Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: In a world often torn by conflict and division,
Congregation: We gather here to seek the peace.
Leader: Come, all who are burdened by fear, uncertainty, and the weight of the world. Jesus speaks to us today:
Congregation: My peace I give to you.
Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, and fill us with your peace.
All: Together, let us open our hearts to the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Opening Hymn
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel UMH 211 Vs. 1-2
Why This Song:
Our peace rests in Christ's presence in our lives. That presence is made possible through his birth so long ago and the promised coming in the future.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we confess that we often misunderstand peace. We see it as an absence of conflict or struggle, but Jesus reminds us that your peace goes deeper. Forgive us for clinging to comfort instead of seeking your transformative peace. In our busyness, help us to pause and listen for your voice. In our striving, teach us to rest in your Spirit. Lead us into the wholeness that only your peace can bring. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Jesus said, "My peace I give to you; do not let your hearts be troubled." In the assurance of this peace, know you are forgiven.
Congregation: Thanks be to God, who brings peace and hope into our lives!
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
John 14:25-27
Second Reading:
Joel 2:12-13, 28-29
Sermon:
Anxiety for Peace by Kristine Adams
Hymn of Response
It Is Well with My Soul UMH 377
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Prince of Peace, in times of trouble, we turn to you. You offer peace that does not leave us feeling alone. May the gifts of our hands become channels of peace for those who need it most, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Let There Be Peace on Earth UMH 431
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: In a fast and chaotic society with what seems like a never-ending stream of bad news, it makes sense that many of us find ourselves plagued by anxiety and concerned about the present and future. Advent reminds us that these feelings aren’t new. Jesus was born into a time and place of turmoil. He came as a sign of peace and bringer of peace. He continues to offer it.
Light hope and peace candles.
Reader: We light this candle of peace as a sign of our commitment to passionately pursue the work of making peace in our hearts, our families, our communities, and throughout the earth until God’s kin-dom comes on earth as it is in heaven.
Congregation: In a world driven by a passion to maintain the status quo, we choose to live with a passion for God’s peace, to listen to those who call us to righteousness, and to submit ourselves to God’s grace, that we might be refined and purified until we reflect God’s love throughout the earth.
This Week's Reading Plan
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Reading: |
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Monday
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Prayer for Cleansing: Psalm 51:1-12
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Tuesday
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Peter Addresses the Crowd: Acts 2:14-21
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Wednesday
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God Will Restore Judah: Joel 3:1-2a, 17-18
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Thursday
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Restoration of David’s Kingdom: Amos 9:11-15
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Friday
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The Ruler from Bethlehem: Micah 5:2-4
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Saturday
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God’s People are Comforted: Isaiah 40:1-5
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Sunday
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Isaiah's Prophecy of Hope: Isaiah 61:1-11
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