ADVENT I: HOPE
Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Rev. Dr. John Tamilio III, Ph.D.

 Bold print indicates congregational participation.
* indicates that all who are able may stand.

Quotes for the Day
“Lord save us all from a hope tree that has lost the faculty of putting out blossoms.” ~ Mark Twain
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” ~ Edward Mote

Poem (Excerpt) “On the Pulse of Morning” by Maya Angelou

Organ Prelude

Call to Worship
Leader: In this season of anticipation, our hearts are filled with hope.
People: We await God’s Promised One — who will make all things new.
Leader: We await the One who was, who is, and who shall come again.
People: The babe in Bethlehem’s manger is the One with us now.
Leader: Jesus Christ: the Word made flesh, the Word that abides in Spirit.
People: Our hope is built on nothing less than God’s only Son.
Leader: Come, let us welcome the Living Christ into our midst.
People: Come, O long expected Jesus!

* Hymn #122 “Come, O Long-Expected Jesus” TNCH

* Call to Confession

* Unison Prayer of Confession
Even though this is a season of hope, O God, we enter it clutching tight to the ways of yesterday — the moments of despair that we allow to hold us in bondage.  Free us from such despondency, Holy One, and forgive us for the times when we have chosen to live lives mired in anguish rather than the optimistic expectation that the coming Christ instills.  May we find ways to embody the elation of this season and may you empower us to share it with all people.  We offer this prayer, and we seek your pardon, in the name of the One who was, who is, and whose return we await: Christ Jesus.  Amen.

* Assurance of Pardon

* Praise Response #125 “In Exclesis Deo” TNCH
Angels we have on heard high
Sweetly singing o’re the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echo back their joyous strains
Gloria — in excelsis Deo
Gloria — in excelsis Deo

* Passing of the Peace
Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

Lighting the Candle of Hope

Prayer of Hope
O God, we thank you that Jesus brought hope into our world.
By the Good News of the Bible you are still bringing hope to people.
Help us to be ready to welcome Jesus Christ
so that we may think good thought and do good deeds
and so that we may be a people of hope in our world.  Amen.

Response #133 “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (Verse 1) TNCH
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in your dark streets shines forth
The everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in you tonight

The Morning Prayers
Sharing of Concerns and Celebrations
Leader: God be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Let us pray.
Quiet Prayer ~ Pastoral Prayer
Our Savior’s Prayer (The New Century Hymnal p. 9)
You are encouraged to pray in the language of your choice.

Epistle Reading Isaiah 64:1-9

Gospel Lesson Mark 13:24-37

Hymn #116 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” TNCH

Sermon “The Hope of Christ”

Moment of Silent Reflection

Call to the Offering

Offertory

* Doxology (Please rise as the ushers pass your pew.)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below.
Praise God above, ye heavenly host.
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.

* Prayer of Dedication
O God, the greatest gift Creation ever received came during this season of anticipation.  Throughout the next four weeks, may we develop a renewed spirit of generosity that exhibits the hope, peace, love, and joy that became incarnate in the Christ — and may the gifts we offer today be just the beginning of that expression.  We offer them and our lives to you, O God, in the name of the Living One: Jesus the Christ.  Amen.

* Hymn #403 “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”

* Benediction

Organ Postlude

Call to Worship, Prayer of Confession, and Prayer of Dedication © 2011, Dr. John Tamilio III.
Advent Prayer of Hope © 1986, Book of Worship: United Church of Christ.