The Service for the Lord’s Day
Hope Presbyterian Churches
Tinton Falls & Lakewood
NJ
The First Sunday of Advent + December 1, 2019
The Second Sunday of Advent + December 8, 2019
The Third Sunday of Advent + December 15, 2019
The Fourth Sunday of Advent + December 22, 2019
The Sunday of the Nativity of the Lord + December 29, 2019
The Eve of the Epiphany of the Lord + January 5, 2020
The Baptism of the Lord + January 12, 2020
Liturgical Colors:
12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22 - Purple
12/29, 1/5, 1/12 - White
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper:
12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22, 1/5, 1/12 - Tinton Falls
12/1, 1/5, 1/12 - Lakewood
GATHERING
Gathering Music:
Welcome & Announcements
*Entrance Song:
12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22 “‘Sleepers, Wake!’ a Voice Astounds Us” (verse 1) 17/349
12/29/19 , 1/5/20 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (verse 1) 41/133
1/12/20 O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright” (verse 1) 69/827
*Call to Worship
The time is fulfilled!
The Kingdom of God has come near!
Repent, and believe the good news! Mark 1:15
It is time for the Lord to act. Psalm 119:126
Let us worship God; let us pray:
*Opening Prayer
God of grace:
unto whom all hearts are open,
from whom no secrets are hidden,
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit
that we may perfectly love you
and worthily magnify your holy name.
Amen.
*Prayer of the Day
12/1
Faithful God:
your promises stand unshaken through all generations.
Renew us in hope,
that we may be awake and alert
as we watch for the glorious return of Jesus Christ,
our Judge and Savior,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. BCW 2018
Amen.
12/8
Merciful God:
you sent your messengers the prophets
to preach repentance
and prepare the way for our salvation.
Give us grace to heed their warnings
and forsake our sins,
that we may greet with joy
the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. BCW, 2018
Amen.
12/15
Almighty God:
you have made us and all things to serve you.
Now prepare the world for your rule.
Come quickly to save us,
so that wars and violence shall end,
and your children may live in peace,
honoring one another with justice and love,
through Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. BCW, 2018
Amen.
12/22
God of grace:
your eternal Word took flesh among us
when Mary placed her life
at the service of your will.
Prepare our hearts for his coming again;
keep us steadfast in hope
and faithful in service,
that we may receive the coming of his kingdom
for the sake of Jesus Christ, the Ruler of all,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. BCW, 2018
Amen.
12/29
Almighty God:
you wonderfully created,
and yet more wonderfully restored,
the dignity of human nature.
In your mercy,
let us share the divine life of Jesus Christ
who came to share our humanity,
and who now lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. BCW, 2018
Amen.
1/5
Everlasting God,
the radiance of faithful souls,
who brought the nations to your light
and kings to the brightness of your rising:
Fill the world with your glory,
and show yourself to all the nations;
through him who is the true light
and the bright morning star,
Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. BCW, 2018
Amen.
1/12
Eternal God:
at the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan
you proclaimed him your beloved Son,
and anointed him with the Holy Spirit.
Grant that all who are baptized into his name
may keep the covenant they have made
and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior;
for he lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. BCW, 2018
Amen.
*Filling the Baptismal Font
John [the Baptizer said],
“I baptize you with water;
but one who is more powerful than I is coming;
I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing-fork is in his hand,
to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary;
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Luke 3:16, 17
In baptism God claims us,
calls us by name,
and seals us
to show that we belong,
not to the principalities and powers of this world,
not to different races and nations,
but to God.
God frees us from sin and death,
uniting us with Jesus Christ
in his death and resurrection.
By water and the Holy Spirit
we are gathered into the church, the body of Christ,
and sent out into the world
with the good news of Christ’s love, peace, and justice.
Remember your baptism, and be thankful!
*Hymn:
12/1 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” 9/88
12/8 “Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus” 2/82
12/15 “Now the Heavens Start to Whisper” —/94 (tune 231)
12/22 “Christ Is Coming” —/360
12/29 “The First Nowell" 56/147
1/5 “As with Gladness Men of Old” 63/150
1/12 “Down Galilee’s Slow Roadways” —/164
12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22
Lighting the Advent Candles
We light these candles
as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
Advent means coming.
