Third Sunday of Advent
First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
Third Sunday of Advent
December 11th, 2022
Photo by Zach Long
Gathering
It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God’s presence with you during the time of worship. You may also want to pay attention to lighting, the position of your body, and the availability of distractions.
Breath Prayer
“Holy Joy, Guide us towards you.”
Prelude
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” by Mark Hayes
Call to Worship
One: When the world values profits over people and encourages hoarding of resources,
Many: Lord teach us the joy of sharing.
One: When the world seeks to find differences and divides us one from another,
Many: Lord teach us the joy of diversity.
One: When the world craves power and turns plow blades into swords,
Many: Lord teach us the joy of a just peace.
One: When the world scorns and shames us because of who we are
Many: Lord teach us the joy of acceptance.
One: When the world encourages silence and the ignoring of injustice,
Many: Lord teach us the joy of resistance.
Hymn #210: “Todo la Tierra (All Earth is Waiting)”
Lighting of the Advent Wreath: “Joy” by Virgia Phoenix
Advent Song: “A Holy Hush” verse 3
Praying
Unison Prayer
Gracious God, we gather with joy and thanksgiving. We ask for your help in pushing past the barriers the world puts in our way, that keep us from knowing the joy that you bring. Holy One, remind us that like the loaves and fishes, shared resources will always be enough. Adonai, remind us that we are made in your image and you delight in each one of us. Emmanuel, remind us that you came into this world as a little baby whose true power came from gentleness and compassion. Lord of Light, remind us that when we resist evil and stand with the marginalized, we stand with You. God of Love, we offer ourselves to You, to be your hands and feet in building the kindom and the vessels that bring Your light and joy to each other and to the world. Amen.
Cares and Celebrations
Silent Prayer
Photo by Carolyn Micklas
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father (Creator)
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 trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Listening and Reflecting
Scripture Reading: Judges 13:2-7
Mission Moment: Heifer International with Donna Haines, Church World Service: Blankets with Virgia Phoenix
Time with Young People
Hymn #2095: “Star Child”
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:46-56
Sermon: “Joy”
Responding
Offertory: “What Child is This” with “Rocking”, English Melody (Greensleeves) and Czech Lullaby
A Time to Consider Offering
Photo by Larry McArthur
If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to make a donation to the church online, or to put a check in the mail.
The time of offering is not only about our financial gifts to the church, it is about offering our lives to God and the building of the kindom. This is a time for reflection: What is being asked of us? What is being given to us? What are we able to offer? What do we need?