Piano Meditations

 

Prelude                            “Pastoral Symphony” - Handel                                                                                             

                                            

Call to Worship

             Leader:  To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.  In you I put my trust.

             People:  Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

             Leader:  Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.

             People:  According to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’

                           sake, O Lord! 

             Leader:  Let us worship God!

 

Blessing of the Advent Wreath (see insert)

 

Opening Hymn #196         “Come, thou Long-Expected Jesus”

 

Lighting of the First Advent Candle (see insert)

 

Act of Praise #801             Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

 

Special Music                    “On Eagles Wings”                                         Chancel Choir             

 

Hymn #715                        “Rejoice, the Lord Is King ”   

                  (Bring written joys and concerns forward during this hymn.)

 

Sharing Joys and Concerns

       (After each joy, we pray, “Thanks be to God;” after concerns, “Lord have mercy.”)

 

Lord’s Prayer

 

Prayers for Illumination #599  (stanza 1)

 

Old Testament Reading     Isaiah 64:1-9      

 

New Testament Reading  1 Corinthians 1:3-9

 

Hymn #203                       “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”

 

Gospel Reading                  Mark 13:24-37

 

Sermon                          

 

Offerings                         “A Rose Tree Hath Arisen” - Brahms

 

Doxology #95                   “Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow ”

 

Closing Hymn #246 (stanza 1, 4)    “Joy to the World”                                                                                           

              

Benediction

 

Postlude                            “Noel” - McKay                                                                                 

 

Assisting in worship today:  J. Michael Smith, preacher; Gordon Wilson, organist, Callie McFarland, Chancel director, and Karen Henderson, piano meditations

 

  Contact information for Grace Church

Church phone:  (217)328-1414                       

Address:  2004 Philo Road, Urbana, IL  61802

Check the Web at:  www.urbanagrace.org   (site updated almost daily)

e-mail:  urbanagrace@urbanagrace.org            

pastor’s cell:  898-3148

 

Sources of information

Tapes of Sunday worship and sermons

Weekly letter from the pastor*

“Assorted Notes” from the pastor*

Weekly Update of Church Activities*

Slide show of memories and announcements (before/after worship)

“Snap Shots” of happenings, people in church*

Reports of officers, budget, meetings, church organization (office)

Web site (www.urbanagrace.org)

Sign board along the road, posters and bulletin boards, handouts

 

We are working to make sure everyone receives all the information and material he or she wants—in the form (e-mail, postal, pick up, etc.) best suited to each person.  Please take responsibility to communicate with the office what resources you want and how we can best deliver them to you.  Items marked with an (*) can be picked up in the entryway of the sanctuary.

 

Special services at Grace Church (ask an usher for details)

Nursery service during worship services for all children 4 and under. 

Transportation to and from worship services

Large print bulletins and song sheets.  Hearing aids 

 

Organized Activities around the church this coming week:  22

 (pick up a copy of the Weekly Update for details)

Opportunities for Involvement:  see notebook in the entryway to the sanctuary, or call the office

For spiritual needs or pastoral services:  call the church office 

 Blessing of the Advent Wreath

 

Leader:  The Lord be with you.

People:  And also with you.

Leader:  Let us give God thanks for the Advent wreath.

People:  And ask God’s blessing in this Advent season.

Leader:  Creator God, it is recorded that you said, “Let the earth bring forth vegetation, including trees of every kind.”  And it was so.  The earth brought forth trees that were good for food and a delight to behold.  We are delighted today with the evergreen, reminding us of life that persists even through cold and adversity.

     It is also recorded that you said, “Let there be light.”  And it was so.  The first light was good:  beacon of beginnings and harbinger of hope.  And even in days when we barely see through smoke of trial and brokenness, you have promised that people who sit in darkness will see a great light.

     It is recorded that you said, “Let us make humankind in our image.”  And it was so.  Human beings have multiplied across the face of the earth.  And we sometimes reflect your image, and sometimes not.  And we await your day when we shall all be renewed in your image.

     God, be among us.  Let this Advent wreath delight and inspire us.  Be among us and let the light of these candles quicken hope within us.  Be among us and let us be renewed in your image day be day during this Advent season.

People:  Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

 

 

Order Your Christmas Poinsettias Now

 

Poinsettias (in a 61/2” pot) can be purchased for $6.00.  They will be used to decorate the church and then you are welcome to take them home after the Christmas service.  Please place your order, along with your money, into the collection plate or mail to the office by December 15^th.

 

Name____________________________________________________________________

 

In memory/honor of_________________________________________________________

 

# of poinsettias________________________         Amount of money___________________