Sunday, December 1, 2019
First Sunday of Advent
For Meditation and Reflection: “There are moments in our lives, there are moments in a day, when we seem to see beyond the usual – become clairvoyant. We reach then into reality. Such are the moments of our greatest happiness. Such are the moments of our greatest wisdom . . . At such times there is a song going on within us, a song to which we listen.” (Robert Henri, 1865-1929)
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer (Pastor)
Call to Worship
Pastor: You create and sustain us, our merciful and loving God.
People: We are the clay, and you are our potter.
Pastor: You work with us, and for us, in all things.
People: We are all the work of your hands.
Opening Hymn: We Hail You God’s Anointed #104
Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)
Today’s Scripture Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9
Sermon “Clay in the Potter’s Hands” by 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: Now Bless the God of Israel #110
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Pastor and People
Lord’s Prayer [Traditional, with “debts”]
Closing Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #116
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
All are invited to join fellow congregants for coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Hall, immediately following service.
Reverend Lyle is available after worship to discuss this service or any ideas or concerns you may have.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Sunday, Dec. 1st – Advent begins 11am – Communion Worship with Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle 12pm – First Sunday pot luck brunch in Fellowship Hall. After brunch, volunteer to decorate the outdoor Sharing Tree. During Advent, we invite the whole community to “give what you can; take what you need.” 4pm – Woodgrove GSA & friends help decorate Sanctuary.
Saturday, Dec. 7th– Parents Morning Out: (9am – noon) We will be baking and decorating Christmas cookies and doing a holiday craft. Parents, sign your children (ages 5-11) up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0945ADAB22A2F58-parents
Sunday, Dec. 8th 10am – Sunday Schools: Adults meet in the Sanctuary to discuss Chs 11 & 12 of The Phoenix Affirmations. Children (ages 5-11) do a Sunday School Service Projectto make gift bags for Mobile Hope, which serves homeless teens. The goal is for the children to make up 20 gift bags. 11am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse
Sunday, Dec. 15th 9:30am – Council Meeting; all welcome. 11am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle
Donations Needed This Month: (Please spread the word!)
– Mobile Hope: Socks, gloves, shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, grocery gift cards, or gift bags for homeless teens. Please leave on back pew by 12/8/19.
– Sharing Tree: New toys and winter clothes, unwrapped. Please see bins and supplies in breezeway.
– Lovettsville Food Bank: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. See sign and box in Fellowship Hall.
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.