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