Worship Bulletin: 11/27/22

Worship Bulletin: 11/27/22

Welcome to Worship at the McPherson 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 27, 2022 @ 10:15 a.m.
FIRST ADVENT: WE SEEK HOPE

Gathering Hymn

Video Welcome

Sharing Joys & Concerns | Karlene Tyler

Centering Music | “Gabriel’s Message” | arr. Colin Curtis
Ellen Gilbert, piano
Luke 1:30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”

Opening Words | Swords into Ploughshares | inspired by Isaiah 2:1-5
copyright © Angela Bryan, Sam Hargreaves/engageworship.org

In the last days – they will beat their swords into ploughshares – and their spears into pruning hooks.

So, in these days – we will turn around the camera of our self-centered selfies –
to seek the face of Christ in others.

So, in these days – we will overturn the podium of our calculated competitiveness –
and seek to elevate the least among us.

So, in these days – we will dismantle the walls of our fear, which keep at arm’s length the refugees, 
the foreigners, the homeless – and we will seek to build them homes –
with those same bricks and same arms.

Opening Song | “To us a Child of Hope is Born” | #189

Story for the Children | Dawn Hoffman

Video Invitation to Give
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460

Musical Offering | “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” | arr. Timothy Johnson
Eric Goering, trombone; Ellen Gilbert, piano

Scripture Poetry | Advent Word | Roddy Hamilton

It is ancient – as old as the first word
for it is the first word ever spoken by God
who was feeling the divine voice for the first time
its sound has taken many forms through the ages, but it speaks still,
the single truth it always has
some hear it beating swords into ploughshares
others hear it hammering spears into pruning hooks
and still others hear the original word – that shaped these others
the first word:
the word,
love

Scripture Focus | Isaiah 2:1-5

The Mountain of the Lord
2:1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
2 In the last days the mountain of God’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of God, to the temple of the God of Jacob.
God will teach us the ways, so that we may walk in the paths.”
The law will go out from Zion, the word of God from Jerusalem.
4 God will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of God.

Scripture Prayer Song | “Come Now, O Prince of Peace”

1. Come now, O Prince of Peace, make us one body; come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.
2. Come now, O God of love, make us one body; come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.
3. Come now and set us free, O God our Savior; come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile all nations.
4. Come, Hope of unity, make us one body; come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile all nations.

Messsage | “Turnings AKs into Shovels” | Jerry Bowen
Please take a moment to contemplate the scripture and message.

Sending Song | “Come, though long-expected Jesus” | #178

Sending Words

Sending Music | “Prepare the Royal Highway” arr. James Mansfield
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Isaiah 40:3 Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.


Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert

Choir Director: Becky Snell
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre
Chancel Decoration Team: Jill Brax, Colleen Gustafson, Michele Johnson, Shane Kirchner & Lara Schoming