Liturgy 1/30/2022

PRELUDE – 

“Carried to the Table” by Leeland

CALL TO WORSHIP – Psalm 145:1-3

“I will extol you, my God and King,

    and bless your name forever and ever.

Every day I will bless you

    and praise your name forever and ever.

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,

    and his greatness is unsearchable.”

SONG –

“How Great Thou Art” by Stuart K. Hine

CONFESSION OF SIN – Luke 12:1-3

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 

Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, 

and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.”

SONG –

“Give us Clean Hands” by Charlie Hall

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – 1 John 1:5-7

​​”God is light, and in him [there] is no darkness at all. 

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, 

we lie and do not practice the truth. 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, 

and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

SONG –

“Jesus Paid It All” by Alex Nifong, Elvina M. Hall, and John Thomas Grape

PRAYER

Hayward

They need more financial support so they can continue ministering to Muslims in Dearborn.

Pray that the Lord would protect those who have lost their jobs and are without housing and heaters during this winter. Pray that the Lord would bless those who go out of their way to care for others. Pray that the Lord would raise up others to see how they can care for the vulnerable throughout the city. https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/01/26/a-west-side-good-samaritan-is-renting-hotel-rooms-to-get-people-off-the-streets-during-dangerously-cold-weather/

SOW Chicago (a church plant we help) and Pastor Bryan Coble

CHILDRENS’ DISMISSAL & Welcoming One Another

SCRIPTURE READING – 1 Timothy 5:17-25 Please stand for the reading. End with “This is the word of the Lord.” 

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

SERMON – “Pastoral Accountability”

SONG –

“Give Us One Pure and Holy Passion” by Mark Altrogge

LORD’S TABLE

OFFERING

SONG –

“Your Grace is Enough” by Matt Maher

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE –

“I Saw the Light/I’ll Fly Away” by David Crowder Band

Liturgy 1/23/22

PRELUDE –

“Carried to the Table” by Leeland

CALL TO WORSHIP – Revelation 15:4

Who will not fear, O Lord,

    and glorify your name?

For you alone are holy.

    All nations will come

    and worship you,

for your righteous acts have been revealed.

Let’s stand and sing to the Lord the King over all nations!

SONG –

“Lord Most High” by Don Harris and Gary Sadler

CONFESSION OF SIN –

Although God is a faithful king, we are an unfaithful people. Rather than listen to him and submit to his rule, too often we rebel and act as if we ourselves know better than God. Let’s confess our sins to the Lord together using the words of this prayer:

Almighty God, we acknowledge and confess

that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed;

we have not loved you with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength;

we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves.

Deepen within us our sorrow for the wrong we have done, and the good we have left undone. Lord, you are full of compassion and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy;

there is always forgiveness with you!

Restore to us the joy of your salvation;

bind up that which is broken, give light to our minds,

strength to our wills, and rest to our souls.

Speak to each of us, and let your word abide with us

until it has wrought in us your holy will.

Amen.

SONG –

            “Create in Me a Clean Heart” by Keith Green

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Lamentations 3:22-23

The prophet Jeremiah assures the people of God in Lamentations 3:22-23

 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

    his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

 great is your faithfulness.

SONG –

“The Steadfast Love” by Edith McNeill

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

Let’s use the words of the Apostles Creed to affirm our faith together before the Lord.

Christian what do we believe?

We believe in God the Father Almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord;

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary;

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, dead, and buried;

He descended into hell;

the third day He rose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven,

and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;

from there He shall come to judge the Living and the dead.

We believe in the Holy Spirit;

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints;

the forgiveness of sins;

the resurrection of the body;

and the life everlasting.

Amen.

PRAYER

Larson

Pray for the violence in the city. Pray that the Lord would protect the innocent, bring justice to the perpetrators, and bring the people of Chicago to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-shooting-teen-shot-boy-noble-square/11484698/

Near West Vineyard and Pastor Rick Kuhr

CHILDREN’S DISMISSAL

SONG –

“How Firm a Foundation” by Unknown

SCRIPTURE READING – 1 Timothy 5:9-16 Please stand for the reading. End with “This is the word of the Lord.”

9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry 12 and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. 13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. 15 For some have already strayed after Satan. 16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.

SERMON – “Family Policies”

SONG –

“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” by Louisa M. R. Stead and William James Kirkpatrick

LORD’S TABLE

OFFERING

SONG –

“How Good It Is” by Keith and Kristyn Getty

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE –

“I Saw the Light/I’ll Fly Away” by David Crowder Band

Liturgy 1/16/2021

PRELUDE – 

“At Last, The King” by The Gray Havens

CALL TO WORSHIP – Psalm 19:1-4

The heavens declare the glory of God,

    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Day to day pours out speech,

    and night to night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words,

    whose voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out through all the earth,

    and their words to the end of the world.

Let’s stand and sing to the Lord our God, 

whose glory shines throughout all creation.

SONG –

“This is My Father’s World” by Maltbie Davenport Babcock and Franklin Lawrence Sheppard

CONFESSION OF SIN – from More Children’s Liturgies

Although the Lord has proven to be a good Father to his people, 

too often we are rebellious children. 

Let’s pray this confession of sins together 

asking God to forgive us for the ways we have disobeyed him this week. 

Please read the bolded sections aloud.

Father, we are sorry for the many times we have left you 

and chosen to satisfy our own selfish desires. 

For the times we have hurt the members of our families

by refusing to do our share of the family tasks.

Father, we have sinned. Forgive us.

For the times we were unkind and impatient 

with those who needed our time and concern.

Father, we have sinned. Forgive us.

For the times we were too weak to stand up for what was right 

and allowed others to suffer because of our cowardice.

Father, we have sinned. Forgive us.

For the times we refused to forgive others. 

Father, we have sinned. Forgive us. 

(Moment of Silence)

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Psalm 103:12-13

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

As a father shows compassion to his children,

    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

SONG –

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas Obediah Chisholm and William Marion Runyan

PRAYER

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. 

Amen.

CHILDRENS’ DISMISSAL

SONG –

“Your Will Be Done” by Rich Thompson and Jonny Robinson

SCRIPTURE READING – 1 Timothy 5:1-8

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

SERMON – “A Family of Families”

SONG –

“Behold the Lamb (Communion Hymn)” by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend

THE LORD’S TABLE

OFFERING

SONG –

“We Will Feast in the House of Zion” by Joshua Moore and Sandra McCracken

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE –

“Always Knew” by Lecrae

Liturgy 1/9/2022

PRELUDE –

“Young (1 Timothy 4:12)” by Seed Family Worship

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Psalm 110:1-4

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

    Serve the Lord with gladness!

    Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the Lord, he is God!

    It is he who made us, and we are his;

    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

    and his courts with praise!

    Give thanks to him; bless his name!

SONG –

“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” by John Wyeth and Robert Robinson

CONFESSION OF SIN – Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray;

    we have turned—everyone—to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

    the iniquity of us all.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Mark 2:5

Your sins are forgiven.

SONGS –

“I Will Glory in My Redeemer” by Steve and Vikki Cook

PRAYER (please be seated for time of prayer)

CHILDREN’S DISMISSAL (Kids Corner is available at this time for children from 0-1^st grade)

“10,000 Reasons” by Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman

SCRIPTURE READING – 1 Timothy 4:11-16 (Please respond with, “Thanks be to God!”)

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

SERMON – “Instructions for Young Pastors”

SONG –

“In Christ Alone” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

LORD’S TABLE (if you are trusting in Christ for your salvation, which is ordinarily indicated by being a baptized member in good standing of a local church, you are invited to eat and drink with us in remembrance of him – even if you are a member of another gospel-preaching church; please take the packaged bread and juice from the table during the song and wait to partake until directed)

OFFERING

SONG –

“Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me” by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson and Michael Farren

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE –

“Always Knew” by Lecrae

CCLI License # 2308869

Liturgy (1/2)

PRELUDE – “Steadfast” by Sandra McCracken

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Isaiah 12:4-6

Give thanks to the Lord,

call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples,

proclaim that his name is exalted.

“Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;

let this be made known in all the earth.

Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,

for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

SONG –

“Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me” by Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich Thompson

CONFESSION OF SIN

EVERYONE:

O Almighty God, merciful Father,

I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities

with which I have ever offended You,

and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment.

But I am heartily sorry for them,

and sincerely repent of them,

and I pray that You,

out of Your boundless mercy

and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son,

Jesus Christ,

would be gracious and merciful to me,

a poor, sinful being.

Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Micah 7:18-19

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity

and passing over transgression

for the remnant of his inheritance?

He does not retain his anger forever,

because he delights in steadfast love.

He will again have compassion on us;

he will tread our iniquities underfoot.

You will cast all our sins

into the depths of the sea.

