WORSHIP ORDER
December 22, 2024 – Fourth Sunday of Advent, “Hope Is Worth the Risk”
WELCOME, GREETING, & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rev. Scott Sears & Schauna Chambers
PRELUDE
Christmas Fanfare
Choir & Lincoln Brass
Acolyte: Chelsea Hardiman Cross Bearer: Celeste Hardiman
As the Light of Christ passes you, stand as you are able and remain standing through the Congregational Song
*LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
In a weary and worn world,
How do we begin again?
Where do we start?
Let us begin with tenderness.
Let us begin with our hearts on our sleeve.
Let us begin from a place of vulnerability and hope.
And let us begin with love.
Yes, let us start with love,
Today we light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love.
May the warmth of these lights be our cornerstone.
May the truth in these lights help us begin again.
May it be so. Amen!
CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#234 O Come All Ye Faithful (v. 1, 3, 6)
CHILDREN’S MOMENTS
Katrina Lee
MUSIC FOR THE SEASON
#196 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Sanctuary Choir & Congregation (please join when directed on verse 2)
CALL TO PRAYER
Scott Sears
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, You paint pictures of what could be. But we declare those visions impossible. You speak of the lion lying down with the lamb, but we spout skepticism and uncertainty. You dream of a more just day, but we poke holes in the plan, unable to fathom the horizon. Forgive us for losing sight of hope. Forgive us for assuming that what we see is all there is. Open our hearts to risk hope, to dream dreams, and to not be afraid of either. With gratitude we pray. Amen.
CHORAL ANTHEM
For Unto Us
Sanctuary Choir
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 1:18-25
MUSIC FOR THE SEASON
All My Heart This Night Rejoices
Sanctuary Choir & Jon Bradley, horn
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 1:46-55
SERMON
Hope Is Worth the Risk
Pastor Scott Sears
THE WORD IN MUSIC
We Three Kings, Angels We Have Heard on High (Rhonda Adkins & Barb Nowlin, pianists), & Raise Your Glad Voices
*OFFERING AND PASSING THE PEACE
DOXOLOGY
UMH #94
*CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#228 He Is Born
POSTLUDE
Calypso Gloria
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING
Scott Sears
