Worship Bulletin – 11/29/20

Worship Bulletin – 11/29/20

McPherson First Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God’s creation.

Sunday, November 29, 2020
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Season of Hope  ♥  Peace  ♥  Joy  ♥  Love  ♥  Life  ♥  Living

Lighting the Advent Wreath
We light this candle of Hope as we await the coming of Jesus, who is our source of hope.
Thank you, God, for the gift of hope, in our times of emptiness.

Welcome

Centering Music | “Emmanuel” | Tomlin & Cash

Heritage Moments | Celebrating 100 Years at the Corner of Euclid & Carrie Streets

Children’s Story
Presented by Barbara Wagoner

Invitation to Give
Offering Music | Jeremy Hannah, guitar
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 6746

Scripture | Luke 1:26-38

The Angel Gabriel visits Mary
26 In the sixth month [of Elizabeth’s pregnancy] the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called
Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.
The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said,
“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”[a]
29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 
30 The angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb
and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most
High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house
of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 
34 Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel said to her,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the
child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old
age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For
nothing will be impossible with God.” 
38 Then Mary said,
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.

Hymn | “Breath of Heaven” | Amy Grant
Dawn Hoffman & Carol Ward, vocals; Jean Headricks, piano

I have traveled many moonless nights, cold and weary with a babe inside and I wonder what I’ve done.
Holy Father you have come and chosen me now to carry your son.
I am waiting in a silent prayer. I am frightened by the load I bear in a world as cold as stone.
Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now – be with me now.

Breath of heaven hold me together, be forever near me breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven lighten my darkness, pour over me your holiness for you are holy, breath of heaven.
Do you wonder as you watch my face if a wiser one should have had my place?
But I offer all I am for the mercy of your plan. Help me be strong. Help me be – help me.

Breath of heaven hold me together, be forever near me breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven lighten my darkness, pour over me your holiness for you are holy.
Breath of heaven hold me together. Be forever near me breath of heaven.
Breath of heaven lighten my darkness, pour over me your holiness for you are holy.
Breath of heaven – Breath of heaven – Breath of heaven.


Message | “The Hope of the Unexpected” | Kathryn Whitacre
Embracing God’s possibilities

Community Prayer | written by Tim Graves (adapted)

Hymn | “While We are Waiting, Come” | #1032 HWB supplement
Kendra Flory, vocals; Jean Hendricks, piano

Sending Blessing

Sending Music | “Love Came Down at Christmas” | arr. Lani Smith
Ellen Gilbert, organ


Videography and Editing: Eric Goering & Christopher J. Whitacre
Music Coordinator/Accompanist/Organist/Pianist: Ellen Gilbert

Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Doug Lengel, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre