Hello Union Church Presbyterians,
Worship this Sunday, December 11 will be in-person and streamed on YouTube to view at home. We will share prayers, songs, and reflections.
YouTube broadcast will begin at 10:25 AM, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewburghPresby
ORDER OF WORSHIP
December 11, 2022 10:30 AM
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
USHERS today are Dan Olson and Bob Beams.
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON TODAY after worship, sponsored by the Deacons. Afterwards join us for a special musical program by Jonathan Hall of Goshen Presbyterian church, concluding with a Carol Sing.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SUN, DEC 18 after worship to ELECT new Elders and Deacons.
ADVENT: If your family would like to light Advent candles, please contact Pastor John.
POINSETTIAS available for purchase, $15 each. Envelopes available in the pews; please write neatly and leave in offering pate. Envelopes due TODAY!
LIVING NATIVITY SUN, DEC 18 from 5:00 to 6:30pm. Join us for our second annual Living Nativity, complete with animals. Tell your friends and neighbors to come by and get their pictures made with donkeys, sheep, and goats in our “stable.”
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE at 5PM.
CHRISTMAS DAY the church will be open from 10 to 11 am, for prayers or meditation with the Pastor
PHOTO DIRECTORY: Outreach will begin taking pictures of individuals and families, during Fellowship Hour after services, for the new photo directory.
FOOD PANTRY has been selected again to receive $1 from every $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag sold during January at Hannaford at 2636 Rt. 32 in New Windsor.
OPEN MON, DEC 19 and WED, DEC 21 from 9:30-11:30 AM. Serving LOTS of people! If you would like to help, contact Kathy or Debby.
PER CAPITA: As of NOV 27, the church has received 14 pledges in the amount of $25,736 as compared to last year at this time the church had received 26 pledges in the amount of $77,850. Our 2023 budget is hoping for annual pledges to be $88,000. I am sure that many of us still have not sent in our pledge cards and that the next update will be much more positive!
ORDER OF WORSHIP
If you have individual prayer requests, please write them on prayer cards in the pews and bring them up or give them to an usher during the prelude.
**Kindly stand if you are able
PRELUDE “What Child is This?”
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE – Hope and Peace and Joy The Schiller Family
CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted from Psalm 146)
Leader: Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God, PEOPLE: who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; Leader: who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; PEOPLE: the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. Leader: The LORD watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. PEOPLE: The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD!
INVOCATION
Gracious Lord, in this Season of Advent, show us the way of preparation, not just for holiday celebrations but for reflection on the true meaning of what and why we celebrate the birth of Jesus and his coming to us, living with us, and remaining among us. Amen.
**OPENING HYMN “Savior of the Nations, Come” Red #138
CALL TO CONFESSION
In Advent we learn of what is to come. We prepare ourselves for the Christian year. We also acknowledge our shortcomings and our aspirations for better results. Let us pray together.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God of the covenant, have mercy upon us as we come before you. The afflicted await good news. The brokenhearted seek comfort and those in mourning await healing. Forgive us our failing to heed your call to faith and make us worthy to serve in the name of our redeemer Jesus Christ, Amen. (a moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Sister and brothers, believe the Good News of the Gospels and know that in Jesus’ name we are forgiven. Amen.
**GLORIA PATRI
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
**APOSTLES CREED (Traditional)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy catholic Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, and the Life everlasting. Amen.
WELCOMING A NEW MEMBER
Today Rob Ferguson joins us a member of our congregation.
**HYMN OF PRAISE “Joy to the World” Red #146
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God, source of all light, by your Word you give light to the soul. Pour out on us the spirit of wisdom and understanding that our hearts and minds may be opened. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 35:1-10 Rob Ferguson
GOSPEL Matthew 11: 2-11
SERMON Preparing the Way John Redman, CRE
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, 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. Amen.
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
We can hoard the gifts with which you bless us, God of generosity, or we can share them with others. May what we offer in these moments be the very blessing, the very hope, the very peace others need. This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
OFFERTORY “Away in a Manger” Rick Lander, guest pianist
**DOXOLOGY Traditional
PRAYER OF THANKS
Lord God, we thank you for these gifts. During this season of Advent may we find ways to honor you by giving of our treasure, our time and our talents to glorify you and your son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
**HYMN OF PARTING “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” Red #135
BENEDICTION
Go in peace, loving the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, your mind and strength and loving your neighbor as yourself.
POSTLUDE “A Christmas Surprise!”
Blessings!
John Redman, CRE
Mobile: (914) 474-0722
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954 Fax: (845) 562-0955
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