FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 24, 2023 | 11:00am
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
Prelude
God’s Son Has Come, BWV 600
J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
Welcome
Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle – Candle of Love
Reader One: This Advent we have embraced hope, peace, and joy amid despair, injustice, and grief. While we wait for Christmas, love is gestating in darkness.
Reader Two: The fourth candle is the candle of LOVE. In the birth of Jesus, God’s love for us was made known in an unexpected way. Reminded that Emmanuel, God with us, is both fierce and tender, we light this candle of love.
(Light four candles on the Advent wreath.)
Reader One: Love permeates every aspect of this life: from birth to death, pain to delight, strangers to lovers. Preparing the way of love, may this light kindle compassion, solidarity, and
hospitality for others.
All: May the light from this candle ignite compassion that guides our actions, understanding that bridges our differences, and kindness that transforms the world around us, declaring that God’s love is on its way.
(Please rise, in body or spirit, for the Gathering Hymn.)
*Gathering Hymn O Lord, How Shall I Meet You, Verse 3
*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
93 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates (Truro)
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.
Anthem
Sans Day Carol
arr. John Rutter (b.1945)
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
Luke 1:26-38 (Pew Bible New Testament Page 49)
Response to Reading
Leader: Listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking to the Church.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
We Can’t All be Jesus
Rev. Ian Cummins
Moment for Reflection
Musical Reflection
Glory, Glory, Glory to the Newborn King
Moses Hogan (1957-2003)
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.
*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
110 Love Has Come (Bring a Torch)
SENDING IN GOD’S LOVE
*Charge and Benediction
*Benediction Response (11:00am)
Creator of the Stars of Night
Sarum Plainsong
Postlude
Lord Christ, the only Son of God, BWV 601
J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Preacher: Rev. Ian Cummins, Co-Pastor
Liturgists: Rev. Clover Reuter Beal, Co-Pastor and Rev. Amanda Osenga, Associate Pastor of Youth and Families
Piano/Conductor: Adam Waite, Minister of Music
Organ: Yinying Luo, Associate Minister of Music
Reader: Paul Ward
Sound: Cate Thieme, Sound Engineer
Video: John Goerner, Director of Video Services
Chorus: Westminster Choir (11:00am)
PARISH NEWS
Prayer Tree
The civilians caught in the war in Israel/Palestine; Sean Barclay and family, mourning the deaths of Sean’s mother and father, Jane and Jim Barclay; The Bofenkamp and Damon families, mourning the loss of Christian Bofenkamp; Dennis Cole and family, mourning the death of Linda Marrou-Cole; The Cummins Family; Madie Gustafson; Roger Headrick; Steve House; Mateo; Eden Murphy; Mac Murphy; Scot Sandoval, son of Juanita Martinez; Lynne Severson; Peggy Walker and Arne Binion; Jewel Wegs; Janet Wolfer
Deaths
December 9, 2023 | Linda Marrou-Cole
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.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT MONTVIEW
2pm & 4pm – Family Service
Sanctuary & 2pm Livestream
6pm & 8pm – Candlelight
Sanctuary & 6pm Livestream
7:15pm – Witness to the Light
(candlelight & music along Montview Blvd)
10pm – Candlelight with Choir
Sanctuary
December 31 Worship Service
One Service at 11am (Sanctuary)
On December 31, New Year’s Eve morning, we’ll have one worship service at 11:00am in the sanctuary. Join us for this special service where we’ll celebrate the gifts of the season and prepare for the year to come. There will be a hot chocolate bar reception in the McCollum Room following the service. Childcare will be available for ages birth-7.
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 Friendship Pads that are placed in the pews. 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, please 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
* You’re invited to rise in body or spirit.