We light the appropriate Advent candle.
12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22
We are preparing ourselves for the days
when nations shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2:4
12/8, 12/15, 12/22
The wolf shall lie down with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
The calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6
12/15, 12/22
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
Like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing. Isaiah 35:1
12/22
The Lord will give you a sign:
Look, the young woman is with child
and shall bear a son,
and shall name him Immanuel:
God Is With Us. Isaiah 9:2
Prayer for Wholeness
12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22 - none.
12/29
Great God of beauty and mystery:
you come into our lives as one of us,
born in great humility, poverty, and simplicity.
In Bethlehem you became flesh to dwell among us.
Truly and fully God,
you fulfill and reveal our true humanity.
But your birth back then is meaningless and empty
if you are not born in our own hearts
here and now.
For your Nativity is not about the past,
but shows how your promised future
is realized in our living present.
Be born in us, O God.
Come into our poor and broken places.
Let your Light shine through the cracks in our own lives.
Renew and reshape our minds
that our souls may be free, uncluttered and open to receive you.
That in sharing true humanity with you in Christ
we may come to participate in your very nature.
May we find our unity with all you have made.
May we live lives of justice, peace, humility, thanksgiving, hope, and joy
in the name of Jesus Christ,
by the power of your indwelling Spirit. PfR
Amen.
1/5
God of glory,
you sent Jesus among us as the light of the world,
to reveal your love for all people.
Yet by our fear, anger and shame
we block the brightness of your light,
leaving ourselves and others in deep shadow.
We fail to see your saving Presence;
we choose retribution over justice,
and violence over peace.
In your mercy,
heal and cleanse us of our blindness,
and baptize us once again with your Spirit,
that, forgiven and renewed,
we may reflect your glory
shining in the face of Jesus Christ. BCW, alt.
1/12
God of renewal and forgiveness:
by water you renew and nourish the Earth.
Water is life!
The Lord Jesus arose from the water
with the knowledge of his calling.
Water is life!
You call us through the water of our baptism
to follow his Way of peace and love.
Water is life!
Forgive our pollution and defilement
of your gift of water.
Water is life!
Forgive our attempts to own and sell
your gift of water.
Water is life!
Forgive our careless waste
of your gift of water.
Water is Life!
Purify the waters of the Earth;
purify our hearts and bodies;
purify our life together with all our relations
on this beautiful and abundant planet.
Water is life! PfR
Proclamation
The good news is that
“the Word became flesh to dwell among us
full of grace and truth.”
In Jesus Christ
God takes on our life,
sanctifying our human nature,
reconciling us to God and to each other.
In him we are forgiven;
our past is finished and gone,
everything has become fresh and new.
We celebrate this revelation
as we stand and sing in praise
to the Holy Trinity,
who has saved us. PfR
*Gloria:
12/1 “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” 309 (verses 1 & 3)/108 (verses 1 & 6)
12/8 “Bring We the Frankincense of Our Love” (verse 1) 62/—-
12/15 “Bring We the Frankincense of Our Love” (verse 2) 62/—-
12/22 “Bring We the Frankincense of Our Love” (verse 3) 62/—-
12/29 “Bring We the Frankincense of Our Love” 62/—-
1/5, 1/12 “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” 309 (verses 1 & 3)/108 (verses 1 & 6)
TF *Procession of the Word
A child processes into the Sanctuary carrying a Bible, as the people sing or say the Gloria.
*The Peace
Christ is in the midst of us.
He is and ever shall be.
May the grace and peace of Christ our God be with all of you.
And also with you.
The people exchange words and signs of God’s peace.
*Spiritual:
12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22 “Soon and Very Soon” (verse 1) —-/384
12/29, 1/5, 1/12 “He Came Down” —-/136
THE WORD
TF (Our young disciples continue worship and learning downstairs.)
Prayer for Understanding
Enlighten our hearts and minds by your Word, O God.
Open our eyes to the truth of your saving love,
revealed in Scripture,
Move our legs to walk in your way of peace.
Open our hands to do your work,
and our arms welcome others in your name.
