Dec 17

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.

Greeters: Pat Barnard

Acolyte: Dalton Baumann

Ushers: David Barnard and Alice Howerton

Coffee Hosts: Jimmy and Donna Lee

(Click this link to read the calendar insert)

ORDER OF WORSHIP

3rd Sunday of Advent

December 17, 2006 10:00 a.m.

*Those able may stand

GREETINGS, CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH AND REGISTRY OF ATTENDANCE

PRELUDE “Pastorale” Demorest

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: Let us rejoice in the Lord; let us put our whole being into rejoicing!

ALL: God has clothed us in a garment of salvation; God has covered us with the robe of righteousness.

ONE: As the earth brings forth its shoots, as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all nations.

ALL: Let us give God all the glory; let us turn our eyes to God!! (From Isaiah 61)

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

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE OF PARDON

O God of the Covenant, have mercy on us as we become aware of our sin. We know there are afflicted people who await good news. The broken- hearted who need their wounds bound; the captives who still long for freedom, and the mournful wanting to be comforted. Forgive us when we neglect them and fail to follow Christ’s call to faithful ministry. Restore us and make us worthy to serve in His name.

*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.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES

READING FROM THE EPISTLE Philippians 4:4-7

READING FROM THE PROPHET Isaiah 12:2-6

JESSE TREE St. Andrew’s Singers

READING FROM THE GOSPEL Luke 3:7-18

CANTATA “COME TO THE MANGER” Sanctuary Choir with Rodgers & Jeannine Spencer

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER (Page 16, Traditional)

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

PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming” arr. Bock

*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.

*HYMN 9 (vs 2 & 3) “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

*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 “Spiritual Medley” Traditional