What’s In A Name

This Sunday marks the beginning of the Advent season, and a new church year. The theme for this first week of Advent is Hope. Pastor Lauren’s sermon for this Sunday is based on our Old Testament reading from Isaiah 2:1-5 and our New Testament reading from Matthew 24:36-44. The Isaiah text stirs up hope for God’s people, for a time when swords will be beat into plowshares, and God will reign over all nations. The gospel passage, written centuries later, reminds us that the day of the Lord is still coming, and we won’t know when it will happen. Advent is about waiting, not idly, but actively, and with hope that when Jesus comes, we will be ready.

We Gather to Worship

Prelude: “Allegro Moderato” and “Allegretto” on  O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, arr. J. William Greene

Welcome

Advent Candle Lighting

Confession and Forgiveness

Gathering Hymn: “Hark the Glad Sound”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5

Anthem

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44

Children’s Time

Sermon “What’s in a Name”, Pastor Lauren Chambers

Sermon Hymn: “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of the Church

Announcements

Offertory: “Fruits of Kindness”  Angela Kraft Cross

The Great Thanksgiving

Holy, Holy, Holy and Words of Institution

The Lord’s Prayer

Communion Distribution

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “All Earth is Hopeful”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Festive Intrada”, Paul Fey