For you are the enlightening of our souls and bodies,
O Christ our God,
and to you we give glory, now and forever. PfR
Amen.
Hebrew Scriptures
12/1 Isaiah 2:1-5
12/8 Isaiah 11:1-10
12/15 Isaiah 35:1-10
12/22 Isaiah 7:10-16
12/29 Isaiah 63:7-9
1/5 Isaiah 60:1-6
1/12 Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm
12/1
I was glad when they said to me,
‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’
Our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem—built as a city
that is bound firmly together.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
For there the thrones for judgement were set up,
the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
‘May they prosper who love you.
Peace be within your walls,
and security within your towers.’
For the sake of my relatives and friends
I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good. Psalm 122
12/8, 1/5
Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to a king’s son.
May he judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice.
May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness.
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the needy,
and crush the oppressor.
May he live while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth.
In his days may righteousness flourish
and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
May he have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
For he delivers the needy when they call,
the poor and those who have no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life;
and precious is their blood in his sight.
Long may he live!
May gold of Sheba be given to him.
May prayer be made for him continually,
and blessings invoked for him all day long.
May there be abundance of grain in the land;
may it wave on the tops of the mountains;
may its fruit be like Lebanon;
May all nations be blessed in him;
may they pronounce him happy.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name for ever;
may his glory fill the whole earth.
Amen and Amen. From Psalm 72
12/15
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortals, in whom there is no help.
When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
on that very day their plans perish.
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith for ever;
who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free;
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
The Lord will reign for ever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord! Psalm 146
12/22
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might,
and come to save us!
Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us the scorn of our neighbors;
our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
You brought a vine out of Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.
You cleared the ground for it;
it took deep root and filled the land.
The mountains were covered with its shade,
the mighty cedars with its branches;
it sent out its branches to the sea,
and its shoots to the River.
Why then have you broken down its walls,
so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
The boar from the forest ravages it,
and all that move in the field feed on it.
Turn again, O God of hosts;
look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
the stock that your right hand planted.
They have burned it with fire, they have cut it down;
may they perish at the rebuke of your countenance.
But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
Then we will never turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call on your name.
Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved. Psalm 80
12/29
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
He established them for ever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord! Psalm 148
1/5 (see 12/8 above)
1/12
Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
worship the Lord in holy splendor.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl,
and strips the forest bare;
and in his temple all say, ‘Glory!’
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king for ever.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace! Psalm 29
Epistle
12/1 Romans 13:11-14
12/8 Romans 15:4-13
12/15 James 5:7-10
12/22 Romans 1:1-7
12/29 Hebrews 2:10-18
1/5 Ephesians 3:1-12
1/12 Acts 10:34-43
Gospel
12/1 Matthew 24:36-44
12/8 Matthew 3:1-12
12/15 Matthew 11:2-11
12/22 Matthew 1:18-25
12/29 Matthew 2:13-23
1/5 Matthew 2:1-12
1/12 Matthew 3:13-17
Gospel Talk
__________________________________________________________
12/29 - A Service of Lessons and Carols (Replaces the Gospel Talk)
1 Adam and Eve Disobey God Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19
“Joy to the World” 40/134
2 God’s Promise to Abraham Genesis 22:15-18
“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” 37/128
3 A Great Light in the Darkness Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” 38/123
4 A Little Child All Lead Them Isaiah 11:1-4a, 6-9
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” 48/129
5 An Angel Appears to Mary Luke 1:26-35, 38
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” 31/119
6 Mary Gives Birth in Bethlehem Luke 2:1-7
“Away in a Manger” 25/115
7 Angels Announce the Messiah Luke 2:8-16
“Angels We Have Heard on High” 23/113
8 Magi Come From the East Matthew 2:1-11
“We Three Kings” 66/151
9 And the Word Became Flesh John 1:1-14
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” 28/132
________________________________________________________________
LW 12/8
The Sacrament of Baptism +
Presentation Matthew 28:18-20; Galatians 3:27, 28
Renunciations
Profession of Faith, *Apostles’ Creed
*Thanksgiving Over the Water
*The Baptism
*Anointing with Oil
*Welcome
*Hymn, “Baptized in Water” 492/482
_________________________________________________________________
1/12
Ordination and Installation
Sentences of Scripture
There are varieties of gifts
But it is the same Spirit who gives them.
