This Sunday, December 13, is the 3rd Sunday in Advent. We continue around the Advent wreath and light the candle of Joy. You can use the attached Advent liturgy with your own wreath and follow along in the Family Worship video as one of our families lead us in lighting our third candle. The theme for this week is “God Restores Joy.”
While we aren’t able to do our usual kids’ Nativity play, a few of our St. Andrew’s kids recorded a short video presentation by Zoom to help you set up your own Nativity scene at home. You’ll also find this is the Family Worship Video.
Our Home Worship service for this week will go live on YouTube at 10:30am. The words to the songs in the service will be on the screen. The service continues to be available by telephone for those without internet access.
Order of Service
Gathering Music
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- Hark the Glad Sound #118
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Hallelujah) – Rend Collective
- Joy Has Dawned – Keith & Kristyn Getty
Family Worship & Advent Liturgy: “God Restores Joy”
Home Worship Recording
Prelude Song: “Your Name”
Call to Worship – Psalm 126 (NRSV)
Opening Prayer
Hymn: “Joy To The World” #153
Old Testament – Nehemiah 7:73-8:18 (NIV)
Gospel Reading – Luke 1:46-55 (NIV)
Message – “Joy in Sorrow”
Hymn: “Go, Tell It On The mountain” #133
Closing Prayer & Blessing
News:
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- Christmas Service Update: In light of the instability of the public health situation, Session will be making our decision as to whether we can safely offer in-person services on Christmas Eve this week. We will notify you on Friday December 18.
- Quiet Christmas Service: This is another special service we usually offer for those who find the holidays to be a difficult time of year – whether due to the loss of loved ones, the shortened days, or stress. As this Christmas will be a difficult one for all of us, I invite all of you to take in this special time of worship that reflects on the good news that Christ comes as light shining in the darkness. The Quiet Christmas service will premier on YouTube on Friday December 18 at 4:00pm and be available to view any time afterward.
- Wesley Christmas Program: Thank you to everyone who dropped off items and donations to the Wesley Christmas program at the church over the past two weeks. Thank you also to everyone who donated to Wesley online. Your gifts will help Wesley Urban Ministries provide hampers for people participating in their programs including families, seniors and those individuals who are homeless.