3 days ago by Staff
CALL TO WORSHIP | Psalm 61:1-2
We delight greatly in the Lord; our soul rejoices in the God of Love.
For God has clothed us with garments of salvation & arrayed us in robes of righteousness.
As a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow,
So the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
OPENING HYMN | Angels We Have Heard on High
by Pentatonix
MINUTE FOR MISSION AND RESPONSIVE CHORUS
There are so many exciting ways that God is working through each of us and in this community.
As we consider our receiving and our giving to the works of ministry in this place and in the world, may we remember a child such as the one we celebrate this season.
SPECIAL MUSIC FOR REFLECTION | What Child Is This?
by Nate Shrefler
What child is this
Who’s laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is Sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherd’s watch are keeping
This this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste! haste!
To bring him, Lord!
The babe, the son of Mary
GOSPEL READING | Luke 2:25-35; 39-40
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” … When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
SPECIAL THEME MUSIC | Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant
MEDITATION
“Candles of Love to Inspire All My Living”
Rev. Don Ludwig
Don’s sermon will be available shortly.
CAROL | O Holy Night by Jenn Winquist
KEEP IN PRAYER | Prayers of the People
- Marilyn Arthur had surgery on her humerus bone and is now recovering.
- Margaret Shearer has moved into Rock Creek Adult Living facility.
- Karen Wittenburg continues treatment for cancer. She is currently at her home and continues to increase her activity.
- Bob Buell has been transferred back to Hearthstone and is now in hospice.
- Bert Schmidt had a biopsy procedure and is now recovering. Please keep him and Sue Chandler, daughter, in prayer.
- Please keep the PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee) in prayer as they discern the future of Southminster.
CORPORATE PRAYER | Francis Macnab in “The Historical Jesus Goes to Church”
Good caring presence within us, around us, and above us; Hold us in a sense of mystery and wonder. Let the fullness of your goodness be within us and around us. May we find we have all we need to meet each day without undue anxiety. Strengthen us that we will reach out to the best, always with the faith to rise above the ugly realities of our existence. And we celebrate the gifts you have given us – the rich kingdom of life’s possibilities, the power to do good and the moments when we have seen the glory and wonder of everything. You are life’s richness. You are life’s power. You are life’s ultimate meaning – Amen.
