Bulletin: December 10, 2023

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 10, 2023 | 8:30 & 11:00am

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

Prelude

Welcome

Lighting of the Second Advent Candle – Candle of Peace
Reader One:  Today we remember God’s promise of a Ruler of Peace. We dream God’s dream of a world at peace, where enemies reconcile, children play in safety, and the poor find justice.
Reader Two:  The second candle is the candle of PEACE. Because of turmoil and unrest, because war and violence persist, because our hearts are unsettled, we light this candle of peace.  

(Light two candles on the Advent wreath.) 

Reader One: In the prophet Isaiah’s vision, he spoke of a day when swords would be turned into plowshares. May this light inspire us to be peacemakers in the troubled corners of our world.
All: May the light from this candle radiate a peace that surpasses worldly understanding, declaring that God’s peace is on its way. 

(Please rise, in body or spirit, for the Gathering Hymn.)

*Gathering Hymn  O Lord, How Shall I Meet You, Verse 2 (Valet Will Ich Dir Geben)

*Corporate Confession (Unison)
God of Presence and Promised Coming,
       We confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have failed to fulfill your desire for us to love one another.
We have not followed the paths you have given us,
       Choosing instead to follow our own.
We have rebelled against your love.
We have not heard the cries of the needy;
       The mouths of the poor are still hungry, and
              the oppressed remain thirsty for justice.
Free us for generous obedience, through the Advent of Christ. 
Amen.

*Assurance of God’s Love

*Response  Gloria

*Passing of the Peace

*Hymn
347  Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence  (Picardy)

LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD

Word to the Children . . . . . . . . . . Sandy Prouty
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 that the 11:00am service is livestreamed and your child’s image may appear on the video.

Sacrament of Holy Baptism

*The Baptismal Creed (Unison)
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. We trust in the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory be to the Creator, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Excerpted from A Brief Statement of Faith.)

The Presentation
Pastor: This candle represents the new life in Christ. It is entrusted to you to be  kept burning brightly. May all who have received this sacrament walk as children of the light and may God keep the flame of faith alive in them forever.
People: With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you into Christ’s church, to share with us this ministry, for we are all one in Christ. Amen.

Anthem
Sweet Little Jesus Boy (8:30am)
American Negro Spiritual

This morning’s performance of “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” – an American Negro Spiritual – is presented in accordance with our reparations royalty pilot program: a practice of valuing the musical contributions of enslaved Africans to American worship and song. Congregants are invited to make a reparation royalty contribution via the pew offering envelope (write “reparations royalty”). Contributions can also be made online at Montview.org/giving (One-time gift: Reparations Royalty Fund) or by clicking here.

Now The Heavens Start to Whisper (11:00am)
arr. Nicholas Palmer (b. 1963)

Prayer for Illumination (Unison)
Give us humble, teachable, and open hearts,
       that we may receive your Word
              and respond in love. Amen.

Scripture Lesson
Mark 1:1-8 (Pew Bible New Testament Page 30)

Response to Reading
Leader: Listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking to the Church.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon
Hope for a Weary World: Living in Distracted Days
Rev. Ian Cummins

Moment for Reflection

Reception of New Members (11:00am)

*Unison Prayer
O God, our Creator, we praise you for calling us to be a servant people, and for gathering us into the body of Christ. We thank you for choosing to add to our number brothers and sisters in faith. Together, may we live in your Spirit, and so love one another that we may have the mind of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom we give honor and glory forever.

Musical Reflection
I Wonder As I Wander
arr. Adam Waite (b. 1978)

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.