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(Welcome to worship. Bold responses are spoken by the congregation.
Note that an * indicates when all are invited to rise in body or in spirit.)
Prelude “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” Chorale–Michael Praetorius
Prelude by Johannes Brahms
Edited by Diane Bish
“Variations on In dulce jubilo” German 14th century
Arr. Theodore Beck
Greetings and Announcements Rev. Gregg Neel
This is the day the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
An Act of Praise
Introit “Blessed Be the God of Israel” Carol Daw Jr.
*Westminster Chimes
Singing for Light
Beyth and Joe Greenetz, with their children, Emmanuelle and Simone
Candle of Peace
This Advent will be a season of song, and as we prepare to light the Advent candles,
we will sing a verse each week of a song written by our own John Goff.
*Invitation to Worship and Lighting of Candles
The peaceful kin-dom blossoms from the people of God,
Crafted in the image and wisdom of God.
The kin-dom is known by its righteousness and justice,
its equity of life and faithfulness of love;
Where we do not devour one another, where all can actually find rest without fear.
And a little child shall teach us all,
To love people fully, to hope reassuringly, to do good peacefully, and to enjoy joy.
This is life in the peaceful kin-dom.
Let us worship God.
(The first two candles are lit.)
*Hymn #129 “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” es ist ein’ ros’
Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming
As men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half-gone was the night.
Isaiah ’twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind:
With Mary we behold it,
The virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright
She bore to men a Savior
When half-gone was the night.
This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load
*Invitation to Confession Rev. Lindsey Hubbard-Groves
We know that the foundation of our thriving isn’t determined by the size of our house, the price of our cars, the hours we work, or making sure “I” gets what “I” wants. Because we’re human, we try to build on rocky foundations trying to reach high enough to catch a glimpse of the kin-dom, forgetting it’s waiting for us underneath the rubble. When we confess to God, we join God in the work of the in-breaking kin-dom. Let us bring our hearts close to God’s, first in silent prayer.
*Silent Prayer
*Unison Prayer of Confession
God, we know what we need for us to flourish and thrive. But sometimes, it’s unfamiliar and uncomfortable. It can be annoying to wrestle with our emotions, unsettling to see what is unjust, and overwhelming to know just how much. It can be hard to name evil when we see it. Equip us with the eyes and ears to see, the wisdom to know, and the hearts to understand You, ourselves, and our neighbors. May we be peace.
*Assurance of Forgiveness
Friends, this is the gift of the good news we are reminded of each Advent. The kin-dom of heaven is neither here or there. The kin-dom of heaven, full with hope, peace, love, and joy, is within you and among you.
Alleluia, Amen.
*The Passing of the Peace
The peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
Moments with Children Rev. Lindsey Hubbard-Groves
An Act of Proclamation
The Scripture Reading Matthew 3:1-12 (p.2) Rev. Junha Kim
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.’ ”
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “Who Said It Was Simple?” Rev. Junha Kim
A Moment for Silent Reflection
An Act of Response
*Hymn #100 “My Soul Cries Out With a Joyful Shout” star of the county down
My soul cries out with a joyful shout
that the God of my heart is great,
And my spirit sings of the wondrous things
that you bring to the one who waits.
You fixed your sight on the servant’s plight,
and my weakness you did not spurn,
So from east to west shall my name be blest.
Could the world be about to turn?
Though I am small, my God, my all,
you work great things in me.
And your mercy will last from the depths of the past
to the end of the age to be.
Your very name puts the proud to shame,
and those who would for you yearn,
You will show your might, put the strong to flight,
for the world is about to turn.
From the halls of power to the fortress tower,
not a stone will be left on stone.
Let the king beware for your justice tears
every tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more,
for the food they can never earn;
These are tables spread, ev’ry mouth be fed,
for the world is about to turn.
Though the nations rage from age to age,
we remember who holds us fast:
God’s mercy must deliver us
from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.
This saving word that our forbears heard
is the promise that holds us bound,
‘Til the spear and rod be crushed by God,
who is turning the world around.
Sharing Joys & Concerns Rev. Gregg Neel
At the conclusion of spoken joys, let us pray together, “Thanks be to you, O God.”
