Dec 3

ST. ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR SERVICE OF WORSHIP THIS MORNING

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church lives to celebrate God’s love through worship, seek God’s truth through education, and share God’s gifts through mission and fellowship. We encourage you to join us in the Fellowship Hall for a time of coffee, cookies and fellowship following the morning service. All who profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are welcome to join St. Andrew's. If you have no church home, we invite you to consider uniting with us as we seek to faithfully serve our Lord. Speak to an usher or the Pastor at the close of the service to learn more.

Communion Servers: Todd Schnoor, Karen Kriner, Rob and Mari Turley, Emerson and Valerie Parker

Greeters: Bob and Jan Talbott

Acolyte: Dalton Baumann

Ushers: Jeff Baumann and Todd Schnoor

Coffee Hosts: Anne Spitzmiller and Irma Burton

(Click this link to read the calendar insert)

ORDER OF WORSHIP

1st Sunday of Advent - Dedication of the Greens

December 3, 2006 10:00 a.m.

*Those able may stand

GREETINGS, CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH AND REGISTRY OF ATTENDANCE

PRELUDE “Picardy” French Carol

BRINGING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THIS ROOM

*CALL TO WORSHIP

ALL: (Hymn 9, verse 1) O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

ONE: How shall we prepare this house for the coming of the King?

ALL: With branches of cedar, the tree of royalty.

ONE: How shall we prepare this house for the coming of the eternal Christ?

ALL: With garlands of pine and fir, whose leaves are ever living, ever green.

ONE: How shall we prepare this house for the coming of our Savior?

ALL: With wreaths of holly and ivy, telling of his passion, death and resurrection.

ONE: How shall we prepare this house for the coming of the Son of God?

ALL: By hearing again the words of the prophets, who foretold the saving work of God.

DEDICATION OF THE GREENS

God Will Send a Righteous King – Jeremiah 23:5-6

The Prophet Declares a Child Will Be Born – Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

Hymn 9 “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (verse 2)

The Fourth Servant Song – Isaiah 53:1-6

A Sign Amid the Cold of Winter – Isaiah 11:1, 10

Hymn 9 “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (verse 3)

The Mystery of Incarnation – John 1:1-5, 9-14

The Advent Wreath

CALL TO CONFESSION, UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of every loving heart, we confess before You those places in our hearts where we have refused You entrance: people we have refused to love; habits we never get around to changing; good things we have left undone; and ways in which we hurt You, ourselves, and others. Shine the Light of Christ in those places we try to hide from You. Sweep clean the rooms of our hearts, that Christ may find a home among us.

*SILENT PRAYER

*ASSURANCE OF GOD’S PARDON

*SONG OF ZECHARIAH (Hymn 602, verse 1)

Blest be the God of Israel, Who comes to set us free; Who visits and redeems us, Who grants us liberty. The Prophets spoke of mercy, of freedom and release; God shall fulfill that promise and bring the people peace.

READING FROM THE GOSPEL Luke 21:25-36

READING FROM THE EPISTLE 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

ANTHEM “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” arr. Wolgemuth

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

(Toddlers may go to the Nursery, older children will remain in worship)

READING FROM THE PROPHETS Isaiah 11:1-10

SERMON “Trees: The Stump of Jesse” Rev. Ann LaMar

(Click this link to read the sermon)

PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” Purifoy

*DOXOLOGY (Hymn 592) AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

INVITATION TO THE LORD'S TABLE

GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

ALL: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

ALL: We lift them to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

ALL: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ONE: It is truly right…sing to the glory of Your name.

ALL: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

ONE: You are holy…Great is the mystery of faith;

ALL: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

ONE: Gracious God…

THE LORD'S PRAYER

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD (Hold the Bread until all are served)

THE COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE (Hold the Cup until all are served)

*HYMN 2 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

THE CHARGE AND THE BENEDICTION

*CARRYING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE

And the peace of God, that passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts, shall keep your minds on Jesus Christ.

POSTLUDE “Besancon” French Folk Melody