Friday 14 December 2012

December 16^th, 2012

3^rd Sunday of Advent-Joy-Gaudete Sunday

Gaudete in Domino semper “Rejoice in the Lord always”

Philippians 4: 4,5: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.

One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

* Introit I Am Walking a Path

I am walking a path of joy, I am walking a path of joy,

I am walking a path of joy, lead me home, lead me home.

* Call to Worship

One: As we walk to Bethlehem, in this season of waiting,

All: may patience be our companion.

One: In this season of demands,

All: may gentleness be our companion.

One: In this season of expectations,

All: may simplicity be our companion.

One: In this season of sharing,

All: may gratitude be our companion.

One: In this season of good news,

All: may prayer be our companion.

One: Come, let us worship God.

Advent Candlelighting Liturgy

We Light the Candle of Joy (back of bulletin)

*Candlelighting Hymn Advent Candle Song (an echo song)

We light these candles as a sign.

Your light has come into the world.

Jesus has brought Your kingdom here.

Help us to share this good news.

We light this candle as a sign.

Your joy has come into the world.

Your Spirit draws us close to you.

Help us to share this good news.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Zephaniah 3:14–20 God comes to bring you home.

One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All:Thanks be to God.

Isaiah 12:2–6 Proclaim God’s deeds to the nations. VU 880

* Hymn Rejoice in the Lord Always VU 249

Opening the Word/Time with Children & The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 3:7–18 John warns the crowds, “You brood of vipers!”

One: This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Come, Let Us Sing VU 222

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Song/Doxology VU 544

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Looking to the Stars for a Sign

Words: Amelia Koh-Butler

Tune: We Three Kings

Looking to the stars for a sign

Seeking for the wisdom divine

Moon and sun and light from heaven

How do they all align?

O, tell us, stars from heaven’s glove

What’s the news of pain or love?

Watching, waiting, hoping, praying,

Bring us news from skies above.

Hopefully, we long for the sight

Of creation’s purpose and might.

Watching ever, sleeping never,

Moth-like we seek the light.

Frankincense have I well prepared

As a holy gift to be shared

Burn for prayer in worship fair

This priestly gift will show I cared.

Sacred is the task that is set

Holy work we must not forget

Here the vision for our mission

Find the star, directions get.

Ointment used for blessing at death

Given nearer baby’s first breath

Sign of crying, living, dying

For suffering this life is blessed

Gathering, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany 2012-2013, page 11. Used with permission..

* Commissioning and Benediction Based on Philippians 4:4–7

One: This day, rejoice in God.

This day, make gentleness known.

This day, place all worries in God’s hands.

All: For God’s extraordinary peace is with us

not only this day, but always.

* Choral Amen

Reflecting on the Word Advent as Pilgrimage

Zephaniah 3:19, 20 New Revised Standard Version

And I will save the lame
    and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
    and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you home,
    at the time when I gather you...

· The introit “I Am Walking a Path” asks God to “lead me home”. Through Zephaniah, God promises to bring us home. Reflect on what “home” you are walking to with God.

· What does your pilgrimage “home” look like? Who or what are your companions on the way?

· This Advent season, are you walking “a path of joy”? How?