THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 15, 2024 | 8:30 & 11:00am
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
Prelude
Welcome
Rev. Clover Reuter Beal
Co-Pastor
Lighting of the Third Advent Candle – Candle of Joy
Reader One: In a season marked by holiday cheer and festive merriment, we also face quiet struggles and hidden hardships.
Reader Two: The third candle is the candle of JOY. In the face of sadness, in the face of grief, in the face of suffering, we light this candle of joy.
(Light three candles on the Advent wreath.)
Reader One: Joy is like an underground spring that wells up within us. In a world weary with demands and tribulations, may the light from this candle inspire us to resist despair and fill us with a joy that overcomes adversity.
All: May the light from this candle brighten our spirits and transcend all heartbreak, declaring that God’s joy is on its way.
*Gathering Hymn 104 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You, Verse 3
*Corporate Confession (Unison)
When we allow darkness to overcome the light,
forgive us, Lord.
When hardness of heart keeps us from seeing
and trusting in You, let your grace fill us.
Forgive our doubt and renew our hope in Christ,
that we may watch and wait for His coming.
Amen.
*Assurance of God’s Love
*Response Gloria
*Passing of the Peace
*Hymn
94 Now the Heavens Start to Whisper (Jefferson)
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 that the 11:00am service is livestreamed and your child’s image may appear on the video.
Anthem
One Bright Star (8:30am)
Sarah Jarosz (b. 1991)
Comfort, Comfort Now My People (11:00am)
Genevan Psalter, 16th Century
Prayer for Illumination (Unison)
Give us humble, teachable, and open hearts,
that we may receive your Word
and respond in love. Amen.
Scripture Lesson
Matthew 1:18-24 (Pew Bible New Testament Page 1)
Response to Reading
Leader: Listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking to the Church.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Fear Not: The Unwanted Gift
Rev. Dr. Jason Hays, Executive Minister
Moment for Reflection
Musical Reflection
Light of a Clear Blue Morning (8:30am)
Dolly Parton (b. 1946)
Now Come, Redeemer of Us All (11:00am)
Michael Praetorius (1571-1621)
RESPONDING TO GOD’S GRACE
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist, Associate Pastor
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.
*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 144 In the Bleak Midwinter, Verse 4
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 & 3 (Veni Emmanuel)
SENDING IN GOD’S LOVE
*Charge and Benediction
*Benediction Response (11:00am)
Creator of the Stars of Night
Sarum Plainsong
Postlude
CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING
We invite you to make a Christmas Joy Offering using the envelopes that are distributed in the pews. Your donation to this PC(USA) special offering will provide assistance to church workers in their time of need and leadership development and education for communities of color at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges. You may also give online at specialofferings.pcusa.org. We will be collecting this offering through December 22.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Love Unbound: A Service of Remembrance
December 16 | 7:00pm (Sanctuary)
Our annual “Love Unbound” worship service is in memory of those who have touched our lives and remain forever in our hearts; to honor grief and find light in the darkness of the holiday season.
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS AT MONTVIEW
Advent
Service of Lessons & Carols
December 22 | 8:30 & 11am
Sanctuary & 11am Livestream
Christmas Tea & Children’s Craft Fair
December 22 | 9:30am | Fellowship Hall
Christmas Eve
2pm & 4pm – Family Service
Sanctuary & 2pm Livestream
6pm & 8pm – Candlelight
Sanctuary & 6pm Livestream
7:15pm – Witness to the Light
(candlelight and music along Montview Blvd)
10pm – Candlelight with Choir
Sanctuary
December 29
One Service at 11am
Sanctuary
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Jason Hays
Liturgists: Rev. Clover Reuter Beal and Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist
Piano/Conductor: Adam Waite
Organ: Yinying Luo
Vocals: Phoebe Bawmann (8:30am)
Bass: Juli Davidson (8:30am)
Vocals/Guitar: Shelley Goldberg (8:30am)
Violin: Leena Waite (8:30am)
Reader: Juli Davidson (8:30am)
Reader: Ellen Reath (11:00am)
Sound: Cate Thieme
Video: John Goerner
Livestream: Christine Hofstad
Chorus: Westminster Choir (11am)
PARISH NEWS
Prayer Tree
Everett Cordy, brother of Sylvia Cordy; Jolene Cranston; Vicki Dunham, mother of Bryn Dunham; Bruce Easton, brother of Doug Easton; Beth Ellsworth, mourning the death of her brother, Michael Wallis; John Hartshorn; Steve Hatlem, brother of Jenni Hatlem; William Hatlem, father of Jenni Hatlem; Jay Henry, family of Mary Jo Bush; Joe Hickman; Steve House; Ellen Easton Howard, sister of Doug Easton; Tony Johnson; Eden Murphy; Mac Murphy; Scot Sandoval, son of Juanita Martinez; Page Shaver and family, mourning the death of Jud Shaver; Jewel Wegs
Deaths
November 18 | Jud Shaver
Memorial Services
Patricia (Patty) Romeo | December 28 at 11:00am in the Miller Chapel
Flower Dedications
The flowers in the chancel today are given to the glory of God by Joan Rich in honor of Dael Rich, who celebrated his 90th birthday on November 25; and by Susan Moreland in memory of her mother, Joy Lynne Miller.
TODAY AT MONTVIEW
8:00am – 12:30pm
Childcare – Ages Birth-7
Location: Preschool Floor
Enter via the Commons past Heritage Center to the Education wing.
8:30am
Worship Service
Location: Sanctuary
8:45am
Youth Bells (Grades 3-8)
Location: Room 206B
9:30am
Preparing for and Welcoming the Presence of Christ in Advent
Rev. Mark Killmer
Location: Miller Chapel
Bel Canto Choir (Grades K-5)
Location: Room 205
Assembly: Choir Alternative Fellowship (Grades K-5)
Location: Room 204B
Confirmation
Location: Confirmation Room
Sunday School (Preschool)
Location: Room 112
JAM in the AM (Grades 6-8)
Location: Cellar
MOB in the Morning (Grades 9-12)
Location: Cellar Back Room
10:00am
Sunday School (Grades K-5)
Location: Second Floor
11:00am
Worship Service
Location: Sanctuary
12:00pm
Jubilate Singers (Grades 6-12)
Location: Miller Chapel
4:00pm
JAM (Grades 6-8)
Location: Cellar
6:00pm
MOB (Grades 9-12)
Location: Cellar
ABOUT THIS SERVICE
Assistive listening devices are available in the sound booth in the back of the sanctuary.
Restrooms are available in the Commons. An all-gender restroom is available on the lower level across from the Youth Cellar.
Childcare is available for ages Birth-7 on the Preschool floor.
A room for families with children who are not enjoying the service is below the sanctuary with livestream.
Please note that the 11:00am service will be livestreamed to several social media platforms and your image may appear on the livestream video.
MONTVIEW BOULEVARD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, CO 80220
303.355.1651 | www.montview.org