Neillsville,
Wisconsin
Pastor Jacoba Koppert
Church 715-743-2147
Pastor's Office
715-743-2117
December 10, 2017 10:00
a.m.
Second Sunday of Advent
All who are comfortably able are invited to
stand at those
places in the service indicated by an
asterisk*
We ask you to please turn off all telephones
and electronic devices.
We Gather to Worship God
PRELUDE Eileen Zank
RINGING OF THE BELL
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING MUSIC ÒPrepare the WayÓ
Reprinted under OneLicense.net
A-723900
*CALL TO WORSHIP1
Leader: Listen!
The voice of God calls across the years!
Right side: We hear and respond. We rise up to worship God from the
valleys, the mountains
and
the plains.
Leader: Like a shepherd God leads us and tenderly
gathers
us.
Left side: Comfort, comfort my people, says our God.
All: The
grass withers and the flowers fade;
But
the Word of our God will stand forever!
*HYMN ÒCome, Thou Long-expected JesusÓ #79
We
Confess Our Sin and Seek GodÕs Forgiveness
PRAYER OF CONFESSION1
God is love; the almighty and compassionate parent that holds the world tenderly in a warm embrace. God desires that we love each other as a mother loves her child, as a father embraces his own.
All too often we fail in our efforts to live as God would have us live. We push away turning cold shoulders to God and each other. We express anger and resentment instead of compassion and grace. We seek revenge instead of reconciliation. In these moments, we ask God to forgive us and set us on the right path.
SILENCE FOR PERSONAL PRAYERS
ASSSURANCE OF PARDON1
When
we turn to God with faithful hearts, God hears and responds. Our failings and
shortcoming are forgiven. We experience GodÕs steadfast love and faithfulness. Our
work is to do what is right and bring peace to all. God gives what is good and shows
us the right path to take. Walk in confidence forgiven and forgiving in ChristÕs
name. Amen.
PASSING THE PEACE
At peace with God, let us now offer the peace of Christ to one another. The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
( All
are invited to greet others with handshakes or hugs while saying
to
them ÒThe peace of Christ be with youÓ
and responding, Òand also with you.Ó)
* SONG
OF PRAISE ÒGloria CanonÓ (sing twice)
Gloria, gloria,
in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, gloria, alleluia, alleluia!
We
Listen for the Good News
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE2
Chad, Lacey, Dante, Haylee, Kyson and Morgan Erickson
(The
Candle of Love is lit.)
This is the Second Sunday in Advent. Today, we light two blue candles. This Sunday we light the candle of love. One verse that many people know is John 3:16. ÒGod so loved the worldÉÓ Some people may not know the love of other people. That makes it harder for them to understand GodÕs love. During Advent, we pray that we may remember again GodÕs gift of Jesus to the world and know that GodÕs love for all people is the reason Jesus was born. When we look at the second candle, we remember GodÕs love. When we read the words of the Bible, we know of GodÕs greatness and care. We remember GodÕs love at Advent when we remember that God sent Jesus to us to know that God is loving and fair.
SCRIPTURE Isaiah
40:1-8
Karsen Czarnecki
CHILDRENÕS TIME ÒGodÕs Unique Ways of Showing Love.Ó
PRAYER2
Dear
God, Thank you for your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the words found in our Bible
that help us remember your love and care.
Help us see how we can bring GodÕs message to the people we meet in our schools,
at our jobs, and in our neighborhoods. Help
us to be messengers of GodÕs love for everyone. Amen.
The Sunday School Christmas Program
ÒThe Birth of JesusÓ
Music Selections
ÔAway in A Manger Ò
ÒJoy to the WorldÓ
ÒTwinkle, Twinkle, Christmas StarÓ
Cast of Characters
Narrators: Colton Williams
Reese Ziegler
Joseph: Brody Bergemann
Mary: Iris Edgington
Baby Jesus: Theamore Vine
Main Angel: Haylee Erickson
Angels: Lexi Bergemann
Lexi Woods
Shepherds: Krue Czarnecki
Calvin Heck
Everett Raine
Oliver Raine
Wisemen: Kyson Erickson
Tyler Williams
William Ziegler
Stars: Clayton Sexauer
Quinn Sexauer
Anna Raine
Claire Ziegler
Star of Bethlehem: Dottie Holm
Registrar: Tyler Williams - Inn Keeper William Ziegler
We Respond to the Good News
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORDÕS 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 debts, as we
forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.
INVITATION
TO OFFERING
THE OFFERTORY Eileen Zank
* THE DOXOLOGY
Praise
God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise
God, all creatures here below;
Praise
God for all that love has done;
Creator,
Christ and Spirit One. Amen.
*
PRAYER
OF DEDICATION
* HYMN ÒO Little Town of BethlehemÓ #99
* THE
BENEDICTION
* RESPONSE ÒLift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty GatesÓ
Redeemer,
come, with us abide; Our Hearts to thee we open wide; Let us they inner
presence feel, Thy grace and love in us reveal.
*POSTLUDE Eileen Zank
The Light of Christ Leads Us into the
World
1Adapted from Valleys to Mountains, Service Prayers for
the 2nd Sunday of Advent written by Rev. Penny L Lowes, Copyright 2017, Faith
Formation Ministry Team UCC, Permission granted to reproduce or adapt. All
publishing rights reserved.
2 Adapted from https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/2017-advent-home-worship written by MaryJane Pierce Norton
Advent Activities for Week 22
Second Week of Advent
– Love
Monday, December 11, 2017: Read again Isaiah 40:1-8. Create a picture that shows
GodÕs comforting love. Include words or prayers that help you remember GodÕs
love. Give thanks for the world and all people in the world.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017: Is there someone you know who needs to hear words of
God's love? Make or select a card for that person and mail it today.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017: Love is something we need in our church. Think about the
people in our church. Select one person in our church. Pray for that person
today.
Thursday, December 14, 2017: As we get ready to celebrate again the birth of Jesus,
we sometimes get very busy. Today, take a ten-minute break. Sit quietly. If it
helps you to concentrate, look at your Advent wreath. Pray, asking God's help
to bring quiet and calm to a busy world.
Friday, December 15, 2017: Think about your family. Some may live with you. Others
may be far away. Who in your family needs God's love? Pray for this family
member today.
Saturday, December 16, 2017: There are people in our neighborhoods, in our church,
and in our community who need to know of God's love. Select someone to visit
today. Visit by phone or in person. Go as a family or by yourself. It doesn't
necessarily have to be a visit to a home. Maybe there is someone who waits on
you at the grocery store. Stop by today and talk with that person. Tell the
person you visit how you are reminded of GodÕs love because of what that person
has said or done.
Announcements
We welcome you to this service of
worship. We hope you will
experience the love of God and your neighbors. You are invited to join us in
the Fellowship Hall downstairs for coffee/refreshments and conversation.
Whoever you are and where ever you
are on lifeÕs journey, you are welcome here.
Note: You will find the attendance folders in the pews on the center racks of every pew - please take time to fill out the attendance sheet including your full address and return them to the side aisles, ushers will collect them during the last hymn. Thank you.
Radio Broadcast Sponsors – The radio broadcast portion of our worship service today is given by Frances Short and family in loving memory of Kenneth Short and our parents.
Today: JesusÕ Birthday Party downstairs in Fellowship Hall following the Sunday School Christmas Program/Worship Service; Christian Education Board will be serving.
Calendar
Monday, December 11 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-Anon.
Tuesday, December 12 – 10 a.m. Ministerial Alliance meeting at Memorial Medical Center.
Wednesday, December 13 - 3:30 CDÕs & Confirmation;
7 p.m. Sr. Choir practice.
Thursday, December 14 – 12 Noon Circle of Friends Potluck Christmas Party. You are invited to join us.
Poinsettias – If you would like to order a poinsettia to place in the sanctuary this Advent Season, now is the time to order. The cost is $13 each. If you write a check, please make it out to ÒFalls Florist.Ó Names will be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Order in Memory of someone, in Honor of someone or for any other reason you may have. You may take your plant home following the Christmas Eve service. Deadline for ordering is today December 10.
2018 Offering Envelopes are on the table out in the Narthex. Please pick them up.
Sunday, December 24
Fourth Sunday of Advent
10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship
Service – Communion
(Intinction)
Christmas Carols – Special Music
Lighting –
(battery operated candles)
7:30p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service
Christmas Carols – Senior Choir singing
Communion Served (Intinction) Candle Lighting