Christmas Day
Sunday December 25, 2022 Welcome/Announcements Sing together: Joy to the World Sing together: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Call to worship One: Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people! All: Our savior is born in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord! One: The Word became flesh, and made his home among us! All: We have seen his glory, full of grace and truth! One: Come! Let us worship Emmanuel, God is with us! All: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace. Service of the Scriptures One: Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Many: Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. One: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John [1:1-14] Many: Glory to You, Lord Christ! In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word was with God in the beginning. Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. A man named John was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light. The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God. The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. One: This is the Gospel of the Lord! Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ! Communion One: The Lord be with you! Many: And also with you! One: Lift up your hearts! Many: We lift them up to the Lord! One: Let us give thanks! Many: It is just and right to give thanks! It is just and right and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give our thanks and praise to almighty God, creator of heaven and earth. So let us pray: God, you spoke and your Word became flesh, breathing a new song of joy and praise into the world. Grant that we may bear the good news of your salvation, proclaiming your promise of peace to the ends of the earth. As your Word became flesh, born of woman, on that night long ago, so we remember that on the night that our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed, he took bread and after giving thanks, he broke it, and he gave it to his disciples and said, “This is my body, given for you.” Likewise, after supper, he took the cup and after giving thanks said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.” And so, we gather as the Body of Christ to offer ourselves to you in praise and thanksgiving as we proclaim the mystery of our faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again! Because we all partake of the one bread and the one cup, we, though we are many, are one… no matter what divides us. So let us join together and pray the prayer the Lord taught all his disciples to pray. Let us be so bold as to say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these your gifts. Make them by the power of your Spirit to be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the Body of Christ, redeemed by His blood. By your Spirit make us one in Christ, one with each other, and one in the ministry of Christ to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And all God’s People said, Amen. Then invite with the words: The Table is prepared; all who are hungry and thirsty are invited to receive these gifts of grace; may Christ be fully formed in you. (After everyone has received): One: God of love, the risen Christ has been made known to us in the breaking of the bread; help us now grow in love for you and for each other; Thank you for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of Christ. Sing together: Go Tell it on the Mountain Sending Forth/Benediction May God bless you and keep you; may God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; may God’s countenance be lifted upon you and give you peace, from this day forth and forevermore. Many: And now, God, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To Christ, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. After service, everyone is invited to stay for a “Hymn Sing” of Christmas Carols.
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Christmas Eve Candle Nativity
December 24, 2022 Sing together: O Come All Ye Faithful (UMH #234 v. 1-3) Call to worship One: Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people! All: Our savior is born in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord! One: The Word became flesh, and made his home among us! All: We have seen his glory, full of grace and truth! One: Come! Let us worship Emmanuel, God is with us! All: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace. Welcome/Explanation of Candle Nativity Opening Prayer (in unison) O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy Christ perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit, Christ lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. Sing together - Gloria Patri (UMH #70) Service of the Scriptures - Candle lighting liturgy Let us pray: Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. And all the people said: Amen. A reading from Isaiah [9:2-7]: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. Because every boot of the thundering warriors, and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the fire. A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of heavenly forces will do this. One: This is the story of God for the people of God. Many: Thanks be to God! One: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke [1:26-38; 2:1-20] Many: Glory to You, Lord Christ! The Birth of Jesus foretold When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. He will rule over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I haven’t had sexual relations with a man?” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. He will be called God’s Son. Look, even in her old age, your relative Elizabeth has conceived a son. This woman who was labeled ‘unable to conceive’ is now six months pregnant. Nothing is impossible for God.” Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her. Sing together: Gabriel’s Message As we sing, the candle representing Mary is lit by one of the Trinity candles Jesus’ Birth In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom. Sing together: Away in a Manger (UMH #217 all verses) As we sing, the candles representing the Empire, Joseph, and Jesus are lit Announcement to Shepherds Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told. One: This is the Gospel of the Lord! Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ! Sing together: The First Noel (UMH #245 v. 1-2) As we sing, the candles representing the messengers and shepherds are lit Homily Children’s Time - Charlene Wimpy Prayer for Christmas Eve Offering (Special donation for Origins Ministry to the homeless) Sing together: Doxology (UMH #94) Sing together: O Holy Night Communion One: The Lord be with you! Many: And also with you! One: Lift up your hearts! Many: We lift them up to the Lord! One: Let us give thanks. Many: It is just and right to give thanks. One: It is just and right and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give our thanks and praise to almighty God, creator of heaven and earth. So let us pray: God of love, You created light from nothingness and brought forth life on the earth. You formed us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life. When we turned away, and our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You delivered us from captivity, made covenant to be our sovereign God, and spoke to us through your prophets. In the fullness of time you gave your only Son Jesus Christ to be our Savior, and at his birth the angels sang glory to you in the highest and peace to your people on earth. Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. As Mary and Joseph went from Galilee to Bethlehem and there found no room, so Jesus went from Galilee to Jerusalem and was despised and rejected. As in the poverty of a stable Jesus was born, so by the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection you gave birth to your Church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit. As your Word became flesh, born of woman, on that night long ago, so, we remember that on the night that our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed…he took bread and after giving thanks, he broke it, and he gave it to his disciples and said, “This is my body, given for you.” Likewise, after supper, he took the cup and after giving thanks said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.” And so, we gather as the Body of Christ to offer ourselves to you in praise and thanksgiving as we proclaim the mystery of our faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again! Because we all partake of the one bread and the one cup, we, though we are many, are one… no matter what divides us. So let us join together and pray the prayer the Lord taught all his disciples to pray. Let us be so bold as to say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these your gifts. Make them by the power of your Spirit to be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the Body of Christ, redeemed by His blood. By your Spirit make us one in Christ, one with each other, and one in the ministry of Christ to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And all God’s People said, Amen. One: The Table is prepared; all who are hungry and thirsty are invited to receive these gifts of grace; may Christ be fully formed in you. One: God of love, the risen Christ has been made known to us in the breaking of the bread; help us now grow in love for you and for each other; Thank you for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of Christ. Lighting of the Congregation Candles (The children come forward to receive their lights first, then the children take the light to the rest of the congregation) Sing together: Silent Night (UMH #239 all verses) Sending Forth/Benediction One: May God bless you and keep you; may God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; may God’s countenance be lifted upon you and give you peace, from this day forth and forevermore. Many: And now, God, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To Christ, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. Payette United Methodist Church Liturgy
Sunday, December 18th, 2022 [Advent 7 - Theme: Emmanuel (Love)] Welcome/Announcements - Mary Beth Gathering Hymn: Family of God - Music Team Calling Song: Come, Christians, Join to Sing (UMH #158) - Music Team Responsive Reading: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (CEB) - Sharon Wada One: Shepherd of Israel, listen! You, the one who leads Joseph as if he were a sheep. You, who are enthroned upon the winged heavenly creatures. Many: Show yourself before your people! Wake up your power! Come to save us! One: Restore us, God! Make your face shine so that we can be saved! Many: Lord God of heavenly forces, how long will you fume against your people’s prayer? One: You’ve fed them bread made of tears; you’ve given them tears to drink three times over! You’ve put us at odds with our neighbors; our enemies make fun of us. Many: Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved! One: Let your hand be with the one on your right side—with the one whom you secured as your own-- Many: then we will not turn away from you! Revive us so that we can call on your name. One: Restore us, Lord God of heavenly forces! Many: Make your face shine so that we can be saved! One: This is our prayer. Many: Lord, hear our prayer. Opening Prayer (in unison) - Sharon Wada We proclaim the greatness of the Lord, and our spirits rejoice in God our Savior! For you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servants. You, the Almighty, have done great things for us and holy is your name. You have mercy on those who fear you from generation to generation. You have shown strength with your arm and scattered the proud in their conceit, casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly. You have filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. You have come to the aid of your people, to remember the promise of mercy, the promise made to our forebears, to Abraham and Sarah and their children for ever. Amen. Sing together: Gloria Patri (UMH #70) - Music Team Scripture Readings - Sharon Wada Before reading, the reader prays the following words: One: God, open our hearts and minds by the power of the Holy Spirit, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Eternal God, you do not abandon us in exile but hear our plea for returning and rest: Visit us we pray with your presence and raise us to greet with hope and joy the promised day of salvation; through Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns now and for ever. And all the people said: Many: Amen. Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 7:10-16 (CEB) Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: “Ask a sign from the Lord your God. Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I won’t ask; I won’t test the Lord.” Then Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Isn’t it enough for you to be tiresome for people that you are also tiresome before my God? Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel. He will eat butter and honey, and learn to reject evil and choose good. Before the boy learns to reject evil and choose good, the land of the two kings you dread will be abandoned. One: The story of God for the people of God! Many: Thanks be to God! New Testament Reading: Romans 1:1-7 (CEB) From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for God’s good news. God promised this good news about God’s Son ahead of time through the prophets in the holy scriptures. God’s Son was descended from David. He was publicly identified as God’s Son with power through his resurrection from the dead, which was based on the Spirit of holiness. This Son is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ we have received God’s grace and our appointment to be apostles. This was to bring all Gentiles to faithful obedience for his name’s sake. You who are called by Jesus Christ are also included among these Gentiles. To those in Rome who are dearly loved by God and called to be God’s people. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. One: The story of God for the people of God. Many: Thanks be to God! Advent Candle Lighting - Sharon Wada One: As we light this seventh Advent candle, we remember that the God who became incarnate and dwelt among us in the flesh of Jesus is the same God who is with us now in the presence of the Holy Spirit. As we light this candle, our prayer is that we may begin to see where the Spirit is at work among us even now. And all the people said: Many: Amen. Sing together: O Come, O Come Emmanuel Verse - Music Team O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. Praise Song: Mary Did You Know? (Jennifer Henry lyrics) - Music Team Children’s Time - Cheryl Castillo Prayers of the People - Danny Crego One: Shepherd of Israel, may Jesus, Emmanuel and son of Mary, be more than just a dream in our hearts. With the apostles, prophets, and saints, save us, restore us, and lead us in the way of grace and peace, that we may bear your promise into the world. Brothers and sisters, as we joyfully await the glorious coming of the Christ, let us pray for the needs of the church, our community, and the world. Are there any requests? (The congregation is invited to speak their requests. After each request is spoken, we all respond in unison, “Lord, hear us.”) One: In joyful expectation of his coming to our aid we pray to Jesus. O Emmanuel, God with us, We know that when you appear in your fullness you will bring to light the things now hidden in shadow, and will disclose the hidden desires of the heart. God of promise, you have given us a sign of your love through the gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who was promised from ages past. We believe as Joseph did the message of your presence whispered by an angel, and offer our prayers for your world, confident of your care and mercy for all creation. Amen. And now, because we often fail to love, because we acknowledge that we are sinners living in sinful systems, and because we acknowledge that we are all in need of God’s mercy and grace, let us confess our sins. Many: God of the living and the dead, We confess that we have sinned against you by what we have done and by what we have not done, We remember our broken promises and missed opportunities; The gifts we have taken for granted; The love we have not shown or returned; Forgive us, comfort and heal us, lift our guilt from us, That we may walk in freedom and grace to the glory of your name. Amen. One: May God who is both power and love forgive us and free us from our sins; heal and strength us by the power of the Holy Spirit; and bring us to new life through Christ our Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are a forgiven people! Many: Thanks be to God! Offering Prayer - Danny Crego Sing together: Doxology (UMH #94) - Music Team Prayer song: Fairest Lord Jesus (UMH #189, vs. 1, 3, & 4) - Music Team Sermon Text: Matthew 1:18-25 (CEB) One: This is the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Many: Glory to you, Lord Christ! One: This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph, before they were married, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn’t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly. As he was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save God’s people from sin.” Now all of this took place so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, And they will call him, Emmanuel. (Emmanuel means “God with us.”) When Joseph woke up, he did just as an angel from God commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he didn’t have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. Joseph called him Jesus. This is the Gospel of our Lord. Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ! Sing together: God with Us (Mercy Me version) - Music Team Closing Hymn: All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine (UMH #166 vs. 1, 2, & 5) - Music Team Sending Forth/Benediction One: May God bless you and keep you; may God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; may God’s countenance be lifted upon you and give you peace, from this day forth and forevermore. Many: And now, God, send us out to do the work that you have given us to do; to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To Christ, to you, and to the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. Prelude Thank you for worshiping with us today! (CCLI License #1552544) Payette United Methodist Church
