GUIDE FOR WORSHIP
3rd Sunday in Advent – December 17, 2023
Reflection to Aid in Preparation for Worship
We believe in a God who hears our prayers, who knows the shape and form of our weariness. We believe in a God who wants joy and delight for us, not just survival and existence. We believe in a God who looks ahead, who is not done dreaming for the world—a God who sends hope in the form of people and change, movements and Spirit. And so we return to this space. We bring our joy and our weariness like two sides of the same coin, and we trust that God is already at work. Yes, we believe in a god who hears our prayers. Thanks be to God for a love like this!
Prelude Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming, 16th Century German Carol, harmony by Michael Praetorious
Welcome and Announcements
Meditation I Wonder as I Wander – Appalachian carol; John Jacob Niles Patty Young, soloist
Call to Worship
Invocation
*Hymn of Praise Angels We Have Heard on High #214
The Lighting of the Advent Candle and Reflection Joe/Sheryl McElwee
*Hymn of Response “Joy to the World” #195
Scripture Reading Matthew 1:18-25, p. 959
Confession of Faith The Nicene Creed, Hymnal p. 846
Prayers of the People
Choir Anthem Goin’ to Bethlehem – Jay Althouse
*Doxology Hymn #731
Offertory Prayer
Sermon Scripture Isaiah 9:1-7, p. 680 Rev. Jonathan Cook
Sermon “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” Rev. Cook
*Hymn of Response Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus #196
*Benediction
Postlude Go Tell It on the Mountain, Eugene Thomas Fran King
The nursery is staffed during worship. Please see an usher for assistance.
Elder at the Door – Jerry Parrish
Deacon of Duty – Brenda James
Offering on December 10, 2023: $3,460.00
Calendar:
Today
– Adult Sunday School, Rainey Room, 9:30 AM
– Choir practice immediately following worship
Sun., Dec. 24th
– Sunday Morning Worship, 11:00 AM
– Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, 5:00 PM
Congregational Prayer Focus: Sandy Trimble recovery from surgery, Ellen Pohl relief from pain in her back, Julie Cole fighting cancer, others dealing with sickness, those struggling with grief and loss this Christmas Season, and safe travels during this holiday Season.
Poinsettias have been ordered to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. They may be purchased for $10.00 each in memory or in honor of a loved one. Please have your order into the church office by tomorrow morning, December 18th. You may use the form inserted in the bulletin today and drop it in the collection plate with your check.
Sunday School: We will not resume Sunday school until Sunday, January 14th, at which time you will have the choice of two classes. “The Gospel in Hymns” will be led by Jonathan, and “Encounters with Jesus” led by Nancy Terry. We’ll have more details to come soon but hope you will consider attending one of these classes for both instructional and community purposes.
Thank you to the Cooks for opening up their new home to so many of us Wednesday evening. Such a great Christmas gathering!
Young Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
508 Boulevard, Anderson, SC | Phone: 864-226-2484 | Web: youngmemorial.org
Rev. Jonathan Cook | Phone 402-889-7953 | Email: