November 27, 2011 by Cityview Presbyterian Church

First Sunday of Advent

November 27, 2011

Welcome to Cityview Presbyterian Church

Community Life: After the Service

To Our Guests: Visiting a church can be an intimidating experience. We are glad that you are here, and we hope to remove as much of that awkwardness as we can from your visit to Cityview. Our worship service usually lasts about 75 minutes. This worship guide will help you navigate the service. There are short paragraphs on the next page to explain each part of the service. The service is designed to be accessible to you, whether you’ve spent years in the church or you’ve never been to a church service in your life. During the service, we will try to help you understand how the message of Jesus can apply to your life today. If you are new to Cityview or just visiting, we would love to know that you were here. We have clipboards next to each row: we call those our ―Connection Cards‖. Connection Cards are a way for you to let us know whatever information you might want us to know and to request any information from us that you might need. Pastor Dan Adamson

Each week, we linger for fellowship with one another. Please join us for refreshments in the cafeteria.

Community Groups In addition to weekly worship, we offer small groups (community groups, men’s and women’s bible studies, book studies) that meet throughout the week. We want all of our members and regular attenders to be intentional about building trusting and meaningful spiritual relationships. For a complete list of our small groups, please visit our website (www.cityviewchicago.org) or fill out one of our ―connection cards‖ for more information.

(dadamson@cityviewchicago.org) is available to answer questions, as well.

For Children: Children of all ages are welcome in the worship service. Nursery is provided during the service for children 2 years of age and younger.

Cover Image:

Cross and Sun Rays

Children ages three through 5th grade are given the choice of attending Sunday school classes beginning during the greeting portion of the service.

If you have any questions about children’s ministry at Cityivew, please contact Children’s Ministry Coordinator Hilary Clark (hilary.r.clark@gmail.com).

All songs used by permission CCLI License #11041992 Scripture reprinted from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.

The Liturgy Preparing for Worship The goal of our time of gathering is to engage with God together, listening to him in his Word and speaking to him in prayer and song. Because we often enter this time tired, overwhelmed and distracted, we take a few moments at the beginning of our meeting to prepare to meet God in worship. Call to Worship We need to be ―called‖ to come and worship God because we default to thinking the world revolves around our needs and agendas, and also because we struggle to believe that God truly wants us to draw near to him. The call to worship focuses our attention on God and prepares us to meet him. Confession of Sin The Scriptures declare that each of us has failed in the way we act toward God and each other. We confess our sin to be honest and transparent about this reality and to admit our ongoing dependence on the mercy of God through Jesus. We confess as a community to show our unity even in our brokenness. Assurance of Grace We confess our sins not just to admit what is true, but also to be reminded again of the truth that Jesus came into this world to save sinners; and all of our sin has been forgiven through him. Every week, following our confession, we hear God speak to us in Scripture of this forgiveness so that our faith might be strengthened. Worship Through Giving Because money is so powerfully tied to our hearts, this is a valuable expression of worship as we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and belongs to him. If you are visiting with us, we are just glad you are here- please do not feel obligated to give. The Sermon Some view the Sermon as a way to get principles for ―right‖ living. In reality, as we open the Scripture we corporately encounter Christ. Therefore, as you listen, pray to be open to the Spirit’s leading, exhortation, encouragement, and healing. Communion Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is the family meal for Christians. We welcome all Christians - those who look to Christ alone for salvation, who are in good standing with His Church, and who seek strength to live more faithfully to their Savior - to join in this sacrament. The Benediction God always gets the last word in our encounter of worship. For Christians, it is always a word of blessing and sending to live our lives in the light of the reality of the Gospel of Christ.

