November 27, 2022
Lakeview Presbyterian Church
Christ the King / A Day of Thanksgiving
November 27, 2022
CCLI license #1913561
Welcome: Grace and Peace to you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ
Questions for Reflection: How do we keep hope alive? How do You?
Prelude “Jesus Come and Save Us” Pierce
Gathering Jonathan Bailey
A tiny jewel of light dances on the edge of the horizon: a solitary star before sunrise that glimmers the promise of dawn and the end of the world’s blight.
It is the light of the world, the promised one who brings us hope.
When the night seems darkest, the light shine brightest.
We gather to keep the hope alive as we await the fulfillment of the promise.
Opening Prayer
God of hope we hear the promise of your coming. We seek your light that we may reflect that light into the world. Fill our worship with anticipation of that coming and dedicate us to preparing your way. Amen.
*Hymn ‘Comfort, Comfort Now My People” G #87
Advent Candle Lighting Hope Jonathan Bailey
Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Advent is a time of waiting and preparing to celebrate Jesus’ birth. It is also a time for us to work together for peace among the nations, and peace with each other. It is a time for us to walk in the light God gives us.
As part of our Advent waiting, we light an Advent candle to remind us of the hope this season brings. The round shape of the wreath reminds us of the unbroken love of God. The green branches speak of new life. The candles remind us of the light which came into the world with Jesus.
Today we light the first candle, the candle of hope. The flickering flame reminds us that our hope is lived out in prayer and action.
(The first purple candle is lit)
Eternal God, through your prophets you spoke a vision of hope. Speak to each of us this day, and fill us with Advent hope as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Amen
Hymn Response “Prepare the Way of the Lord” #95
Prayer for Understanding
O God of our people and Lord of every nation, let your Word ring out from the mountains and your Spirit shine forth in the earth, so that all may hear your teaching and all may do your will; through Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Amen.
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures: Isaiah 11: 1—6 NRSV
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.
Hymn please remain seated “Watchman, Tell us of the Night” G # 97
Reading from the Gospel of Matthew 24:36—44NRSV
"But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son,but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day1 your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
Sermon "Why Are There So Many Songs About Rainbows?" The Rev. Russell Lehman
*Affirmation of Faith
We believe in God, who created and is creating - and we await the new creation.
We believe in God born among us, God born to die, God born to save - and we await rebirth.
We believe in God alive within us, among us, through us - and so we await inspiration and work as God calls us.
We believe that the God who comes is a God who waits and wills that justice be done and mercy be shown, that bread be shared and bridges be built, that those in low valleys be lifted up and that insurmountable obstacles to the kingdom be removed. And so we who believe are those who wait and those who work preparing our hearts and preparing the way for the One who is Emmanuel.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
(This is the Ecumenical Version; feel free to use the words of your choice)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen
Statement about Offering our Gifts
Come with gratitude and joy; bring the works of your hands and the gifts of your lives as an offering of praise.
Donations can be placed in the offering plate near the baptismal font in the center of the sanctuary.
Or mailed to:
Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 1310 22nd Av S, St Petersburg, FL, 33705
or given online at:
lakeviewpresbyterianchurch.org
Special Music “Come Emmanuel” Paris
Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give you thanks and praise, O God, that you have built us up in faith, bound us together in love, and renewed our hope. By your grace, may all that we do show the glory of your name and serve to bring hope to all your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Hymn “Soon and Very Soon” G #384
Announcements
Charge and Benediction
About that day and hour no one knows. Therefore keep awake, and do not lose hope for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Be ready, for the Lord will come at an unexpected hour.
May the grace of Christ,
the love of God,
and the Spirit’s joy surround you
as you walk in the light of the Lord.
Postlude “Days of Elijah” Smith