Second Sunday of Advent • December 10, 2023
Welcome to worship with First UMC Santa Monica! We count it a blessing that you are joining us today. To find out more about this community of faith, go to: https://santamonicaumc.org/ Today's Order of Worship: https://santamonicaumc.org/wp-content... Let's Connect / New Visitor Sign In: https://santamonicaumc.org/new-visito... Prayer Requests: https://santamonicaumc.org/prayer-req... Thank you for participating online! Consider a donation to keep this feature in place: https://santamonicaumc.org/give Hymns Used by Permission: CCLI Streaming License: 4034411 -------------------------- Welcome Tricia Guerrero Prelude Sleepers, Wake (J. S. Bach) Ty Woodward, organ *Processional Hymn #108 United Methodist Hymnal — God Hath Spoken by the Prophets God hath spoken by the prophets, spoken the unchanging Word, each from age to age proclaiming, God the One, the righteous Lord! ‘Mid the world’s despair and turmoil, one firm anchor holdeth fast: God eternal reigns forever, God the first, and God the last. God hath spoken by Christ Jesus, Christ, the everlasting Son; brightness of the Father’s glory, with the Father ever one; spoken by the Word incarnate, God of God, ere time was born; Light of Light, to earth descending, Christ, as God in human form. God yet speaketh by the Spirit, speaketh to our hearts again; in the agelong Word expounding God’s own message, now as then. Thru the rise and fall of nations, one sure faith yet standing fast, God abides, the Word unchanging, God the first, and God the last. *Call To Worship Ron Theile, Lay Lector Timeless God of past and future, gift us now again with the Holy Spirit that we may make way for you to the humble with good news: to the captives with promise of release; to the bereaved with the comfort of beauty and new gladness; to the brokenhearted with tender, loving care; and to the oppressed with the promise of justice. Embolden us to be doers of your Word and heralds of your love and peace. *Choral Act of Praise “Prepare Ye the way of the Lord!” Children's Message Jamie Jones #2233 The Faith We Sing — Where Children Belong This, this is where children belong, welcomed as part of the worshiping throng. Water, God’s word, bread and cup, prayer and song: This is where children belong. As the congregation sings, all children are invited to come forward. LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES Annie, Brian, Elise and Daniel Wong Congregation joins in the prayer after lighting: Eternal God of power and grace, who comes to us in surprising ways—in angel appearances, in good news for the poor, in hope made new—show us the face of Emmanuel in our time. Amen. #217 UMH — Away in a Manger (verse 3) Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray; bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there. As the congregation sings, the children are invited to Sunday School in the Education Building. Our Mission & Common Life Whitney Hagan, Lay Lector Moments for Mission Linda Diane Anderson We give thanks for God’s Creating Spirit that continues to give us life and lead us forward! Thanks be to God! The Gospel Mark 1:1-8 (Pew Bible pages 32-33, N.T.) Ron Theile Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God! Sermon “Sing a New Song! Prepare for Good News” Rev. Patricia Farris Invitation to Prayer #196 UMH – Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Listening for the Voice of God Tricia Guerrero Silent Prayer and Pastoral Prayer The Lord's Prayer Choral Response We Offer Our Gifts & Ourselves Whitney Hagan Offertory The Chancel Choir/Dr. James Smith, Music Director Lo! How A Rose E’er Blooming (Michael Praetorius) *Response #95 UMH — The Doxology *Unison Prayer of Dedication Whitney Hagan God of justice and peace, from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness, that all the earth may stand in awe and wonder from your marvelous deeds. Give us ears to hear, O God, and eyes to watch, that we may know your presence in our midst during this holy season of joy as we anticipate the coming of the Messiah, our Savior, Christ the Lord. Amen. *Hymn #218 UMH – It Came upon the Midnight Clear *Benediction Rev. Farris *Benediction Response Postlude Prelude and Fugue in D minor (J. S. Bach) Ty Woodward
