Persevering in Hope
December 27: This week we don’t have a live in-person or online service, but we’re inviting you to worship in your homes. Below we’ve provided a brief service outline with liturgy, prayers, songs, and a pre-recorded message.
Preparation for Worship | From Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
And the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
Call to Worship | From 1 Timothy 3:16
Christ manifested in the flesh, Christ revealed in the Spirit.
Praise the Lord, all you nations.
Christ contemplated by the angels, Christ worshiped by the Magi.
Praise the Lord, all you nations.
Christ professed in the world, Christ exalted in glory.
Praise the Lord, all you nations.
Prayer of Adoration
Take a few moments to openly thank God for a few attributes of his character. This will be a popcorn-style prayer where everyone can share short one- or two-phrase prayers. For example, “God, thank you that you are all-powerful” or “God, thank you for your grace for me this week.” The leader can open and then close after a few minutes of prayer.
Sing along: “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
God of God, Light of Light,
Lo, he abhors not the virgin’s womb;
Very God, begotten, not created;
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above:
“Glory to God, all glory in the highest!”
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
The Prayers of the People
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Alleluia!
Shout to the Lord, all the earth. Alleluia!
O Christ, splendor of God’s eternal glory, the mighty Word, sustaining the universe: Renew our lives by your presence.
Lord, have mercy.
Call from among us bearers of your presence; may they go to the far ends of the earth as tokens of your friendship and signs of your light.
Lord, have mercy.
Give joy to all you faithful servants; may they follow you all the days of their life.
Lord, have mercy.
Nurture within us your Spirit of love; may we never close our hearts to any of our sisters and brothers.
Lord, have mercy.
Bring to an end the divisions between Christians; gather us in one visible communion.
Lord, have mercy.
Have mercy on all who suffer persecution for your name's sake; uphold them by your strong Spirit, that they may remain true to you in all their trials.
Lord, have mercy.
Comfort all who are suffering in their hearts or in their bodies; give them health and peace to sing of your power.
Lord, have mercy.
We pray for all who are leading the nations; give them a sense of what is right, that they may work toward peace and fullness of life for all.
Lord, have mercy.
Give eternal rest to all who are dying; may the light that never sets shine upon them.
Lord, have mercy.
Sermon
This week we’ll hear from three of our church leaders, Mike Murchie, Listwella Donaldson and Nan Clarke, as they share some of their own journey walking with God in 2020.
Moment of Reflection
Reflect back on your year–in what ways has God given you perseverance and brought you hope?As you look ahead to 2021, what are you longing and waiting for from the Lord?
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.
Commission and Benediction | From 2 Corinthians 4:16–18
We do not lose heart! Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Are you in need of prayer, or emotional or spiritual encouragement? Are you experiencing loneliness, anxiety, grief or fear? If so, please get in touch with us, and one of our pastors will reach out to you.