Order of Service – Sunday 19 December 2021 – ADVENT 4 – LOVE
Click the link below to download the Order of Service.
CALL TO WORSHIP from Luke 1
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;
God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.
Let us worship God!
HYMN: 153 “God is Love, Let Heav’n Adore Him”
Lord God, we adore You because You have come to us in the past. You have spoken to us in the Law of Israel. You have challenged us in the words of the prophets. You have shown us in Jesus what You are really like.
Lord God, we adore You because You still come to us now. You come to us through other people and their love and concern for us. You come to us through men and women who need our help. You come to us as we worship You.
Lord God, we adore You because You will come to us at the end. You will be with us at the hour of death. You will still reign supreme when all human institutions fail. You will still be God when our history has run its course.
We welcome You, God who comes. Come to us now in the power of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Lord God, we come to adore You. You are the source of all that is.
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 forgiveness of our sin; You have spoken, and freed us from the fear of death.
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.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Most wonderful God, it is You who inspires every noble thought and every loving deed. When we draw near to You in worship, save us from wanderings of mind and coldness of heart, that with a deep longing for more truth and a warm desire for more love, we may know You, embrace You, and worship You in the incarnate life of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
We wait for Your loving-kindness, O God, in the midst of Your temple and we wait in silence for Your loving-kindness, O God. Amen.
ADVENT – CALL
We gather in hope, for God is with us, even when hopefulness struggles to take root in our world.
We gather in peace, for Jesus, Prince of Peace, is with us, even when peace seems overtaken by war and violence.
We gather in love, as the Spirit weaves amongst us, even though hate seeks to take hold in the world.
We are not alone. Let us worship God.
HYMN: 443 “Come, Dearest Lord, Descend and Dwell”
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE – Love Virginia Knowles
And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of God…
for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth; and He shall be the one of peace.
We light the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of love.
Jesus, light of our world, we hope for change in our lives and in Your world.
We watch and work and wait together for love. Amen!
HYMN: 317 “Love Came Down at Christmas”
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Virginia Knowles
Mary sang:
‘The Lord has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.’
Bringer of all love, Your love has the power to turn the world the right way up.
We specially pray today for Syrian refugees as they change their world through skills and education.
We pray for those who are supporting them, caring for them and working for change.
Show us what changes we can make to fill the hungry with good things.
BIBLE READINGS – Frank Knowles
Luke 1:46-55 (Page 1013) 1 Thess. 3.6-13 (Page 1070)
John 3:16-21 (Page 1052)
MUSICAL REFLECTION
MESSAGE: “God’s Love to Be Shared” Krikor Youmshajekian
HYMN: 217 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
NOTICES – Christmas Eve Service: Friday 24 December 7:00 pm.
- Christmas Day Service: Saturday25 December 9:00 am.
- Fellowship Meal – Sunday 26 December after Morning Tea. Please put your name on the sheet if you will join us.
- Time4U – Recommences on Wednesday 2 February 2022.
- Elders’ & Council Meeting – Wednesday 9 Feb 12:30 pm.
- NCLS Survey – Sunday 13 Feb after church Service.
- Congregational Meeting – Sunday 27 Feb 10:30 am.
OFFERING – DEDICATION OF THE OFFERING
The Love of God is revealed in the gift of Jesus, bringer of love.
In our giving of what we have and who we are, may we, with Jesus, bring love to the earth. Amen!
HYMN: 131 “Father of Heaven, Whose Love Profound”
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SENDING OUT
Mary sang as if God had already completed the change for which she hoped.
Let us go from here to live with such hope and love that our eyes are opened to God’s transforming presence in our world.
Let us go to prepare the way of Christ.
And now the blessing 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