God’s Presence Brings LIfe - “Word Accomplishes God’s Purpose”
Third Sunday of Advent
*Please stand in body or in spirit. Congregational responses are in bold and preceded by "All"
GATHERING
Welcome and Announcements
Invitation and Sharing of Peace
Peace be with you. And also with you.
Prelude All Good Gifts Rejuvenate
Lighting of the Altar Candles
Call to Worship (Clergy Stuff)
LEADER: O Seek our God, beloved children.
ALL: We call upon our God in this place.
LEADER: God’s Word will be spoken and heard here.
ALL: We will let it take root in our hearts.
LEADER: Let God’s Word grow and flourish there.
ALL: God’s Word will bear fruit in our lives.
Advent Candle Lighting (Clergy Stuff)
LEADER: Holy God, Isaiah wrote that your word does not return to you empty. Jesus,
you are the Word who fulfills the promise of this return.
ALL: We light the first candle in expectation of your coming. We light the
second candle in hope of new life in you. We light the third candle in
anticipation of your fulfillment of God’s word.
Opening Prayer (Clergy Stuff)
All: Holy God, You send out your Word of life into the world that it would accomplish your purpose of redemption for all of creation. So transform us by this Word that we might deeply internalize it and live our lives according to its guidance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
*Opening Song Joy Comes With The Dawn (UMH 240}
Refrain
Joy comes with the dawn;
joy comes with
the morning sun;
joy springs from the tomb
and scatters the night
with her song,
joy comes with the dawn.
1. Weeping may come;
weeping may come
in the night,
when dark shadows
cloud our sight.
Refrain
Joy comes with the dawn;
joy comes with
the morning sun;
joy springs from the tomb
and scatters the night
with her song,
joy comes with the dawn.
2. Sorrow will turn,
sorrow will turn
into song,
and God’s laughter
make us strong.
Refrain
Joy comes with the dawn;
joy comes with
the morning sun;
joy springs from the tomb
and scatters the night
with her song,
joy comes with the dawn.
3. We will rejoice,
we will rejoice,
and give praise,
to the One
who brings us grace.
Refrain
Joy comes with the dawn;
joy comes with
the morning sun;
joy springs from the tomb
and scatters the night
with her song,
joy comes with the dawn.
LISTENING
Scripture Reading Isaiah 55:1-13
This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Message for All Ages
Sermon “Word AccomplishesGod’s Purpose” Rev. DV Yost
RESPONDING
*Sermon Song There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy (UMH 121)
- There’s a wideness
in God’s mercy
like the wideness of the sea;
there’s a kindness
in God’s justice,
which is more than liberty. - There is welcome
for the sinner,
and more graces
for the good!
There is mercy
with the Savior;
there is healing in his blood. - For the love of
God is broader
than the measure
of our mind;
and the heart
of the Eternal
is most wonderfully kind. - If our love were
but more simple,
we should rest
upon God’s word;
and our lives
would be illumined
by the presence of our Lord.
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Prayers of the People |
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God who was, and is, and is to come, we lift our prayers to you.
*The Lord’s Prayer (Spoken)
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
Offertory Craig Nickerson, Organist
*Offering Response Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH 94)
Prayer of Dedication (Clergy Stuff)
All: Just as your Word returns to you in fullness, so we return these gifts to you for the purpose of accomplishing your work for the flourishing of all creation. Accept these, our offerings, for the sake of the one who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ. Amen.
SENDING
*Closing Song I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (UMH 206 )
- I want to walk
as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars
to give light to the world.
The star of my life
is Jesus.
Refrain
In him there is
no darkness at all.
The night and the day
are both alike.
The Lamb is the light
of the city of God.
Shine in my heart,
Lord Jesus.
- I want to see
the brightness of God.
I want to look
at Jesus.
Clear Sun
of Righteousness,
shine on my path,
and show me the way
to the Father.
Refrain
In him there is
no darkness at all.
The night and the day
are both alike.
The Lamb is the light
of the city of God.
Shine in my heart,
Lord Jesus.
- I’m looking for
the coming of Christ.
I want to be
with Jesus.
When we have run
with patience the race,
we shall know
the joy of Jesus.
Refrain
In him there is
no darkness at all.
The night and the day
are both alike.
The Lamb is the light
of the city of God.
Shine in my heart,
Lord Jesus.
*Benediction
Benediction Response
Postlude Craig Nickerson, Organist
Next Week
God's Presence Brings Life - "Word Made Flesh"
December 21, John 1:1-18
Announcements
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CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE
6:45 PM Concert
7 PM Candlelight Service - BACKPACK BUDDIES:
December’s food items are Individual Servings of Instant Oatmeal, and dry cereal or any item listed on the shopping list. If you find it difficult to shop, you may send a monetary donation to the church or place your donation in the offering plate on any Sunday. Please mark your gift, “Backpack Buddies”. -
THRIFT STORE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:
We will be closed from December 23 through January 10, 2026. The store will reopen for donations on Tuesday, January 13, and for shopping on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
This Week at Arnolia
- Tuesday, December 16: Thrift Store accepting donations
- Tuesday, December 16: 12 Noon Pastor's Study
- Tuesday, December 16: 6:30 PM Bible Study
- Thursday, December 18 Thrift Store Open
- Thursday, December 18 7:30 PM Chancel Choir
- Friday, December 19: Pastor’s Sabbath - Church Office Closed
- Sunday, December 21: 10 AM Worship Service
- The Church Office is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Copyrights
Joy Comes With The Dawn by Gordon Light, © 1985 The Common Cup Co. - TFWS 2210 - OneL 117798
Reprinted / Streamed with permission under One License A-735755. All Rights Reserved.
There's A Wideness in God's Mercy - UMH 121 – Public Domain
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light by Kathleen Thomerson, © 1970, 1975 Celebration - UMH 206 - CCLI 89848
Used by Permission. CCLI Church Copyright License Number: 1684333 and Streaming License Number: 20155039.
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