Prepare the way!

Celebration of Worship Sunday, December 6, 2020

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Prelude Wachet Auf ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 J.S. Bach “Sleepers Wake! A Voice Is Calling” Words of Welcome Rev. Deb Swift

Chime Introit Emmanuel, Emmanuel Bob McGee Please join in singing: “Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us, His name is called Emmanuel.”

Call to Worship Grania Marcus

One: Friends, we come to this time of worship, claiming our relationship with God, to sing praises to our Creator in this season of expectant waiting. Many: Shadow into Light, Fear into Justice, Despair into Hope – may this Advent transform us into your Holy and Sacred people as we make room for Your Spirit, saying, “Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Become birthed in our hearts as God-with-us.”

Hymn Comfort, Comfort You My People PSALM 42

(Music on next page)

Reprinted with permission under One License, License # A-707805. All rights reserved.

Centering Prayer Grania Marcus In the dawning of the day we hear the birdsong that calls us to new life and it becomes the heartsong leading us to you. Our imperfections melt away as your love grows inside us and we are centered in the holy, sacred breath of your Love. In times of chaos and uncertainty, remind us of your morning light. Sing to us of your love and forgiveness, of your invitation to be transformed by your lovingkindness and Holy Hope, we ask. Amen.

Lighting of the Advent Candle

One: On this second Sunday of Advent, we relight the candle of HOPE and we light the second candle of LOVE as a symbol of Mary, birther of the Way. She loved God enough to say YES! To God’s Plan, even when she did not understand it. Let us pray:

Many: Holy God, as Christmas nears, we are mindful of the gift Mary gave to the world and how you work through even the lowliest among us in order to bring about the time of Emmanuel, “You with us.” Help us each to become aware of how you invite us to share your Holy Love with the world, and to believe that you, our Creator, desire and long for us to be whole, complete, healthy and well. Amen.

Song While We Are Waiting, Come (Verse 2) WAITING (Music on next page)

Reprinted with permission under One License, License # A-707805. All rights reserved.

Scripture Reading Mark 1:1-8 New International Version Music for Reflection Song of Mary Morning Song

Meditation “R&R for the Holidays” Rev. Swift Hymn Who Would Think That What Was Needed WHITE ROSETTES (Music at the end) Prayer of Dedication for Pledges and Offerings

We thank you, God, for your gift of the Christ Child even now coming into the world. Let our hearts be open in these sacred days. May our offerings be transformed into gifts of food, shelter, healing, and liberation. May we plant seeds of love and joy until everyone is blessed. Amen.

Music for Reflection Thou Shalt Know Him Mark Sirett

“Thou shalt know him when he comes, not by any din of drums, nor his manners, nor his airs, nor by any thing he wears. Thou shalt know him when he comes, not by crown or by gown, but his coming known shall be, by the holy harmony which his coming makes in thee. Thou shalt know him when he comes. Amen.” Text: Anonymous Reprinted with permission under One License, License # A-707805. All rights reserved.

Prayers of Healing and Transformation Rev. Swift Prayer of Jesus Our Creator, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Spirit come! Thy

will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Spirit, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Closing Hymn Prepare the Way BEREDEN VAG FOR HERRAN

1.) Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near! Let every hill and valley a level way appear. Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story. Oh blest is Christ that came in God's most holy name.

2.) He brings God's rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above. His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth, and love. Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding. Oh blest is Christ that came in God's most holy name.

3.) Fling wide your gates, O Zion; your Savior's rule embrace. His tidings of salvation proclaim in every place. All lands will bow before him, their voices will adore him. Oh blest is Christ that came in God's most holy name.

Text: Franz Mikael Franzen, Adapt. Charles P. Price © 1982 Hope Publishing Company Reprinted with permission under One License, License # A-707805. All rights reserved.

Benediction Rev. Swift

Postlude Keep Your Lamps! Negro Spiritual Arr. Andre Thomas “Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, the time is drawing nigh. Children, don’t get weary, ‘til your work is done. Christian journey soon be over, the time is drawing nigh. Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, the time is drawing nigh.”

Thank you to. . .

Participants: Rev. Deb Swift, Grania Marcus, Alan Jones, Lee Wright, and Juli Elliot

Choir Members: Marrlee Burgess, Juli Elliot, Carol Kerner, Kathryn Borden, Ben Magruder, David Henkle, Jason Cloen, Rob Kerner, and Alan Jones. Lee Wright, conductor

Sound Engineers: Donald Fairman, David McDowell, and Ben Magruder (Choral Music) Website integration: Mark Anderson

Reprinted with permission under One License, License # A-707805. All rights reserved.

The Downtown Church Staff

The Rev. Dr. Pat Youngdahl,

Senior Pastor The Rev. Kathryn Kelly,

Associate Pastor Jackie Griffin, Nursery Coordinator

Mark Anderson, Director of Operations Joseph Taylor, Maintenance Supervisor

Ed Verna, Maintenance Moses Nhial, Maintenance

Robert Clement, Maintenance

Dr. Lee S. Wright, Director of Music Ministry

Jason Cloen, Associate Musician Alan Jones, Associate Musician

Penny Crudup, Church Secretary David Mear, Business Manager

Teresa Ward, Bookkeeper & Receptionist Coordinator Keisha Betts, Receptionist

Theresa Reddick, Receptionist

Parish Leaders

John DeHority, Bill Mackey, Co-clerks of Session Joan Mackey, Moderator of Deacons

121 N. Fitzhugh Street, Rochester, NY 14614 Telephone: (585) 325-4000 ~ Fax: (585) 325-6023

E-Mail: office@DowntownPresbyterian.org www.DowntownPresbyterian.org