SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 8, 2024 | 8:30 & 11:00am
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
Prelude
Mosso
Luigi Bottazzo (1845-1924)
Welcome
Rev. Dr. Jason Hays
Executive Minister
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 104 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You, Verse 2
*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
93 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates (Truro)
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.
Prayer for Illumination (Unison)
Give us humble, teachable, and open hearts,
that we may receive your Word
and respond in love. Amen.
First Lesson
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-29 (Pew Bible Old Testament Page 508)
Response to Reading
Leader: Listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking to the Church.
People: Thanks be to God.
Anthem
What Child Is This? (8:30am)
Traditional Carol
Still, Still, Still (11:00am)
Austrian Carol, arr. Norman Luboff
Gospel Lesson
Luke 1:26-38 (Pew Bible New Testament Page 49)
Sermon
Fear Not: You Have the Power
Rev. Clover Reuter Beal, Co-Pastor
Moment for Reflection
Musical Reflection
Love’s in Need of Love Today (8:30am)
Stevie Wonder (b. 1950)
E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come (11:00am)
Paul Manz (1919-2009)
RESPONDING TO GOD’S GRACE
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts Sandy Prouty, Minister of Children & Families
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 3, 4 and 5 (Veni Emmanuel)
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)
MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT: AFGHAN WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE
Montview’s Immigration Task force was instrumental in supporting arriving Afghan immigrant families. Through members of the task force and the families’ neighbors, the Afghan Women’s Collective was founded to help the women develop sewing skills as a means to aid in support of their families financially both here and in Afghanistan.
Purchase their items in the Commons today, December 8, and on December 15.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Montview’s Annual Christmas Concert
Today, December 8 | 4:00pm (Sanctuary)
Our beloved annual musical tradition continues: Montview’s Symphonic Christmas Concert with the Choirs and Orchestra of Montview. Featured on this year’s program is a performance of British-composer Gerald Finzi’s masterwork, In Terra Pax, with special solos by Soprano Jayden Greicius and Baritone Caleb Meyerhoff. Admission is free.
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
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Preacher: Rev. Clover Reuter Beal
Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Jason Hays and Sandy Prouty
Piano/Conductor: Adam Waite
Organ/Piano: Yinying Luo
Soloist: JoFoKe (8:30am)
Reader: Jonathan Reinemund (8:30am)
Reader: Juli Davidson (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; Eden Murphy; Mac Murphy; 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
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: Sanctuary
4:00pm
In Terra Pax: A Symphonic Christmas Concert
Location: Sanctuary
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