Sunday Worship Service
December 4, 2022 – 10:30am
We are RECEIVED as the Beloved of God
The actual worship service begins 15 minutes into the recordings.
WELCOME
Welcome! We are grateful that God has brought us together. If you are a first time visitor, please send Pastor Jinwoo an email at pastor@saint-matthews.org. We would love to stay in contact with you. Thank you.
OPENING SONG
Some Children See Him
CALL TO WORSHIP – 2nd ADVENT Wreath Candle Lighting – from “Seeking Jesus, The Advent of Justice And Peace”. (Light the candle of HOPE and PEACE.)
One: For unto us a child is born, and one of His names is “Prince of Peace.”
Many: And we, His followers, have promised that we will serve this Prince of Peace.
One: God, You have promised through Your prophet Jeremiah, that You will bring to all of Your people helping and abundant peace through Your Son, Jesus.
Many: And we, His disciples, have pledged that we will follow Jesus to bring healing and peace to all people.
One: And yet, dear Loving God, this earth that You love is not filled with peace and justice.
Many: Because we, Your children have failed to rebuke violence and injustice and unrighteousness. Instead, we have chosen to divide and conquer, to name some outsiders and ourselves insiders. We have turned away from Your call to repent, repair, and reconcile.
One: But, today, forgiving God, we recommit ourselves to Your ways, to the ways that lead us to the peace that passes all understanding, peace that heals the earth and causes us to love beyond all barriers and divisions.
All: Thank You, God, for giving us another chance to be led and loved and set alight by our Savior, the Prince of Peace, Jesus the Christ. Thank You for new beginnings during this season of peace. Amen.
OPENING PRAYER
† SONG Together
To a Maid Engaged to Joseph UM Hymnal (blue book) # 215
CHILDREN’S TIME WITH A MESSAGE FOR ALL AGE
ANTHEM – Shepherd’s Carol
Methinks I see a Heav’nly Host, Of Angels on the Wing; Methinks I hear their cheerful Notes, So merrily they sing: ’Let all your Fears be banish’d hence, Glad Tidings I proclaim,
For there’s a Saviour born to Day, And Jesus is his Name. Seek not in Courts or Palaces, Nor royal Curtains draw; But search the Stable, see your God, Extended on the Straw. The Royal Guest you entertain, Is not of common Birth, But second in the Great I am; The God of Heav’n and Earth. Then suddenly a Heav’nly Host, Around the Shepherds throng, Exulting in the threefold God, And thus address their Song: ’To God the Father, Christ the Son, And Holy Ghost ador’d; The First and Last, the Last and First, Eternal Praise afford.
We are TRANSFORMED by the Word of God
SCRIPTURE READING – Luke 1:26-38
GOOD NEWS
“Womb” to Birth God’s Miracles
† SONG Together
Love Has Come Worship & Song (green book) # 3059
THE HOLY COMMUNION (The Communion bread is gluten, egg and dairy free)
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACE (OFFERING)
Pastor: God wants our love more than God wants our offerings; God cares about our hearts not the amount of our offerings. (Hosea 6:6)
All: As we count all the blessings God has already given to us, we cheerfully give our offerings to God, the Provider, with grateful hearts. Amen! (2 Corinthians 9:7)
PRAYING TOGETHER
THE LORD’S PRAYER UM Hymnal (blue book) # 895
We are SENT by the power of God
LIFE OF ST. MATTHEW’S COMMUNITY
† BLESSING AND SENDING
May the grace and peace of Christ be with you, my friends.
Go and share the love of God, love that never ends.
CLOSING SONG – Noel in G