fourth sunday of advent

December 20, 2015

-Gathering into worship-

*Those that are able are invited to stand

Welcome Gary Burdick, Lay Leader

Opening Scripture Micah 5:2-5a

*Call to Worship

Out of little Bethlehem comes one who is to rule in Israel.

He shall be great to the ends of the earth.

Our spirits rejoice in God our Savior.

God’s mercy extends from generation to generation.

Holy is God’s name!

*Hymn “Come, Thou Long- Expected Jesus” #196

*Opening Prayer

Stir up your power, O God, and come to set us free by the righteousness of your birth in our midst, by the light of your face shining upon us, and by becoming our brother, our friend, our salvation.

We pray this in the name of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, mother of us all. Amen.

*Chorus “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” #204

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel.

God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel.

Announcements

-BECOMING THE CHURCH THROUGH WORD-

Children’s Sermon

Anthem “Alleluia, Noel!” Choir

Scripture Luke 1:39-45

Sermon

-Offering our prayers-

You are invited to share your prayer concerns by writing them on the Prayer Request cards and placing them in the offering plate.

Prayer Hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #211

(Verses 1-4, 7)

Silent Prayer / Pastoral Prayer / Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

-Sharing our blessings-

Offering Our Gifts and Tithes

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

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*Offering Prayer

Faithful God, you astound us with your miracles! We rejoice that you sent your Son Jesus to bring light and salvation. We are grateful for your great wisdom and love in your actions toward humankind. Help us to be more like Mary, believing your Word and trusting in the fulfillment of your promises. We dedicate our tithes and offerings for the mission of this church, so that more people will find hope in waiting on Jesus the Christ. Amen.

-Taking the Word to the World-

*Closing Hymn “Tell Out, My Soul” #200

*Benediction

*Chorus “God Be with You till We Meet Again” (Refrain) #672

Till we meet, till we meet, till we meet at Jesus’ feet;

till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again.

Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church

“Where Faith and Life Meet”

www.mifflinave.org

412-731-2511

Pastor: Rev. Kelly Smith

214-202-9291

Pastor@mifflinave.org