There are different ways of serving God,
But it is the same Lord who is served.
God works through each person in a unique way.
But it is God’s purpose that is accomplished.
To each is given a gift of the Spirit
To be used for the common good.
Together we are the Body of Christ,
And individually members of him.
Statement on Ordination
Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant
Renunciations
Profession of Faith + *Apostles’ Creed (Traditional), p. 14/p. 35
Thanksgiving for Baptism
Anointing
Constitutional Questions
Laying on of Hands + Prayers
Declaration of Ordination and Installation
Welcome
The congregation shares signs of peace with the newly ordained and installed.
*Hymn: “Here I Am, Lord" 525/69
________________________________________________________
*Affirmation of Faith (Omit for Lakewood on 12/8, and in both churches on 1/12.)
12/1 The Apostles’ Creed (Traditional), p. 14/p. 35
12/8, 12/15, 12/22
Christ Jesus,
though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
aeven death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess to the glory of God:
and gave him the name that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess to the glory of God:
Jesus Christ is Lord! Amen. Philippians 2:5-11
12/29
Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation;
in him all things in heaven and on earth were created,
the firstborn of all creation;
in him all things in heaven and on earth were created,
things visible and invisible.
All things have been created through him and for him.
He himself is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
and in him all things hold together.
He is head of the body, the church;
he is the beginning,
the firstborn of the dead,
so that he might come to have first place in everything.
he is the beginning,
the firstborn of the dead,
so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
and through him God was pleased to reconcile all things,
whether on earth or in heaven,
by making peace through the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:15-20
by making peace through the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:15-20
1/5 The Nicene Creed (Ecumenical), p. 15/p. 34
Prayers of God’s Creation and People
Refrain:
Let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, have mercy.
In peace,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above,
for the loving kindness of God, and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
for the loving kindness of God, and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the world,
for the unity of the Church of God,
for the unity of the Church of God,
and for the well-being of all peoples,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this gathering of the faithful,
and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all the baptized,
for all who serve in the church,
for all who serve in the church,
for bishops and pastors,
[for N.],
let us pray to the Lord.
[for N.],
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our president,
for the leaders of the nations,
for the leaders of the nations,
and for all in authority,
let us pray to the Lord.
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this city (town, village, etc.),
for every city and community,
and for those who live in them,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For seasonable weather,
and for abundant harvests for all to share,
and for abundant harvests for all to share,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the good earth which God has given us,
and for the wisdom and will to conserve it,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who travel by land, water,
or air [or through outer space],
let us pray to the Lord.
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the aged and infirm,
for the widowed and orphaned,
for the widowed and orphaned,
and for the sick and the suffering,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the poor and the oppressed,
for those unemployed and the destitute,
for prisoners and captives,
and for all who remember and care for them,
for those unemployed and the destitute,
for prisoners and captives,
and for all who remember and care for them,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For deliverance in times of affliction, strife, and need,
let us pray to the Lord.
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Other petitions may be added.
For ________,
let us pray to the Lord.
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection and are at rest,
let us give thanks to the Lord.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
let us give thanks to the Lord.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
In the communion of all the saints,
let us commend ourselves, one another,
and our whole life to Christ our God.
and our whole life to Christ our God.
And to you we render glory,
now and forever.
Amen.
12/29
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
let us pray for the life of the world
saying: “O Christ, our light:
Hear our prayer.”
We pray for the church.
With Mary, help us to treasure and ponder
the gift that has been given to us,
a gift of good news and great joy for all.
O Christ our light,
Hear our prayer.
We pray for the world.
With the prophets, help us to proclaim
the promise of your peace for all nations
and your justice for all people.
O Christ, our light:
Hear our prayer.
We pray for this community.
With the shepherds, help us to keep watch
over those entrusted to our care
and all who need protection this night.
O Christ, our light:
Hear our prayer.
We pray for loved ones,
especially….
With the angels, help us to offer
signs of hope, comfort, and joy
for all who live in fear.
