Sunday December 7, 2025
Rev. Ray Thomas
†CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: On this second Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the gift of peace through Jesus Christ.
All: We receive and give the peace of God as we hear again the good news of God’s forgiveness.
One: We receive and give the peace of God as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper - the bread of life and the cup of salvation - as one church.
All: May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and our minds in Jesus Christ.
THIS IS ADVENT: PEACE READING
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH: Nancy and Jon Loudermilk
†OPENING HYMN: Blue #9 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
CALL TO CONFESSION:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
Lord God, we are thankful for the reminder you provide us, again, during Advent. On this Peace Sunday, we confess that in our worries, distractions, and busyness, we are not choosing to be guided by your peace. In a world that is plagued by war, divisions and injustice, pathways to peace are so hard to find. As we pray for peace, give us the insight and the courage to welcome your peace, through Jesus Christ. Help us to address and heal the brokenness in ourselves and in our world, where we are able. As you forgive our sins and guilt, may we follow a new path forward that shines a light on the peace, wellness, and wholeness that we receive through our faith in Jesus. Hear us now as we confess our sins in silence.
SILENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION: In Jesus’ name, Amen
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS:
†PASSING OF THE PEACE:
†CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: Blue# 579 “Gloria Patri”
TIME FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDREN:
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
Refresh us with our word, O Lord. Strengthen us in our weakness, and keep us close to you, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 11: 1-9, Matthew 3: 1-12
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE: “Smooth Stones, Tall Trees, Weathered Faith” Rev. Ray Thomas
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: (John 1: 1-5)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was lift, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
SPECIAL MUSIC
CALL FOR GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERING:
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Please hold the elements after you receive them so we may partake together.
The outer circle of cups contains juice; the inner circle contains wine.
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER:
†CLOSING HYMN: Blue #5 “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
†BENEDICTION:
†MUSICAL DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING: “Emmanuel”
One: On this second Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the gift of peace through Jesus Christ.
All: We receive and give the peace of God as we hear again the good news of God’s forgiveness.
One: We receive and give the peace of God as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper - the bread of life and the cup of salvation - as one church.
All: May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and our minds in Jesus Christ.
THIS IS ADVENT: PEACE READING
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH: Nancy and Jon Loudermilk
†OPENING HYMN: Blue #9 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
CALL TO CONFESSION:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
Lord God, we are thankful for the reminder you provide us, again, during Advent. On this Peace Sunday, we confess that in our worries, distractions, and busyness, we are not choosing to be guided by your peace. In a world that is plagued by war, divisions and injustice, pathways to peace are so hard to find. As we pray for peace, give us the insight and the courage to welcome your peace, through Jesus Christ. Help us to address and heal the brokenness in ourselves and in our world, where we are able. As you forgive our sins and guilt, may we follow a new path forward that shines a light on the peace, wellness, and wholeness that we receive through our faith in Jesus. Hear us now as we confess our sins in silence.
SILENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION: In Jesus’ name, Amen
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS:
†PASSING OF THE PEACE:
†CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: Blue# 579 “Gloria Patri”
TIME FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDREN:
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
Refresh us with our word, O Lord. Strengthen us in our weakness, and keep us close to you, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 11: 1-9, Matthew 3: 1-12
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE: “Smooth Stones, Tall Trees, Weathered Faith” Rev. Ray Thomas
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: (John 1: 1-5)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was lift, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
SPECIAL MUSIC
CALL FOR GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERING:
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Please hold the elements after you receive them so we may partake together.
The outer circle of cups contains juice; the inner circle contains wine.
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER:
†CLOSING HYMN: Blue #5 “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
†BENEDICTION:
†MUSICAL DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING: “Emmanuel”