This week, beginning with the Third Sunday of Advent, will be the day our Chancel Choir presents their cantata. For more information and a sample, check out the music blog. Some of the scripture we consider on this Sunday includes 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24, some of Paul's concluding remarks about Christian living in light of Jesus' coming; and John 1.24-28, the ministry of John, identified as a witness (rather than the Baptizer) who tells us of one in our midst, whom we do not know. Through the choir's musical retelling of the birth of Jesus, may we relearn who Jesus is and why we should know him.
The prayer for this Sunday is the Prayer of Invocation for the cantata:
Almighty our hearts are warmed as we approach the season of Christmas. We enjoy the sights and sounds, the joys and the lights, the gifts and the gatherings, the traditions and nostalgia. Some of us, however, enter into this season with fearful anticipation of the stresses it can bring. Our memories of Christmases past may not be pleasant. For those of our number, and for all of us gathering, we pray that this retelling of the coming of Christ, the story of your infinite love for all humankind, will so captivate our hearts that we will be bursting to “go tell it.” May Jesus Christ be our focus as the plan for our redemption unfolds in song and story. May the Holy Spirit give us fresh perspective of your love in this Advent. We pray these things in the name of Emmanuel, God with us, AMEN.
Some of our prayer concerns include our choirs and musicians, the children and youth preparing for their program next week, the 2nd annual Women's Christmas Tea, the Church in Ivory Coast, Togo and Benin, all our sick and shut-ins, and community food banks.
Communion will be offered at the 9 am service.
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