Worship Service Dec 17

3rd Sunday of Advent

Worship is the highest activity of a person whose sole and ultimate aim is God’s glory.


ORDER OF WORSHIP 

Gathering and Prelude

Call to Worship 

Response to the Call: The First Noel 245 vs 1,2,3,4

Welcome, Greeting, Service Overview

Prayer of Illumination

Lighting the Advent Candle: Joy

Placing the Christmas Ornaments on the Tree: (instrumental music) 

Responsive Reading: Psalm 126  847

Apostles Creed: 881  

Gloria Patri: 71

Offering Dedication and Offertory 

Doxology – hymnal #95 

Life of the Church 

Centering Song: All Is Well

Prayers of the People 

Scripture: John 1:6-8, 19-28

Sermon: Light

Closing Hymn: O Little Town of Bethlehem  230  all

Commissioning and Benediction


Prayers of the People

Leader: We gather in this season of Advent to wait, watch, and wonder. We gather to share the joy we find in the Christ-child! As we continue this Advent journey, help us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ the Savior.

People: Praise be to the God of all creation. We will make known your holy deeds among the nations. We thank you for sending Christ our Savior and for your Holy Spirit presence among us.

Leader: Because of your mercy, love and grace we receive blessing after blessing. Forgive us for yielding to our culture’s selfishness and choosing the foolish and often sinful temptations that surround us. 

People: Lord, correct the parts of us that have drifted from your influence. Hear us as we penitently confess our sins, ask for your forgiveness and seek your will for our lives. 

Leader: Help us to bear the good fruit that John the Baptizer called us to bear. Keep us mindful of those around us who are grieving many kinds of loss, the sick, weary, the poor and those who are victims of war, disasters and living in fear.

People: We pray this day for spiritual renewal. Intervene in the lives of those who have been persecuted for their faith and enable them to stand strong in your care. For those who risk their lives for our safety and wellbeing and for their families we pray for protection and peace found only in your care.

Leader: Hear our prayers for revival in America. We confess that as a nation we have sinned. We have continued to seek our own way. Turn the hearts of our people and leaders at every level of government to seek your ways.

People: Lord, hear our prayers not just for this country but for the whole world. Guide leaders everywhere to seek peace and justice. Where there is evil, bring true justice. For those ravaged by war, displaced and suffering bring relief, restoration, hope and freedom. 

Leader: Thank you for all the ways you have blessed Alexander Chapel. We ask for your continued protection and blessings. Guide our leaders and pastors as they seek your wisdom and vision for this church. 

People: We long to be your faithful people. Keep us focused on what is important. Show each of us our part in your plan in our families, in the church and in the community near and far. Lead us not to rest on the past but to be constantly looking to the future glory of your kingdom.

Pastor: For those who are sick, lonely and grieving be the healer that meets each need according to your perfect will. 

People: We lift up all who have requested the prayers of the church. We pray for our pastors and ask for your blessing on their life and ministry. As Pastor Ray brings the message today, touch him afresh with your Holy Spirit. Speak through him in a way that touches our hearts and brings transformation for your glory.

Pastor: Holy and Majestic God, we lift these prayers to you in the name Christ our Savior, who taught us to pray, saying:  Our Father…

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 trespasses, as we forgive our trespassers; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen


Life of the Church

ABCCM FOOD DONATIONS: Donation Basket at  Front Door. We dedicate our gifts on Communion Sundays.

Medical Lending Closet Flyers are available to distribute to friends and places that will post them. 

The daily prayer chain goes out after 8pm. Send requests to prayer@alexanderchapel.org. Prayer shawls are also available. Questions? Contact Pastor Marjory.

Christmas Activities and Worship:

Note: All activities have a website event listing with more info!

Dec 17 – Candlelight Service 6pm

Dec 24 – Christmas Eve Regular Morning Worship Service, NO evening service, but you can attend these services::

Weaverville UMC at 3 and 7pm, Salem UMC at 9pm

Christmas Missions:

– Sock collection Dec 10/17 for men and women at  ABCCMs Veterans Quarters and Transformation Village

– Missions Fund is providing gift cards for the women at Transformation Village and candy for the NC Veterans Home

Winter Weather: If conditions are unsafe for an in person worship service, we will hold a virtual service using the Livestream information above.

There are currently no events.