Greetings,
This Sunday in worship we will begin our advent season by lighting the candle of HOPE. For centuries the church has lit candles during the season of advent to highlight and focus on biblical ideas that help prepare our hearts for the incarnational love of God that comes to us in Jesus. With all that is going on in our world it seems fitting that we begin our Christmas season with hope.

Our theme during this Christmas season is “Delivering Presence” – presence with a “C” as opposed to a “T!” Each week we will strive to focus on the true meaning of Christmas as opposed to the cultural emphasis on material things. The theological miracle of Christmas is that the Creator of the universe enters into our world and our lives and offers the greatest gift there is: God’s presence and invites us to do the same.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ~ Tri-Valley Haven’s Annual Holiday Gift Give Away Event on Saturday, December 16th from 2:45-6:00pm. We really need people to help with a great opportunity to deliver God’s presence!! Email the church office: office@fpcl.us or sign up on the web site: https://www.fpcl.us/volunteer

Hope you will consider volunteering and looking forward to starting Advent with you in worship on Sunday.

Grace & Peace,
Steve

This week's worship information:

Sermon Series: Delivering Presence
Sunday’s message: Delivering HOPE

Scripture:
Hebrews 10:19-25
Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Thessalonians 2:5-8
As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

Sunday Bulletin Info -->

PRELUDE: People Look East - arr. Linda Lamb; Celebration Chimes

CALL TO WORSHIP

HYMN: #82 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (vs.1-2)

LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF HOPE                            The Dale Larsen Family

(Upon invitation)
One: As we light the candle of hope we remember the hope of Jesus who said,
Many: “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

HYMN: #103 Come Now, O Prince of Peace (Vs. 4 Repeat)

NEWS OF THE COMMUNITY                                         Pastor Steve Wilde

FOCUS ON MINISTRY                                                    Roy Goble
Christmas Eve Offering: Pathlight International

CALL FOR THE OFFERING

OFFERTORY Once in Royal David’s City - arr. Robert A. Hobby

DOXOLOGY #647 Give Thanks

PRAYER OF DEDICATION                                    Pastor Christina Voissem

FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8

ANTHEM The Yearning – Susan Boersma/Craig Courtney

SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Hebrews 10:19-25

TODAY’S MESSAGE
Sermon Series: Delivering Presence   Pastor Steve Wilde
Title: Delivering HOPE

SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER AROUND THE TABLE

Pastor Denia Segrest & Pastor Christina Voissem
Everyone is welcome to participate.

PASTORAL PRAYER                                                       Pastor Denia Segrest

HYMN: #100 My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout (Vs. 1 -3)

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella – arr. E.A. Hovdesven

________________________________________
TODAY’S WORSHIP SONGS:
People Look East- arr. Linda Lamb; ASCAP 460527868
#103 Come Now, O Prince of Peace; 1 License 45664
#82 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus-public domain
Once in Royal David’s City-arr. Robert A. Hobby; 1 License 10-150-2
# 647 Give Thanks; 1 License 75
The Yearning-Susan Boersma/Craig Courtney;1 License 1009567
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel-arr. Gary Norian; 1 License 1095118
#100 My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout; 1 License 00762
Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella-arr. E.A. Hovdesven- 1 License 1020448
PARTICIPANTS: Sanctuary Choir w/ Janet Holmes, Music Director
Celebration Chimes w/ Cathryn Griggs, Director