Service outline for November 27

ORDER OF WORSHIP
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Prelude, “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” (arr. D.N. Johnson)

Welcome and Announcements,
Acknowledgement of the Land

Gathering Song, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (vs 1)

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lowly exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Lighting the Candles and Placing the Bible

Opening Hymn, VU #9: “People Look East" (verses 1, 4 & 5)
1. People, look east. The time is near
of the crowning of the year
Make your house fair as you are able,
trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love the guest is on the way.

4. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
one more light the bowl shall brim,
shining beyond the frosty weather,
bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today:
Love the star is on the way.

5. Angels, announce with shouts of mirth
Christ who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming
with the word, the Lord is coming.
People, look east and sing today:
Love the Lord is on the way.

The Passing of the Peace, MV #173: “Put Peace Into Each Other’s Hands"

Put peace into each other’s hands
and like a treasure hold it,
protect it like a candle flame,
with tenderness enfold it.

Words of Hope

Sung Response, MV #59: “Alleluia, Praise to God”
1. Alleluia, praise to God.
Alleluia, praise to God.
Praises, high praises,
we bring you, O God.
Alleluia, praise to God

2. Songs of joy sing out to God.
Songs of joy sing out to God.
Dancing and singing,
we praise you, O God.
Songs of joy sing out to God.

3. Beat the drums, sing out to God.
Beat the drums, sing out to God.
Praises, high praises,
we bring you, O God.
Beat the drums, sing out to God.

Lighting the Advent Candle of Hope

Sung Response, VU #7: “Hope is a Star”
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.

Advent Pageant

Centering Song: "In the Sound and in the Silence" (Nancy Nelson)

In the sound and in the silence,
may Holy Wisdom draw near.
Let us feel the power of hearts and minds
that are joined in Thanksgiving
and praising and longing
and hoping for Love to appear.

Prayers of the Community and the prayer Jesus gave us (sung VU #959)

Invitation to the Offering,
   Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures high and low;
Give thanks to God in love made known:
Creator, Word and Spirit One.

We Bless our Offerings
God of Hope and Peace, Joy and Love, receive these gifts
that they may bless the work and witness of this place
        and these, your people. Amen.

Sending Hymn, VU #215: “Hope of the World"

1. Hope of the world, O Christ of great compassion,
speak to our fearful hearts by conflict rent;
save us, your people, from consuming passion,
who by our own false hopes and aims are spent.

2. Hope of the world, God's gift from highest heaven,
bringing to hungry souls the bread of life,
still let your Spirit unto us be given
to heal earth's wounds and end its bitter strife.

3. Hope of the world, afoot on dusty highways,
showing to wandering souls the path of light;
walk now beside us lest the tempting byways
lure us away from you to endless night.

4. Hope of the world, who by your cross has saved us
from death and dark despair, from sin and guilt;
we render back the love your mercy gave us;
take now our lives, with them your kingdom build.

5. Hope of the world, O Christ, o'er death victorious,
who by this sign has conquered grief and pain,
we would be faithful to your gospel glorious.
You are our Lord! You shall forever reign.

Sending and Closing Blessing

One:  May God bless you in this time of waiting;
  may the love of Christ make the rough places smoth
   and may the Holy Spirit guide you wherever you are,
   today and always.
All: Amen!

Choral Blessing, MV #220: "Hope Shines as the Solitary Star"
Hope shines as the solitary star.
Faith is the inner light.
You and I together mirror the Light of Lights,
and illumine the pathway home.