Second Sunday in Advent; Holy Communion
December 6, 2015 10:00 A.M.
A Thought for Reflection
"If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." ~ attributed to E.B. White
GOD GATHERS US
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Passing of the Peace
Leader:The peace of Christ be with you.
PEOPLE:And also with you.
We invite you to turn to your neighbors and greet them.
*Hymn of Praise “The Baptist Shouts on Jordan’s Shore” C-4
*Call to Worship
Leader:Now is the time of watching and waiting--
PEOPLE:The time of pregnant expectation of new life.
Leader:Now is the season of hope unfolding--
PEOPLE:The dark winter season when hope is waiting to be born.
Leader:Let us come before God with receptive and willing spirits.
PEOPLE:Rejoice! God comes to bring life and hope!
*Prayer of Invocation
*Sentences of Praise
Leader:I will give thanks to God with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds!
PEOPLE:I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O most high!
+* Gloria 756
Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Prayer of Confession(In unison)
God of the Past, in the wilderness of Jordan you sent a messenger to prepare human hearts for the coming of the Christ. We rejoice that through the centuries that message of hope has brought confidence and joy to people.
God of the Present, even now you are among us. Forgive us that often we have failed to discern your presence with us, and have felt deserted and alone. Make strong in our hearts the faith that enables us to live serenely and triumphantly.
God of the Future, you have promised that Christ’s reign is coming. Teach us to live in expectation, that what we are and do today may be anchored in the certainty of your tomorrow. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Assurance of God’s Forgiveness
The Lord’s Prayer
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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Response C-7, verse 1
Come, O long-expected Jesus, born to set all people free;
From our fears and sins release us; grant us your true liberty.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE The Wednesday Night Bible Study Group
Please join in the Advent Incantation, found on page C-2 of your Singing the Season booklet.
Leader:Peace…
PEOPLE:We sing about it.
Leader:We dream of it.
PEOPLE:We pray for it.
Leader:Singing and dreaming and praying are great, but how’re we gonna make it real?
People:By listening deeper than the surface.
Leader:By honoring difference.
People:By seeking opportunity for everyone.
Leader:As we light this candle,
People:We trust our small acts toward peace matter.
GOD MEETS US IN THE WORD
The Hebrew Bible Lesson Isaiah 11:1-9
(Pew Bible, p. 558)
The Anthem “I Hear the Prophet Callin’” by Pepper Choplin
(with On the Fence)
* Congregation may stand as you are able
+*Latecomer seating
The Gospel Lesson Luke 3:1-14
(Pew Bible, p. 834)
Sermon “Of Wolves and Lambs and Human Beings”
Celebrations and Concerns
Call to Prayer
Silent Prayer
Prayers of Thanksgiving, Intercessionand Petition
GOD CALLS FOR OUR GIFTS
Our Offering to God
Offertory
*Doxology(Lasst Uns Erfreuen) NCH 17
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Alleluia, Alleluia.
Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
*Prayer of Dedication
GOD CALLS US TO THE TABLE
The Lord’s Supper
Hymn of Communion “Todos la Tierra” C-6
The Invitation to the Table
Prayer of Consecration
The Giving of the Bread and the Cup at the Table
The Thanksgiving(in unison)
We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
*Hymn of Dedication “Come, O Long Expected Jesus” verses 2-4 C-7
*Charge and Benediction
*Postlude “On This Day Earth Shall Ring” ~Holst
(Please feel free to remain and listen, or to greet one another in the narthex and at coffee hour.)
Our Worship Has Ended… Let Our Service Begin!
MinistersAll the People of Edwards Church
PastorThe Rev. Dr. Deborah Clark
Director of Christian EducationJessie Evers
Student PastorNena Radtke
Choir DirectorRick Seaholm
Organist/Pianist Don Buell
Administrative AssistantMaureen Hansen
SextonLori Wilson
The Liturgist Chuck Greenslit
The Deacon-in-Charge Sandy Thompson
The Greeter Bettina Messana
The Ushers Bill Freudenthal and Bruce Cichowlas
Communion ServersDawn Sorensen and Matt Aufman
Coffee Hour is being hosted by those who are moved by the Spirit.
Tammy Plaza, of Mothers’ Helpers, is in charge of the Nursery this morning.
Edwards Church
A United Church of Christ
An Open and Affirming Congregation
In the name of God and Jesus Christ, Edwards Church,a congregation of the UnitedChurch of Christ,welcomes all who seek to know and worship God. We invite everyone to join in our faith journey and participate in our congregational life.
As a community of faithwe take seriously the Biblical call to love God and our neighbors as ourselves, and recognize that although we are many members we are one.