SONG –

“His Mercy Is More” by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa

PRAYER

CHILDREN’S DISMISSAL

SONG –

“Jesus Strong and Kind” by Colin Buchanan, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich Thompson

SCRIPTURE READING – 2 Samuel 15

SERMON – “Prayers of a Poor Sinner”

SONG –

“Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy” by Fernando Ortega, John Andrew Schreiner, and Joseph Hart

THE LORD’S TABLE

OFFERING

SONG –

“All Glory Be to Christ” by Dustin Kensrue

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE – “Wasteland” by NEEDTOBREATHE

Liturgy (12/26)

PRELUDE – “O Holy Night” by Lauren Daigle

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Zechariah 2:10

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion,

for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst,

declares the Lord.

SONG –

“Angels from the Realms of Glory” by Henry Thomas Smart and James Montgomery

CONFESSION OF SIN – Psalm 5:4-6

You are not a God who delights in wickedness;

evil may not dwell with you.

The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;

you hate all evildoers.

You destroy those who speak lies;

the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – 1 John 1:9, 2:1-2 [NIV]

If we confess our sins,

God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

We have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,

and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

SONG –

“Joy to the World” by George Frideric Handel and Isaac Watts

PRAYER

CHILDREN’S DISMISSAL

SONG –

“Good Christian Men Rejoice” by John Mason Neale

SCRIPTURE READING – John 1:1-14

SERMON – “A Brief Biblical Theology of God Dwelling Among His People”

SONG –

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Lewis Henry Redner and Phillips Brooks

THE LORD’S TABLE

OFFERING

SONG –

“All Glory Be to Christ” by Dustin Kensrue

BENEDICTION – From The Book of Common Prayer

O God,

you make us glad by the yearly celebration of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ:

Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer,

may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge;

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE – “Handel’s Messiah” by Jenny & Tyler

Liturgy 12/19/2021

PRELUDE –

“Shepherd’s Song” by Josh Garrells

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP – Luke 2:29-32

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,

    according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation

    that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

    and for glory to your people Israel.”

SONG –

“Angels We Have Heard On High” by Edward Shippen Barnes and James Chadwick

CONFESSION OF SIN – 1 John 1:5-9

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, 

that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, 

we lie and do not practice the truth. 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, 

we have fellowship with one another, 

and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins  and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

SONG –

“O Come O Come Emmanuel” by John Mason Neale and Thomas Helmore

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, 

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, 

but in order that the world might be saved through him.

SONG –

“O, Holy Night” by Adolphe Charles Adam, John Sullivan Dwight, and Placide Cappeau

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, 

the Father Almighty, 

Maker of heaven and earth, 

and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, 

the only-begotten Son of God, 

begotten of the Father before all worlds; 

God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; 

begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, 

by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, 

and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; 

and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; 

He suffered and was buried; 

and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; 

and ascended into heaven, 

and sits on the right hand of the Father; 

and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; 

whose kingdom shall have no end.

We believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; 

who proceeds from the Father and the Son; 

who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; 

who spoke by the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; 

and we look for the resurrection of the dead, 

and the life of the world to come. 

Amen.

PRAYER

CHILDREN’S DISMISSAL

SCRIPTURE READING – 1 Timothy 4:6-10

6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

SERMON – “The Savior of All People”

SONG –

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Lewis Henry Redner and Phillips Brooks

LORD’S TABLE

OFFERING

SONG –

“Go Tell It On the Mountain” by John W. Work, Jr.

BENEDICTION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE –

“Go Tell It on the Mountain” by Penny and Sparrow

CCLI License # 2308869

Liturgy 12/12/2021

PRELUDE –

“Angels We Have Heard On High” by Phil Wickham

LIGHTING OF THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE & CALL TO WORSHIP – 2 Samuel 7:12-13

During this advent season, we as a church are lighting candles to symbolize the people of God’s anticipation of the coming of Christ. In 2 Samuel 7:12-13, God promised David that one of his sons would sit on the throne of Israel forever. The Lord says,

“When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

As Israel struggled under oppression and exile, God’s people clung to this promise, eagerly awaiting the day when their promised king would come. Christmas is a time that we celebrate, because the king who was promised so long ago, has finally come to his people.

(light the three candles)

Let’s stand and sing to Jesus Christ, the king who has come at last.

SONG –

“O Come All Ye Faithful” by C. Frederick Oakeley and John Francis Wade

CONFESSION OF SIN – Psalm 40:11-13

Although Christ has come to establish a kingdom of justice and love, we as a people are sinful and broken. In ourselves, we have no right to enter into God’s holy kingdom. Therefore, let’s pray along silently with the words of this confession of sin from Psalm 40:11-13.

Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord;

May your love and your truth always protect me.

For troubles without number surround me;

My sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.

They are more than the heirs of my head, and my heart fails within me.

Be pleased, O Lord, to save me;

O Lord, come quickly to help me.

(moment of silence)

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Colossians 1:12-14

[Give] thanks to the Father,

who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness

and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

SONGS –

 “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” by John Wyeth and Robert Robinson

“Away In A Manger (Forever Amen)” by Phil Wickham

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,

the Father Almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth,

and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the only-begotten Son of God,

begotten of the Father before all worlds;

God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God;

begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father,

by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven,

and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man;

and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;

He suffered and was buried;

and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures;

and ascended into heaven,

and sits on the right hand of the Father;

and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead;

whose kingdom shall have no end.

We believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life;

who proceeds from the Father and the Son;

who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified;

who spoke by the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins;

and we look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come.

Amen

PRAYER

CHILDRENS’ DISMISSAL

SCRIPTURE READING – 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Please stand for the reading. End with “This is the word of the Lord.”

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

SERMON – “Ascetic Heresies”

SONG –

“Behold the Lamb (Communion Hymn)” by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend

LORD’S TABLE

OFFERING

SONG –

“Hope for Everyone” by Matt Maher

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE –

“It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” by Sara Groves

Liturgy 12/5/2021

PRELUDE –

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” by J.J. Heller

LIGHTING OF THE SECOND ADVENT CANDLE & CALL TO WORSHIP – Isaiah 9:6

During this Christmas season, our culture often tries to get people to think about the good things in life such as friends, family, and general human benevolence. All of this is fitting to the season. But as Christians we also need to remember that this is a time to give hope to those who are really hurting around us. As we light this second Christmas candle and read this prophetic promise in Isaiah 9:6, let’s remember the hope that God gives in Jesus Christ to those who feel their world is falling apart.

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

    and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Let’s stand and sing praise to Jesus Christ our King.

SONG –

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley and Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy

CONFESSION OF SIN – Luke 3:3

In light of the coming king who would rule in justice and righteousness, John the Baptist acted as a forerunner of Jesus Christ and went into all the region around the Jordan, “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin.” As we now stand in the holy presence of the Lord our God, let’s also take a moment to pray silently and ask the Lord to forgive us for our unrighteousness and cleanse us from our sin.

(Moment for Prayer)

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Titus 3:4-8

[W]hen the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy.

SONG –

“Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and Michael Bleecker

BAPTISM

CHILDREN’S DISMISSAL

PRAYER

SCRIPTURE READING – 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Please stand for the reading. End with “This is the word of the Lord.”

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh,

    vindicated by the Spirit,

        seen by angels,

proclaimed among the nations,

    believed on in the world,

        taken up in glory.

SERMON – “The Church and Truth”

SONG –

“O Come All Ye Faithful” by C. Frederick Oakeley and John Francis Wade

LORD’S TABLE –

OFFERING –

SONG –

“All Praise to Him” by Bob Kauflin and Matt Merker

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE –

“Oh Come, All You Unfaithful” by Sovereign Grace Music

Liturgy (11/28)

PRELUDE – “New Life” by LOVKN

LIGHTING OF FIRST ADVENT CANDLE & CALL TO WORSHIP – Isaiah 42:5-7

Thus says God, the Lord,

who created the heavens and stretched them out,

who spread out the earth and what comes from it,

who gives breath to the people on it

and spirit to those who walk in it:

“I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness;

I will take you by the hand and keep you;

I will give you as a covenant for the people,

a light for the nations,

to open the eyes that are blind,

to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,

from the prison those who sit in darkness.

SONG –

“Here I Am to Worship” by Tim Hughes

CONFESSION OF SIN – from the Book of Common Prayer

EVERYONE:

Most merciful God,

we confess that we have sinned against you

in thought, word, and deed,

by what we have done,

and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart;

we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,

have mercy on us and forgive us;

that we may delight in your will,

and walk in your ways,

to the glory of your Name. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God have mercy on you,

forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ,

strengthen you in all goodness,

and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.

Amen.

SONG –

“How Can I Keep From Singing?” by Chris Tomlin

PRAYER

CHILDREN’S DISMISSAL

SONG –

“Give Us One Pure and Holy Passion” by Mark Altrogge

SCRIPTURE READING – Luke 14:25-33

SERMON – “Be a Disciple”

SONG –

“I Surrender All” by Judson Wheeler Van DeVenter and Winfield Scott

THE LORD’S TABLE

OFFERING

SONG –

“Is He Worthy?” by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive

BENEDICTION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTLUDE – “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” by Penny and Sparrow