Sunday Service (12/22/2024)

First Presbyterian Church LaGrange, IN Sunday, December 22, 2024 Fourth Sunday of Advent Prelude Gathering in Faith Community Sentence of Scripture Welcome and Announcements Music for Meditation Mr. Kevin Ramer, Organist Lighting the Advent Candle insert “The First Noel” (verses 1-4) #205 Mr. Ramer Gathering Prayer (Unison) God of grace, your eternal Word took flesh among us when Mary placed her life at the service of your will. Prepare our hearts for his coming again; keep us steadfast in hope and faithful in service, that we may receive the coming of his kingdom, for the sake of Jesus Christ the ruler of all, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Approaching the Word Prayer of Confession (Unison) God of the future, you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors, abuse the earth, and refuse your justice and peace. In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world. Moments of Silent Prayer † = Please stand when able] Assurance of Pardon Rev. Weaver † Gloria Patri # 620 Mr. Ramer Litany for Advent insert Prayer for Illumination Rev. Weaver Hearing the Word Old Testament Reading: Micah 5:2-5a OT p. 890 Music for Reflection Mr. Ramer Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-55 NT p. Sermon: “What’s Your Song?” Rev. Weaver Responding to the Word “O Little Town of Bethlehem” #200 Mr. Ramer Acknowledgements of Gifts and Tithes † Doxology #623 Mr. Ramer Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer Sending into the World “It’s Christmas” Mr. Ramer and Mim Smith Charge and Blessing Rev. Weaver † Congregational Response Inside Front Hymnal Cover Postlude Mr. Ramer Announcements We collect our regular offering as we enter the sanctuary for worship (or leave the sanctuary at the end of worship). The donation box is on a small table as you enter. To access our Live Stream - go to our website fpclag.org, scroll down our home page, click on Live Stream (and select the date, as applicable). Mim Smith will be our pulpit guest next Sunday, December 29th. Our Christmas Eve Service is Tuesday, Dec. 24th at 4:00 PM. Organist Kevin Ramer and vocalist Cassandra Petrie will celebrate Christmas music as part of our Christmas Eve worship. Light refreshments following the service. Christmas flowers are $12 this year. If you would like one, please pay the church. On Sunday, January 4, 2025, we celebrate the Eucharist in our worship service, and we plan to ordain/install our ruling elders-elect for the Class of 2027, Warren McKinley and Mim Smith. If you have a prayer request or praise, please contact Mim at 463-5093 and she will send it out on the prayer chain. The prayer group will be meeting on Tuesdays at 10 AM for about 30 to 40 minutes. All are welcome. Prayers for the week- Please remember all immigrants in our country who are anxious about their future. During December there is an opportunity to contribute to our denomination’s Christmas Joy Offering. The offering supports Presbyterian educational institutions that provide education to poor and underserved students (adults and children) in the USA and around the world. In 2023 the Christmas Joy Offering raised $2,417,914 nationwide. The next ladies’ luncheon is on January 8, 2024, at 1:00 PM at The Gathering Place in Howe. All are welcome. If you, or someone you know, would like a pastoral visit, please call Rev. Weaver at 260-710-2434, or leave a message on the Church phone at 463-3239.