John the Baptist

Service Order

Movement I - God is God

Call to Worship, from the Book of Common Prayer (ACNA, 2019)

Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Congregational Singing Be Unto Your Name by Gary Sadler and Lynn DeShazo [Apple Music] [Spotify]

Movement II - We Need Him

Confession (congregational response in bold)

God is the source of true joy. Today, we light the candle of joy to remember that joy was brought into the world through the person of Jesus. Even amidst the sadness of our world, we look to Christ be our joy. We join the psalmist in praying:

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Congregational Singing Lord, I Need You by Daniel Carson, Matt Maher, Christy Nockels, & Jesse Reeves [Apple Music] [Spotify]

Movement III - God Gave Us Himself in Jesus

Absolution - Hebrews 12:1-2

Congregational Singing Joy to the World by George Frederic Handel & Isaac Watts Jesus Paid it All by Samuel W. Beazley & M. S. Schaffer

Pastoral Greeting

Passing the Peace

Reading of the Word Luke 1:5-17

Sermon John the Baptist by Andy Wileman

Communion This is the Christ by Martin Luther, Sandra McCracken, Arthur Tozer Russell, and Catherine Winkworth [Apple Music] [Spotify]

Benediction