Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Today, we come together to celebrate the unexpected moments of joy.
Conngregation:: We come with anticipation, ready to experience the joy that catches us by surprise.
Leader: God’s joy is often found in the most surprising places—in the midst of our ordinary days and even in our struggles.
Congregation: We embrace this joy with open hearts and spirits.
Leader: The Lord has turned your sorrow into joy.
Congregation: We sing praises to the One who has brought us through hard times. Let’s celebrate the joy that lifts us up, the joy that heals us, and the joy that reminds us of God’s amazing love. Amen.
Opening Hymn
All Earth Is Waiting to See the Promised One UMH 210
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, sometimes it feels like what we hear from you isn’t enough. How can we face the world with good news, hope, and joy when they seem so hard to find?
Yet you show us a glimpse of what you see: a people rooted in your love, growing with righteousness and praise. Forgive us when we fail to live into your vision. When we let other things grow in us instead of your freedom, comfort, and care. Forgive us when we do not reflect your goodness. When we rebuild unjust ways and resist the new life you offer us.
Remind us who you are and who you made us to be. Help us take up the robe of your righteousness and the crown of your joy, so that your love and care can shine through us to the world. We ask this in the name of Christ, whose Spirit fills us and leads us to your kingdom work. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Friends, hear the good news: God sees us completely. God knows both our beauty and our flaws and still chooses to forgive us. So remember this: through Christ you are forgiven, you are cherished, and you are loved.
People: Thanks be to God. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Psalm 30
Second Reading:
Isaiah 61:1-11
Sermon:
Sorrow for Joy by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Good Christian Friends Rejoice UMH 224
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Almighty God, prepare our hearts to receive Jesus this Advent season. As we give these gifts, let us make space in our sorrow for the joy that Jesus brings. Through these gifts, may that joy be shared. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Joy to the World UMH 246
Benediction
Said Each Week as A Communal Prayer:
Send to us all the people who feel unwanted and unloved in other places, and if they can't come to us, send us to them.
Postlude
Special Insert
Reader: While it is a season of anticipation, we know well that our sorrows don’t simply go away as we wait for Christmas. Advent began as a somber time. The pink candle of joy was a reminder that joy comes in the middle of the rest. Sometimes it comes alongside tears. It shines out as a soft flame inviting us to look for what gives light.
Light hope, peace, and joy candles.
Reader: We light this candle of joy as a sign of our commitment to be present to ourselves, our friends, our families, and our neighbors that in sharing our vulnerable lives we might share in the glorious joy of God’s salvation together.
All: God, thank you for your constant presence and unlimited love that hold us in our weeping and invite us into joy. Amen.
Sung Response:
This Week's Reading Plan
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Reading: |
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Monday
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The Year of Jubilee: Leviticus 25:8-12
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Tuesday
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The Spirit in Creation: Genesis 1:1-5
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Wednesday
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A Light to the Nations: Isaiah 42:1-9
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Thursday
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The Coming Ruler: Zechariah 9:9-17
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Friday
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The Birth of John Foretold: Luke 1:5-24
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Saturday
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John the Baptist is Born: Luke 1:57-80
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Sunday
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Mary and Elizabeth's Visitors: Luke 1:26-45 [46-56]
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