Order of Worship December 20, 2020
Updated: Jun 22, 2022
UJCC Sunday House Worship Service
December 20, 2020 * 4th Sunday of Advent
Blessings to you at the beginning of this holy season!
In this season of Advent, you are invited to find 5 candles of any shape, size, or color in your home. Each Sunday, we will mark the journey through Advent by lighting them in our respective homes. During the week, display them in a prominent place. May they bless your home and remind you that it is a sanctuary, a sacred and holy place.
Lighting of the Advent Candles
Reader One: We live on the brink every day. We stand on the threshold between this world and the next one. We live and move between the ordinary and divine, between the mundane and the mystery.
Reader Two: Too often, we forget to look up and see the angels in our living room. We forget that the love we give and live is a sign of eternity, God with us, right now. We forget that company is coming.
Reader One: Luke tells us that God’s favor came to a girl, an ordinary girl. It might have been you or your daughter; it might have been the girl down the street or your grandchild. But the messenger of God came and greeted her and said, “The Lord is with you.” What a gift and a promise: Emmanuel, God is with us.
Reader Two: We light these candles with peace in our hearts for the promise of proximity, the nearness of God. [light four candles.] Even when we forget to listen, to lean into that presence, God is as close as our own breath. This, in a confused and confusing world, is a peace that passes all understanding. It is the peace that knows that company is coming. Amen! (mw)
Call To Worship (in unison)
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel! God with us, You came to us long ago as a helpless babe, as one in need of human love and care. You taught us how to love and care for one another. Help us to hold on to childlike wonder, amazement, and love, and help us to love one another all year long. Guide our feet into the way of peace, as only the Prince of Peace can lead us, by laying down our lives for one another and serving one another. In the name of Christ, Emmanuel, God with Us, we pray. Amen. (ts)
Song of Centering “Two French Carols” Larry Honda
We Humbly Adore and Receive
Scripture Reading and Introduction Rev. Rae Kim
Sunday School Christmas Program: The Savior's Birth - A Nativity Skit
* The Skit Script Adapted from: https://www.amomstake.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/The-Saviors-Birth-A-Nativity-Skit.pdf
* All the families were filmed separated at home or at the church.
Song of Reflection "Echo Gloria" Choir
You are invited to continue your spiritual practice of giving to the church. Please either mail your offering to the church (136 N. Villa Ave., Clovis, CA 93612) or try our online giving option (LINK HERE). Thank you!
Doxology Youth Band
Joys and Concerns & Time of Prayer
You are invited to share your joys and concerns with one another using our usual format:
Person lifting the prayer: “O God of Mercy;” everyone’s response: “This is our prayer.”
After you share your joys and concerns, go around the circle and offer prayer, praying freely or using this format:
“God, I thank you for…” and “God, I ask for…”
You are invited to close together with The Lord’s Prayer.
* Please join in our Zoom Fellowship & Prayer meeting at 11:30 am
Meeting ID: 892 8141 6160
Or call: +1 669 900 6833
* Sunday School will have a vacation until January 8th.
* If you or your kids would like to contribute to our virtual worship by music, painting, photos, recipes, or anything, please contact Rev. Rae: sungrae@ujcclife.com
Go Now in Peace Becky Messer
Worship Resources: (dw) Derek Weber adapted https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/advent-candle-lighting-liturgy-2020; (mw) Liturgy created/adapted by Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell, rev-o-lution.org. http://rev-o-lution.org/2017/12/15/worship-resources-for-december-24-2017-fourth-sunday-of-advent-christmas-eve/