Today’s service will be held indoors in the sanctuary as an in-person service and also live streamed at this link.  Click on “live” for the live stream.  Join us!   

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Second Sunday of Advent

Gathering Music                                    Polly Dunford                                                                                          

Welcome and Announcements            Vicki Conrad-Wright                                      

Second Sunday in Advent:                                       Joanne Batten

Lighting the Second Advent Candle of Peace        Cynthia Warner

(Begin with the first candle relit.)                

Voice 1:

“The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion will feed together, and a little child shall lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6)

Voice 2:  What does peace look like in the new world?

All:

Peace looks like a flowing river where all living things have what they need to flourish.

Peace looks like a place where those who are weak are not afraid of those who are strong.

Peace looks like good conversations around big tables.

Voice 2:  Advent is the beginning of this new world, a better world, where we can boldly build a good life together.

Voice 1:  May it be so.

Voice 2:  (Second Advent candle is lit.)     May it be so.

All:  Amen.

Advent Song “When God is a Child”   (verses 1-2)                   Handout

Words by Brian Wren; Music by Joan Collier Fogg

1989. Hope Publishing Co.  All rights reserved.

 

Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.

When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first and

the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

 

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, leading us on till the morning is bright.          

When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first and

the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

                 

Call to Worship

Leader:  In this season of waiting, we listen for voices that challenge our comfort.

People:  We open our hearts to truth that disrupts, transforms, and awakens.

Leader:  A prophet cries out from the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord!

People:  We turn our attention to the places within and around us that need healing.

Leader:  Love calls us to change, not through fear, but through possibility.

People:  We step into a new direction—toward justice, compassion, and courageous hope.

Leader:  Come, let us worship the One who calls us to turn and the One who walks with us as we do.

People:  With open spirits and expectant hearts, we worship God.

 

Opening Hymn                Potluck Hymn                           

Scripture Lesson             Matthew 3:1-12

 

Sermon        “Repent!”                         Dr. Keith Ray

Thoughts to Ponder:  Advent comforts us with candles and carols, yet it also brings us a wild prophet who refuses to let us stay unchanged.

This week we meet John the Baptist—a disruptive voice who insists that hope requires a turning of the heart.  What might it mean for us, in our world of division and distraction, to “repent” in the truest and most life-giving sense?

As we prepare the way for Love’s arrival, where is Spirit nudging us to turn,

reorient, or begin again?

 

Joys and Concerns/ Celebrating New Members

 

Prayers of the People 

 

Closing Hymn and Offertory                 “Go Now in Peace”           Handout

by Don Besig and Nancy Price

Go now in peace.  Never be afraid.  God will go with you each hour of ev’ry day.

Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true.  Know God will guide you in all you do.

Benediction

Discussion 

Shalom  (meaning - “May you be well and whole and in communion with all creation.”)

Shalom, my friends, Shalom, my friends, Shalom, Shalom.

Till we meet again, Till we meet again, Shalom, Shalom.                 *************************************************************************************

Reprinted with permission under One License #A-625711.  All rights reserved.

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Please join us for our Potluck Meal following worship service.  

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Calendar of Service -  

December 14 - Dr. Keith Ray; 3rd Sunday in Advent (Joy); Pageant rehearsal

December 21 - 4th Sunday in Advent (Love); Christmas Pageant; Winter Solstice Walk

December 24 - Dr. Keith Ray; Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7 pm

December 28 - Lessons and Carols

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The NACCP Search Committee recently sent a survey to everyone via email.  Please take a moment to fill this out as the committee really wants your input about our next minister and your thoughts for our church’s future. This is very important!  Paper copies available too.

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The GAMAC Christmas Concert featuring the GAMAC Chorale, Anderson Symphony Orchestra, and The Electric City Big Band will be on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00 PM in the Rainey Fine Arts Center at Anderson University. Children are free with a donation of pet food, treats or toys for Anderson County PAWS. Call (864) 231-6147 or go to www.gamac.org for tickets.

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Meet & Eat gathering will be Wednesday, December 10 at J. Peters at 5:30 pm.

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YOU ARE INVITED

WHAT:  Annual Keenagers Christmas Party

WHO:  Everyone...that means you too!

WHEN:  Wednesday, December 17, 11 am

WHERE:  Annette Buchanan's home

1790 Boxwood Manor

Pendleton

Meat and drink will be provided. Bring a side dish or dessert to share.

There will be a gift swap game so bring a wrapped gift $10 or less.

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Our Christmas Pageant will be on Sunday, December 21 and will incorporate the traditional story with a play set in a truck stop. The play is based on a story written by Harriett Richie.  If you are interested in being part of cast or crew, contact Diane Lee at dianeblee48@gmail.com

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A new group, Al-Anon, is now using the church building on Saturdays from 9:30-10:30.  Volunteers have been asked to open and close the building for them.

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Bible Study meets on Mondays at 6:30 pm through Zoom.  If you’d like to be added to the Zoom invite list, contact Cynthia at cynthiakwarner@mac.com.

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Please remember to donate non-perishable food items to AIM (Anderson Interfaith Ministries).  An extra item when you shop is a great help to others in our community.

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Are you interested in becoming a member of NACCP?  Would you like to make this community your spiritual home?  Please contact Keith at keithdray@gmail.com or at 864-508-1530.

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