BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
First Sunday of Advent November 27, 2022
Watch: The Day is Almost Here

Prelude—Rebecca & Matt Schloneger

Advent Candle Lighting—Justina Neufeld

Hymn—O Come, O Come, Immanuel—VT 210

Congregation sings verses 1 & 6 during processional and lighting

Candle lighting liturgy

Leader: Watch! You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep.

People: The night is far gone, the day is near.

Leader: As we watch, we light this candle as a sign of our hope.

People: Bring your restoration to your people, we pray.

Welcome—Brad Kohlman

Leader: Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel; you who sit on the mercy seat between the cherubim, we stand in your presence, seeking your face.

People: Shine forth, O Lord, in the sight of your people, that we may see you clearly. Stir up your strength in us; come, rescue us.

Leader: The time is near, we are watching; restore us again, O God. People: Cause your face to shine and we shall be saved,made whole by your gracious love and kindness.

All: We are watching and waiting for you, O Lord.

*Hymn—Hark! The Glad Sound!—VT 217

Children’s Conversation & Christmas Ornaments—Jill Robb

Scripture Readings—Psalm 122; Matthew 24:36-44—Lincoln Kohlman and Megan Kohlman

Sermon—Watch, Pray, Believe—Jim Robb

*Hymn—Comfort, Comfort, O My People—VT 212

Communion—Megan Kohlman, Carolyn Penner, Nathan Koontz

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—Now the Heavens Start to Whisper—VT 237

People with November birthdays come forward for a blessing, please bring a hymnal

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—Jim Robb

Postlude—Wake, Wake, for Night Is Flying  (Paul Manz)—Karen Schlabaugh

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Audio visual— John Thiesen

Pastor—Nathan Koontz