SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2023 First Sunday Of Advent
WELCOME FROM THE PASTOR
ANNOUNCEMENTS/GREETING EACH OTHER
(SHARE A GREETING IN WHATEVER WAY YOU ARE COMFORTABLE)
PROCESSION OF LIGHTS
NARRATION: In the day of my favor, I will say to those in darkness, “Be free!” And the rising sun will come to them from heaven to guide their feet in the path of peace. The wolf will lie down with the lamb and a little child will lead them.
HYMN #221 IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Angels and arch angels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the beloved with a kiss.
What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
RESPONSIVE READING
PASTOR: We come from scattered lives to meet with God. Come, let us recognize his presence with us.
ALL THE PEOPLE: Come O God, come and be with us in our watching and our waiting. We put our trust in you. Come O God, come and walk with us as we journey through Advent towards Christmas.
PASTOR: You alone are the light that shines in our darkness, and we put our trust in you.
PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE
O Shepherd of Israel, that led Joseph like a flock, gather our thoughts, gather our prayers together. Though at different times, though in different places, near and far, we are one in you. May we find comfort in our worship together, we who are hopeful, we who despair, we who are frantic, we who are lonely, we who rejoice, we who mourn, we who are together, we who are apart, we who wait, may all we think and do and say be in service of your kingdom and to your glory, O hope of the nations. Amen
MOMENT OF SILENCE/PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
We all pray together: 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY #184 OF THE FATHER’S LOVE BEGOTTEN BRUCE MOOK
Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be, he is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he of the things that are, that have been and the future years shall see, evermore and evermore.
Christ, to thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to thee, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving, and unwearied praises be: honor glory and dominion, and eternal victory, evermore and evermore. Amen
DOXOLOGY #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here
below: praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Almighty God, we enter this season of preparation for your Son’s coming, looking not for just a memory of past events but also for a renewal and newness of this time. Help us to give generously of our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Amen.
BAPTISM
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
Hanging of the Greens
THE WREATHS
Leader: People of God, we stand at the entrance of the church and at the doorway to the Christian year on this first Sunday of Advent. Let us mark the entrance to the church building and our hearts and minds as portals for Christ to enter.
All the people respond: Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus!
HANGING OF THE CHRISMONS
Liturgist: Here in this place we prepare for the coming of the Lord. Here we will remember his Advent, his birth in Bethlehem, weak and helpless as an infant. And here we rekindle our prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus” as we await his coming as the bright and morning star.
All the people respond: Hang symbols and signs of Christ — ruler, prophet, priest. Hang stars, crosses, triangles, the “alpha” and the “omega” to remind us of his identity, his story, and of the holy Trinity.
All are welcome to come forward and hang an ornament on the Chrismon Tree
THE ADVENT WREATH
The first candle is lit during the reading
The flame of each new candle reminds us, that something is happening, and something more is still to come. The candles are arranged in a circle to remind us of the continuous power of God, which knows neither beginning nor ending. There is also symbolism in the colors of the candles. The three purple or blue candles symbolize the coming of Christ from the royal line of David. The pink or rose candle represents joy. The large white candle in the center is known as the Christ candle, and points to Jesus as the Christ, the Light of the world.
Light the First Candle of the Advent Wreath
HYMN #2090 ADVENT SONG
Light the Advent Candle, one: Now the waiting has begun; we have started on our way, time to think of Christmas day. (Refrain) Candle, candle burning bright, shining in the cold winter night; candle, candle burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.
SCRIPTURE MARK 13:33-37
13:33 Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Therefore, keep awake–for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”
MESSAGE STAY AWAKE
HYMN # 206 I WANT TO WALK AS A CHILD OF THE LIGHT
I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus.
(Refrain) In Him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus. Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path, and show me the way to the Father.
(Refrain) In Him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I’m looking for the coming of Christ. I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, we shall know the joy of Jesus.
(Refrain) In Him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
Sending Forth
May Christ Jesus teach you how to live in God’s ways; and may the Holy Spirit strengthen your hearts in holiness, as you ready yourselves for the coming of the Lord. Amen.
POSTLUDE
Prayer Concerns
If you have a prayer concern, please call the church office.
(727) 321-1335
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
If you would like your prayer concern or joy shared on the
prayer chain, please let us know. We will be happy to add it.
Church Email
Our church email is: administrator@st-lukesumc.com
Please keep the office informed of new emails,
phone numbers so we can keep in touch with you.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Save the Date!!!
December 1 & 2, 2023
Drive Thru Nativity
To Volunteer as a cast member or to help
Contact Mariella Stevens
727-686-8952
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
For children and youth current meetings and activities, please contact
the church office. Thank you!
To order flowers for the service, call the church office
$20.00 Altar $15.00 Side Vases
Liturgist: Barb Snead
Offertory Solo: Bruce Mook
Pianist: Peggy Beville
Senior Pastor: Rev. Victoria Guthrie
Calendar
Sunday, November 26th
10:00 Sunday School
10:45 Choir Rehearsal
11:15 Worship
Monday, November 27th
12:30 Parkinson’s Support Group
5:00 Food Pantry
5:00 Karate
6:15 Choir Rehearsal
8:00 AA Meeting
Tuesday, November 28th
6:30 Central Oak Pk Nbrhd Assn
Wednesday, November 29th
9:00-1:00 Thrift Store
10:30 Al-Anon
Thursday, November 30th
9:00 Thrift Store
12:00 Al Anon Begin
12:45 Al Anon
5:00 Karate
7:30 AA
Friday, December 1st
6:00 Live Nativity
6:45 ACA Group
Saturday, December 2nd
7:30 UMM
9:00 Thrift Store
11:00 ACA Step
6:00 Live Nativity
Sunday, December 3rd
10:00 Sunday School
10:45 Choir Rehearsal
11:15 Worship