Order of Service – Sunday 8 December 2024 – ADVENT 2 – PEACE

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Order-of-Service-8-December-2024Download

CALL TO WORSHIP

Blessed be God who has redeemed God’s people:

By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Let us worship God!

HYMN:       132       “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE – PEACE

Shalom aleichem. ‘Assalamu alaikum”. Peace be with all.

We long for Your peace, O God.

Come to us God of peace.

Palestinian hymn that expresses this longing and hope for peace.

Yarabba ssalami amter alayna ssalam,

Yarabba ssalami imla’ qulubana ssalam.

God of peace and of justice, rain down upon us Your peace.

God of peace and of justice, fill every heart with Your peace.

A LITANY OF ADVENT 

Lord God, we come to adore You. You are the source of all that is.

Before we were born, before time began, before the universe came into being, You were.

When time is finished, when the universe is no more, You will still be. Nothing can take Your power from you.

And in Your presence, we can only be silent . . . (silence).

Yet You have spoken to us. Out of universal silence Your living Word has reached us.

You have spoken and given form and beauty to the world. You have spoken and given purpose to human life.

You have spoken and declared the forgiveness to our sin; You have spoken and freed us from the fear of death.

Together: Lord Jesus Christ, divine Word, speak to us the eternal purpose; remove our guilt; conquer the fear of death in our hearts. Speak and let us hear You, Lord. Amen!

HYMN:       201       “King of Glory, King of Peace”

PRAYERS FOR GAZA AND THE HOLY LAND AND ALEPPO

From Christmas Bowl “Acting for Peace Together” 2024 Resource

God Immanuel, we hold in our prayers the people of Gaza and Aleppo and the devastating situation they continue to face.

Embrace those shattered by devastation and death,

those whose arms ache to hold their loved ones again.

Hold in Your care and protection those who live with uncertainty and fear.

Those who have waited too long for recognition, justice and freedom.

In the midst of violence, death and destruction, children living in the shadow of hunger.

Come Prince of peace, we need Your gift of peace.

We pray for the Holy Land torn apart by conflict, for those

• living under military occupation.

• whose homes and livelihoods have been demolished.

• whose land has been confiscated.

• who have no place to safely lay their head.

God of peace, You were born in a land that was occupied.

Come Lord Jesus, set your people free.

Help all parties find the will to search for a lasting solution based on equality and justice.

Dismantle systems of oppression and violence.

Strengthen the voices advocating for peace.

Embolden us to stand with them to work for peace in your world. Amen!

THE LORD’S PRAYER –      Sang in Aramaic

BIBLE READINGS                                                                  Wendy Phelps

Malachi 3:1-4 (Page 950)     Luke 1:68-79 (Page 1014)        Luke 3:1-6 (Page 1016)

MUSICAL REFLECTION

MESSAGE:                    “Enduring Peace”                 Krikor Youmshajekian

HYMN:       272       “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

NOTICES –

  • Christmas Carols’ Service – Sunday 15 December 9:30 am.
  • Food/Gifts Bill Crews Foundation – All in by 15 December.
  • Christmas Eve Service – Tuesday 24 December 7:00 pm.
  • Christmas Day Service – Wednesday 25 December 9:00 am.

DEDICATION OF THE OFFERING

The love of God is revealed in the gift of Jesus, bringer of peace.

In our giving of what we have and who we are, may we, with Jesus, bring peace to the earth. Amen!

HOLY COMMUNION

HYMN:       429       “Break Now the Bread of Life”

INVITATION

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord. God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

BLESSING THE BREAD and THE CUP

BREAKING THE BREAD

We break this bread and take this cup so that we can share in the life of Christ. God’s gifts for God’s people.

SERVING THE BREAD AND THE CUP

HYMN:       782       “Go Now in Peace”

THE LORD’S PRAYER and SENDING OUT

The word of God came to John, Son of Zachariah, in the wilderness. The word of God has come to us, here in this place.

Let us go from here to prepare the way of Christ.

And now the blessing and the peace of God be upon you now and forever. Amen!

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To contact Krikor call  0418 417 411

Church Website:  http://www.longueville.unitingchurch.org.au

Church email: standrewsunite@tpg.com.au

Church Office phone: 9427 4740