Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church

11:00 AM Worship Third Sunday of Advent 11 December 2011

GATHERING

O Morning Star F. Ritter

GREETING AND WELCOME

INTROIT

*CALL TO WORSHIP

The Lord has done great things for us!

And we are filled with joy!

Our God has turned our weeping into singing,

our tears into songs of joy!

O Christ of God, come anew in our hearts this day,

and remain in us forever.

*HYMN UMH 202

People, Look East Besancon

*PRAYER in unison

We look for light but find darkness,

for brightness, but walk in gloom.

We grope like those who have no eyes;

we stumble at noon as in the twilight.

If I say, “Let only darkness cover me,

and the light about me be night,”

even the darkness is not dark to you,

the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you.

Blessed be your name, O God, for ever.

You reveal deep and mysterious things;

you are light and in you is no darkness.

Our darkness is passing away

and already the true light is shining. Amen.

ANTHEM

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

FIRST READING

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

SECOND READING

John 1:6-8, 19-28

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLE

We light this candle as a symbol of joy.

May the joyful promise of your presence, O God,

make us rejoice in our hope of salvation.

O come, O come, Emmanuel!

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

Following the message, children from K-3 are invited to attend the Junior Church program.

SERMON

On Garments and Gardens

HYMN UMH 203

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed Ellacombe

SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS

PASTORAL PRAYER

THE LORD’S PRAYER in unison

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.

*THE PEACE

OFFERING

One Holy Light M. Shea

*DOXOLOGY UMH 95

GREAT THANKSGIVING UMH 15

BREAKING THE BREAD

*COMMUNION

The elements will be served at the altar rail. Please return to your seat by the opposite end of the pew

from which you exited. Those unable to come forward should indicate to an usher, and the stewards

will bring the elements to you. All bread is gluten free.

*HYMN UMH 204

Emmanuel, Emmanuel (sing twice) McGee

*BENEDICTION

God the Father, who loved the world

so much that he sent his only Son,

give you grace to prepare for eternal life.

God the Son, who comes to us as Redeemer and Judge,

reveal to you the path from darkness to light.

God the Holy Spirit, by whose working

the virgin Mary conceived the Christ,

help you bear the fruits of holiness. Amen.

*GOING FORTH

Hosanna Now Through Advent D. Busarow

*Those who are able are invited to stand.