December 11th, 2022 Advent 6 - Theme: Dayspring (Joy) Welcome/Announcements Membership Liturgy - Accepting James Boesch as a Member to PUMC One: Dearly Beloved, it is an honor to announce that today, we will receive James as a member of Payette United Methodist Church. The privileges and blessings that we have in community together in the Church of Jesus Christ are sacred and precious. There is in it such hallowed fellowship, care, and counsel as cannot otherwise be known apart from the family of God. There is the care of pastors, with the teachings of the Word and the administration of the sacraments. And there is communal cooperation in service, accomplishing that which cannot otherwise be done. As we prepare to receive James as a member of our congregation, let us confess our faith through the words of the Apostles’ Creed: Many: We believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. One: James, do you believe the truths that we have confessed as a congregation? If so, answer, “I do.” James responds: I do. One: Desiring to unite with the Church, do you commit to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, life, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself? Do you commit to the missional, redemptive work of God as expressed in the doctrine, fellowship, and work of the Church? Will you support the teachings of the United Methodist Church and strive, with God’s help, to grow in your understanding and practice of the same in a way that enhances the witness of the church? Will you endeavor in every way to glorify God, by a humble walk, godly conversation, and holy service; by devotedly giving of your resources; and by faithfully participating in the means of grace? Will you follow Jesus Christ all the days of your life, abstain from all evil, and seek earnestly to perfect holiness of heart and life in the fear of the Lord? If so, answer, “I will.” James responds: I will. One: On behalf of this congregation, I welcome you into the United Methodist Church and the fellowship of this local congregation with its benefits and responsibilities. May the Lord bless and keep you, and enable you to be faithful in all good works, that your life and witness may be effective in care for the poor and oppressed and in leading others to Christ. Let us pray. Almighty God, look with favor upon James, who has now reaffirmed his commitment to follow Christ and to serve in Christ’s name. Give him courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen all of us in our vocation of witness to the world, and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. And all the people said: Many: Amen. Gathering Hymn: Family of God Calling Song: Come Thou Almighty King (UMH #61, v. 1 & 3) Responsive Reading: Psalm 146:5-10 (CEB) One: The person whose help is the God of Jacob—the person whose hope rests on the Lord their God—is truly happy! Many: God: the maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them. God, who is faithful forever, One: who gives justice to people who are oppressed, who gives bread to people who are starving! The Lord: who frees prisoners. Many: The Lord: who makes the blind see. The Lord: who straightens up those who are bent low. The Lord: who loves justice. One: The Lord: who protects immigrants, who helps orphans and widows, but who makes the way of the wicked twist and turn! Many: The Lord will rule forever! Zion, your God will rule from one generation to the next! Praise the Lord! One: This is our prayer. Many: Lord, hear our prayer. Opening Prayer (in unison) We proclaim the greatness of the Lord, and our spirits rejoice in God our Savior! For you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servants. You, the Almighty, have done great things for us and holy is your name. You have mercy on those who fear you from generation to generation. You have shown strength with your arm and scattered the proud in their conceit, casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly. You have filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. You have come to the aid of your people, to remember the promise of mercy, the promise made to our forebears, to Abraham and Sarah and their children for ever. Amen. Sing together: Gloria Patri (UMH #70) Scripture Readings Before reading, the reader prays the following words: One: God, open our hearts and minds by the power of the Holy Spirit, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Lord Jesus Christ, in your resurrection you appeared as the Morning Star that knows no setting: Dawn upon the pallid human heart so that the deathly orders of this world may be overcome and your whole creation made new; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. And all the people said: Many: Amen. Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 (CEB) The desert and the dry land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom like the crocus. They will burst into bloom, and rejoice with joy and singing. They will receive the glory of Lebanon, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the Lord’s glory, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and support the unsteady knees. Say to those who are panicking: “Be strong! Don’t fear! Here’s your God, coming with vengeance; with divine retribution God will come to save you.” Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be cleared. Then the lame will leap like the deer, and the tongue of the speechless will sing. Waters will spring up in the desert, and streams in the wilderness. The burning sand will become a pool, and the thirsty ground, fountains of water. The jackals’ habitat, a pasture; grass will become reeds and rushes. A highway will be there. It will be called The Holy Way. The unclean won’t travel on it, but it will be for those walking on that way. Even fools won’t get lost on it; no lion will be there, and no predator will go up on it. None of these will be there; only the redeemed will walk on it. The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads. Happiness and joy will overwhelm them; grief and groaning will flee away. One: The story of God for the people of God! Many: Thanks be to God! New Testament Reading: James 5:7-10 (CEB) Therefore, brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the coming of the Lord. Consider the farmer who waits patiently for the coming of rain in the fall and spring, looking forward to the precious fruit of the earth. You also must wait patiently, strengthening your resolve, because the coming of the Lord is near. Don’t complain about each other, brothers and sisters, so that you won’t be judged. Look! The judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of patient resolve and steadfastness. One: The story of God for the people of God. Many: Thanks be to God! Advent Candle Lighting One: As we light this sixth Advent candle, we remember that in Christ and through Christ, the light has broken into the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. As we light this candle, our prayer is that we may be for the world the light of Christ, breaking into the darkness, that all whom we encounter may know the hope and joy of Christ. And all the people said: Many: Amen. Sing together: O Come, O Come Emmanuel Verse O come, Thou Dayspring come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. Praise Song: Song of Hope Children’s Time Prayers of the People One: God of hope, you call us home from the exile of selfish oppression to the freedom of justice, the balm of healing, and the joy of sharing. Make us strong to join you in your holy work, as friends of strangers and victims, companions of those whom others shun, and as the happiness of those whose hearts are broken. Brothers and sisters, as we joyfully await the glorious coming of the Christ, let us pray for the needs of the church, our community, and the world. Are there any requests? (The congregation is invited to speak their requests. After each request is spoken, we all respond in unison, “Lord, hear us.”) One: In joyful expectation of his coming to our aid we pray to Jesus. O Morning Star of Righteousness, Dayspring from on high - your light shines brightly in the shadows. Come to us and enable us to see you in your creation, in the rising sun and the shining moon - come and cause us to care for your good creation. God of joy and exultation, you strengthen what is weak; you enrich the poor and give hope to those who live in fear. Look upon our needs this day. Make us grateful for the good news of salvation and keep us faithful in your service until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives for ever and ever. Amen. And now, because we often fail to love, because we acknowledge that we are sinners living in sinful systems, and because we acknowledge that we are all in need of God’s mercy and grace, let us confess our sins. Many: God of the living and the dead, We confess that we have sinned against you by what we have done and by what we have not done, We remember our broken promises and missed opportunities; The gifts we have taken for granted; The love we have not shown or returned; Forgive us, comfort and heal us, lift our guilt from us, That we may walk in freedom and grace to the glory of your name. Amen. One: May God who is both power and love forgive us and free us from our sins; heal and strength us by the power of the Holy Spirit; and bring us to new life through Christ our Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are a forgiven people! Many: Thanks be to God! Offering Prayer Sing together: Doxology (UMH #94) Prayer song: Emmanuel, Emmanuel (UMH #204, 2x) Sermon Text: Matthew 11:2-11 (CEB) One: This is the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Many: Glory to you, Lord Christ! One: Now when John heard in prison about the things the Christ was doing, he sent word by his disciples to Jesus, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus responded, “Go, report to John what you hear and see. Those who were blind are able to see. Those who were crippled are walking. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. The poor have good news proclaimed to them. Happy are those who don’t stumble and fall because of me.” When John’s disciples had gone, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John: “What did you go out to the wilderness to see? A stalk blowing in the wind? What did you go out to see? A man dressed up in refined clothes? Look, those who wear refined clothes are in royal palaces. What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. He is the one of whom it is written: Look, I’m sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you. “I assure you that no one who has ever been born is greater than John the Baptist. Yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. This is the Gospel of our Lord. Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ! Sing together: O Come Divine Messiah Communion One: The Lord be with you! Many: And also with you! One: Lift up your hearts! Many: We lift them up to the Lord! One: Let us give thanks! Many: It is just and right to give thanks! One: It is just and right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give our thanks and praise to God. So let us pray: O God of Isaiah and John the Baptist, through all such faithful ones you proclaim the unfolding of future joy and renewed life. Strengthen our hearts to believe your advent promise that one day sorrow and sighing will be no more; that the journey of God’s people will be joy; that we will walk in the holy way of Christ, who by your Spirit was anointed to preach good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, set at liberty those who are oppressed. Christ healed the sick, fed the hungry, ate with sinners, and established the new covenant for forgiveness of sins. We live in the hope of His coming again. We remember that on the night that our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed, he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and he gave it to his disciples and said, “This is my body, given for you. Take and eat - all of you - in remembrance of me.” Likewise, after the supper, he took the cup, and after giving thanks, he said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in remembrance of me.” And so, Lord God, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in our Lord Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves to you in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with the sacrifice of Christ for us, as we proclaim the mystery of our faith: Many: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. One: Because we all partake of the one bread and the one cup, we, though we are many, are one. So let us join in together in praying the prayer that the Lord taught all of the disciples to pray. Let us be so bold as to say: Many: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, Forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors, Save us from the time of trial, And deliver us from evil. For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. One: God of salvation, pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these your gifts. Make them by the power of your Spirit to be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the Body of Christ, redeemed by His blood. By your Spirit make us one in Christ, one with each other, and one in the ministry of Christ to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And all God’s people said: Many: Amen. One: (Give instructions for coming forward to receive) The Table is prepared. All who are hungry and thirsty are invited to come forward to receive these gifts of grace. May Christ be fully formed in you. Come forward as you’re ready. Closing Hymn: Savior of the Nations, Come (UMH #214, v. 1-3) Sending Forth/Benediction One: God of love, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of our savior Jesus the Messiah; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of Christ. May God bless you and keep you; may God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; may God’s countenance be lifted upon you and give you peace, from this day forth and forevermore. Many: And now, God, send us out to do the work that you have given us to do; to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To Christ, to you, and to the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. Prelude Thank you for worshiping with us today! (CCLI License #1552544) Payette United Methodist Church
December 4th, 2022 Advent 5 - Theme: Key of David (Peace) Welcome/Announcements Gathering Hymn: Family of God Calling Song: Jesus Shall Reign (UMH #157, v. 1, 2, & 5) Responsive Reading: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 (CEB) One: God, give your judgments to the king. Give your righteousness to the king’s son. Many: Let him judge your people with righteousness and your poor with justice. One: Let the mountains bring peace to the people; let the hills bring righteousness. Many: Let the king bring justice to people who are poor; let him save the children of those who are needy, but let him crush oppressors! One: Let the king live as long as the sun, as long as the moon, generation to generation. Many: Let him fall like rain upon fresh-cut grass, like showers that water the earth. One: Let the righteous flourish throughout their lives, and let peace prosper until the moon is no more. Many: Bless the Lord God, the God of Israel—the only one who does wondrous things! One: Bless God’s glorious name forever; let God’s glory fill all the earth! This is our prayer. Many: Lord, hear our prayer. Opening Prayer (in unison) We proclaim the greatness of the Lord, and our spirits rejoice in God our Savior! For you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servants. You, the Almighty, have done great things for us and holy is your name. You have mercy on those who fear you from generation to generation. You have shown strength with your arm and scattered the proud in their conceit, casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly. You have filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. You have come to the aid of your people, to remember the promise of mercy, the promise made to our forebears, to Abraham and Sarah and their children for ever. Amen. Sing together: Gloria Patri (UMH #70) Scripture Readings - Deanna Carr and Dalyce Knight One: God, open our hearts and minds by the power of the Holy Spirit, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Gracious God, your Son Jesus Christ opened wide gate of heaven, making plain the way that leads to eternal joy: Grant that we who have been buried with Christ in baptism and raised to new life may strive courageously for the freedom and peace of the world; through the same your Son, Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be praise and dominion for ever and ever. And all the people said: Many: Amen. Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 (CEB) A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots. The Lord’s spirit will rest upon him, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of planning and strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord. He will delight in fearing the Lord. He won’t judge by appearances, nor decide by hearsay. He will judge the needy with righteousness, and decide with equity for those who suffer in the land. He will strike the violent with the rod of his mouth; by the breath of his lips he will kill the wicked. Righteousness will be the belt around his hips, and faithfulness the belt around his waist. The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat; the calf and the young lion will feed together, and a little child will lead them. The cow and the bear will graze. Their young will lie down together, and a lion will eat straw like an ox. A nursing child will play over the snake’s hole; toddlers will reach right over the serpent’s den. They won’t harm or destroy anywhere on my holy mountain. The earth will surely be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, just as the water covers the sea. On that day, the root of Jesse will stand as a signal to the peoples. The nations will seek him out, and his dwelling will be glorious. One: The story of God for the people of God! Many: Thanks be to God! New Testament Reading: Romans 15:4-13 (CEB) Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures. May the God of endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude toward each other, similar to Christ Jesus’ attitude. That way you can glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ together with one voice. So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory. I’m saying that Christ became a servant of those who are circumcised for the sake of God’s truth, in order to confirm the promises given to the ancestors, and so that the Gentiles could glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, Because of this I will confess you among the Gentiles, and I will sing praises to your name. And again, it says, Rejoice, Gentiles, with God’s people. And again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and all the people should sing God’s praises. And again, Isaiah says, There will be a root of Jesse, who will also rise to rule the Gentiles. The Gentiles will place their hope in him. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. One: The story of God for the people of God. Many: Thanks be to God! Advent Candle Lighting One: As we light this fifth Advent candle, we remember Christ releases the captives, sets the prisoner free, and liberates those who are oppressed. As we light this candle, our prayer is that we may participate in Christ's liberating work for the good of all creation. And all the people said: Many: Amen. Sing together: O Come, O Come Emmanuel O Come thou Key of David, release And free us to experience thy peace Unbind us here from sin and death Awaken us with heaven’s breath Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee O Israel. Praise Song: Light of Those Whose Dreary Dwelling Children’s Time Prayers of the People One: God of timeless grace, you fill us with joyful expectation. Make us ready for the message that prepares the way, that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. God of hope, you raised up John the baptizer as a herald who calls us to repentance. As we joyfully await the glorious coming of Christ, we pray to you for the needs of the church and the world. Are there any requests? (The congregation is invited to speak their requests. After each request is spoken, we all respond in unison, “Lord, hear us.”) One: In joyful expectation of his coming to our aid we pray to Jesus. O Key of David, Come to us as shepherd and guardian of our lives, even in death. Give us with all the faithful departed a share in your victory over evil and death. Hear our humble prayer that we may serve you in holiness and faith and give voice to your presence among us until the day of the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. And now, because we often fail to love, because we acknowledge that we are sinners living in sinful systems, and because we acknowledge that we are all in need of God’s mercy and grace, let us confess our sins. Many: God of the living and the dead, We confess that we have sinned against you by what we have done and by what we have not done, We remember our broken promises and missed opportunities; The gifts we have taken for granted; The love we have not shown or returned; Forgive us, comfort and heal us, lift our guilt from us, That we may walk in freedom and grace to the glory of your name. Amen. One: May God who is both power and love forgive us and free us from our sins; heal and strength us by the power of the Holy Spirit; and bring us to new life through Christ our Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are a forgiven people! Many: Thanks be to God! Offering Prayer Sing together: Doxology (UMH #94) Prayer song: We Sing of Your Glory (TFWS #2011, v. 1, 2, & 4) Sermon Text: Matthew 3:1-12 (CEB) One: This is the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Many: Glory to you, Lord Christ! One: In those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” He was the one of whom Isaiah the prophet spoke when he said: The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.” John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and all around the Jordan River came to him. As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. Many Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized by John. He said to them, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. And don’t even think about saying to yourselves, Abraham is our father. I tell you that God is able to raise up Abraham’s children from these stones. The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire. I baptize with water those of you who have changed your hearts and lives. The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am. I’m not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.” This is the Gospel of our Lord. Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ! Sing together: Your Peace Will Make Us One Closing Hymn: The King of Glory Comes (TFWS #2091) Sending Forth/Benediction One: May God bless you and keep you; may God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; may God’s countenance be lifted upon you and give you peace, from this day forth and forevermore. Many: And now, God, send us out to do the work that you have given us to do; to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To Christ, to you, and to the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. |
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