December 5, 2021 – 10:00 AM
Covenant is an accepting, welcoming community sharing the glory of God’s love with all.
PRELUDE “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” arranged by Shackley
“Christmas Fantasia” arranged by Sorenson
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER REQUESTS
ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING † The Sanders Family
INTROIT “Candles Glowing, Promise Showing”
Candles glowing, promise showing holy peace so still and bright.
New tomorrow, free from sorrow – living in Christ’s holy light.
Shunning violence, loving neighbor, joy of silence, trust our savior –
Living in Christ’s holy light! Living in Christ’s holy light!
*CALL TO WORSHIP †
Leader: If life was a home, then we would pray—
People: may love be the foundation. May God be the cornerstone. May the Spirit be the windows—ushering light in. And may hope be the walls—holding us together.
Leader: In this hour of worship, let us work toward building that home together.
People: We may not know the path ahead, but God is here, even now.
Let us give thanks for a foundation of love.
Leader: Let us worship Holy God.
*Please stand as you are able.
*HYMN #82 “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”
1 Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us;
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.
2 Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a king,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy glorious throne
PRAYER OF CONFESSION †
Holy God,
When John was Born, Zechariah leaned down and whispered words of love into his ear. We know that you do the same for us, day in and day out, yet we fail to hear it.
We forget that in the beginning we were made good.
We doubt that we could possibly be enough.
We hustle for our self-worth and wear ourselves out aiming for perfection. We deflect words of praise.
We hide behind shiny first impressions.
Forgive us. Trusting our worth is the hardest job.
Open our ears as you open our hearts,
so that we might rest on the foundation of goodness you have laid for us. Gratefully we pray, amen. (Silence for Personal Confession)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*HYMN #654 “In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful”
In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful; in the Lord I will rejoice! Look to God; do not be afraid. Lift up your voices the Lord is near. Lift up your voices; the Lord is near.
PASSING OF THE PEACE The peace of the Lord, be with you all. And also with you.
HYMN #188 “Jesus Loves Me”
TALK WITH CHILDREN Erin Wise
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION †
GOSPEL READING Luke 1:57-80
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON “Laying the Foundation”
HYMN “Zechariah’s Lullabye” (Tune of “away in the Manger”)
When old Zechariah held his baby son
He blessed him and dreamed of what he would become.
As baby John rocked in the temple that morn
This song Zechariah sang for his newborn.
And you child will be called a prophet of Christ.
To bring hope to hearts and to shadows the light.
For God has sent visions of what you will do.
A dream to proclaim and a world to renew.
We lay a foundation for what is to be
Not knowing yet praying for what we can’t see.
We trust in God’s imagination to build
From blueprints and hope for a dream yet fulfilled.
MINUTE FOR MISSION Christmas Joy Offering Beth Askue
PRESENTATION OF OFFERING †
Offertory “He is the Rock” by Michael Barrett
The Chancel Choir
*Doxology #606
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
HYMN #92 “While We Are Waiting, Come” (v.1)
While we are waiting, come;
while we are waiting, come.
Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel,
while we are waiting, come.
THE LORD’S SUPPER
*HYMN #106 “Prepare the Way, O Zion”
1 Prepare the way, O Zion,
your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley
a level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory,
foretold in sacred story.
Refrain:
O blest is Christ who came
in God’s most holy name.
2 He brings God’s rule, O Zion;
he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom,
and justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding,
for grace and joy abounding. [Refrain]
3 Fling wide your gates, O Zion;
your Savior’s rule embrace,
and tidings of salvation
proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing,
their adoration voicing. [Refrain]
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Reprise of Prepare the Way, O Zion
† Prayers by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org.
Assisting in Worship Today:
Brian, Courtney, Alex & Josie Sanders- Advent Wreath Lighters
Mary Hoyt Hemmer–Liturgist
Whitney Dodds–Vocalist
Cherie Brooks – Director of Music
Katie Wynkoop–Organist/Pianist & Assistant Director of Music
Erin Wise – Director of Children’s & Youth Ministries
Brian Biller – Media Production Specialist
Rev. Joel A. Esala – Pastor
”Berakah”
by Hannah Garrity