For concerns, let us make them our own by praying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts
(Text 73256 the word WESTPRESPDX to give using your mobile device. This number will never send unsolicited texts to you. To cancel further messages, text STOP. If you need assistance with text giving, text HELP. Standard text message and data rates may apply. If you’re new to Westminster, please let us know by filling out a pink visitor card, found in the pew rack, and place it in the offering plate. Thank you.)
Offertory Anthem “The Angels Say” Suzanne Butler,Stephen Fischbacher, and Margaret McLarty
“Bethlehem Night” Terry D. Taylor
Angel Choir
Jennifer Holman, Director; Tim Uecker, Accompanist
*Doxology – Hymn #606
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.
-OR-
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.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
The Invitation to the Table Rev. Lindsey Hubbard-Groves
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving Rev. Junha Kim The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks to our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, peaceful God. You created us without anxiety or stress. You created us to be free and to be freely human. In your image, each person is born with peace, but into a world where your image has become distorted. Your people isolate and choose chaos. But you teach us and show us how to choose peace. We are free to love ourselves without anxiety, to love others without judgment, and to love the world alongside those who know God’s peace on earth.
Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices to the great cloud of witnesses, where our friend, Deloris Moss, now makes her home. We sing the words of the eternal song:
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Words of Institution
On the night before the Lord Jesus died, he took bread, and after giving thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat. This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
In the same way he took the cup, saying: This cup is the new covenant sealed with my life, given for you for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.
Receiving the Bread and the Cup
All are welcome to receive communion. Children are encouraged to receive communion with their grown-ups, as they’re comfortable. Bread and grape juice are safely served. When you’re directed by an usher to move to the back, there are four stations where you may be served; you may proceed to whichever station is open first or works best for you. A server will hand you a piece of bread and you then take a cup. Gluten-free bread is available.
There are baskets to return cups as you make your way back to your seat. If you would like to receive communion at your seat, please let an usher know, or raise your hand when we ask if everyone has been served and servers will come to you. The most important thing for communion service here at Westminster is that everyone who wants to be served is served.
Communion Anthem “Let Your Love Be Stronger Than Your Fear” Tom Trenney
Ethan Reviere, Soloist
In the deserts of your life, I’ll not desert you. I will make a way beside a flowing stream. Through the valley, do not fear, for I am with you;
My rod and staff to comfort and redeem.
In the darkness of your life, I will not leave you.
In the shadow I’m your light, your lamp, your sun.
I will be the star that shines above to guide you,
a light unto your path to lead you home.
Do not be afraid, I go before you, do not be afraid, I am by your side.
Be still and know that I am with you. Let your faith be stronger than your fear.
When you’re weary, when you’re faint,
I will be with you. I will raise you up to soar on eagle’s wings.
I will be the joy that seeks you through your sorrow.
Unending hope my resurrection brings.
When the storms of life assail, I will uphold you.
I will strengthen you, I’ll be the help you need.
Though the waters rage and foam, fear not, I’m with you.
I am the way, the truth the life, indeed!
Do not be afraid, I go before you, do not be afraid, I am by your side.
Be still and know that I am with you. Let your faith be stronger than your fear.
Prayer After Communion Rev. Junha Kim
Peaceful God, you make us whole with the gift of life and faithful promise of liberation. Teach us to pay attention to what drives our desires and hunger, so that we might live into the abundance of your kin-dom. We thank You for your grace in our journey of being human.
In the Human One’s name, we pray, Amen.
*Hymn #734 “Hope of the World” donne secours
Hope of the world, thou Christ of great compassion,
speak to our fearful hearts by conflict rent.
Save us, thy people, from consuming passion,
who by our own false hopes and aims are spent.
Hope of the world, God’s gift from highest heaven,
bringing to hungry souls the bread of life,
still let thy Spirit unto us be given
to heal earth’s wounds and end her bitter strife.
Hope of the world, afoot on dusty highways,
showing to wand’ring souls the path of light;
walk thou beside us, lest the tempting byways
lure us away from thee to endless night.
Hope of the world, who by thy cross didst save us
from death and dark despair, from sin and guilt;
we render back the love thy mercy gave us;
take thou our lives, and use them as thou wilt.
Hope of the world, O Christ o’er death victorious,
who by this sign didst conquer grief and pain,
we would be faithful to thy gospel glorious:
Thou art our Lord! Thou dost forever reign!
*Benediction Rev. Junha Kim
*Postlude “Rhapsody on Sussex Carol” Norberto Guinaldo
You may be seated for the postlude or you may depart quietly