O Christ, our light:
Hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus Christ, hope of the world,
help us to bear witness in your light
so that all may believe and have life in you;
in your holy name we pray.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
In the communion of all the saints,
we commend ourselves, one another,
and our whole life to you, O Christ our God.
And to you we render glory
now and forever.
Amen.
THANKSGIVING
TF 12/8 Minute for Mission Leslie Shepherd
Offering
The Earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof,
the world and all that dwell therein. Psalm 24:1
Offertory Music: “”
TF The bread and wine for communion are carried to the Table as the congregation sings:
*Doxology: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” 5/347
When we do not celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, skip to the Prayer of Thanksgiving, below.
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
This is the holy meal of the future
where we share now
in the life of the One-Who-Is-to-Come,
Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God-with-us.
It is a foretaste of his coming to make all things new.
It is a sign of the way God transforms us from within.
In this sacrament
the One who becomes flesh to dwell among us
becomes our flesh,
and we become him,
sharing in the divine nature.
This is the Lord’s table.
Our Savior invites those who trust in him
to share in the feast which he has prepared.
Opening Dialogue
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts!
We lift them up to the Lord!
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Communion Preface
12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22
Open our hearts, O God, to your coming.
Broaden our vision to embrace your whole creation.
For at this table we see from the perspective
of your promised Kingdom of peace,
where violence and inequality are banished,
and all races and nations, families and tongues,
gather in joy. PfR
12/29
In sending us your Son, Jesus, to be born of Mary,
your Word became flesh,
and we have seen a new and radiant vision of your glory.
your Word became flesh,
and we have seen a new and radiant vision of your glory.
His name is above every name,
the Prince of peace and Savior of all.
In him we have been brought out of darkness
into your marvelous light. BCW
the Prince of peace and Savior of all.
In him we have been brought out of darkness
into your marvelous light. BCW
1/5
In sending Christ the Light of the world,
you revealed your glory to the nations.
You sent a star to guide seekers of wisdom to Bethlehem,
that they might worship Christ.
Your signs and witnesses in every age
lead people from every place to worship him.
We praise you that in him we become your children,
baptized into your service. BCW
1/12
In being baptized by John in Jordan’s waters,
Jesus took his place with sinners
and your voice proclaimed him as your Son.
Like a dove, your Spirit descended on him,
anointing him as the Christ,
to bring good news to the poor
and proclaim release to the captives;
to restore sight to the blind and free the oppressed.
We praise you that in our baptism we are joined to Christ
and, with all the baptized, are called to share his ministry. BCW
Sanctus
And so we lift up our hearts, O God,
joining with all your people
of every time and place
in the angels’ song of grateful praise.
Holy, holy, holy…. (St. Anne Sanctus)
Eucharistic Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer
God of tomorrow:
daily we pray for the coming of your Kingdom,
your great Jubilee
when debts are remitted,
wealth redistributed,
reparations made,
and the earth and her people
enjoy a blessed sabbath rest.
You created the universe
by your overflowing love,
and you declared it all very good.
Your unstoppable love
continued to overflow
until the time came
and you emerged among us
as one of us in Jesus Christ.
You invite us to place our trust in him
and share in the life of eternity.
As the ultimate expression of love
Jesus gave himself up to death on a cross,
bearing the brunt of human sin and violence.
And your love finally triumphs over death in his resurrection
revealing our true nature and destiny.
Your love now continues to overflow,
spreading your life over the whole world,
by the power of the Holy Spirit
with, within, among, and around us.
Send your Spirit, O God, upon us, your people
whom you call out from the world and gather together,
and upon these holy gifts,
of bread and the cup,
fashioned from the fruits of the Earth,
making them the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ,
revealing here and now
his living and saving Presence.
Let this meal be our medicine,
healing our souls and bodies,
opening our eyes to the truth of your love,
shining in all the world. PfR
O God,
like a mother who will not forget her nursing child,
you love us forever.
And so we are bold to pray in the words Jesus taught us,
saying: Our Father….
The Breaking of Bread
On the night when he was betrayed
[by his friends and arrested by the authorities],
the Lord Jesus
[celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples. After supper he]
took the bread.