We celebrate the uniqueness of everyone. We rejoice in our diversity of views and understanding of our shared faith. We commit ourselves to work diligently to help end oppression and discrimination. We affirm all relationships founded on the principle of God’s love and justice.
We declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming congregation.
Seeking to be the Body of Christ, we welcome into full fellowship and membership all persons of every race, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or cognitive ability, and economic status.
39 Edwards Street
Framingham, MA 01701
508-877-2050
THIS WEEK AT EDWARDS
December 6-12, 2015
SUNDAYRental (Edwards Hall)9:00 A.M.
Adult Bible Study (Susan P. Dickerman Education Building)9:00 A.M.
Worship/Communion/Sunday School10:00 A.M.
Coffee Hour/Wreath Pick-ups11:00 A.M.
Rental (Sanctuary)1:00 P.M.
MONDAYChairobics (Sue Dickerman Hall)9:30 A.M.
Rental (Sue Dickerman Hall)6:00 P.M.
Veteran’s Yoga (Edwards Hall)6:00 P.M.
Board of TrusteesMeeting (Jonathan House)7:30 P.M.
Meditation with the Masters (Sue Dickerman Hall)7:30 P.M.
Rental (Edwards Hall Classroom)7:30 P.M.
TUESDAYQi Gong (Sue Dickerman Hall)7:45 and 9:00 A.M.
Meditation (Jonathan House)9:30 A.M.
Gentle Yoga (Edwards Hall)10:00 A.M.
Rental (Sue Dickerman Hall)10:15 A.M.
Rental (Sue Dickerman Hall)4:15 P.M.
Yoga (Education Building Hall)5:30 P.M.
Rental (Edwards Hall)6:30 P.M.
Bereavement Group (Youth Room)6:30 P.M.
Longevitology (Choir Room)7:00 P.M.
WEDNESDAYChairobics (Education Building)9:30 A.M.
Book Group (Jonathan House)10:30 A.M.
Gentle Yoga (Edwards Hall)5:30 P.M.
Soup and Bible Study (Jonathan House)6:45 P.M.
Max Meditation (Sue Dickerman Hall)6:45 P.M.
Framingham Folk Dancers (Edwards Hall)7:30 P.M.
THURSDAYQi Gong (Sue Dickerman Hall)9:00 A.M.
Yoga (Edwards Hall)9:30 A.M.
Bible Study (Jonathan House)11:00 A.M.Cancer Support Group (Youth Room)6:00 P.M.
Kripalu Yoga (Edwards Hall)6:00 P.M.
Framingham Coming Together (Nevins Hall)7:00 P.M.
Choir Practice (Education Building)7:15 P.M.
AA Meetings (Edwards Hall and Education Building)7:00 P.M.
FRIDAYChairobics (Education Building)9:30 A.M.
Rental (Edwards Classroom)7:00 P.M.
SATURDAYRental (Edwards Classroom)8:30 A.M.
Yoga (Edwards Hall)9:00 A.M.
Community of St. Luke (Sanctuary) 4:30 P.M.
Welcome Visitors! We are glad you are here. Please join us for coffee and fellowship, following the service. Sign our guestbook too! In the Education Building (out the side door follow hallway) are the restrooms and where coffee hour is held. The Nursery and Sunday School classes are on the lower level. If you have questions, or suggestions, feel free to talk with one of the Ushers, Greeters or Deacon in Charge.
Special Needs / / / Available in the Narthex (front entrance hallway).- Sound-enhancing Assistive Listening Devices.
- Enlarged copy of the Church Bulletin.
/ PARKING:
ENTRANCE:
LIFT:
RESTROOM: /
- Accessible spots are marked and located near the EducationBuilding entrance.
- Lower level of the EducationBuilding (to the left of the Church main entrance).
- EducationBuilding: Next to the stairs.
- Education Building: Upper Level – opposite the kitchen.
Communion Notes: You are invited to come to the communion table to partake of the Lord’s Feast. Come forward row by row from the back to be served. Dip the bread in the grape juice in the chalice on your left or in the wine in the chalice on your right. Proceed back to your seats by the side aisles. If you prefer to be served at your seat, we will come to you.
The Communion Offering is used for confidential emergency needs. If you or someone you know has a need, bring this to the attention of the minister or a member of the Diaconate. The offering envelopes are in the pew racks. Put your name on the envelope for tax credit purposes. Please consider this offering thoughtfully.
Today is the last day to order!!
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA
Order Form
The Chancel Committee is taking orders for poinsettias to decorate our sanctuary on December 20th. If you would like to purchase one as a memorial or tribute for a loved one, please fill in this form and return it to a chancel committee member by Sunday, December 6th. The price of each plant will be $8.00.