FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 27 | 8:30 & 11:00am
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
Prelude
Variations on Veni Emmanuel
Leslie Betteridge (1903-1998)
Welcome
Lighting of the First Advent Candle – Candle of Hope
Reader One: This is the first Sunday of Advent, when we read again of how God’s people were waiting for the coming of the Messiah. Advent is the season of preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Reader Two: This time of waiting is also a time for us to work for peace among the nations and peace with each other. It is a time for us to change our priorities as we walk in the light of Christ.
Reader One: We celebrate Christ’s coming by making an Advent wreath and lighting the first candle to remind us of the hope and the light that Jesus brings to the world.
(The first candle is lit.)
Reader Two: Please join me in our Unison Prayer…
Dear God, you spoke to prophets and the people prayed and waited for a Messiah to come. You spoke to Mary and Joseph, and they responded and waited for their child to be born. Speak to each of us now, that we may feel your presence and know your will in our Advent waiting this year. Amen.
*Gathering Hymn O Lord, How Shall I Meet You, verse 1
*Corporate Confession (Unison)
Holy One,
In this Advent season, keep us attentive to fragile things:
the expectant hopes of children,
the places of peace in the world,
the dreams in our own hearts.
For they are like tender shoots rising from the ground,
and with your help, we commit again
to keep them alive.
Amen.
*Assurance of God’s Love
*Response Gloria
*Passing of the Peace
*Hymn
82 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (Hyfrydol)
LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD
Word to the Children
When the music begins, children are invited to gather on the chancel steps as we sing “This is where children belong, part of our family, part of our song. Be with us, pray with us, help us grow strong: this is where children belong.” Please note the 11:00am service is livestreamed and your child’s image may appear on the video.
Anthem
What Child Is This (8:30am)
Traditional English Carol
Now The Heavens Start to Whisper (11:00am)
arr. Nicholas Palmer
Prayer for Illumination (Unison)
Holy One,
come to this place
and increase our love for one another
by the reading of your word. Amen.
Scripture Lesson
Romans 13:8-12 (New Testament Pew Bible Page 142)
Response to Reading
Leader: Listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking to the Church.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Walking Each Other Home
Sandy Prouty
Moment for Reflection
Musical Reflection
A Child Is Born (8:30am)
Thad Jones (1923-1986)
E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come (11:00am)
Paul Manz (1919-2009)
RESPONDING TO GOD’S GRACE
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts
Making a financial gift makes Montview’s programs and ministries possible, including this worship service. You are invited to give generously at www.montview.org/giving or by texting a dollar amount to 720.452.6449. Offering boxes are stationed at the exit for cash and checks. We’re grateful for your support.
All are invited to sign and pass the Friendship Pad and greet each other by name. If you are visiting, we also invite you to fill out the welcome card in the pew rack and put it in the offering box.
*Prayer of Dedication (Unison)
God, you have so greatly loved us, long sought us, and mercifully redeemed us. Give us grace that in everything, we may yield ourselves, our wills and our works. A continual thank offering to you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Response
607 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (Doxology)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all people here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer (Unison)
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
88 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Verses 1, 2, 6 (Veni Emmanuel)
SENDING IN GOD’S LOVE
*Charge and Benediction
Benediction Response
Creator of the Stars of Night
Sarum Plainsong
Postlude
The Shepherd (8:30am)
Duke Ellington (1899-1974)
Final Variation on Veni Emmanuel (11:00am)
Leslie Betteridge
ADULT FAITH FORUM
The Ukraine Conflict and the Ethics of War
November 27 | 9:30am (Miller Center)
As Christians, we are called to pursue peace. But are there times when we must support war to promote a greater good? What are the moral implications surrounding the war in Ukraine? We’ll explore those topics and more with Dr. Ved Nanda, director of the Nanda Center for International Law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
Waiting for God: Leaning into the Mystery of the Incarnation
December 4 | 9:30am (Miller Center)
Join this discussion on with Katherine Turpin, Ph.D. on the mystery of the incarnation. Dr. Turpin is a Professor of Practical Theology and Religious Education at Iliff School of Theology.
UPCOMING EVENTS
What’s Happening at Montview?
Find out about our new Tisby Study Group offerings, a holiday gift drive for Stedman Elementary, the return of our Annual Mitten Tree and Coat Drive and more in our This Week @ Montview email. Click here to access the latest edition.
TODAY AT MONTVIEW
8:30am
Worship Service
Location: Sanctuary
Childcare – Ages Birth-7 (masks optional)
Location: Preschool Floor
8:45am
Youth Bells (Grades 3-8)
Location: Room 206B
9:30am
Adult Faith Forum
An exploration of the moral implications surrounding the war in Ukraine with Dr. Ved Nanda.
Location: Miller Center
Combined Cantate and Timbrel Choirs (Grades K-5)
Location: Room 205
Assembly: Choir Alternative Fellowship (Grades K-5)
Location: Room 204
Confirmation
Location: Gallery Room
Sunday School (Preschool)
Location: Room 112
10:00am
Sunday School (Grades K-5)
Location: Preschool and Second Floors
11:00am
Worship Service
Location: Sanctuary
Childcare – Ages Birth-7 (masks optional)
Location: Preschool Floor
12:00pm
Jubilate Singers (Grades 6-12)
Location: Sanctuary
ABOUT THIS SERVICE
Assistive listening devices are available in the sound booth in the back of the sanctuary.
Restrooms are available in the Commons.
Childcare is available for ages Birth-7 on the Preschool floor.
Please note that this worship service will be livestreamed to several social media platforms and your image may appear on the livestream video.
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Preacher: Sandy Prouty
Liturgists: Rev. Clover Reuter Beal and Rev. Ian Cummins
Piano/Conductor: Adam Waite
Organ: Barbara Hulac
Trumpet: Shane Endsley (8:30am)
Bass: Ron Bland (8:30am)
Drums: Dan Gasser (8:30am)
Readers: Addie and Jen Lapsley (11:00am)
Sound: Cate Thieme
Video: John Goerner
Chorus: Westminster Choir (11:00am)
PARISH NEWS
Prayer Tree
Harriet Moyer Aptekar; The Beardsley family, mourning the death of Chris’ father, Jim Beardsley; The Burkhardt family, mourning the death of Don Burkhardt; Sheila Cody; Dennis Cole; Jolene Cranston; Dave, son-in-law of Nancy and John Thompson; Ray Fedde and family, mourning the death of Ray’s sister, Helen House; Joy Freeman; Mel Gilles and Craig Warner, family members of Sheila Cody; Madie Gustafson; Jenni Hatlem; Gretchen Ackermann Moss and the Ackermann family; Eden Murphy; Dan Park; Bea Romer; Leroy Thompson, brother of Delores Collins; Patricia Vestal; Steve Warnke
Deaths
November 7 | Don Burkhardt
VISITORS
We are happy that you are worshiping with us today and invite you to learn more about Montview. Please fill out one of the Welcome Guest Cards that are distributed in the pews and place it on a plate near the exits when finished. Feel free to contact our office at 303.355.1651 or email todd@montview.org with questions. Please come again.
WEEKLY EMAILS
Are you signed up to receive our weekly emails? If not, contact Christine Hofstad, Communications Coordinator, at christine@montview.org.
MONTVIEW BOULEVARD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, CO 80220
303.355.1651 | www.montview.org