First Sunday of Advent / Holy Communion • December 3, 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 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (Johannes Brahms) Ty Woodward, organ *Processional Hymn #213 United Methodist Hymnal — Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates; behold, the King of glory waits; the King of kings is drawing near; the Savior of the world is here! Fling wide the portals of your heart; make it a temple, set apart from earthly use for heaven’s employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy. Redeemer, come, with us abide; our hearts to thee we open wide; let us thy inner presence feel; thy grace and love in us reveal. Thy Holy Spirit lead us on until our glorious goal is won; eternal praise, eternal fame be offered, Savior, to thy name! *Call To Worship David Mayhan, Lay Lector God of justice and peace, from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness, that all the earth may stand in awe and wonder at 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. *Choral Act of Praise “Savior of the nations, come; Virgin’s Son, here make thy home! Marvel now, O heaven and earth, that the Lord chose such a birth.” 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 CANDLE Will, Christine, Julian and Lauren Sweat Congregation joins in the prayer after lighting: O God, rejoicing, we remember the promise of your Son. As this candle is lit, may the blessing of Christ come upon us, brightening our way and guiding us. May Christ our Savior bring light into the darkness of our world, and to us, as we wait. We ask this through Christ our Lord. 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 David Mayhan 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 13:24-37 (Pew Bible pages 47-48, N.T.) Rev. Keri Olsen Paget Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God! Sermon “Sing a New Song! Keep Awake” Rev. Patricia Farris We Offer Our Gifts & Ourselves David Mayhan Offertory The Chancel Choir/Dr. James Smith, Music Director The Holly and the Ivy (arr. June Nixon) *Response #95 UMH — The Doxology *Unison Prayer of Dedication David Mayhan God of grace, Child of peace, Spirit of truth, we join with all the church everywhere in the world in giving thanks for all the gifts you entrust to our care. Increase generosity in us, we pray. Work in us, to make us ready for the coming of your son, Jesus Christ, God-with-us. Amen. The Sacrament of Holy Communion Rev. Farris The ushers will guide you in coming forward to receive the communion elements. You will be invited to take a piece of bread, dip into the cup, and receive. Individual communion packs are available from an usher for any who prefer to receive the sacrament in that form. Online worshippers are encouraged to prepare a piece of bread/cracker and juice to receive at home. #196 UMH — Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus #247 UMH — O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright #730 UMH — O Day of God, Draw Nigh Unison Prayer after Communion Rev. Olsen Paget Come, o come Emmanuel, you are the way, the truth and the life; you are the true vine and the bread of life. Come, living Savior. Come to your world and to our hearts which wait for you. Amen. Silent prayer and Pastoral Prayer The Lord's Prayer *Hymn #203 UMH — Hail to the Lord’s Anointed *Benediction Rev. Farris *Benediction Response Postlude Prelude and Fugue in C (J. S. Bach) Ty Woodward
