Claybanks Methodist Church
Sunday, December 17, 2023
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Third Sunday in Advent
Welcome and Announcements
*Praise Song
”Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”…UMH 213
Prelude
*Processional
In this place, among these people
God is worshipped, God is praised.
We have seen the signs and wonders;
The lost are found here, the dead are raised.
We are living the Gospel story;
lives are changed, and mountains moved.
Won’t you come and work among us?
You are welcomed, you are loved.
*Call to Worship
Leader: Love has come down to us this Advent Season.
All: Divine love which heals and transforms our lives.
Leader: With great joy, we receive that love and share it with others.
All: We open our hearts to all God’s children, the last, the least, and the lost, as well as those who feel privileged.
Leader: The Lord has done and continues to do wonderful things for us.
All: Praise be to God who loves us so much and who challenges us to be people of joy in this darkened world. AMEN.
*Gloria Patri……………………………………..UMH 70
*Prayer of Affirmation………………………UMH 882
*Hymn
”O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”……………….UMH 211
Lighting of Advent Candles
Congregation: We wait as people who experience hardship and pain, yet we are called to witness to the persistent joy that sustains our life as God’s people.
Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns
The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves
*Doxology………………………………………..…UMH 95
*Prayer of Dedication
*Hymn
”Bless His Holy Name”………………..TFWS 2015
Sharing of the Word
Old Testament Readings
Isaiah 9:2-7……………………………………………….Page 555
Psalm 103:9-14……………………………………Page 482
Message by Pastor Gary Peterson
“Names for the Messiah: Everlasting Father”
Prayer
*Hymn
”There’s a Spirit in the Air”…….…….UMH 192
*Benediction
Postlude – Please be seated
Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard
Liturgist – Konnie Grant
Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News
