Dec 22, 2013 ... for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 ... He has
performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those ...
Keeping Promises God promises … an Eternal King Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22, 2013
Advent 2013 – Keeping Promises
The promises of God are bedrock, the only foundation on which we can build our lives securely. Advent is especially the time to remember God’s eternal promises, watching and waiting for them to come true. God sent the angel Gabriel to announce to Mary the (unsettling) news that she would bear the Son of God. Part of Gabriel’s message is that God has come to fulfill a promise, spoken centuries earlier to King David, that one of his descendants would sit on the throne and rule forever. Mary’s son will be that King. We yearn for that which lasts. We want to live with significance, contributing to a kingdom that’s important and lasting. Yet all around us time seems to swallow it all up. Leaders and causes come and go. Nothing lasts. God promises us a King who will rule forever, and whose kingdom itself is eternal. On this side of Jesus’ first advent we recognize the King and we know how very different his kingdom is. Instead of taking from the people, he comes to give to them. Rather than demanding that he be served, he serves us and goes the way of the cross. He defends the defenseless. We see our King come at Christmas! We see in his arrival God’s amazing commitment to honor his promises and to fulfill his covenant. But we still wait on tiptoes, straining to see the day when it is completely fulfilled. We still pray: “Your kingdom come!” And we recount the promise to each other and we pray.
GATHERING TO WORSHIP Prelude: “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” with “Angels We Have Heard on High” (arr. Siennicki) Call to Worship: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” *God’s Greeting and Mutual Greetings *Hymn of Praise: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
61: 5, 7 56
CONFESSION AND RENEWAL Call to Confession Prayer of Confession: Almighty God, we are guilty of ignoring the important things in life. And we are afraid. We are afraid that you will ask of us more than we are willing to risk. We do enough good to keep us from feelings of guilt, but miss your call to love, justice, and humility. Help us to change our ways. Give us a new attitude in our hearts. Inspire us to be faithful, trusting servants of your Kingdom. We pray in the name of Jesus, our eternal King. Amen Assurance of Pardon and Lighting of the Advent Wreath For you, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits. Surely my hope is in you.
Song of Expectation: “My Soul in Stillness Waits” The Teaching of Baptism Song of Invitation: “Baptized in Water”
63:1, 3
790
Chosen by the Haecks
The Baptism of Torren David Herman and Destiny Rayne Herman The Baptism of Cora Renee Haeck Song of Response: “Amazing Grace” Chosen by the Hermans
691:1-3
*Apostles' Creed (inside front cover of Hymnal) Children's Prayer and Blessing Leader: What is our prayer for these children? Congregation: The Lord be with you. Children: And also with you. (Preschoolers may go to Church School. Children in K-1 may go to Children and Worship)
Pastoral Prayer and Prayer for Illumination PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD Scripture Reading and Presentation: Luke 1:32-33 and “Mary’s Song” (Luke 1:46-55) (p.991) Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Message: Keeping Promises God Promises…an Eternal King RESPONSE OF GRATITUDE *Song of Response: “The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns” 476 Mission Update from Jon Young Presentation of Offerings for: General Fund (Members’ envelopes and electronic giving for Christian Education, General Fund and Faith Promise) Musical Offering: “All Is Well” with “Silent Night” (arr. Christopher) *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *Offertory Prayer
DEPARTING TO SERVE *Hymn of Praise: “My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout” Soloist on verse 1; all on verses 3 and 4
*God's Blessing *Postlude: “Carol of the Bells” (arr. Caponegro) ________ *Those who are able, please stand. Pastor Ruth Boven, liturgist and preaching Sean Ivory, organist and pianist Bob, Kris, Tess, Lilly, and Brynn Dekker; Advent wreath Maaike Mudde, scripture presentation Elder Evan Elenbaas, pastoral prayer Gloria Van Dragt, soloist Neland Strings Ensemble: Maiya Hoffman, Jacob Zondag; violin Drew Hendriksen, Graham Apol-Hoezee, Steve Hofman, Willem Mudde; cello Hannah Bergsma, viola Sarah Hendriksen, Claire Meyer, Leslie Van Winkle; dancers Bulletin Cover: Neland “Rose Window” (photo by Ed de Jong) Randy Hoekstra, sound system
Hearing Loop System available. Switch hearing aid to T-coil
69
Mary’s Song Luke 1: 46-55 “My soul glorifies the Lord 47
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name. 50
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation. 51
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble. 53
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty. 54
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful 55
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
Welcome to Neland. A warm welcome to all who worship with us today! If you are visiting with us or are interested in joining the fellowship of Neland Church, please fill out one of the cards in the pew in front of you and place it in the offering plate. All children ages 3 through first grade are welcome to come forward for the children’s prayer and blessing during the morning service. The beginners may then move to Church School for story, singing, and craft; they may be picked up at Room 22 following the service. Children in K-1 will worship in the Worship Center, Room 21. The Parlor (located on the lower level) is available, during the service, for nursing mothers. Coffee, juice and cookies are available downstairs after the morning service. Visit the Ministry Center on the lower level after the service to see what’s happening at Neland. Learn more about ministries, schedule a tour, or sign up to use your gifts in ministry! If you desire pastoral care, please call Pastor Ruth Boven, 245-0669, ext. 103; email:
[email protected] There’s a place for you . . . to serve! For information on programs and volunteer opportunities please call Ministry Coordinator Pearl Banks, 245-0669, ext. 105 e-mail:
[email protected]
Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church 940 Neland Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 245-0669 E-Mail:
[email protected] Web site: www.neland.org
There’s a place for you at Neland
