pc(usa)
Organized 1884
DECEMBER 7, 2025
2nd Sunday of Advent
Rev. Dr. Susan Rose, Preaching
Sandra Royal, Choir Director
Janelle Ganey, Pianist
GATHERING FOR WORSHIP
RINGING OF THE TOWER BELL
GREETING
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”
WELCOME
PREPARATION TO HEAR THE WORD
PRELUDE Tell Out, My Soul
CALL TO WORSHIP
In a world that is lonely,
we will save a seat for you.
In a world that is anxious,
we will light candles against the gloom.
In a world that is weary,
we will sing songs of joy and truth.
I am not alone.
We are not alone.
For here in this place, God is weaving us together.
Light the candles! Sing with joy!
Let us worship God!
*HYMN # 106 Prepare the Way
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Lorin & Valerie Mock
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of the future, You are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, refusing to believe in your justice and peace. In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world.
SILENT CONFESSION
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Remember this everlasting truth: You are not alone. Wherever you go, God goes. You are held in grace. Trust in this good news.
Thanks be to God! We remember. We believe. Alleluia! Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, Amen.
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
ANTHEM “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” Handbell Choir
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
NEW TESTAMENT Isaiah 11:1-10 pg 602/LP 784
OLD TESTAMENT Luke 1: 39-45 pg 53/LP 69
SERMON “Do Not Be Afraid...when faith overcomes doubt” Rev. Dr. Susan Rose
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RESPONDING TO THE WORD
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH THE APOSTLES’ CREED
(inside Hymnal front cover)
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY Comfort, Comfort Now My People (Hymn 87)
*DOXOLOGY
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
Gracious God, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what You have first given us – our selves, our time, and our possessions, signs of Your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
*HYMN # 123 It Come Upon a Midnight Clear (vs. 1, 2, 5)
THE SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
GREAT THANKSGIVING (inside Hymnal back cover)
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise…\
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen
BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND POURING OF THE CUP
COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming/
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
SENDING FORTH TO SERVE
*HYMN # 753 Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
*CHARGE AND BLESSING
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Emmanuel
Emmanual, Emmanuel, His Name is called Emmanuel:
God with us, revealed in us!
His name is called, Emmanuel
Worship has Ended, Let Our Service Begin
*STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE
