December 17, 2023
Third Sunday of Advent
December 17, 2023 Livestream Worship Online Bulletin
Gathering:
Chiming of the Trinity
Prelude
O Sing a Song of Bethlehem arr. Maureen Giles
Welcome and Announcements
Rev. Lisa Hartzog
Call to Worship
Inspired by Isaiah 12: 2-6
We come to share together
to celebrate the God who is present amongst us.
The Lord our God is our strength and song,
and is even now our salvation.
We come to share together
to celebrate with all the world, that the Lord is God.
With joy we gather around God’s fountain of grace
to be refreshed and renewed.
We come to share together
to celebrate with songs of praise and joy for the
Lord our God’s eternal presence
is forever amongst and with us, and all peoples.
We sing with joy:
Thank the Lord, our Mighty God!
Praise God’s holy name! Amen. +
Hymn
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus UMH# 196
Children’s Message
Joys & Concerns s with the Lord’s Prayer
Rev. Lisa Hartzog UMH# 895
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 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, the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
A Reading from the Old Testament
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Candles
Julie Brittain and Susan Szucs
We wait as people who experience hardship and pain, yet we are called to witness to the persistent joy that sustains our life as God’s people
A Reading from the New Testament
Sermon
Joy Not Happiness | Rev. Lisa Hartzog
Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Pardon
Our miraculous God broke into the world 2,000 years ago to make a new path for all of humanity. Our miraculous God is here, now, to break into your world and bring a new path of abundant life. Know without doubt that in the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven and made new.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and made new. Thanks be to God.
Blessing of the Tithes and Offerings
Hymn
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed UMH# 203
Stanzas 1, 3, 4
Blessing and Sharing of Christ’s Light
Postlude
Angels, Fron the Realms of Glory arr. James Koerts
Announcements
John Jalocha
Today’s Worship Participants
Our Pastor: Rev. Lisa Hartzog
Music Director: Dr. Joel Reed
Pianist: Patty Higgins