Worship - December 14, 2008

Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
December 14, 2008
Worship 10:00 am, Sunday School 11:10 am

Third Sunday of Advent

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.” (John 1:6-8)

Morning Praise (9:45 am)
Announcements
Prelude "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" Trad. French melody

Lighting the Advent Candle (litany on back of bulletin)

*Hymn "Come, thou long-expected Jesus" 178

*Opening Prayer

Scripture Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Hymn "Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming" 211

Sharing a joy, a concern, a word of testimony or praise
(please be brief, and aware of God’s listening presence)

Worship Video "Be the Angel"

Pastoral Prayer

Song "Children, go where I send thee"

Scripture 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory "Neopolitan Carol" arr. Warner
(Please sign the attendance pad and pass it on)

Scripture John 1:6-8, 19-28

Message "On the Witness Stand"

*Hymn "It came upon a midnight clear" 195

*Benediction

*Postlude "Bohemian Carol" arr. Warner

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Lighting the Advent Candle

One: In John's gospel we are told:
               "There was a man sent from God,
                     whose name was John.
               He came as a witness to testify to the light."

All: We, too, are witnesses to this light.

One: "The news is bad. They have done all they can do."

All: Testify to the light!

One: "Can we talk? There's no one else I can share this with."

All: Testify to the light!

One: "I appreciate your honesty,
and the way you conduct business."

All: Testify to the light!

One: "I surely don't deserve it,
but thank you for your understanding and forgiveness."

All: Testify to the light!

One: In faith proclaimed, meals served, homes rebuilt,
               hands held, money given, and tears shared. . .
          In laughter joined, love lavished, hope planted,
               resources conserved, peace pursued,
                     and silence savored. . .

All: We testify to the light!

One: Today we light the third Advent candle,
as a sign of our luminous Lord Jesus.

All: Through our attitudes and actions, work and worship,
prayer and praise, may Christ's light shine!

by Prue Yelinek, pastor
Waynesboro, PA Church of the Brethren
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word Series"

Opening Prayer

Loving God, we thank you for the light that you have sent and are sending into the world, the light that even now lights our path. Come among us and fill us with the joy that you want all your children to have. Make us ones who by word and action bring praise and glory to you and your chosen one, the Christ who redeems all people. Amen.

by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild
from SERMONS & SERMON - LECTIONARY RESOURCES

Pastoral Prayer

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

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

Please pray with me:

We confess, O Lord, that too quickly we run out of breath when it comes to rejoicing always and praying without ceasing. Add to that your call to “be the angel,” to go where you send us and share your good news,… well, we find it too easy to quench the spirit. Forgive us. Indeed, God of peace, we need your spiritual CPR to fill our lungs and souls that might be holy and whole, fit for the coming of Christ.
Just now we ask your blessing upon what we are about to offer. It is because you are dependable and true that we can express our gratitude in this, as well as in every way. This we pray in your name. Amen.

Ushers?

John 1:6-8, 19-28
a scripture reading for three voices

(Voice 1 speaks from the lectern. Voices 2 & 3 speak on the main floor level, one in front of the piano, and the other in front of the organ. All use microphones.)

1 - There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light… This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him,

2 - “Who are you?”

1 - He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed,

3 - “I am not the Messiah.”

1 - And they asked him,

2 - “What then? Are you Elijah?”

3 - “I am not.”

2 - “Are you the prophet?”

3 - “No.”

2 - “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

3 - “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’”

1 - as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him,

2 - “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”

1 - John answered them,

3 - “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.”

1 - This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

Benediction

Go now, for you are chosen and sent in the Spirit.
Pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances.
Keep what is good, avoid every kind of evil.
To all in need bear witness that the time has come
when the Sovereign Lord will save his people.

And may God who gives peace make you holy in every way;
May Christ Jesus clothe you with salvation and victory;
And may the Holy Spirit speak through you with the good news of hope.