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BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2022

Seek God’s peace

Prelude—Addison Zerger, Brett Gaeddert, Collin Gaeddert, Lucy Burch, Lily Schloneger

Advent Candle Lighting—Coralee Shenk

Hymn—O Come, O Come, Immanuel—VT 210—Congregation sings verses 1 & 4 during processional and lighting

Candle lighting liturgy

Leader: We cry out for restoration; we call upon God to give us life.

People: Do not be afraid, says the Lord. I have promised to be with you.

Leader: As we hold fast to God’s promise, we light these candles as signs of hope, love, joy, and peace.

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

Welcome—Dianne Epp

Call to Worship

Leader: Behold! Do not be afraid; God is with us.  God is our strength and our salvation!

People: Lord, we stand in your presence in faith, not fear.

Leader: God will send angels to keep watch over you, to comfort you, to keep you.

People: Lord, our strong hope is built on your unfailing love. Our hearts yield to you and trust in your transforming power.

 All: Praise ye the Lord

*Hymn— Joy to the World—VT 240

Children’s Conversation—Jim Robb

Anthem—Chancel Choir; Riley King, director; Verlene Garber, accompanist

Scripture Readings—Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Matthew 1:18-25—

Cynthia & Dave Linscheid

Sermon—Longing and Fulfillment—Nathan Koontz

*Hymn—Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming—VT 216

Prayers of God’s People

*Hymn—My Soul Proclaims with Wonder—VT 222

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

*Birthday Blessing & Benediction—Nathan Koontz

Postlude—Verlene Garber

* You are invited to stand

VT = Voices Together

Keyboard—Verlene Garber

Audio visual—Ken Lamp

Pastor—Nathan Koontz