Estes Park United Methodist Church
December 13, 2020
Third Sunday of Advent
Order of Worship
Prelude – Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
Greeting/Welcome
It’s a New Day at EPUMC!
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Call to Worship
Leader: A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord.
People: Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Leader: Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low;
People: The uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
Leader: Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
People: And all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Opening Prayer (Unison)
Come, Lord Jesus, come. Come into our midst. Come into our hearts. Come into our homes and our community, into our schools and workplaces. May we welcome you everywhere, making room for you, preparing for you, anticipating your arrival with joy and reverence. We commit this season of Advent to becoming ready. Shine your light in those nooks and crannies we keep in the shadows. Sweep the cobwebs from our long-hidden doubt and fear. Repair our torn and wounded places. We long for your arrival. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.
Opening Hymn – O Little Town of Bethlehem
Prayer of Confession
Call to Confession:
Leader: Advent is a season of waiting – a waiting that is anything but passive. As we prepare to make room for Christ to dwell within us, we acknowledge our own sin, which stands in the way of living the fullness of life God promises in Christ. Let us be truthful with God, in the presence of one another. Let us give God the gift of our honest and humble confession.
People: Loving Lord, Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. We have been lukewarm disciples. We have lacked the zeal of John the Baptist. Instead of letting our voices cry out in the wilderness, our cries have been weak and halfhearted. Instead of proclaiming the gospel with conviction, we have shrugged and stammered. Instead of clothing ourselves in humility and faith, we have put on power and prestige. Instead of giving you the glory, we have puffed ourselves up with pride. Forgive us, O God. Transform us for authentic and wholehearted discipleship. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Silent Prayer
Assurance of Pardon
Leader: “Comfort, O comfort my people, says our God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” Friends, believe the good news! In the grace and love of God, we are forgiven.
People: Thanks be to God! Amen!
Offering
Prayer of Blessing
Offertory
Pastoral Prayer
Scripture Lesson – John 1:6-8; 19-28
Sermon – The Light of the World
Closing Hymn – The First Noel
Benediction
Postlude – Whimsical Angels
Service Participants:
Pastor: Rev. Ann Steiner Lantz
Liturgist: Cay Lacey
Director of Music: Jim Flanigan
Pianist: Nancy Gunter
Videographer: Jim Ecklund