Virtual Worship – Sunday, November 29, 2020

First Presbyterian Church

Delavan, Illinois

Service for the Lord’s Day

29 November 2020

1st Sunday of Advent

Prelude “Alleluia”  by Mozart    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjHGIx5aBoA

Welcome and Announcements

Good morning everyone. We continue to do a new thing in this time of social distancing. We are still a community of faith, even though we are separated for the safety of ourselves, our families, our congregation, and our communities. We will continue to meet like this for the foreseeable future. 

In this bulletin, you will find links to the hymns which also show the lyrics (or are shown below). If you get an ad (and you likely will) you can skip it by clicking the SKIP AD usually found in the lower right corner of the video. There are also links to the Gospel reading and the sermon.

For inclusion in next week’s service, please email or phone the church or Pastor Jean (who can also receive texts) with any prayer requests.

Please note that we are resuming virtual worship services ONLY beginning this week.

We offer praise and prayer to God

Lighting The Advent Candles     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41ytPqEYbQM

We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Advent means coming.We are preparing ourselves for the days

when the nations shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Let us walk in the light of the Lord.

  One Candle Is Lit  vs 1. #128   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YSGgBudagQ

Come surely, Lord Jesus, as dawn follows night,

our hearts long to greet you, as roses, the light.

Salvation, draw near us, our vision engage.

One candle is lit for the hope of the age.

^Call to Worship

Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed;

the night is far gone, the day is near.

^Opening Prayer

Faithful God, your promises stand unshaken through all generations. Renew us in hope, that we may be awake and alert watching for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, our judge and savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

^Hymn     “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” # 709 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDJMinJQ63c

Call to Confession

Remember that our Lord Jesus can sympathize with us in our weaknesses, since in every respect he was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with boldness approach the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Confession of Sin

God of the future,  you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule.  We confess that we have not expected your kingdom,  for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment.  We accept lies as truth,  exploit neighbors,  abuse the earth,  and refuse your justice and peace.  In your mercy, forgive us.  Grant us wisdom to welcome your way,  and to seek things that will endure  when Christ comes to judge the world.

Time of Silent Confession

(Lord, have mercy on us) #300

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news! The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, that we might be dead to sin, and alive to all that is good. I declare to you in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Amen.

^Gloria Patri (Glory be to the Father) #35

^Passing the Peace

Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

We listen to God’s Word

Prayer for Illumination

Gracious God, we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from your mouth. Make us hungry for this heavenly food, that it may nourish us today in the ways of eternal life; through Jesus Christ, the bread of heaven. Amen.

First Reading                 Isaiah 64:1-9    

(A prayer for restoration)

1      O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,

      so that the mountains would quake at your presence—

2      as when fire kindles brushwood

      and the fire causes water to boil—

      to make your name known to your adversaries,

      so that the nations might tremble at your presence!

3      When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,

      you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.

4      From ages past no one has heard,

      no ear has perceived,

      no eye has seen any God besides you,

      who works for those who wait for him.

5      You meet those who gladly do right,

      those who remember you in your ways.

      But you were angry, and we sinned;

      because you hid yourself we transgressed. 

6      We have all become like one who is unclean,

      and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.

      We all fade like a leaf,

      and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

7      There is no one who calls on your name,

      or attempts to take hold of you;

      for you have hidden your face from us,

      and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.

8      Yet, O LORD, you are our Father;

      we are the clay, and you are our potter;

      we are all the work of your hand.

9      Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD,

      and do not remember iniquity forever.

      Now consider, we are all your people.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (A prayer for restoration) Responsive

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth

before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to save us!

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

O LORD God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?

You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.

You make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among themselves.

Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom you made strong for yourself.

Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name.

Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

Second Reading            1 Corinthians 1:3-9       

(Called into the fellowship of God’s Son Jesus Christ our Lord.)

3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— 6just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— 7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading           Mark 13:24-37 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DizYtkTVJD0

(Be ready for when the Son of Man returns)

24“But in those days, after that suffering,

      the sun will be darkened,

      and the moon will not give its light,

25      and the stars will be falling from heaven,

      and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

26Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. 27Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

28“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

32“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Sermon Keep Watch – The Son Of Man Is Coming!https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IuO0kvagy80

^Affirmation of Faith  Apostle’s Creed 

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 again 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.

^Hymn     “Just As I Am, Without One Plea” #339  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc3um07J06o

Prayers of the People 

Gracious God because we are not strong enough to pray as we should, you provide Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit to intercede for us in power. In this confidence we ask you to accept our prayers. God of mercy,

hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the church. Faithful God, you formed your church from the despised of the earth and showed them mercy, that they might proclaim your salvation to all. Strengthen those whom you choose today, that they may faithfully endure all trials by which you conform your church to the cross of Christ. God of mercy,

hear our prayer.

Let us pray for creation. Creator of all, you entrusted the earth to the human race, yet we disrupt its peace with violence and corrupt its purity with our greed. Prevent your people from ravaging creation, that coming generations may inherit lands brimming with life. God of mercy,

hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the world. Sovereign God, you hold both the history of nations and the humble life of villages in your care. Preserve the people of every nation from tyrants, heal them of disease, and protect them in time of upheaval and disaster, that all may enter the kingdom that cannot be shaken. God of mercy,

hear our prayer.

