A Congregation of the Reformed Church in America
Our Life, Ministry, and Mission: To Have Hearts Centered on Christ and Hearts Open to our Neighbors
Order of Worship
November 30, 2025 First Sunday of Advent 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Children’s Message
Introductory Words -Pastor Rose
First Week of Advent – Hope Readers: Joan & Paul Marvin and Debbie & Mark Gill
Reader 1: “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,…. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” “For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people.”
Congregation: And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.”
LIGHTING OF FIRST PURPLE CANDLE
Reader 2: (as first purple candle is being lit): We light the candle of HOPE. We wait in hope for the coming of the Christ child.
Reader 3: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” “Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”
Congregation: “I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”
Reader 4 Prayer: Gracious God, we are waiting for the time when all your promises will be fulfilled. May we continue to keep our trust in You as we wait. Help us, dear God, to share the hope we have in you with others. Amen.
*Opening Praise Songs
“Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” -CCLI #2430948
“What Child Is This” -CCLI #17315
Call to Confession –Psalm 130:1-3
Silent Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
People of God, Hear the Good News of the Gospel! By the love of God, by the blood of Christ, by the power of the Spirit, Your sins are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
Guide for Grateful Living -Psalm 130:7-8
Offering
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.
The Word of God in Proclamation
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture LUKE 1:39-56 (NIV Pew Bible, Pages 1457-1458)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “MARY’S SONG”
Prayer of Application
Our Response to God
*Profession of Faith The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son], who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
*Hymn of Application “My Soul Glorifies the Lord” -Hymn #383, vv. 1-3
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
The 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
*Closing Hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” -Hymn #61 Verses 1, 4, 6, & 7
*Benediction
Postlude
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs.