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Service Recording: December 13, 2020
Adult Forum
After the service, we will have Adult Forum in a Zoom video conference. Details for joining will be shared via email and at the end of the live stream.
The Building is Closed and the Church is Open
While we have restricted access to the building, Peace Church is very much open to ministry—working to respond to our own congregation, as well as the needs of our neighbors and community. Please consider giving either to Peace Church general fund or the Gabriel Fund – which is used to meet the needs in the community.
We recognize that in this time, people’s financial situations may have changed. We ask you to prayerfully consider what you can give. If you use electronic giving, we thank you for your constancy of support. If you would like to give through our online form, we would be grateful. For all the contributions from our members and friends—whether financial, time, or prayer—we ask God’s blessings on those gifts that Peace Church may be healing balm in this time when we are living in our own Gilead.
December 13, 2020 ⁂ 10:30am
Third Sunday of Advent
Liturgists
The People of Peace Church
Jim Pospisil, Music Director
Nathan Holst, Faith Formation Minister
Gary Boelhower and John Pokrzywinski, Readers
Rev. Kathryn Nelson
Prelude “I Wonder as I Wander” sung by Elias Mokole
Announcements and Ringing of the Peace Bells
God is Revealed as We Gather
Song “Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn” (#107, vs. 1-3)
Lighting the Advent Wreath Candles ~ The Candle of Joy
*Opening Hymn “Comfort, Comfort, O My People” (#101)
Unison Prayer of Invocation based on Psalm 126
Holy God, the world in which we live is as terrifying as it is wonderful. We need your presence as much today as in times of old. Many sow in tears, and go out weeping. Replenish our lands, fill our hearts with gladness, restore our faith in you and each other, wipe away the tears of despair.
As we worship today, we tilt an ear to listen close. Let the voice of your messengers fill our minds with new understandings. We are waiting for you. Sing to us today. Amen.
Story for All Ages
God’s Word in the Prophets: Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
Sharing Our Prayer Concerns, Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer (with debts) and Choral Amen
Sharing our Offerings
Offertory “Bring a Torch” performed by Mia &Lydia Kraker
*The Thanksgiving “Doxology”
*Prayer of Dedication
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Emmanuel—God With Us Now
A Christmas Cantata
Text by Gary Boelhower
Introduction “Advent Meditation”
Readings
Hymn “Lo, How a Rose” (#127)
Choir Anthem “Advent Prayer”
Readings Matthew 1:18-23
Hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (#116, vs 1)
Song “Star Carol” sung by Jennifer Boyle
Readings “Dad Poem” by Joshua Bennett
Choir Anthem “What Child is This?”
Song “Gesu Bambino” sung by Kirby Wood
Readings Luke 2:1-7
Choir Anthem “Still, Still, Still”
Readings “My Family Is Out There by Barbara Anderson & Isaiah 9:2-7
Song “In a Manger” sung by Cathy Ameel, Susan Larson Kidd, Gudrun Witrak, Kirby Wood
Readings
Choir Anthem “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (revised)
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Postlude