Let us pray for peace. Judge of the nations, you created humanity for salvation, not destruction, and sent your Son to guide us into the way of peace. Enable people of every race and nation to accept each other as sisters and brothers, your children, on whom you lavish honor and favor. God of mercy,

hear our prayer.

Let us pray for those who govern us. God Most High, in Jesus of Nazareth you show us the authority that pleases you: for he rules not by power or might, but serves in obedience to your will. We pray for all in authority over us: for our President, Donald, for Congress, for our Governor, J.B.., and our state legislature, and our county and town officials. Deliver them from vain ambitions that they may govern in wisdom and justice. God of mercy,

hear our prayer.

Let us pray for this community. Merciful God, since Jesus longed to protect Jerusalem as a hen gathers her young under her wings, we ask you to guard and strengthen all who live and work here. Deliver your people from jealousy and contempt that they may show mercy to all their neighbors. God of mercy,

hear our prayer.

Let us pray for all families and those who live alone. Holy God, from whom every family on earth takes its name: Strengthen parents to be responsible and loving that their children may know security and joy. Lead children to honor parents by compassion and forgiveness. May all people discover your parental care by the respect and love given them by others. God of mercy,

hear our prayer.

Let us pray for all who suffer any sorrow or trial. Compassionate God, your Son gives rest to those weary with heavy burdens. Heal the sick in body, mind, and spirit. We especially name all who are dealing with the COVID pandemic including those infected, those caring for them, all health care providers, and those working to find treatments, vaccines and cures. Lift up the depressed. Befriend those who grieve. Comfort the anxious. Stand with all victims of abuse and other crime. Awaken those who damage themselves and others through the use of any drug. Fill all people with your Holy Spirit that they may bear each other’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. God of mercy,

hear our prayer.

Let us give thanks for the lives of the departed who now have rest in God. Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We rejoice in the lives of those whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace. Keep us in joyful communion with them until we join the saints of every people and nation, gathered before your throne in ceaseless praise. God of glory, you see how all creation groans in labor as it awaits redemption. As we work for and await your new creation, we trust that you will answer our prayers with grace, and fulfill your promise that all things work together for good for those who love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Offering Invitation

It might seem a bit strange to see an invitation to offering in this time of social distancing and virtual worship. Some of you may be financially affected as well. I would like to remind you that offering of ourselves is always a three-part process – our time, our talent, and our treasure. So I invite you to offer yourself in whatever way(s) are most appropriate to our heavenly Father.

Offertory “Give Thanks”    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x63Mf4hrzc

^Doxology (Praise God from Whom all blessings flow)     #46

^Prayer of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to offer thanks and praise.

Eternal God,  as you led your people in ages past,  you direct our journey into the future.  We give you thanks that you came to us in Jesus Christ,  and we eagerly await his coming again that his rule may be complete and your righteousness reign over all the world.  Then we will feast at his royal banquet,  and sing his praises with the choirs of heaven.  By your Spirit,  open our eyes to the generosity of your hand,  and nurture our souls in all spiritual gifts.  Fill us with gratitude overflowing that we may share life and love in praise to you,  God of all the ages,  in the gracious name of Jesus Christ, your Son,  by the power of your Holy Spirit,  now and forever. Amen.

^Lord’s Prayer

We depart to serve Christ in the world

^Hymn        “Soon And Very Soon”   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4XD1NCZp9s

^Charge

Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous and strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

Benediction (A word of blessing)

May the God of peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being-spirit, soul, and body-free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Alleluia! Amen.

Please remember in your prayers

Marian Allen, Marge Donley, Helen Hopkins (shoulder surgery), Barb Day, Verbie Hoffman (cochlear implants), Susan (Sinn) Funke, Glenn and Loretta (broken shoulder) Holmes, Meryl (Pastor Jean’s cousin) and Dick Place, Diane Schlosser, Joyce Culbertson, Mardelle Neumann (Apostolic Christian Skylines), Donna Diekhoff, Dick Temple, Myrna and Don (blood clots) Brose, Margaret Altine, Fran (Alzheimer’s), Val (cancer diagnosis), Roland Rich (due to a fall), Blake Renner (Diane Allen Renner’s son), Joy Heaton, Lyndee Lewis’ niece, Jeremy Warner, Rose Goeken, Richard Hopkins (cancer), Dick Watts, Kyle Diekhoff (spinal surgery) and Rick Woodrow (Crohn’s)

The family and friends of Dick Dutton

All affected by the Covid-19 virus, those caring for them in any way, and those working to find a cure

Calendar:

Sun., 11/29:  Virtual Worship, 1st Sunday of Advent, Pastor Jean Sparks preaching,

First Presbyterian Church

P.O. Box 602, 201 W. Fourth Street, Delavan, IL 61734

(309) 244-7105

E-mail: firstpresdelavan@gmail.com

www.firstpresdelavan.org

Rev. Jean Sparks, Pastor

Linda Clauser, Organist