Welcome! May God greatly bless you. If you are looking for a church home,
please consider Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
December 17, 2023 3rd Sunday of Advent 10:30 A. M.
Announcements
Prelude Lighting of the Candles
*Opening Prayer Pastor
*Call to Worship Responsive Reading of Psalm 126
Leader: When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with songs of joy!
All: Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy!
Leader: Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
All: He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
*The Hymn “Angels We Have Heard on High” No. 206
(All Verses)
Light the Advent Candle of Joy
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession
Gracious and Holy God, we come before you this morning making no claims of holiness, offering no excuses for failures, pointing no fingers of blame, claiming only the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hear the confessions of our hearts and grant us forgiveness, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Silent Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon Pastor
We trust in God, who brings salvation, supplies strength, hears our songs of gratitude, and accepts our joyful praise. Let us draw water from the wells of salvation! The Holy One of Israel is among us: Emmanuel has come.
*Hymn of the Month “Emmanuel” No. 185
(Two Times)
Our Giving to the Lord Pastor
The messenger of the Lord has come in Christ. Through Him, we present offerings to God in righteousness. Thanks be to God for his lavish grace!
*Offertory, Doxology and Offertory Prayer
*The Hymn “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” No. 214
(All Verses)
Sharing of Blessings and Concerns, Pastoral Prayer Pastor
Followed by The Lord’s Prayer
First Scripture Reading Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Second Scripture Reading Luke 1:46b-55
Leader: This is the Holy Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God for His Holy Word.
Sermon “Joyful Always” Pastor
*The Hymn “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” No. 216
(All Verses)
*Benediction
*Retrieval of the Light
Leader: The Peace of Christ be with you. People: And also with you.
*Postlude