THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 30, 2008
10:30 a.m.
Restore us O God; Let your face shine
— GATHERING —
Congregation sings refrain (HWB 519)
Call to Worship Louise Wideman , Worship Leader
Invocation
*The Psalm (read responsively) Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
L: Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!
C: You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
L: Stir up your might, and come to save us!
C: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
L: O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
C: You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.
L: You make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among themselves.
C: Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
L: But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom you made strong for yourself.
C: Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name.
All: Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
*Opening Hymn “Come, thou long-expected Jesus” HWB 178
— PRAYING —
Confession of our Brokenness
L: Many faces plead for our attention and compassion this week.
L: In some faces we see overwhelming despair, a weariness with life in this world.
Men: In our own faces we see shadows of uncertainty, doubt and fear.
Women: We wait with eager yearning for the promise of God’s coming.
All: Restore us O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Hymn “ Save us, O Lord” Insert in back of Hymnal
Extending God’s Light
Youth: Hidden God,
Congregation: Let your face shine.
Time with Children Laurel Neufeld Weaver
Hymn “O come, all ye faithful” (refrain only) HWB 212
Scripture Reading Isaiah 64:1-9; Mark 13:24-37 LOGOS
Sermon “The Hidden God” Steven Yoder
— RESPONDING —
Hymn of Response “Lord, you sometimes speak” HWB 594
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory “ Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” arr. Peter Terry
* Dedication Hymn “Christ, whose glory fills the skies” HWB 216
Verse 2
*Prayer of Dedication
* Closing Hymn “O Savior, rend the heavens” HWB 175
* Benediction
Postlude “ Hyfrydol ” Rowland H. Pritchard
* Please stand, remaining seated if that is more comfortable for you.
HWB – Hymnal: A Worship Book STJ – Sing the Journey
