Christmas Cantata – December 22, 2019

Note:  Recording of Cantata begins at 17:12

December 22, 2019 ~ 10:30am

Fourth Sunday of Advent
Liturgists
The People of Peace Church
Doug Bowen-Bailey, ASL Interpreter
Jim Pospisil, Music Director
Nathan Holst, Faith Formation Minister
Rev. Kathryn Nelson

Prelude by Melanie Sever and Kim Anderson

Greeting One Another

Announcements

Ringing of the Peace Bells

God is Revealed as We Gather

Opening Song   “Awake! Awake…”   (#107, vs. 4)

Lighting of Our Advent Candles   ~ Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

Scripture and Prayer ~Jerry, Ruby, Max Carlson and Noah Beyer

*Opening Hymn   “Lift Up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates”   (#117)

Unison Prayer of Confession

Creator God, even in the midst of a season of joy, we must confess that there are times when we lose sight of what really matters. We get so caught up in our own plans that we neglect to look out for others. While we are anxiously awaiting Emmanuel and the hope that Christ’s birth will bring, we often neglect to bring hope to those who are alone and hurting during this season. We are often so busy looking for the light that is to come that we forget to be the light for those who need it. For these times we ask for forgiveness. Help us to sing with you songs of justice and joy.

Assurance of Pardon

Story for All Ages

The Pastoral Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer (with debts), and Choral Amen

Sharing our Offerings and Christmas Fund Offerings

Offertory   Concerto for Two Flutes by Vivaldi

*The Thanksgiving
Hope in the God who reigns above,
Who holds us all in steadfast love,
Whose Spirit blows across the earth,
Preparing us for second birth.

*Prayer of Dedication

The Messiah

by George Frideric Handel

*Benediction and Postlude