Reverend Ed Sunday-Winters – Service
Hal Parker – Musical Director
Priscilla Bonney-Smith – Flowers

Hymns (Pilgrim Hymnal):

#104 Comfort, Comfort Ye My People
#111 Of the Father’s Love Begotten
#108 Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying (verses 1 and 2 only)

Scripture:
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
–
Call to Worship
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who had a terrible day. She left her
lunch at home. She skinned her knee on the playground, and no one wanted
to sit with her on the bus. As she sank into her mother’s arms at the end of
the day, her mother said,
“Honey, what was the best part of today?”
The little girl cried and said, “Nothing! The entire day was terrible.” So the
mother got down on one knee, wiped away her tears and said, “There is
always some good. Sometimes we just really have to look for it.”
The little girl looked up at her mom and said, “What is good about today?”
And the mother said, “For starters, you’re here in my arms.” Friends,
anytime we gather together to worship God, we are here in God’s arms.
So may we recognize that gift, and in doing so, may we sow joy.
Let us worship Holy God.
Opening Prayer
–
Hymn Pilgrim #104 Comfort, Comfort Ye My People
–
Advent Candle
A: I dream of dance parties in the kitchen.
B: I dream of laughter that is contagious.
A: I dream of birthday candles and another beautiful year.
B: I dream of family game nights and dinner parties with friends.
A: I dream of homemade Halloween costumes and homemade family
recipes.
B: I dream of pillow forts, fireflies, and front porch swings.

A: I dream of every little thing that brings joy; and I know it comes from
God.
B: So today we light the candle of joy as a reminder that God’s dream for
this world involves the end of all tears.
A: God’s dream for this world involves a joy that overflows and is
contagious.
B: So may this fire burn bright, and as it does, may we sing.
A: May we dance.
B: May we laugh.
A: May we hold onto the people we love.
B: May we sow joy in a hurting world, and may it be an act of holy
resistance. Amen.
–
Scripture – Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
–
Anthem
Sermon
Silence
–
Hymn Pilgrim # 111 Of the Father’s Love Begotten
–
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication
–
Hymn Pilgrim # 108 Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying (verses 1 and 2 only)
–
Benediction
Musical Benediction
Postlude