Rev Ed Sunday-Winters – Service
Hal Parker – Musical Director
Priscilla Bonney-Smith – Flowers
Sunday Service
“Second Sunday in Advent”
December 7, 2025
10:00am
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SCRIPTURE: Matthew 11:1-11, Isaiah 43:19-21
SERMON: “God, what is going on?” By Rev. Ed Sunday-Winters
#113 Little Bethlehem of Judah
#484 O Come to Me, You Weary
#106 My Heart Sings Out with Joyful Praise
PRELUDE: Jeff Fellinger & Gideon Crevoshay
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Family of faith, God is at work!
Many: God is healing and creating,
One: redeeming and dreaming,
Many: calling and sending,
One: listening and loving.
Many: Yes, indeed, God is at work!
One: So may we worship our God who never gives up.
Many: May we worship our God who holds onto hope. Amen.
OPENING PRAYER
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Christ and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning is now,
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLE: HOPE
One: In a world full of fear, where do you see glimmers of peace?
Many: We see glimmers of peace in the quiet of early morning, when people shake hands, when loved ones say they’re sorry, and when the church sings together.
One: You are right. Even in a fearful world, peace is all around us. Today we light the candle of peace as a reminder of this good news. May this flicker of light help us remember that even in a fearful world, peace
is present. We only have to look for it. (Light candle.)
Many: Thanks be to God! Amen.
*HYMN #113 (New Century Hymnal): “Little Bethlehem of Judah”
CHILDREN’S TIME Ed Sunday-Winters
Children may go upstairs to the classroom after Children’s Time.
Parents are welcome to accompany them or remain in the sanctuary.
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
On-the-move God, we have every reason to hold onto hope. We have every reason to believe that spring will come, that flowers will bloom, that the sun will rise. And yet, too often hope slips through our fingers. With anxious hearts we cry out to you, “Will change ever come? Will things ever get better? Will I ever make a difference?” Soothe our wandering hearts and show us the places where the sun is shining. Show us the places where you are on the move. With open hearts we pray, Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 11:1-11, Isaiah 43:19-21
ANTHEM: “We Are One in Christ” music: Gustav Holst, 1921, words: James Chepponis, 2002
SERMON: “God, what is going on?” By Rev. Ed Sunday-Winters
SILENCE
OFFERTORY: Jeff Fellinger & Gideon Crevoshay
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy God, when the valley is dark, when there are no stars in the sky, when the night is long,
we give heart and treasure to the God who is coming to be with us. May our giving be a sign of
your peace in a warring world. Amen.
*HYMN #484 (New Century Hymnal): “O Come to Me, You Weary”
JOYS & CONCERNS
MORNING PRAYER & THE LORDS PRAYER
Our God, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the
power, and the glory, forever.
*HYMN #106 (New Century Hymnal): “My Heart Sings Out with Joyful Praise”
*BENEDICTION
SONG OF SENDING 349 (Songs of Spirit)
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you this day.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you al-ways.
Cel-e-brate and share the joy! Cel-e-brate new life!
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you al-ways.
POSTLUDE