Advent 2006

 

Seekers Church

A Christian Community

In the Tradition of the Church of the Saviour

 

Advent 2006 – The Days are Surely Coming

 

CIRCLE TIME

 

ENTRANCE

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE

 

REFLECTION

Our own fear-ridden era may more accurately mirror Jesus' description of the days before his return than did any previous period in human history. While we do not know the times and the seasons, we can at least refuse to be deceived by the current obsession with physical security. In the midst of apparent confusion and incompleteness, Christ will come again.

                                    Based on "The Dangers of Advent," J. B. Phillips

Watch For The Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader:      The days are surely coming

                  when God will fulfill the promise

                  to bring justice and righteousness

                  throughout the world.

 

People:      There will be signs and wonders.

 

Leader:      The days are surely coming

                  when all creation will rejoice.

 

People:      There will be signs and wonders.

 

Leader:      The days are surely coming.

 

All:       The reign of God is near!

 

INVOCATION

 

HYMN

 

WORD FOR THE CHILDREN

 

SILENCE

 

RESPONSIVE READING

Leader:      My soul magnifies the Lord.

 

People:      And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

 

Leader:      To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 

 

People:      O my God, I trust in you. I will not be afraid.

 

Leader:      Restore us, O God.

 

All:       Let your face shine that we may be saved.

 

SILENCE

 

PRAYERS

CONFESSION

Leader:      O God, you promise

                  that the days are surely coming

                  yet we suffer from conflicting emotions

                  and dissipation of our faith.

 

Voice 1:     Our hope is mingled with dread.

 

Voice 2:     Our anticipation mingles with despair.

 

Voice 1:   We are content with candles,

                  carols, and good food.

                  We miss the point.

 

Voice 2:     We bask in the warmth of familiar traditions,

                  and general goodwill.

                  We miss the point.

 

All:       Compassionate Counselor, forgive us

                  and let us hear your message.

 

 

ASSURANCE

Leader:      Redemption is near.

                  God shows us steadfast love and faithfulness.

 

All:       Amen.

 

PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY

 

JESUS PRAYER

All:       Eternal One, Father and Mother of us all,

                  Holy is your name.

 

                  Let justice and mercy fill all Creation

                  and let us recognize

                  that every thought and thing belongs to you.

 

                  Feed us with the bread we need for today.

                  Forgive our sins

                  as we forgive those who sin against us.

 

                  Stand with us in trial and temptation.

                  Free us from the grip of all that is evil.

                  For you invite us into creation with you,

                  now and forever. 

 

                  Amen.

 

HYMN

 

THE WORD

SCRIPTURE

SERMON

SILENT REFLECTION

 

OFFERING 

 

The first Sunday of each month we switch to a Communion Liturgy here.

 

SHARED REFLECTIONS

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

HYMN

 

BENEDICTION

Leader:      The days are surely coming, says the Lord,

                  when the people of God

                  bring justice and righteousness. 

 

All:             Amen.

 

 

WORSHIP RESOURCES
Responsive Reading: Luke 1, Psalm 25, Isaiah 12, Psalm 80
Benediction: Based on Jeremiah 33:14-16

 

[Seekers] [Write us] [Seekers Liturgies] [Fair Use]