Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
December 12, 2004
Worship 10:00 am, Sunday School 11:10 am

Third Sunday in Advent

  Morning Praise (9:45 am)
  Announcements
  Prelude

  Call to Worship

  Hymn                       (vs. 3) "O come, O come, Immanuel"                         172

  Lighting the Third Advent Candle

*Hymn                            "Oh, how shall I receive thee"                              182

  Scripture                                  Isaiah 35:1-10

  Children's Story                 "The Three Trees"
                                         (Pre-schoolers then leave for playful worship)

  Celebrating and Renewing Baptismal Vows

  Returning our Tithes and Offerings

  Offertory

  Hymn                         "My soul proclaims with wonder"                            206

  Sharing a joy, a concern, a word of testimony or praise

  Pastoral Prayer

  Scripture                                   James 5:7-11

  Message                         "Living with patience"

*Hymn                                     "Oh, how joyfully"                                      209

*Benediction

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 146:5-10)

One - Rejoice and put your trust in God, creator of heaven and earth,

One - God compassionately lifts up those who are
                 bowed down and oppressed, imprisoned and hungry;

  All - upholding the defenseless and casting down the oppressors.

One - Let us rejoice and praise God who will reign forever
                - for all generations.

borrowed from LiturgiesOnline
   

Lighting the Third Advent Candle

Adult: Today - the third Sunday in Advent, we hear from the writer of the Psalm and the prophet Isaiah

Child: of a world where even the desert sings, rejoices and blossoms.

Adult: A world where eyes will see, and ears will hear; where everyone will want to dance and sing for joy. We watch and wait for these signs of the inbreaking of God's kingdom.

Child: We wait in hope and peace, and with joy. (the two previous candles are relit)

Adult: The God in whom we rejoice, prepares our hearts for the coming of the Lord. We light the candle of joy. (the pink candle is lit)

Adult: Let’s pray ... God of grace and truth, may our spirits rejoice in the coming birth of Christ, our Savior, in whom we are privileged to experience your mercy and see your glory.

borrowed from LiturgiesOnline
   

Children's story:

"The tale of 
The Three Trees"
by
Angela Elwell Hunt

Celebrating and Renewing Baptismal Vows

         Are we open and prepared to be changed by what God might have in store for our lives? The carpenter’s hands may not shape out of us what we once imagined. The result may be much different. Then, again, perhaps our dreams were a bit too small, once upon a time...

         This morning we want to celebrate what God has been doing in the lives of some of our folks who joined this body of Christ during the month of December, down through the years. You know who you are, having received a letter last month. Would you please come forward now?

         This is a tremendously "busy" time of year, when we are pulled in so many different directions. Through it all, it’s easy to lose track of the essentials, isn’t it? You, who are gathered up front here today, chose this month to take a very significant step in your life. Whether your "yes" back then involved a baptism or a transfer of membership, you were making a public statement about what was and is most important for your life. Thank you for that decision. Better yet, thank God for bringing you among us!

         Does your life look different today than it did when you joined your life with ours in Christ? For some of you that was only last year. A few of you made this step nearly 30 years ago. Are you still open and prepared to be changed by what God might have in store for your life in the days ahead? We hope so. The season of Advent is an appropriate time of year to take a step of faith, for our life in Christ is an "adventure." Who knows what God has in store! That’s what makes it interesting!

         Brothers and sisters, let me extend the opportunity just now to renew the vows you once made, that today might be, for you, a fresh start to another year of faith. Here goes.

         Do you still believe that Jesus is God’s Son. Do you still trust him as your Savior and Lord? If so, say, "I do."

         Will you turn away from all sin and endeavor by God’s grace - today! - to freely live according to the example and teachings of Jesus? If so, say, "I will."

         Will you continue to be loyal to the church, upholding these people through your prayers and your presence, your substance and your service? If so, say, "I will."

         Praise God! If you are also responding with a pledge involving your time and talents, please place it in the offering when it is passed later on. May God bless your life in Christ.
     

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         As we prepare for Christmas, we remember someone else’s "yes" to the Lord. A young woman by the name of Mary agreed to let God shape her life. Listen to how she described to her aunt Elizabeth the change already taking place within her, and the God behind it all.

Read Luke 1:46-55

Let’s "magnify" the Lord just now with our tithes and offerings. Ushers?
   

Pastoral Prayer

written closer to the time (if not at the moment)

Benediction

Go now, with good news for the poor
and prepare the way for the Lord.
Wait patiently.
Do not grumble against one another,
but encourage one another.
Be strong and do not fear.

And may God come quickly to save you;
May Christ Jesus give you everlasting joy and gladness;
And may the Holy Spirit strengthen your hearts
and lead you on God’s holy way.

borrowed from Laughingbird resources