December 7th, 2025, Worship Service
Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio
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OPENING SONGS: “Soon and Very Soon” and “Emmanuel, Emmanuel”
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING PRAYER:
God of love and joy, thank You for Your presence in our lives. During this time of worship, draw us closer to You and to one another. May we grow in our love for You and for our neighbor. May we lay aside our worries, trusting that You hear what lies in our hearts. May we dwell in Your peace and be guided by the One who is to come, Your Son, Jesus Christ.
In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
PRELUDE & LIGHTING ALTAR CANDLES (congregation) “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: From the flurry of holiday busyness, People: We come longing for peace,
Leader: Yearning for lasting joy, People: Hoping to find our rest in God.
Leader: From full calendars and hectic schedules,
People: We come to taste the Bread of Life,
Leader: Drink the cup of blessing, People: Sing the songs of Advent hope.
Leader: From the worry of our days, People: We come to be set free,
Leader: Be made new,
People: Follow the Prince of Peace, the joy of every longing heart.
SPECIAL MUSIC: Angela Martin
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 40:1-11
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE
Leader: O God, we light the second candle of Advent. The Candle of Peace.
People: We seek your comfort. Both mighty and compassionate, you come. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you.
Leader: Isaiah first spoke these words to people who were tired, hurting, and far from home. Their world felt like a dry, cracked wilderness. Into that place, Isaiah said that God was coming—making a straight road through the desert, smoothing out the rough ground, clearing a way where there seemed to be none. He said God would come like a gentle shepherd, feeding the flock, leading them step by step, and holding the weakest close to his heart. This Advent, that is the God we are looking for and longing to meet.
People: Saving God, look upon your world and heal your land and your people. Prepare us to be changed. This Advent, teach us to be compassionate and just, as you are. Amen.
HYMN: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (vs. 1 only) #196
OUR TIME OF PRAYER (During our time of prayer, the altar rail is open for all who wish to come forward.)
HYMN “Sanctuary”
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS: Chancel Choir - “This Child”
*DOXOLOGY
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Luke 1:46-55
SERMON “Mary’s Song: When the World Turns Upside Down”
HOLY COMMUNION
*CLOSING HYMN: (sung during Communion) “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” - #218
*BENEDICTION
*SENDING FORTH: “As We Go”
POSTLUDE “O Little Town of Bethlehem”