ORDER OF WORSHIP ―Advent is a time when we ask, even plead with God not to leave us alone, for when God leaves us to our own choices and turns us over to our own ways, we are certain to drift from him. Our indifference to God is soon turned into spiritual boredom, a boredom that leads to spiritual inertia and ultimate death to spiritual realties. Advent is a time to cry, ―O God, turn me away from my indifference, create in me a heart of repentance, and lead me to the waters of spiritual refreshment.‖

Robert Webber

―We eat bread, but not enough to take our hunger away; we drink wine, but not enough to take our thirst away; we read from a book, but not enough to take our ignorance away. Around these ―poor signs‖ we come together and celebrate. What then do we celebrate? The simple signs, which cannot satisfy all our desires, speak first of all of God’s absence. He has not yet returned; we are still on the road, still waiting, still hoping, still expecting, still longing… The minister is not called to cheer people up but modestly to remind them that in the midst of pains and tribulations the first sign of the new life can be found and a joy can be experienced which is hidden in the midst of sadness.‖

Henri Nouwen

God Calls Us

Advent Reading – Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-on them a light has shined.

Call to Worship Leader:

Jesus said, ―I am the light of the world; the one who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.‖ We light this first candle of Advent as a sign of the coming light of Christ.

All:

Thanks be to God for sending us the light of Christ.

Lighting of the Advent Candle

Hymn of Advent

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Words and Music: Latin, John F. Wade

Prayer of Adoration All:

Lord Jesus Christ, who is, who was, and who is to come, we pray for the virtue of hope, that amidst the trials and difficulties of this world, we may keep our hearts fixed upon you, who reigns over the cosmos. May your grace enliven us, strengthen us, and defend us, as we await your coming in glory. Amen.

Hymn of Praise

O God, Our Help in Ages Past

Words: William Walsham How Music: Chris Miner

God Cleanses Us Confession of Sin Leader:

Come and confess your sins to God:

All:

Merciful God,  we confess that we have sinned against you by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart and have not loved our neighbor as ourselves.

(Silent confession)   Leader:

Father, forgive us.

All:

We have grown comfortable in the trappings of this world and have not longed for the coming light of Jesus.

(Silent confession)   Leader:

Father, forgive us.

All:

This Advent season, open our eyes and enflame our hearts as we celebrate the coming of our Savior and eagerly anticipate his return.

(Silent confession)   Leader:

Hymn of Confession

Empower us to walk and to worship in the light of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for his glory. Amen.

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Words of Assurance Leader:

This is the good news of the Advent season: forgiveness of sin and new life has come to you in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

All:

Thanks be to God, who comes to his people, setting us free to love and serve the world in the name of our Redeemer. Amen.

Leader:

Brothers and Sisters, you have heard Godʼs holy demands and have confessed your sins to him. Do you believe that Jesus Christ, by his perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection has atoned for your sins and satisfied the wrath of God for you?

All:

We do.

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.

Hymn of Assurance

Pensive, Doubting, Fearful Heart

Words: John Newton Music: Wendell Kimbrough

Story of Grace Opportunities and Concerns

Passing of the Peace - from John 13:34 Leader:

Hear the teaching of Christ: ―A new command I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you.‖ The peace of Christ be with you all.

All:

And also with you!

Worship Through Giving

God Speaks To Us Sermon Text – Isaiah 64: 1-9 1

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence— 2 as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence! 3 When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. 4 From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. 5 You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways. Behold, you were angry, and we sinned; in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved? 6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 7 There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities. 8

But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9 Be not so terribly angry, O LORD, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people.

Leader: All:

Sermon

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

The Unexpected Dawn Reverend Dan Adamson

God Strengthens Us Confession of Faith – Galatians 4: 3-9 Leader:

When we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.

All:

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of children.

Leader: out, ―Abba, Father.‖

Because we are children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the

All:

So we are no longer slaves, but children; and since we are children, God has made us also heirs.

Leader:

Formerly, when we did not know God, we were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.

All:

But now that we know God— or rather are known by God—we will not turn back to those idols that cannot satisfy, but will look to the coming Son, our righteousness and hope.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Consecration

Leader: All: Leader:

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.

All: We lift them up to the Lord. Communion Leader: All:

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Spirit who calls

Prayers for Reflection Prayer for those searching for truth Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. As I consider the reasons for doing so, grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that you promise. Amen.

