Order of Worship
Prelude
People Look East — French melody / E. Farjeon
Musician: Casey Molino Dunn
Welcome and Announcements
Speaker: Rev. Ann Conklin
Advent Candle Lighting Song
“Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
And none shall be afraid.”
Advent Candle Lighting
Readers: Jo Bakker, Ann Cinzori, Sharon Chandler
Leader: The prophet Isaiah shared a word with a weary world…
Leader: As we wait faithfully for God’s time, we light the candle of Hope.
People: Our hope is in God, who will bring all nations together. Let us rest in the hope Christ brings!
Advent Hymn
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Order of Worship
Prelude
People Look East — French melody / E. Farjeon
Musician: Casey Molino Dunn
Welcome and Announcements
Speaker: Rev. Ann Conklin
Advent Candle Lighting Song
“Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
And none shall be afraid.”
Advent Candle Lighting
Readers: Jo Bakker, Ann Cinzori, Sharon Chandler
Leader: The prophet Isaiah shared a word with a weary world…
Leader: As we wait faithfully for God’s time, we light the candle of Hope.
People: Our hope is in God, who will bring all nations together. Let us rest in the hope Christ brings!
Advent Hymn
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Prayer of Adoration and Confession
Leader: Timothy Hamilton
Leader: Almighty and everlasting God…
People: God of hope, we confess that we often prefer half‑truths… In your mercy, forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct who we shall become…
Silent Prayer
Assurance of Pardon
Leader: Timothy Hamilton
Leader: Receive the Good News in hope…
People: Trust in the hope that you are forgiven and that, with God, new things are possible.
Gloria (from Angels We Have Heard on High)
All: Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Passing of the Peace
Leader: The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.
After greeting each other, all sing the final verse of Away in a Manger:
“Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray…”
Children’s Message
Leader: Susan Croshaw
Prayer for Illumination
Leader: Timothy Hamilton
Leader: God of hope and healing…
People: Open our hearts and minds by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit…
First Scripture Reading
Reader: Timothy Hamilton
Isaiah 2:1–5
Leader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Music for Reflection
Hark! A Herald Voice is Calling
Second Scripture Reading
Reader: Rev. Ann Conklin
Matthew 24:36–44
Leader: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise be to you, O Christ.
Sermon
Preacher: Rev. Ann Conklin
“Awaken to a Vision of Hope!”
Moment for Reflection
(How will you apply this message in your life?)
Congregational Song
While We Are Waiting, Come
Offering of Tithes, Gifts, and Selves
Offertory
Jesù Bambino (The Infant Jesus) — Pietro A. Yon, Frederick H. Martens
Sung Doxology
All: Praise God for gifts of hope and peace. Praise God for gifts of joy and love. Praise God for sending Christ to dwell on earth for us, Emmanuel. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Prayers of the People
Leader: Deborah Dunn
The Lord’s Prayer
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name… For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Congregational Song
Soon and Very Soon