SermonStudio

Call To Worship
Leader: Come forth, O love divine.
People: Meet us in the crevices between hope and hope.
Leader: Come forth, O holy one.
People: Meet us when we fade like the leaf.

All: Come forth, O love divine.

Collect

In so many ways you come forth to us, you ever-concerned and active Parent. So variously you lead all your children, you who works for those who wait for you, even though we hide from you our shortcomings. Let us come forth to you. Amen.

Prayer Of Confession

After all the energy you spend in creation, ever-creating God, we did not expect you also to walk with us. We did not anticipate your coming forward yourself to help straighten out our messes. We thought we were alone in braving adulthood. You might have left us to go on to other matters. Instead, you are coming forth in the shape of a human being to meet us. So now we make ready to receive you. Through Jesus. Amen.

01B Hymns1
"Once In Royal David's City" Tune: IRBY
"Come [Down][Forth], O Love Divine" Tune: DOWN AMPNEY
"Now Bless The God Of Israel"2 Tune: FOREST GREEN
"We Yearn, O [Christ][God], For Wholeness" Tune: PASSION CHORALE




First Sunday In Advent

Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Theme: "Grace To You"

Call To Worship

Grace to you, and to you, and to you. Grace and peace from God our Holy Parent and from our Savior Jesus Christ. This is the grace God gives. Come, let us worship God this Advent day and receive our Savior's grace.

Collect

Your grace slips into our lives at Advent, O God, as a renewed sense of generosity. Your generous action toward us in the birth of Christ awakens our own good will and our own helpful spirit toward others. More than the fleeting musical embellishment of a grace note, your grace brings sturdiness to our fragile souls. Amen.

Prayer Of Confession

We worship you, O God, who calls us at Advent beyond world-weariness. We worship you, who draws us at Advent to transcend fears that overtake us. We worship you, who reprieves us from seasons of being lost in life. We confess our need and gratitude for your love, your protection, and your gracious kindness. Through the coming of Jesus. Amen.

01B Hymns1
"There's A Song In The Air" Tune: CHRISTMAS SONG
"He Came As Grace" Tune: OBERLIN
"Now Bless The God Of Israel"2 Tune: FOREST GREEN
"God Of Grace And God Of Glory" Tune: CWM RHONDDA




First Sunday In Advent

Gospel: Mark 13:24-37
Theme: A Falling Star?

Call To Worship
Christmas is a laser
piercing through boredom's hours
breaking into the hum of frustration,
cutting through pain.

Christmas is a light beam
waiting,
even as its promise and hope burst forth,
waiting for us.

Collect

You give us time to get ready. You give us time to expect. You give us time to wait. And still, ever-birthing God, you surprise us with the ways you come into our lives. We come to you with hearts grateful for your patience. Amen.

Prayer Of Confession

A falling star? No falling star, this that shines its constant sign, yet as easily missed if we are not ready. Creator of the stars of night, let us prepare to receive your promise and your hope. Amen.

01B Hymns1
"We Hail You God's Anointed" Tune: ELLACOMBE
"O How Shall I Receive You" Tune: ST. THEODULPH
"Now Bless The God Of Israel"2 Tune: FOREST GREEN
"Creator Of The Stars Of Night," "O Lord Of Light, Who Made The Stars," or "O Loving Founder Of The Stars" Tune: CONDITOR ALME
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1. As either an introit or as a closing before the benediction, sing the verse of "[O][Oh] Come, O Come, Emmanuel" [Tune: VENI EMMANUEL] that begins: "O come, O Wisdom from on high."

2. Sing verse one of "Now Bless The God Of Israel" after the Old Testament reading. This hymn will be sung each Advent Sunday.