Note Pg #s refer to BAS
Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. All flesh shall see the salvation of God. - Luke 3.4, 6
Processional Hymn: #108 Hark, a Herald Voice is Sounding
Hark! a herald voice is sounding:
"Christ is nigh!" it seems to say,
"Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!"
Wakened by the solemn warning,
Let the Earthbound soul arise;
Christ, the Sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.
Lo! the Lamb, so long-expected,
Comes with pardon down from Heav'n;
Let us all with deep repentance,
Pay to we may be forgiv'n.
That when next he comes with glory
And the world is wrapped in fear,
With his mercy he may shield us,
And with words of love draw near.
Honor, glory, might, and blessing
To the Father and the Son,
With the everlasting Spirit,
While eternal ages run.
Welcome & Acknowledgment of Land
Advent Candle Lighting (Peace):
The Gathering of the Community (Service begins on p. 185)
Glory to God p.186
Kyrie Eleison p. 186
Collect: Almighty God, who sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare your people to welcome the Messiah, inspire us, the ministers and stewards of your truth, to turn our disobedient hearts to you, that when the Christ shall come again to be our judge, we may stand with confidence before his glory; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Proclamation of the Word (Led by Karen Erickson)
First Reading: MALACHI 3:1-4;
CANTICLE (LUKE 1:68-79)
R: The dawn from on high shall break upon us.
Second Reading: PHILIPPIANS 1:3-11
Gradual Hymn: #106 There’s a Voice in the Wilderness (vs. 1 & 2)
There’s a voice in the wilderness crying,
a call from the ways untrod:
Prepare in the desert a highway,
a highway for our God!
The valleys shall be exalted,
the lofty hills brought low;
make straight all the crooked places
where the Lord, our God, may go!
O Zion, you bring good tidings;
ascend to the heights and sing!
Proclaim to a desolate people
the coming of their King.
The works of pride all perish,
like flowers they shall decay.
The pow'r and pomp of nations
shall pass like a dream away.
The Gospel: LUKE 3:1-6A
Gradual Hymn: #106 There’s a Voice in the Wilderness (vs. 3 & 4)
But our Word, O God, is faithful;
your arm, O Lord, is strong.
you stand in the midst of nations,
and you will right the wrong.
He will feed your flock like a shepherd,
and fold the lambs to your breast,
in pastures of peace you'll lead them,
and give to the weary rest.
There’s a voice in the wilderness crying,
a call from the ways untrod:
Prepare in the desert a highway,
a highway for our God!
The valleys shall be exalted,
the lofty hills brought low;
make straight all the crooked places
where the Lord, our God, may go!
Homily: “The Royal Road”
Affirmation of Faith: (Apostles Creed p. 189)
Prayers of the People (Led by Rev. Marion)
Confession and Absolution p. 191
The Peace p. 192
Offertory Hymn: #441 Thee Will I Love
Thee will I love, my strength, my tower
Thee will I love, my joy, my crown
Thee will I love with all my power
In all my works, and Thee alone
Thee will I love, till the pure fire
Fill my whole soul with chaste desire
I thank Thee, Uncreated Sun
That Thy bright beams on me have shined
I thank Thee, who hast overthrown
My foes, and healed my wounded mind
I thank Thee, whose enlivening voice
Bids my freed heart in Thee rejoice
Uphold me in the doubtful race
nor suffer me again to stray
Strengthen my feet with steady pace
still to press forward in thy way
That all my powers with all their might
In Thy sole glory may unite.
Thee will I love, my joy, my crown
Thee will I love, my Lord, my God
Thee will I love, beneath Thy frown
Or smile, Thy sceptre or Thy rod
What though my flesh and heart decay?
Thee shall I love in endless day
Prayer over the Gifts: God our strength, we are nothing without you. Receive all we offer you this day as you sustain us with your mercy; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Celebration of the Eucharist (Eucharistic Prayer #5, p. 204)
The Lord’s Prayer (sung) p. 211
The Breaking of the Bread (prayer # 2) p. 212
Agnes Dei (sung) O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us… Grant us Thy peace.
¬The Communion (all are welcome to receive communion, or come up to the altar for a blessing)
Communion Hymn: MV 221 I am Walking the path of Peace
1. I am walking a path of peace,
I am walking a path of peace,
I am walking a path of peace,
lead me home, lead me home.
2. I am walking a path of love,
I am walking a path of love,
I am walking a path of love,
lead me home, lead me home.
3. I am walking a path of grace,
I am walking a path of grace,
I am walking a path of grace,
lead me home, lead me home.
4. I am walking a path of hope,
I am walking a path of hope,
I am walking a path of hope,
lead me home, lead me home.
5. I am walking a path of joy,
I am walking a path of joy,
I am walking a path of joy,
lead me home, lead me home.
6. I am walking a path with heart,
I am walking a path with heart,
I am walking a path with heart,
I am home, I am home.
Prayer after Communion: Faithful God, we thank you for feeding us with this heavenly banquet. Help us always to hear the prophet's call to turn our hearts to you; in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen
Doxology (Old 100): Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below. Praise him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Amen
The Blessing
Closing Hymn: #114 Lo , He Comes with Clouds
Lo! he comes with clouds descending,
once for favoured sinners slain;
thousand thousand saints attending
swell the triumph of his train:
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
God appears, on earth to reign.
Every eye shall now behold him
robed in dreadful majesty;
all who set at nought and sold him,
pierced and nailed him to the tree,
deeply grieving, deeply grieving, deeply grieving
shall the true Messiah see.
Now redemption, long expected,
see in solemn pomp appear;
all his saints, on earth rejected,
thrill the trumpet sound to hear:
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
See the day of God appear!
Yea, Amen! let all adore thee,
high on thine eternal throne;
Saviour, take the power and glory:
claim the kingdom for thine own:
O come quickly! O come quickly! O come quickly!
Hallelujah! Come, Lord, come!
The Dismissal p. 215
