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Worship Order for
Sunday
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Lighting
the Third Advent Candle
Homesickness is
an affliction that disables most of us some time in our lives. Away
from familiar landscapes, close relationships, and everyday
routines, we experience a deep emptiness, a heightened sense of
loss. Such was the experience of God’s people when an invading
army from Babylon destroyed their nation and they became refugees in
a strange land. Not only were they devastated, but their life with
God seemed like a distant dream.
The prophet
Zephaniah saw their malady. And he offered hope. He helped them to
recognize that God had not abandoned them but was in their midst.
And he taught them to sing once more because the Lord was singing
with them.
As the three
Advent candles are lit, recall those moments of homesickness in your
life when even God seemed absent. Remember who it was that taught
you to sing once more and helped you rediscover the Lord s presence.
Give thanks.
(light the first, second, and third advent
candles)
Ed Poling, pastor and spiritual
director
Hagerstown, MD Church of the Brethren
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word
Series"
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Unison
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you have not left us to our own devices. You came into
our world when we felt abandoned. Your presence among us in the
flesh acknowledges your love for us, even when we stray. Teach our
hearts to sing as we discover you in our midst. Amen.
Ed Poling, pastor and spiritual
director
Hagerstown, MD Church of the Brethren
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word
Series"
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Pastoral Prayer
written closer to the time (if not at the
moment)
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Welcome
and Vows
(After candidate is introduced to
the congregation by a member)
Today you are
being received into this community of faith and into the Church of
the Brethren. As part of the whole church of Jesus Christ, we
offer you our rich heritage and invite you to share fully in our
life and mission.
As you are
received into the Long Green Valley Church, we intend to be a true
family of faith to you. We commit ourselves to be for you a loving
fellowship, to be a means of grace in your life, and to offer
opportunities for worship, study, and service. One of the happiest
times in our life as a church is when new people choose to become
members. We welcome you with joy.
Do you believe
that Jesus is God's Son and do you receive and trust him as your
Savior and Lord? (I do.)
Will you turn
away from all sin and will you endeavor by God's grace to live
according to the example and teachings of Jesus? (I
will.)
Will you be
loyal to the church, upholding it by your prayers and your
presence, your substance and your service? (I will.)
from For All Who Minister,
©1993, Brethren Press, p.135-137.
Congregation:
As we now receive you into the fellowship of the
church,
we make this covenant with you
as we renew our own covenant with God:
to bear
each others' burdens,
to assist
in times of need,
to share
our gifts and possessions,
to forgive
as Christ has forgiven us,
to support
each other in joy and sorrow,
and in all things to work for the common good,
thus making
known Christ's presence among us
to the glory of God
As we unite with each other now,
may we all be joined with Christ, our
Lord.
Hymnal #777
Adapted from The Mennonite Hymnal,
©1969 Faith & Life Press/Mennonite Publishing House,
based on Anabaptist baptismal vows, 16th c.
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Baptism
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___________, upon your confession of faith made before God and these people, you are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. |
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As each name of the Trinity is spoken, the minister shall immerse the candidate forward, pushing the head gently and fully into the water. Then, laying both hands upon the head of the kneeling person, the minister shall pray: |
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O God, we are thankful for the commitment made today by (name) May (she/he) experience your forgiveness, acceptance, and peace. Send your Holy Spirit upon (her/him) to guide and to empower. Enable (her/him) to walk in newness of life, using (her/his) gifts in praise to you and in service to others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
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Then the minister shall help the baptized person rise, extend the hand of Christian fellowship, speak a word of blessing, and assist the person in leaving the water. |
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from For All Who
Minister, ©1993, Brethren Press, p.137-138.
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Returning
our Tithes and Offerings
Read Philippians
4:4-7, then call for the ushers to collect the offering.
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Congregational
Declaration of faith
Leader: Through baptism we are united to Jesus Christ
and given part in Christ's ministry of reconciliation.
Baptism is the visible sign of an invisible event:
the reconciliation of people to God.
Baptism shows the death of the old self and the rising to life of
a new self.
It shows also the pouring out of the Holy Spirit
on those whom God has chosen.
Baptism declares God's forgiveness;
it seals the gift of the Spirit
and joins the believer to the body of Christ.
People: This is the water of baptism.
Out of this water we rise to new life,
forgiven of sin,
and one in Christ,
members of Christ's body.
Hymnal #777
Adapted from Book of
Worship
of the United Church of Christ,
©1986, United Church of Christ,
Office for Church Life and Leadership,
700 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland, OH 44115
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Benediction
Go now and rejoice in the Lord always.
Do not be afraid or worried about anything,
but in everything trust God and pray.
Bear fruits worthy of repentance,
sharing what you have and being gentle with all.
And may God rejoice over you with gladness;
May Christ Jesus renew you in his love;
and may the Holy Spirit give you peace beyond understanding
to guard your hearts and minds in Christ.
©2000 Nathan Nettleton www.laughingbird.net
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(para traducir a español, presione la bandera de España)
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