Order of Service – Sunday 29 November 2020 – St. ANDREW’S – ADVENT 1 – Hope
Click the link below to download the Order of Service.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Loving God, this Advent season calls us to watch and wait.
Help us notice the signs of Your presence around us.
In ancient times You acted to save, come again and restore Your people.
Just when we had given up hope, You come to our aid.
Just when we thought it was all in vain, Your words of promise revive us.
When we remember Your kindness and compassion, our hearts are glad.
HYMN: 133 “O Worship the King” (On Screen)
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
In a world often bereft of hope we turn to You.
Remind us that hope can be found in the most surprising of places.
Today we particularly pray for the people of Afghanistan, as well as Armenia and Artsakh. Comfort those whose arms ache to hold loved ones lost through war, aggression, and acts of violence. We particularly pray for Your blessing on efforts to enable education and literacy for girls and women, as well as displaced and persecuted people.
Renew our hope in a better future as we join with You in dreaming of a world where all Your children can have opportunities to learn and grow and be valued and cherished. Amen.
A LITANY FOR ADVENT
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 the forgiveness to 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.
LIGHTING OF THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE Chris Butters
HOPE
In the Top End of Australia, the build-up means we are near the end of Dry Season. We wait for refreshing rains to come. When the first rain hits the ground, we call this ‘Nurru-djulyuna’ (Gupapuynu). It is sacred time for Yolnu people, to remember loved ones who are no longer with us. Just like the rain that comes to cleanse and renew the land, our tears help wash away our worries and fears. We ask God to help us face life again and give us hope.
When Your face shines upon us a candle of hope is lit in our hearts.
God of Hope renew our hope. Amen.
(The candle is lit)
HYMN: “Light One Candle of Hope” (On Screen)
ADVENT PRAYER Chris Butters
Father, all powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give You thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord when He humbled Himself to come among us, He fulfilled the plan You formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation.
Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ will come again in His glory.
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim Your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise.
HYMN: 613 “Lord of All Hopefulness”
CHRISTMAS BOWL – Video Clip
FEW WORDS AND PRAYER Graham Perry
STORY – ANDREW! The Evangelist Apostle Krikor Youmshajekian
HYMN: “Spirit of God, Unseen as the Wind” Scottish Folk Song
by Alastair Durden
PRAYER BEFORE THE READING Ivy Lee
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen.
BIBLE READINGS – Ivy Lee
Isaiah 64:1-9 (Page 742) Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (Page 582)
1 Cor. 1:3-9 (Page 1128)
MUSICAL REFLECTION
MESSAGE: “Hope for God’s People” Krikor Youmshajekian
HYMN: 626 “Lord of Creation, to You be All Praise”
NOTICES – ChristmasCarols Service: Sunday 13th December 9:30 am.
– Christmas Eve Service: Thursday 24th December 7:30 pm.
– Christmas Day Service: Friday 25th December 9:00 am.
OFFERING – Give with joy and be grateful for what God has done.
HYMN: 105 “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” (On Screen)
SENDING OUT
Go in the strength, knowledge, grace and power of God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We will watch and wait, looking for signs of God’s presence in our lives.
Nurture the hope that is God’s gift and share that hope with others. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER and BLESSING Graham Perry
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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