Order of Service – Sunday 22 December 2024 – ADVENT 4
Click the link below to download the Order of Service.
CALL TO WORSHIP
My soul magnifies the Lord: My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.
God’s loving mercy is on those who see Him with awe: In this and all generations.
We read in the gospels that Mary travelled to a town in the hills when she needed solace and support. She experienced joy and hope in the time she spent with Elizabeth, her elderly relative. Three months later she returned to her home in Nazareth.
Across the globe there are millions of people who leave their homes during a crisis. They need considerable help to sustain their lives. They too look for blessing and hope. For some there is a time when they can safely return home. Often, they must rebuild their lives again.
Today we think of the people forced to leave Sri Lanka over a decade ago because of violent conflict. We think of the thousands of Lebanese and Syrian refugees, who have left their homes because of the conflicts of civil wars. We also think of the Artsakh refugees, who were forced to leave their homeland over a year ago. We thank God for the way they have been uplifted and filled with good things. We pray for all refugees returning to their home countries, that they will receive mercy, love and care.
With hearts attuned to expecting God will keep His promises we hear – Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord. (Luke 1:45)
The Lord be with you: And also with you.
HYMN: 153 “God is Love, Let Heav’n Adore Him”
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE – LOVE
In this Advent season we have been lighting candles with the hope of seeing the Lord and preparing for Christmas.
Our hearts are filled with expectation that God will show great love for us.
God of light: Come to us.
God of joy: Come to us.
God of hope: Come to us.
God of love: Come to us.
God, faithful and true, make us eager with expectation, as we look for the fulfilment of Your promise in Jesus our Saviour. Hear this prayer for Your love’s sake. Amen!
PRAYER
(After each set of biddings there should be a time of silent prayer which concludes with the response – Lord, hear us: Lord hear our prayers.)
For the world –
Let us call to mind the people across the globe who live in fear of oppression and violence. Let us pray for women and children subjected to abuse and assault. Let us seek inspiration for all who govern and administer the law, that they may pursue peace, mercy and justice.
Lord, hear us: Lord hear our prayers.
For the church –
Let us give thanks for the various expressions of Christ’s church. Let us pray for church leaders and for all ministries undertaken in Jesus’ name. Let us seek blessing upon all people of faith, that they will be generous ambassadors of God’s love.
Lord, hear us: Lord hear our prayers.
For communities –
Let us give thanks for the many communities into which we are called. Let us pray for those among us who are here seeking solace and support. Let us seek mercy for those returning to their homelands and those yearning for reconciliation with enemies and strangers.
Lord, hear us: Lord hear our prayers.
For healing –
Let us remember those who need healing. Let us pray for those carrying the visible and invisible scars of trauma. Let us seek peace and relief for all who are suffering.
Lord, hear us: Lord hear our prayers.
Remembering the saints –
Let us rejoice for all the good things we have received from the people who came before us. Let us give thanks for the lives of the faithful resting in peace. Let us pray that the hope of heaven and the joy of resurrection might continue to transform our lives.
Lord, hear us: Lord hear our prayers.
TIME TO PRAY
In silence, please offer your prayers to the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: 443 “Come, Dearest Lord, Descend and Dwell
BIBLE READING Ruth West
1 Peter 4:1-11 (Pages 1202-1203) 2 Peter 1:3-11 (Page 1204)
MUSICAL REFLECTION
MESSAGE: “Unconditional Love” Krikor Youmshajekian
HYMN: 217 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
NOTICES –
- Christmas Eve Service – Tuesday 24 December 7:00 pm. Followed by Tea and Coffee with Mince Pies.
- Christmas Day Service – Wednesday 25 December 9:00 am. No Morning Tea!
- Movie/ Pizza Nights will resume on Tues 4 Feb 6:30 pm.
- Elders’ & Council Meetings Wed 5 February 10:00 am.
- Time4U will resume on Wed 12 February 10:00 am.
DEDICATION OF OFFERING
All good gifts come from You, O God, for You have promised to give us the things we need. Bless these gifts, we pray, that joining with the contribution of others, they may comfort the needy, help relieve suffering and offer hope in Your name. Amen!
HYMN: 131 “Father of Heaven, Whose Love Profound”
SENDING OUT
God is good. All the time.
All the time. God is good.
God is love. For ever and ever.
For ever and ever. God is love.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen!
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. 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