He blessed it,
he broke it,
and gave it to them, saying:
“Take and eat. This is my body, broken for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
The celebrant breaks the bread.
In the same way he took the cup.
And he said:
“This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,
shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Whenever you drink it,
do this in remembrance of me.”
The celebrant fills the cup.
Every time we eat this bread
and drink from this cup,
we proclaim the Lord’s triumph
over the power of death,
until his life is fulfilled in us.
And:
With hearts trusting in an awesome God,
come to the Table.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Receive the Body of Christ:
taste the fountain of immortality.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The people share in Christ’s body and blood by intinction:
taking a piece of bread, dipping it into the cup, and eating it.
May the Body and Blood of Christ our God bring you to everlasting life.
TF Communion Music:
Closing Prayer
Or, when we do not celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper:
Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer
Gracious God,
we give you thanks
that in Jesus Christ,
who is your Word,
you have emptied yourself,
becoming flesh to dwell among us
full of grace and truth.
He brings good news to the poor,
proclaims release to the captives,
gives sight to the blind,
liberates the oppressed,
makes the lame walk,
welcomes sinners,
and even raises the dead.
In giving his life for the life of the world
he sets us free from sin and death.
And he gives us your Holy Spirit
by whom he is present with us even now,
gathering us into one beloved community.
and sending us into the world
with the good news of your love.
When we celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper:
Amen.
When we do not celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper:
O God,
like a mother who will not forget her nursing child,
you love us forever.
And so we are bold to pray in the words Jesus taught us,
saying: Our Father….
*Hymn:
12/1 “People, Look East” 12/105
12/8 “The Days Are Surely Coming” —/357
12/15 “My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout” —/100
12/22 “No Wind at the Window” —/101
12/29 “What Child Is This?” 53/145
1/5 “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning” 67/—
1/12 “Wild and Lone the Prophet’s Voice” 409/163
SENDING
*Charge
12/1, 1/5
God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God.
You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol....
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not kill.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet... anything that belongs to your neighbor. From Exodus 20:1-17
12/8, 12/15
Go out into the world in peace;
have courage;
hold on to what is good;
return no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak, and help the suffering; honor all people;
have courage;
hold on to what is good;
return no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak, and help the suffering; honor all people;
love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Timothy 2:1; Ephesians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:13–22; 1 Peter 2:17
12/22
O Wisdom,
coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,
pervading and permeating all creation,
you order all things with strength and gentleness:
Come now and teach us the way to salvation.
Come, Lord Jesus.
O Adonai,
Ruler of the house of Israel,
you appeared in the burning bush to Moses
and gave him the law on Sinai:
Come with outstretched arm to save us.
Come, Lord Jesus.
O Root of Jesse,
rising as a sign for all the peoples,
before you earthly rulers will keep silent,
and nations give you honor:
Come quickly to deliver us.
Come, Lord Jesus.
O Key of David,
Scepter over the house of Israel,
you open and no one can close,
you close and no one can open:
Come to set free the prisoners
who live in darkness and the shadow of death.
Come, Lord Jesus.
O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, Sun of justice:
Come, shine on those who live in the long night.
Come, Lord Jesus.
O Ruler of the nations,
Monarch for whom the people long,
you are the Cornerstone uniting all humanity:
Come, save us all, whom you formed out of clay.
Come, Lord Jesus.
O Immanuel,
our Sovereign and Lawgiver,
desire of the nations and Savior of all:
Come and save us, O Lord our God.
Come, Lord Jesus.
God of grace,
ever faithful to your promises,
the earth rejoices in hope of our Savior’s coming
and looks forward with longing
to his return at the end of time.
Prepare our hearts to receive him when he comes,
for he is Lord forever and ever.
Amen.
*Benediction
And now may the God of grace
who became flesh to dwell among us
grant us the joy of our Lord. George L. Rack
*Sending Song
12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22, 12/29 “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (verse 4) 44/121
1/5, 1/12 “Goodness Is Stronger Than Evil” —-/400
*Dismissal
Go in peace
to love and serve the Lord.
Amen.
*Postlude:
+ + +
No comments:
Post a Comment