Watchword for the Week
He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather
the lambs in his arms, and carry them to his bosom.
(Isaiah 40:11) (Moravian Daily Texts 2014)
ORGAN PRELUDE
WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP
(Verses from Psalm 85)
I will listen to what God the LORD will say;
he promises peace to his people, his saints –
but let them not return to folly.
Surely his salvation is near to those who fear
him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield the harvest.
Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.
Hymn 273 * O come, O come, Emmanuel
People’s Choice Hymns are marked with an asterisk (*)
(Two Advent candles are carried into church lit)
(Children may leave for Kids’ Church in the halls next door)
PRAYER OF APPROACH
From the wilderness of our world, we come to
worship. From the alone-ness of our solitary
lives, we gather now as one people.
From the challenges and winding roads of our
ever changing, ever more complex world, we
come to the peace and calm of this sanctuary.
We come with intention and we bring our deep
longings. And we seek, merciful Grace, your
guiding spirit as we gather.
The candles of hope and peace have led us
here, and we gather around them – each of
us with the flickering of these. Strengthen
our lights. Embolden our spirits. Kindle your
light in our lives today, we pray. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS