John 1:35-51 (Psalm 66:1-5)

Narrative Lectionary, Year 4, Week 17
Jan. 2, 2022
John 1:35-51 (Psalm 66:1-5)

Opening Prayer
Son of God, we come to worship you, because we have heard the testimony of your prophet, John the Baptist, and the testimonies of your first followers as told to us in the Gospels.  We pray today that you would reveal greater things to us in time, and that what we do and say today will be worthy of the greatness that will be seen.  In your holy name, Amen.

Prayer of Preparation
God who has done awesome deeds for mankind, the most awesome of which is the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, King of the Jews, we wish to see your glory revealed to us now in the study of your Word.  May the things we hear allow us to know you better.  Amen.

Offering Prayer
Lamb of God, we have come and we have seen.  We know that you have taken away the sins of the world because we have believed you are the Christ and that you’ve done this for us.  But there are many whom we can invite, those who need to also come and see.  We pray, Father God, that through the offerings we give that your church would do this work and that we would be your hands and feet in it.  Bless us Lord, Bless our Church, Bless those who will hear.  Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Christ, your invitation to the disciples to Come and See was followed by telling Nathanael that he would see greater things as the heavens opened and angels descended to and from on the Son of Man.  We’ve read, and we’ll study in some of the coming weeks, some of the examples of how you healed.  We’ve read, and we’ll study in some of the coming weeks, some of what you taught about yourself and faith.  We’re familiar enough with the narratives to know that you have shown us that you are sent by God and that you have seen God because you are God.  Through this, you have the power to heal the lame, the blind, and even to raise the dead.  We pray today for miracles of healing for those who are in our prayers.  You know the needs of each person who is dealing with economic troubles, illness, homelessness, discrimination, abuse, grief, mental health troubles, and so much more.  You, Lord, have the power to do even greater things than we will ever know or see, and we pray to you Christ, asking your mercies on all those who need to be invited to Come and See what it is that you can offer.  We pray it in your name with your prayer… Our Father…Amen

Benediction
What do you seek, Jesus asks us.
Come and see, he invites
Follow me, he commands
In doing so, we will be blessed
By Father, Son and Spirit
Amen

Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 4:1-5, Eph. 2:11-12

Revised Common Lectionary, Year C, Daily Reading
Dec. 22, 2021
Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 4:1-5, Eph. 2:11-12

Opening Prayer
God our Savior,
You have looked upon the lowly state of your servants.  You do great things for each generation that fears you.  Tonight we join in worship and praise of you because of these mighty deeds and let our soul be magnified in our admiration of you, Lord God. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Christ Jesus, Spirit of the Father, God of this world:
We pray for the unity of mankind tonight.  We pray that by being peace-bringers, we can contribute to the end of suffering.  Empower us as your church to be a hand of help to those who are downtrodden, sick, suffering, anguished, grieving, tired, worn out, and beaten down by the world and people around them who oppose them only because of who they are or who they represent.  We pray Lord that you would bring peace to the world this week in the birth of your Son Jesus Christ that we’ll celebrate in a few short days.  In His holy name and with His holy prayer, we pray: Our Father… Amen.

Communion
Christ our Lord invites all to his table who love him,
  who earnestly repent of their sin
  and seek to live in peace with one another.
Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.

Let us pray…

Our Lord,
At this time, there is not a peace in the world.  Walls are up that divide people.  At a time when a coming together and a unity amongst us would be helpful to solving many of the issues we face.  But we let political rancor get in the way.  We let selfishness of individuality get in the way.  We do not work together with fellow man and instead our actions contribute more to poor getting poorer, marginalization, hatred and discord.  Forgive us for these sins and the sins we confess in silence….  Amen

Hear the good news:
Jesus Christ was born into this world in a lowly state of infancy and poverty as a refugee
But through His actions of the cross, He forgave the sins of the world, your sins and mine included
He allows that we can return to our homeland, our heavenly home.
In the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven
Glory to God
Amen

We give you thanks to you, our God because
it is always a good, right, and joyful thing,
  to give thanks to you,
  Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 

Once we were near to you God, in the Garden that we tended as you walked among us
But our sin took us out of that place and into a world where we were instantly divided,
Brother against brother, man against wife, nation against nation
But the promise came to Mary that God would come as an infant in her womb
She praised God, singing out loud and rejoiced in the Spirit of God that was upon her
That Spirit of God came upon all of mankind who wished to know your presence on Pentecost
After you had lived and died and conquered death
You promised your return and now
We celebrate the season of Advent looking forward to the Day of the Lord
when all the people of earth and the heavenly choir all sing:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ,
Who prayed for the unity of His church
That was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets
Jesus Christ, himself, being the chief cornerstone, who
Through his baptism of suffering, death, and resurrection
  he delivered us from slavery to sin and death,
  and made for us the new covenant made by water and the Spirit

On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread,
gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me."

When the supper was over he took the cup,
gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant,
poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith.

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ,
that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ,
one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world,
until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet.

Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church,
all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father (God), now and for ever.
Amen.

This is the body of Christ broken for you.  Take and eat. AMEN
This is the blood of Christ shed for you.  Take and drink. AMEN.

Benediction
Let your soul magnify the Lord,
Let your spirit rejoice in God your Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His servants;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call them blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for us,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever
Amen

Luke 2:1-20

Narrative Lectionary
Christmas Eve 2021
Luke 2:1-20

Opening Prayer
O Great God who humbled yourself as the Christ Child, a babe in the manger.  Everyone who has gathered here tonight all began their lives as a newborn infant requiring caregivers to ensure that our lives would continue, just as your mother Mary, and earthly father, Joseph, did for you.  But you had a bigger plan than that.  A plan to give up your life so that our lives will continue not just here on earth, but forever in your kingdom.  So we raise up every glory, honor, and praise to you singing:

“Glory to God in the highest!
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Be present with us tonight Holy Spirit as we worship in the holy name of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us!  Amen.

Prayer of Preparation
Savior, Christ our Lord:
We want to hear again the story of old and find in it the truth of how great a gift that you have given us so that we can make widely known the saying told to us concerning this Child: great tidings of joy for all people that today a Child has been born for us.  With great praise and thanksgiving, Lord, we pray that we’ll hear your words, as we recall the words of the prayer you’ve taught.  Our Father...Amen.

Offering Prayer

Heavenly Father:
There is no greater gift than the one you have given to us of your Son, Jesus Christ, to be born this night for our salvation.  But this is not a gift that we can keep to ourselves.  It is a gift we must share if we want to follow after you and honor you as you deserve to be.  Therefore, we give our gifts to your church so that the work of sharing this great blessing can happen.  We pray Lord over our offerings and our church that in the coming year, we would do great things for you and your kingdom.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Benediction

You have heard the tidings of great joy:
Unto you, born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, the Christ, our Lord
Having heard this greatest gift go and proclaim to all who will hear the glory and praises of God!
For in the hearing and the telling is the blessing
May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit bless you and this world with peace tonight.
Merry Christmas!
Amen.

2 Options for Advent Wreath

Mom: Here’s a present for Dad:
Dad: [opening the present] Wow! A picture frame.  I can get a special photo printed with my new camera and put it in the frame so we can always remember that moment.  Maybe later we can drive around and I can try to get a photo of some great Christmas lights somewhere so I can frame that picture.
Child: Perhaps all these people who’ve been watching our Christmas celebrations might want to take a photo with their cell phone cameras to remember this moment too.
Mom: Let’s get a selfie [family poses to take selfie photo] [looking at her phone] yes, that’s perfect… a great memory of the day.  I’ll always treasure this memory and the photo will help remind me of it.
Child: Hey, didn’t the Scripture read in church on Christmas Eve say something about Jesus’ mom treasuring the memories too
Dad: Yes, I think that it does say that in Luke 2

Person 1: Merry Christmas!
Person 2: And a very Merry Christmas to you too!
Person 1: There’s really nowhere else I would want to be on Christmas Eve.
Person 2: Me too.  But I still have gifts to wrap before morning.  I shouldn’t have procrastinated.
Person 1: I’m sure no one will be upset if the gifts aren’t wrapped.
Person 2: But I want everyone’s Christmas to be great.
Person 1: Isn’t it already?  We’ve received the greatest gift when Jesus was born.
Person 2: Yes, you are right.  Thank you for reminding me of that.
Person 1: Here, let’s light these candles to remind everyone tonight that Jesus is the greatest gift.
(Laity will light four Advent candles)
(Pastor lights Christ Candle with Scripture reading, Luke 2:1-20)

John 1:1-18, Psalm 130:5-8

Narrative Lectionary, Year 4, Week 15
Dec. 19, 2021
John 1:1-18, Psalm 130:5-8

Opening Prayer
Read Psalm 130:5-8
Merciful Lord,
With great anticipation, we continue to wait.  Christmas is almost upon us and truth be told, it makes many adults feel like children again with the anticipation of seeing what loved ones have chosen for us and seeing the excitement on their faces as they unbox the carefully curated Christmas packages we’ve wrapped up for them.  But, we also wait as your children with a greater anticipation for the day when your greatest gift, Jesus Christ returns with the glory of heaven around Him to give us a new heaven and earth and make all things once again new, giving His abundant redemption.  In His Holy Name, Amen.

Prayer of Preparation
Word of God, Light of Life, Fullness of Grace upon Grace:
Through you and what you share with us, we see the glory of God.  Enlighten the darkness of our minds now as we hear your message as we prepare for the celebration of your birth.
Amen.

Offering Prayer
Father God in Heaven:
We have not yet seen your glory, but we’ve been offered a glimpse of it because your Son shines light into the darkness.  As there are still some who have rejected Him in this world, we your church, want to share your message.  This is not something we can do without you.  Take these gifts and magnify them for your glory so that your light shines upon more people and they come to know you.  Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Creator God,
With just a Word, you spoke all things into being.
With just a Word, you spoke life into a place void of it.
With just a Word, you spoke Light into a place with only darkness.
And we see from Scripture times when with just a Word, Your Son, The Word, spoke healing upon someone.
Today we pray to you, Lord Jesus, that you would speak a single Word of healing over all who need it.
May the Word of healing reach the infirm, the grief-stricken, the abused, the poor, the homeless, the mentally ill, the ones in anguish and pain, the marginalized, and all who need it.
May the Word of healing heal our hearts of sin, forgiving us, and making us righteous in your sight.
May the Word of healing shine light into the darkness and may we be agents of it as we continue to worship and magnify the name of God With Us, Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, with His prayer: Our Father… Amen.

Benediction
Forgiveness
Redemption
Life
Light
Healing
Mercy
Love
Any of these single words can describe God
But none of them fully
Yet our God, Father, Son, and Spirit
Is the Word-Made-Flesh
May He

Bless you and keep you

Make His face to shine upon you

Be gracious to you

Lift up His face to you

And give you peace

AMEN

2 Options for Advent Wreath:
Option 1
[turning to stockings] Mom: I wonder what presents might be in the stockings for us!
[getting up to retrieve them] Child: I’ll get them. [gives one each to parent and keeps one for self]
[all reaching into stockings and removing an item] All: Sunglasses!
Dad: this reminds me of how bright the light will be when we see the glory of God revealed in heaven.
Mom: Yes, didn’t John’s Gospel tell us about the glory of the light of Jesus coming into the world.

Option 2
Person 1: The days are getting so short and the nights so long.
Person 2: Yes, but in a few days, on Tuesday, Dec. 21, it will be the shortest day of the year and then the days will start to get longer and the nights shorter.
Person 1: Oh, I can’t wait until it stays light later into the evening.  I don’t drive at night anymore unless I absolutely have to.
Person 2: The same is true for me.  My aging eyes make it so difficult to see clearly when there are headlights from an oncoming car.
Person 1: Yes, if only it didn’t get dark at all, then we could go out for a later dinner and other social activities in the middle of winter.
Person 2: One day, when we’re all in God’s kingdom we won’t have to worry about any darkness at all because the Light of God will be so glorious it will shine all the time and there won’t be any darkness.
Person 1: Won’t that be something to see!
Person 2: In the meantime, let’s light these four Advent candles as a reminder to everyone that Jesus is the Light!

Isaiah 55:1-13, John 4:13-14

Narrative Lectionary, Year 4, Week 14
Dec. 12, 2021
Isaiah 55:1-13, John 4:13-14

Opening Prayer
Our Great God in Heaven:
We come to this place seeking you.  But your Scripture says we can only find you in the places where you are to be found.  Therefore, we invite your Holy Spirit into this place.  We want to return to your ways and thoughts in the coming hour as we worship your Son, the Witness to the People.  In His Name, Amen.

Advent Wreath Lighting & Reading
Option 1

Mom: I think its Dad’s turn to open something next.  Here sweetie, open this present that we chose for you.
Dad: Wow, I wonder what it is.
Child: Wait, maybe you can guess.   I’ll give you a clue.  What can make something that never speaks and never move.  Yet the thing it makes will forever be a witness to a moment in time and can tell a story that is one thousand words long.
Dad:  Hmmm… [thinking] Oh, I’ve got it!  A camera! [unwrapping a camera excitedly]
Mom: Yes, so that we can take pictures that witness to the important things in life.
Child: Just like the prophets who heard from God and the people who saw Jesus witnessed to others in the words of the Bible about all the things they heard.

Dad: Just like we should do also when we tell people that Jesus is a like fountain of water that always is flowing because He always wants to give eternal life.

Option 2
Person 1: One of my favorite parts about being in the sanctuary is looking at the stained glass.
Person 2: Me too!  Did you know that one of the reasons that churches originally had stained glass was because the people were illiterate and the windows were meant to tell the story of the Bible?ast
Person 1: No, I didn’t!  But that makes sense.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words.
Person 2: But is it really?  It is just a snapshot of the event that it is meant to record.
Person 1: Well yes, but if you don’t know what it records, you could probably make up a story that has a thousand words about the picture.
Person 2: Yes, I guess that’s true.
Person 1: Hey, let’s light these three Advent candles.  Perhaps someone will take a picture of us as we do it and maybe someday someone will make up a story worth a thousand words about that.
(Light the candles while the pastor photographs it.)
Person 2: Oh, I hope that the story is a witness to the faith of this congregation!
(With permission of participants, photo will be shared to social media!)

Prayer of Preparation
Jesus, who is the Giver of Water that Forever Quenches Thirst: let us focus ourselves now on the things that will reveal your thoughts and ways. Let the words we hear not return you void, but let them accomplish what you please and prosper the things for which you have sent it.  Amen.

Offering Prayer
O Lord our God: as your covenant people, it is our hope and desire to work towards the mission of having every nation knowing you and running to you.  We want them to have water, milk, and bread so they can delight in abundance.  May the gifts we give to your church today enable this to happen.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Our God, the Water of Life:
Many in our world are thirsty for what quenches their thirst;
many in our world are hungry for what fills their bellies.
This is both quite literal and spiritual and so we come to you in prayer for these people.
But, first we ask that we would be the hands and feet of you, O Lord, so that the work of this church will bring abundant life.
We pray today for all in need of water and bread.
Lord God, feed those who are hungry; and, Lord God, give water to those who are thirsty by providing for their physical needs of sustenance.
Lord God, feed those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Lord God, feed those who hunger and thirst for healing of physical illness.
Lord God, feed those who hunger and thirst for the balm to mental illness.
Lord God, feed those who hunger and thirst for an ease of pain from grief.
Lord God, feed those who hunger and thirst for justice.
Lord God, feed those who hunger and thirst for freedom.
Lord God, feed all who hunger and thirst for whatever needs they have.
In the name of Jesus Christ who taught us his prayer: Our Father… Amen.

Benediction
Our Lord promised that one would come who would be a witness.
He has come and He will come again.
In the meantime, be a witness for our thirst-quenching God.
Tell of the blessing of Father, Son, and Spirit.
AMEN

Psalm 90; Isaiah 1:24-31; Luke 11:29-32

Revised Common Lectionary

Daily Readings, Year C

Dec. 1, 2021

Opening Prayer
Lord, our lives our short.  We fill our days with the tasks that are necessary to live, making the days and seasons fly by.  Sometimes it even seems like only yesterday when we were small children, young adults, in the middle of life raising our own small children, or seeing them become parents themselves.  In this short life, we need to find time to pause and recognize how glorious and awesome you are.  We should do this daily, and we pause today from the busy-ness of life to see that. May this time of prayer and worship reveal your glory to us, your children.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Lord God of heavenly forces, mighty one of Israel:
We pray to you tonight for all who have not turned their hearts to you.  While they may suffer the same trials and tribulations that all who walk this earth for a few short decades do, they do not have the hope of a future in your kingdom.  Because of this, the pain of grief, illness, death, poverty, homelessness, addiction, abuse, discrimination, trauma, violence, and so many other things may feel all the more disheartening.  But when we have the hope of a future in your kingdom, we recognize that this suffering is just for a short time as compared to eternity.  Yet, we pray for relief of this suffering for all who go through it whether they know you or not. We pray that the people of this church could help aid those who go through these difficult times providing for those who are in need.  We pray that you would lead us and guide us in this.  We lift it up to you knowing full well that your Holy Spirit carries these prayers to you and that Jesus Christ has known these sufferings on our behalf.  In His Holy Name, by His prayer we offer it up with a voice in unison: Our Father… Amen.

Communion
Christ our Lord invites all to his table who love him,
  who earnestly repent of their sin
  and seek to live in peace with one another.

Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.

Let us pray…
Jesus Christ our Savior:
We know that we are an evil generation.  Every generation has committed sins and this one is no exception.  While the sins that may be most common, or most focused on by the church-going people, the fact that people sin in every conceivable way has not changed, and it will not change until you have returned and defeated Satan once and for all.  We pray for the hastening of the Day of the Lord, but until then, we pray our repentance and begging for forgiveness for our contribution, both individually and corporately, to the claiming by our generation of owning the title of “evil generation.”  We pray now for these sins in the silence of our hearts.
AMEN

Hear the Good News:
Since One greater than Solomon and Jonah has risen up
Since this One has been a prophet, a king, and a priest to us
We know that this Great and Mighty One, Jesus Christ, has already completed the act of grace that grants us righteousness in God’s eyes.

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God. Amen.

We give you thanks to you, our God because
it is always a good, right, and joyful thing,
  to give thanks to you,
  Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Every generation from Adam& Eve, their children Cain & Abel,
To Noah’s generation
To Abraham’s generation
To Moses’s generation
To the generations of the Judges
To the generations of the kings
To the generations of the exiles
To the generations of the post-exilic period
To the generation of Christ’s day
To the generations of the Church
And even to the generations today have been evil generations
But you have sent your Son to redeem the world
And we now celebrate the season of Advent looking forward to His return
So that he can take
  all of your people on earth and in heaven to your heavenly courts where
  will sing praises to your name and join the unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ,
   We look forward to his return and the founding of His city here on earth

Through his baptism of suffering, death, and resurrection
  delivered from slavery to sin and death,
  through the new covenant made by water and the Spirit
  With its promise of His return

On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread,
gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me."
When the supper was over he took the cup,
gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant,
poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ,
that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ,
one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world,
until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet.
Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church,
all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father (God), now and for ever.
Amen.

 

This is the body of Christ broken for you.  Take and eat. AMEN
This is the blood of Christ shed for you.  Take and drink. AMEN.

 

Benediction
all that is impure has been refined by than hand of God
all that is impure has been given grace through the love of Jesus
all that is impure will remain cleansed by the leading of the Spirit
let yourself continue to be purified by their wondrous love
amen.

Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 11:25-26

Narrative Lectionary Year 4, Week 13
Dec. 5, 2021

Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 11:25-26

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 42)
Leader: What shall we say when we thirst for God?
People: Hope in God; give thanks for His saving presence
What shall we say we cry and we’re depressed?
Hope in God; give thanks for His saving presence
What shall we say when our bones are crushed?
Hope in God; give thanks for His saving presence
ALL: For deep calls to deep and He is with us

Opening Prayer
Sovereign Lord: Over the next hour, let what we sing, say, and do in worship of you breathe life into us so that we will know that you are the Lord who is the Resurrection and the Life.  Bring forth a belief in us so that we will live even if we die rand have life forever never dying.  Amen.

Prayer of Preparation
Jesus, our Resurrection and Life:  Raise us up to new life with you, breathing your Spirit into us, as we meditate now on what it means to be alive for you.     Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Spirit of God, we see around us so many dry bones.  They are brittle and will easily fall apart because they suffer from so much.  We pray Lord that you would breathe life into all who suffer so that they can rise up.  We pray Lord that this breath of life would blow upon the sick and dying and those who care for them; we pray that this breath of life would blow upon all who have any sort of mental illness; we pray that this breath of life would blow upon each person who is made to feel marginalized; we pray that this breath of life would blow upon anyone who is struggling to make ends meet; we pray that this breath of life would blow upon families that are struggling in their relationships with one another; we pray that this breath of life would blow into the schools on our teachers and students; we pray that this breath of life would blow upon the weary; we pray that this breath of life would blow upon those who see no other way than a life of crime; we pray that this breath of life would blow from all four directions so that it reaches every person everywhere who needs to know your love and is need of your mercies.  Let it blow on us too so that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ who taught us his prayer: Our Father… Amen.

Offering Prayer
God who has given a message through the prophets: we pray that we would be given life and rise up like a great army with the purpose of reaching out to those in need.  Let these gifts that we offer to the church of Christ be used in His service.  Amen.

Benediction
The Sovereign Lord has breathed his breath of life into you
He has given you this life to honor him above all
May the Father, the Son and the Spirit be praised in all you do this week
And may you feel their breath upon you, blessing you.
AMEN

Advent Wreath Lighting - 2 options depending on context (families or older congregation)
Mom: Well child’s name. I think that maybe you should open that one next.
Child: This one, Mom?
Mom: Yes, that one.  It’s very fragile, so be careful.
Child: [carefully and quietly unwrapping] OK, I will be… [after unwrapped] Dad!  Look it’s a microscope.
Dad: Yes, with that you can see even the living things that you normally might not see like dust mites, pollen, bacteria, and even human cells!
Mom: There are so many kinds of life that we just don’t think about because we can’t see them.
Child: But they’re there aren’t they.  Just because we can’t see it doesn’t make it not true.  Kind of like that story I heard in Sunday School about the time that Jesus brought a man back to life.  I can’t see it, but I know it’s true.

Person #1: Can you remind me not to eat anything after 8pm tonight?
Person #2: Why?
Person #1: Because I need to go to the lab tomorrow morning for fasting blood work.
Person #2: Oh my, is everything OK?
Person #1: Yes, just routine checkup stuff… the kind of thing I can’t test for at home. I can check my blood pressure at home.  I can check my blood sugar at home.  But they need to take some of my blood and look at it with a microscope…I don’t remember what test it is, but it’s the one where they count all the kinds of blood cells.
Person #2: Oh, you mean a CBC – a complete blood count.
Person #1: Yeah, that’s the one.  I don’t understand why they need it.  I know I have blood.  I don’t need it in a tube for someone to look at under a microscope to see it and know it’s there.
Person #2: Kind of like Jesus.  I know He’s there and I don’t need to see Him to know it.
Person #1: Yes, He is alive and we’re alive for Him.  It’s not the blood in my veins that makes me alive for Christ.  I’ll still be alive for Him even after this blood doesn’t flow anymore because of His blood for us!
Person #2: And that reminds me I need to light this second candle on the Advent Wreath because we’re getting closer to Christmas when we celebrate His entering into this life for us! (lighting the first and second candles)

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14; John 14:27

Narrative Lectionary Year 4, Week 12
Nov. 28, 2021
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14; John 14:27

Opening Prayer
Jesus, you have promised not to leave us alone and so we know that you are with us this hour.  Let our hearts be settled now by your peace so we can focus all of our attention to you and you alone.  Amen.

Prayer of Preparation
Lord of hosts, God of all peoples, we come now seeking and searching with all of our hearts.  Show us a glimpse of what the future of peace and not evil, a future and a hope looks like as we take time to study your word this morning.   Amen

Offering Prayer
Father God, if your image is in all, then those who are most in need also bear your image.  We want to worship you and so our gifts are given in your praise and honor with the prayer that your peace would be given to all who seek you… through the work of this church done in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Lord, we pray now for your peace upon this city where we live our lives for 70ish years.  This city is full of people who are hurting in many ways.  They suffer from illness, grief, abuse, neglect, addiction, racism, poverty, hunger, homelessness, death, and so much more.  We call upon your holy name on their behalf, knowing that you are listening.  We pray, Lord, that you would rescue them from their captivity to the evils they face.  We pray, Lord, that we would be instruments of your peace and that they would know that they have not been left alone, but that you are always with them if only they cry out to you.  We pray, Lord, that they would stop following after false prophets.  We pray, Lord, that the number of people in this city who follow after you would increase and not diminish, that they would flourish and that for generations to come, this city would be one where you are found.  We pray it in Jesus’ name with His prayer: Our Father… Amen.

Benediction
The future and hope that God knows for you
  is waiting for us in the Holy Kingdom
This is the blessing of the Father, Son, and Spirit that
  shines upon us now, lifting us up and
  giving us peace.
AMEN

Advent Wreath Lighting Readings
Option 1 for a couple

Person #1: I love this time of year when it’s time to start lighting the advent wreath (lighting the first candle).  It means Christmas is coming.
Person #2: And winter too, with all the snow!  It’s so peaceful (sighing happily).
Person #1: Oh, I hope we don’t get too much snow this winter.  All that work of running the snow blower and cleaning off the car!
Person #2: Yes, but isn’t it pretty when the Christmas lights reflect off the snow.
Person #1: If I want to see a pretty reflection, I can just glance in the mirror when you’re at the right place.
Person #2: Oh, aren’t you sweet.  You know, reflections in the mirror remind me about the image of God and how it is in all of us.
Person #1: Knowing that God’s image is in me is really what is peaceful for me.  Not all that snow!
Person #2: To each their own…

Option 2 for a family as a skit

Child: Mom, here’s one for you.
Dad: Oh, this is one we picked out together.  I think you’ll like it.
Child: Hurry, Mom, open it!!!
Mom: Thank you, but first before I tear off the wrapping paper, I’m enjoying looking at the pictures on it. [Begin to carefully open the present]  Oh, look, it’s the mirror I’ve been wanting.
Child: Yes, and I hope that it reminds you that when we see ourselves, we see the image of God.
Dad: But, we’ve broken that image through our sin and we need Jesus in our lives and His peace in our lives as we repent.
Mom: [sighing] And hasn’t that been true for so long for so many people… in fact, it was the sins of the nation that led the people of Judah to become captives in Babylon and why they had to hear the message of peace.

Psalm 13, Zech. 12:1-13:1, Mark 13:9-23

Revised Common Lectionary Year B Daily Reading
Nov. 17, 2021

Psalm 13, Zech. 12:1-13:1, Mark 13:9-23

Prayer of Invocation
O Lord, our God: we trust in your mercy, we rejoice in your salvation and we come to sing our praises to you because of it.  While we gather, we may be bringing up those who have sorrow in their hearts or those whom are being attacked by some sort of enemy illness, calamity, trauma, and tragedy.  Yet, we rejoice because you are moved by our prayers and hear the needs that we will lift up showing your mercy and salvation to all in need.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Savior Christ:
We are fortunate.  We live in a country where freedoms exist and we can gather here in your name safely without fear.  But we know that there are some who gather secretly in homes, in caves, and in other places where they can try to ensure safety of the church members for fear of persecution, even death.  We know there are places where owning a Bible, talking about Jesus, or preaching His name is impossible without fear of arrest and beatings.  And you have told us that this kind of persecution will come for all before the end of times.  Lord, while we gather with the concerns of the sick, the grief-stricken, the suffering and the hurting on our hearts and lips, we want to pray for the hastening of the day when there will be no more sickness, crying, or death and all are gathered at your throne, bowing before you and singing your unending praises, but we’re reminded that this will be a fearful time.  If these days were to come tonight, we pray that we would remain faithful.  We pray for those who live out the persecutions right now that they would remain faithful.  We pray Lord that you will send your mercy and salvation that they would see your hidden face and be enlightened.  We pray it in the wonderful name of Jesus the Christ with His prayer. Our Father… Amen.

Communion
Christ our Lord invites all to his table who love him,
  who earnestly repent of their sin
  and seek to live in peace with one another.
Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another. 

Let us pray…
Lord God, we pray now for our sins of commission and omission.
For the times when we have done something that has led to persecution of another.
For the times when we have failed to do something that stopped the persecution of another.
For the times when we have made someone feel like an enemy has come against them.
For the times when we have not stopped an enemy from coming against someone.
For the times when we have made a person feel as if they must flee.
For the times when we have allowed someone to cause a person to feel as if they must flee.
We pray for these sins and the sins that we confess in silence…
AMEN

Hear the Good News:
Our Messiah has said to us that those who trust in his mercies
Will rejoice in his salvation
For this forgiveness sing his praises.
Glory to God. Amen.

We lift our hearts to you, O Lord,
We give you thanks to you, our God because
  it is always a good, right, and joyful thing,
  to give thanks to you,
Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
From the earliest of days, you desired only our worship
  But there was blood shed from Abel to Zechariah
  As brother rose against brother
  And against your prophets
And so you sent your Son to show us how you redeem the world
And in this redemption, we will join with
  all of your people on earth and in heaven
  will sing praises to your name and join the unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ,
   Who promised to us that He will save us
   That He will shorten the days of our tribulation
  So that we can with the church and all the saints that are raised up
Through his baptism of suffering, death, and resurrection
  delivered from slavery to sin and death,
  through the new covenant made by water and the Spirit.
On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread,
gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me."
When the supper was over he took the cup,
gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant,
poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ,
that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ,
one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world,
until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet.
Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church,
all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father (God), now and for ever.
Amen.

This is the body of Christ broken for you.  Take and eat. AMEN
This is the blood of Christ shed for you.  Take and drink. AMEN.

Benediction
be wary of false prophets
listen to those who speak the truth in the name of
Father, Son & Spirit who bless you always
Amen.

Isaiah 9:1-7, John 8:12

Narrative Lectionary, Year 4, Week 11
Isaiah 9:1-7, John 8:12
Nov. 21, 2021

A note: My church is beginning our Advent-Christmas series titled "Come and See" on Nov. 21.  Some denominations of Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity follow a six-week advent and the lectionary often lends itself to being able to do this.  Since the secular world is putting 24/7 Christmas on some radio stations as early as Nov. 1,  and the retail world has already begun their Christmas sales, many in the pews are already thinking of Christmas before Thanksgiving.  It made sense to us to have a 5-week Advent based on this and based on Isa. 9 as the reading for today.  For that reason, skits will be included for the weeks from now until Jan. 2 (except Dec. 26 when I will be off and the congregation will view watch a pre-recorded service given by our Bishop as a Christmas gift to pastors in his episcopal area).  These skits are meant to lead into the Scripture readings in the contemporary service and Advent wreath lighting in the traditional service that will begin on Nov. 28 (since there is no such thing as a five-candle Advent wreath, LOL).  I've listed the skits below as context with/without children as you might have many children in a traditional service or vice-versa.  As it happens for me, the children in my church are at the contemporary service and not so often at the traditional service. 

Opening Prayer
Mighty God, we come into your presence this morning yoked with many burdens. But we know that we walk out of the darkness and into the light as we enter here to worship your Son, the Prince of Peace.  May we know the light of life today through His name, Amen.

Prayer of Preparation
Everlasting Father, you are Wonderful.  Bring to us now the message of the Counselor so that we will know what it takes to see the light, to help end oppression, to be a part of peace, and to see the joy of the world increase.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your life-giving ministry and the message of your Good News which we hear once again.  Amen.  

Offering Prayer
O Son of God, we know the time will come when the light will be seen by all, when peace will be universal, and when justice will be forever.  Until then, there are needs in this world and we pray that the gifts we bring to the church this day will have some part in lifting people out of the darkness.  Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Jesus, you have proclaimed that in following you, we walk not in darkness, but in the light of life.  We claim promise today in your hearing for us and for all who are in darkness.  Lift the yoke of burden from the shoulders of those who have any sort of physical or mental health illness.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who are dying and those who grieve deaths.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who are economically, racially, ethnically oppressed.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who want to share their dreams and desires but feel they have no place to do so.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who are not accepted by their loved ones.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who are held captive to any power.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who are beaten, bruised, battered, and bloodied.  Lift their yoke of burden so that they can look up at the only face, and cry out the name of the only one who can save them.  The name of Jesus Christ who taught us His prayer: Our Father… Amen.

Benediction
Be a part of bringing light, joy, and peace to the world around you.
In doing so, you are bringing glory and honor to the only one who is called
Wonderful
Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
AMEN

Skit Options for before Scripture reading
Option 1 for a context without many children:
{scene is over coffee/pie}
Grandparent #1: You know what I really want for Christmas
Grandparent #2: No, what?
Grandparent #1: Something my grandchildren will never even think of getting for me
Grandparent #2: Why’s that?
Grandparent #1: Because it’s something that’s nearly obsolete… that is if you have a smartphone.  But I’m perfectly content to continue to use this old flip phone… or dumb phone as my family calls it. 
Grandparent #2: Well are you going to keep me guessing, or are you going to tell me
Grandparent #1: Oh, right, I nearly forgot to say what it is… I need a new flashlight.  The kids don’t ever think of it because they have flashlights on their phones.  But when I take the dog out at night, I need to be able to shed light on the dark path so I can see.
Grandparent #2: [Laughing] I don’t think any of Friday’s sales are going to have flashlights at deep discounts.  But thinking about needing a light on the path to see in the dark, well that reminds me of what was read in church the other day…

Option 2 for a context with children:
{scene is Christmas morning around the tree}
Dad: Here’s a present with your name on it, (insert child’s name).  Why don’t you open this one next?
Child: [unwrapping present with excited anticipation]
Mom: What is it? [with curious excitement]
Child: [excitedly] It’s a flashlight!
Dad: Exactly.  So you can see at night and to remind you what the prophet Isaiah said about
Jesus - The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Mom: And what Jesus said - I am the light of the world.
Child: What’s that mean?
Mom: Maybe we should see if we can learn about that at church…

Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24; John 7:37-38

Narrative Lectionary, Year 4, Week 10
Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24; John 7:37-38
Nov. 14, 2021

A note: This Sunday, our church is celebrating "Harvest Home."  Food donations are being given to fill our Lord's Pantry foodbank and to provide baskets to families in need for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We are also recognizing Veteran's Day (US holiday on Nov. 11 that honors those who have served in the military)

Opening Prayer
Psalm 63:1-4
Lord God of Hosts:
Today we seek justice that rolls down like water, like a mighty stream so that we can drink from that well and quench the thirst that we have.  We know, with a sure and certain hope, that when this thirst is quenched by the only One whom we can come to for this drink that we will see Jesus as we are judged and proclaimed righteous because of His saving grace.  It is by His Spirit that we are guided to this great love.  Amen.

Prayer of Preparation
O God:
At this time we bring to you only our attention, our love, and our desire to know your heart as we seek to drink from your waters deeply, quenching our thirst, so that we will be guided into life abundant.
Amen

Offering Prayer
Lord who roars from Zion: We have heard what you have said and yet here we are today bringing food offerings.  We pray that these gifts would provide some measure of justice to those in need, but especially that we would be led to the desire to make these kinds of sacrifices regularly, and not just in church, so that justice is served and all have their needs met. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Righteous and Just Father: You have shown us through the word we’ve studied this morning that without justice there is no righteousness.  Furthermore that this is an integral part of how we worship, both when in church and outside of it.  We know, Lord God, that there are many for whom justice is not currently a part of their vocabulary based on their experiences.  For each person who needs justice today, Lord, we pray.  We pray for those that seek justice in the legal systems; for those who seek justice in society; for those who seek economic justice; for those who seek justice in education; for those who seek justice in their homes; for those who seek justice based on gender; for those who face injustices of any sort for any reason.  We also especially lift up veterans who have made their best attempt in service of our country to defend justice, even if it has mean that they too become victims of injustice.  Today, Lord of Hosts, we pray that we would be persons who can lead others to the fount from which the streams of justice flow so that they can learn what it is to be made righteous in your sight by the grace of Your Son, Jesus Christ who taught us His prayer: Our Father… Amen.

Benediction
Seek justice to know righteousness
Let this be the worship that you give to:
Father, Son, & Spirit
AMEN

Psalm 18:20-30, Ruth 3:8-18, John 13:31-35

Revised Common Lectionary, Semi Continuous
Daily Reading, Nov. 3, 2021

Psalm 18:20-30, Ruth 3:8-18, John 13:31-35

Prayer of Invocation
O Lord our God: Indeed, your ways are perfect.  Ours are less than so, to say the least.  But through our regular prayer time, study time, and other spiritual discipline, we find ourselves drawn to your righteousness.  Yet, without your mercies, we would still be lost and we give you thanks as we prepare now to worship together for your Son Jesus Christ who offered this to us because of His love that He asked us to follow. Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Son of Man: You have brought glory to God through your death, with which our sins have died.
God: You have brought glory to Jesus by raising Him up to life, with which our lives are raised up anew.
As a response to this glory, you asked us, your followers, to love each other as you have loved us.  To love this way would be to love without regard for ourselves, but to give everything we have for them.  We see from our reading of the Bible that we are to have special regard for those who are marginalized.  We may not always realize it, but there is a need to be especially aware of those who are at a disadvantage.  In a spirit of not wanting to fail to mention a group that someone may be a part of that is sometimes marginalized, we lift up all who for some reason or another are (perhaps at some times and not always), regarded in the minority as compared to the rest of society around them.  We pray for them and ask, Lord God, that you would send your Spirit upon them and give them peace from whatever it is that ails them.  In Jesus Name, we pray His prayer: Our Father… Amen.

Great Thanksgiving
Christ our Lord invites all to his table who love him,
  who earnestly repent of their sin
  and seek to live in peace with one another.
Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.

Let us pray…
Lord Jesus is our Kinsmen-Redeemer:
We pray to you know in the midst of our sins begging for your forgiveness.
We have not always been aware of those on the margins of our society.
We look down upon them with the assumption that their misfortune must be their own fault.
We make the assumption that they are aligned with a marginalized group because of their own choices, or the choices of their ancestors.
We want to believe that if they ‘pull themselves up by their own boot-straps’ they would succeed.
And we fail to offer even a helping hand to let them take the first steps.
For these sins and many others that we silently confess before you…

We pray, asking forgiveness in Jesus’ Name
AMEN

 

Hear the Good News:
Jesus loves you
He died for each of you, yes even you, bringing glory to God’s name because your sins died with Him

God loves you
He raised Jesus up for you, yes even you, to raise you up to new life

In the name of Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God. Amen.

We lift our hearts to you, O Lord,
We give you thanks to you, our God because
it is always a good, right, and joyful thing,
  to give thanks to you,
  Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
When we failed to follow your will,
  You set your law for us as an example
  But it was not enough…
  So you sent your prophets,
  But they were ignored…
  And so you told us that One would come
  And He became our Redeemer
Allowing that one day, we will join with
  all of your people on earth and in heaven
  will sing praises to your name and join the unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ,
  His entire life mission, as told to us by John the Evangelist,
  Summed up in the New Commandment:
    “Love each other.
    Just as I have loved you,
    you should love each other.
    Your love for one another will prove
    to the world that you are my disciples.”
And that
By His baptism of suffering, death, and resurrection
  you could give birth to your Church,
  deliver us from slavery to sin and death,
  and make with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit.
On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread,
gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me."
When the supper was over he took the cup,
gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant,
poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith.

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ,
that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ,
one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world,
until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet.

Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church,
all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father (God), now and for ever.
Amen.

This is the body of Christ broken for you.  Take and eat. AMEN
This is the blood of Christ shed for you.  Take and drink. AMEN. 

Benediction

Hear again these paraphrased words of Psalm 18:
The Lord rewards us for doing right,
He shows integrity to those who have integrity,
He lights a lamp for us to light the darkness
  so we can crush the army that stands against us.

By the power of God through Jesus Christ and the Spirit that lives in you,
  this is possible,

In their holy name.

Amen.