be to God!

People: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who has visited and redeemed the people.

Pastor: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

People: Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Opening Hymn: O Sing a Song of Bethlehem #51

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1-8

Sermon “Messengers” Mike Lyle

The Offerings and Offertory Music

A Litany of Thanksgiving

Pastor: All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours.

All that we are, and all that we have, is your gift to us.

People: And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer ourselves, and all that we have.

By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world.

All: Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflective Hymn: In the Bleak Midwinter #128

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer[Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling #59

Benediction (Pastor)Go forward in the comfort and strength of God’s blessing. Remember that you are loved, that God is ever near, and that divine mercy is your way in the world. Amen.

Passing the Peace As You Go

After service, all are invited to join fellow congregants for coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Hall.

Reverend Lyle is available after worship to discuss this service or any ideas or concerns you may have.

Thought for the Week “Christ has no body now on earth but yours. No hands but yours. No feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion may see the world. Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which he is to bless now.’” Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Dec. 15^th– 3^rd Sunday of Advent 9:30am – Council Meeting; all welcome 11am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Next Sunday, Dec. 22^nd – 4^th Sunday of Advent 11am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse

Tuesday, Dec. 24^th– Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 5:30pm – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Sunday, Dec. 29^th 11am – Lay-led worship

It’s Christmas Sharing Tree Time! (spread the word) This has become a favorite St. James tradition. We hang gifts on the outdoor tree and invite the whole community to “Give what you can and take what you need.” Please donate unwrapped toys (new), or winter wear (new/good condition). See bins and supplies in breezeway.

Statement of Faith: We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.