WORSHIP ORDER
December 7, 2025
2nd Sunday of Advent
WELCOME, GREETING, & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Scott Sears & Schauna Chambers
CHORAL PRELUDE
People Look East
Acolyte: Beloved Child of God
Cross Bearer: Beloved Child of God
As the Light of Christ passes you, stand as you are able and then be seated when the Acolyte returns to the back of the sanctuary.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
The Reading of Scripture
Leader 1: Let us listen to the words of the Apostle Paul, who calls us to unity and encouragement in Romans, chapter 15, verses 4 through 13.
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, ‘Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name’; and again he says, ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people’; and again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him.’ And again Isaiah says, ‘The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The word of God for the people of God.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Lighting the Candle of Peace
(Leader 2 approaches the Advent Wreath and lights the second blue candle.)
Leader 2: Paul reminds us that the purpose of scripture is to give us hope, and the result is to live in harmony and peace with one another. Christ came to reconcile all people—Jew and Gentile—creating one family under God.
Leader 1: We light this candle of Peace to remember the Prince of Peace, born to unite us, and to commit ourselves to being instruments of his harmony in the world.
Leader 2: We welcome all to the table of Christ, just as Christ has welcomed us.
Congregation: May the God of peace be with us always.
Leader 1: We seek the peace that comes from living in harmony and love.
Congregation: May the God of peace be with us always.
Leader 2: We pray that our lives may glorify God with one voice.
Congregation: May the God of peace be with us always.
Hymn and Closing Prayer
Leader 1: Let us now sing the second verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” focusing on the theme of peace and deliverance.
(The Congregation sings the second verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”):
O come, O come, Thou Lord of Might, Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height In ancient times didst give the law, In cloud, and majesty, and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Leader 2 (Prayer): Holy God, we thank you for filling us with joy and peace through the encouragement of your Scriptures. We pray that as this second candle shines, you would grant us the grace to live in harmony with one another. Help us to welcome others, just as Christ has welcomed us, so that our lives together may bring glory to your name. Keep us watchful and focused on the coming of the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Congregation: Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#203 Hail to the Lord’s Annointed
WESLEY CHOIR ANTHEM
Room In My Heart for Love
Arthur Thomas, soloist
CHILDREN’S MOMENTS
Katrina Lee
SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 11:1-10
CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#204 Emmanuel, Emmanuel
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 3:1-12
SERMON
Peace
Scott Sears
SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION
Starting on page 7 of the United Methodist Hymnal, we will proceed with the following sections: (INVITATION, CONFESSION AND PARDON, THE PEACE, OFFERING, DOXOLOGY, GREAT THANKSGIVING, AND THE LORD’S PRAYER)
ANTHEM DURING COMMUNION
The Longing
Andrew Lowry, cellist
CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#614 For the Bread Which You Have Broken
POSTLUDE
Rhonda Adkins, pianist
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING
Scott Sears
