Order of Service / Advent 1 / November 30, 2025

*Gathering Hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (#1 VU | vs. 1,2)

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Advent Candle-Lighting

One: Today we light the first candle, the candle of Hope. In the quiet places of our longing, God plants a small flame, a promise that the night will not last forever. This light is fragile, yet it will not fail. It leans into the coming dawn with courage. As we wait for Christ, may this candle kindle in us a hope that steadies our hearts and prepares a path for the Holy One who is drawing near.

All Sing - Then Let Us Sing #55 “We light this candle”

We light this candle for hope. Await the new life within.

May our hearts now live each day, so hope can find a way, so hope can find a way.

Call to Worship

One: Today we begin a new journey in a new Christian year—a journey of waiting, hoping, and anticipating.

All: With God, we embark on a journey of hope.

One: Today we seek new insights and new understandings.

  All: We give thanks for the ways in which God has brought us to this moment.

One: Today we are clear that we are not alone.

All: God is among us, drawing us into a time of renewal and opening us to a moment of grace.

*Bill Steadman. Gathering ACE 2025-2026. Page 28.

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn O Lord, How Shall I Meet You (#31 VU)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

Holy One, in this busy season, we pause and come before you. We confess that we have rushed past your presence, carried worries too heavily, and sometimes doubted the promises you place before us. Renew our hearts with hope. Ignite again the small flame within us that waits, watches, and believes, a light that shines even in the shadows of our lives. In this quiet moment, help us open our hearts to you in silent prayer… (a time of silent confession) Amen.

Words of Assurance

One: God’s promise is coming into the world.

  All: In the darkness, we wait for the light.

One: Even when our hearts are weary and our spirits falter,

  All: God’s steadfast love sustains us.

One: Rejoice! Emmanuel, God with us, draws near.

  All: Thanks be to God! Our hope is renewed.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

Isaiah 2:1-5 Swords into ploughshares.

Psalm 122 (VU p. 845) With joy to God’s house.

Matthew 24:36-44 No one knows the hour.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn God of All Places (#4 VU)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn (#55 VU | v. 4, In the Bleak Midwinter)

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

if I were a wise man, I would do my part;

yet what I can I give him -- give my heart.

 

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)
God, our strength and salvation, we glorify your name. With acts of joyous delight, we show others your timeless grace. Our offerings are presented, knowing that those who are grieving, those who are hungry, and those who are hopeful will be served. May all that we are and all that we give reflect your great joy! Amen.

*Laura J. Turnbull. Gathering ACE 2025-2026. Page 30.

Sacrament of Communion

< All are welcome to this table.>

Invitation to Communion

As we come to this table, we are reminded that this is the table of Jesus Christ, a banquet prepared for everyone. All who seek to be nourished and sustained in the journey of faith, all who seek wholeness and compassionate paths to peace and justice, are welcome here.  

Call to Give Thanks

One: God be with you.

  All: And also with you.

One: Lift up your hearts.

  All: We lift our hearts in prayer.

One: Let us give thanks to God.

  All: It is good to give God thanks and praise.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

We give you thanks, God of peace and promise. Through the words of your prophets and the faith of your followers you prepare the way of our salvation and bring hope to birth. And though we often grow weary of waiting, your signs call us to keep watch for that day when all things shall be made new. In assurance of this hope, we join with all the company of heaven and earth to give you praise:

The Song of Creation (#203 MV)

O holy, holy, holy God, O God of time and space.

All earth and sea and sky above bear witness to your grace.

Hosanna in the highest heav'n, creation sings your praise.

And blessed is the One who comes and bears your name always!

The Story Remembered

On the night before he died, it was Jesus who took a loaf of bread, gave you thanks, broke it, and said, “Take and eat; whenever you do this, remember me.” Likewise, after supper, he took the cup, saying, “This is the new covenant; remember me.”

Prayer of Self-Giving

Remembering your boundless love for us in Jesus Christ, we offer you our praise, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Affirmation of Memory and Hope (#204 MV)

Sing Christ has died and Christ is risen, Christ will come again! (X 2)

Prayer for Transformation

Send, O God, your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who share in this bread and cup may be the body of Christ:

Doxology Great Amen (#205 MV)

Amen, Amen, O Holy One! Hosanna and Amen! (X2)

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

Sharing of Bread and Wine

Prayer after Communion (Unison)

Holy God, how generous is your love for us. We are grateful for this holy meal, grateful for the birth of your son, Jesus, for the gift of salvation, and for the days we have to serve you. Through us and this church, may your kingdom of hope, peace, joy, and love grow ever stronger. Towards this aim, we have feasted, we have prayed, and we will act. Amen.

*Elaine Bidgood Sveet. Gathering ACE 2025-2026. Page 31.

*Closing Hymn People, Look East (#9 VU)

*Commissioning

One: The word we have been given this day is hope. May we carry hope on our journey throughout this week, the hope we have encountered and experienced in this place.

  All: May we offer the vision of hope to all we meet. May we share the blessing that we have received, this day and always. Amen.

*Commissioning Song Prepare the Way of the Lord (#10 VU)

Prepare the way of the Lord! Prepare the way of the Lord! Make a straight path for him, make a straight path, prepare the way of the Lord! (x2)

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