Prayer for those struggling with sin Lord Jesus, grant that I may see in you the fulfillment of all my need, and may turn from every false satisfaction to feed on you, the true and living bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely, and faithfully follow you in life. Amen.

Prayer of belief Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness and new life. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior and Lord. Amen.

Prayer of commitment Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you in baptism and in a life of committed discipleship in your church. Grant that I may take the necessary steps to be one with your people, and live in the fullness of your Spirit. Amen.

Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above, ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

God Commissions Us Hymn of Benediction

Go, Tell It on the Mountain

While shepherds kept their watching Over silent flocks by night, Behold throughout the heavens, There shone a holy light: Go, Tell It On The Mountain, Over the hills and everywhere; Go, Tell It On The Mountain That Jesus Christ is born. The shepherds feared and trembled When lo! above the earth Rang out the angel chorus That hailed our Saviour's birth: Go, Tell It On The Mountain, Over the hills and everywhere; Go, Tell It On The Mountain That Jesus Christ is born. Down in a lowly manger Our humble Christ was born And God send us salvation, That blessed Christmas morn: Go, Tell It On The Mountain, Over the hills and everywhere; Go, Tell It On The Mountain That Jesus Christ is born. Words: John Work Music: Traditional American Spiritual

Benediction - from Psalm 23:6 Leader:

May the peace of Christ be with you.

All: Leader:

And also with you. Beloved, goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your lives.

All:

And we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.

Dismissal Leader:

Let us go forth to serve the world as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

All:

Thanks be to God!

Around Cityview 

Prayer for the Church- Join a group to pray for Cityview before the service each Sunday at 9:30 am. Talk to Malissa Mackey or Megan Hohenstein for more info.



Children of Men Movie Night- Sat., December 10th, Dan and Jodi Hoard (2249 S.

Serving This Week Sound/ Set-Up

Jennifer Connell Jim and Peggy Adamson Lynda Adamson Peggy Adamson Peggy Adamson Susan Young

Greeters Bread Snacks Nursery Sunday School

Serving Next Week Sound/ Set-Up Greeters Bread Snacks Nursery Sunday School

Josh Koonce Andrew and Stacy Gordon Kylene Young Carolyn Koonce Michael Chin

Budgeted Monthly Giving:

Actual YTD Giving: Budgeted 2011 Giving YTD: Difference:

 Donations for SGM - The West Loop Community Group is organizing a collection for Christmas toys to benefit Sunshine Gospel Ministries. Please place any monetary contributions in the bucket located at the greeting table on Sunday morning. Please make checks payable to Cityview Presbyterian Church and designate "Sunshine Toy Drive" in the subject line. We will be collecting donations today. 

Save the date for Midnight Clear, the Chicago area concert with sister churchesSunday, December 11.



Citvview Christmas Party- December 18th.



Christmas Eve Candlelight Service- December 24.

Charlynne Bowsher

October 2011 Congregational Giving*

Actual Monthly Giving:

California, #12) will be hosting a movie night to get us thinking about what it means to expect the arrival of a newborn that can change the world. RSVP to Dan Hoard at dan.h.hoard@gmail.com. The movie will begin at 6:30pm, with snacks beforehand at 5pm.

$ 12,669 $ 12,160 Difference: $ 509 $116,827 $121,600 ($4,773)

*In addition to congregational giving, 20% of our overall operating budget is currently comprised of financial support from other churches and individuals. Our

budgeted congregational giving represents 80% of the overall operating budget.

Contacts CITYVIEWCHICAGO.ORG Dan Adamson, Pastor dadamson@cityviewchicago.org Jenny Avila, Administrative Coordinator jenny.n.avila@gmail.com Herb Bowsher, Financial Administrator bowsher@comcast.net Hilary Clark, Children’s Ministry Coordinator hilary.r.clark@gmail.com Carolyn Koonce, Social Coordinator carolyn.groenewold@gmail.com Paul Leo, Service & Outreach Coordinator contactpaulleo@gmail.com Paul-David Young, Music Coordinator music@cityviewchicago.org 16