December 11 Order of Worship
December 11, 2022
Third Sunday of Advent / JOY
9 a.m. Connect Worship Service
Rev. Jeanie Barnes, preaching
Gathering Song: “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” - FPC Praise Band
Welcome - Rev. Ginny Ellis
Call to Worship (based on a poem by Ann Weems) - Ginny Ellis
Our God is the One who comes to us is a burning bush
in an angel’s song
in a newborn child.
Watch! You don’t know when God will come.
Watch! So you might be found whenever, wherever God comes.
Come, let us praise and worship God together!
Worship Song: “God of Wonders” - FPC Praise Band
The Lighting of the Advent Candle: The Bardin Family
…Today we light this candle of Joy as a sign of our expectation of God coming to us. We wait to see the true light of the world, just as we wait for the baby in the manger. Let us pray together:
God of light, help us to see your loving plan for our lives. Comfort those of us who mourn. Help us to wait for your harvest, when what we have sown in tears we will gather together with joy. Help us see your presence in our lives. We are thankful for your goodness. Amen.
Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis
People of God, since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, shouldn’t we forgive one another? Absolutely!
The peace of Christ be with you all. / Peace also be with you.
Response: “Soon and Very Soon” (verse 1) - FPC Praise Band
Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis
Worship Song: “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” - FPC Praise Band
Prayer for Illumination - Gretchen Letterman
1st Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10 - Gretchen Letterman
Sermon Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11 - Jeanie Barnes
Sermon: Advent 3/Contradictions?!/Questions???/Expectations? - Jeanie Barnes
Sharing Joys and Concerns/Time of Prayer & the Lord’s Prayer - Ginny Ellis
Invitation to Offering - Gretchen Letterman
Offertory Song: “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” - FPC Praise Band
Dedication of Pledges for 2023 - Ginny Ellis
We dedicate these gifts and pledges today
... to the preaching of Jesus' good news for the world,
... to glorifying God in song,
... to leading each child to the knowledge of God's love.
We dedicate these gifts and pledges.
... to the mending of broken spirits
... to caring for the poor,
... to the healing of creation through justice.
We dedicate these gifts and pledges
... to the community, the mission, and the hopes of this church,
... and to the abundant, extravagant, all-embracing reign of God,
which our faith can glimpse even here and now.
O God, may our planning be wise. May our spending be faithful. May our giving always be joyful. We ask these things in the name of Jesus, who opens hearts and hands for the sake of abundant life in every corner of the world. Amen.
Announcements - Jeanie Barnes
Final Song: “The First Nowell” - FPC Praise Band
Charge and Blessing - Jeanie Barnes