Worship 12/3/23

Starling Avenue Baptist Church First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2023 ╬ 11:00 a.m.

The Worship of God First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2023 ╬ 11:00 a.m. *We invite you to stand as you are able.

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant Welcome

Angela Zimmerman

Call to Worship

Angela Zimmerman

This is the season of holy waiting.

We watch for the day when our warfare will be ended.

We wait for the One who can bring comfort and speak peace.

We wait while the night begins to glow with the light of day.

Come let us walk in the light of God! Prelude

Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming

Life of the Community

arr. Diane Bish

Patsy Roach

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem Lighting of Advent Wreath

Joan Joyce & The Talking Hands Class

Lighting a candle in the darkness helps us find our way. In darkness we lose direction.

We cannot see where we have been or where we are going. A single candle, flickering brightly, helps us find our way again.

“Stir up your might, and come to save us. Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved” (Psalm 80:2b-3).

(The first candle is lit.)

Light one candle; see it glow Brightly, so that all may know How one candle shows the way Making our darkness bright as God’s day.

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

*Hymn #83

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

HYFRYDOL

Isaiah 40:1-11

Patsy Roach

*Scripture Reading

The Word of God for the People of God Thanks Be to God. The Church at Prayer

Angela Zimmerman

Scripture Reading

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

Patsy Roach

The Word of God for the People of God Thanks Be to God.

Come and behold him, born the King of angels *Hymn #90

People, Look East

BESANCON

Giving our Tithes and Offerings Offertory Prayer Offertory

Tommy Wells Joseph and Mary

Traditional

(SABC Handbell Choir)

*Response (Hymn #85)

Christians All, Your Lord is Coming

PLEADING SAVIOR

Christians all, your Lord is coming, drawing near in holy birth.

Ring the bells and sound the trumpets, let your music fill the earth.

Dance and move to show God’s glory; kneel and pause to hear God’s word.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Raise and let your songs be heard.

O come, let us adore Him *Scripture Reading Mark 1:1-8 Angela Zimmerman For the Word of God in Scripture, for the Word of God among us, for the Word of God within us.

Thanks be to God. Anthem

O Come Emmanuel

Lani Smith

Sermon

“Clear the Way”

Angela Zimmerman

Discipline of Silence To be in God’s presence is to be changed.

During this moment of silent reflection, consider the change God wishes to make in you.

Christ, the Lord Invitation to Christ’s Table Prayer of Thanksgiving and 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.

Sharing the Bread As the plate is passed, say to your neighbor: The body of Christ was broken for you.

Sharing the Cup As the plate is passed, say to your neighbor: The blood of Christ was shed for you.

O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord *Hymn #99

View the Present Through the Promise

AR HYD Y NOS,alt.

If you sense God calling you today, we invite you to respond during this time of invitation.

If God is calling you to follow Jesus for the first time, to rededicate yourself as a Christ-follower, or as a faithful Christian, to join the fellowship of our church, we encourage you to come forward to speak to our pastor during this closing hymn.

Benediction Postlude

Angela Zimmerman How Great Our Joy

Victor Labenske

(Please put your nametag in the basket provided at either entrance when leaving.)