Service of Peace & Wholeness
December 17, 2023 | 4:00pm
Rev. Jeremy Campbell, Temporary Pastor | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
GATHERING
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Prayer (unison)
Merciful God,
In this season of rejoicing,
we come to you weary and grieving
In this season of feasting,
we hunger for healing, relief and peace
In this season of light,
our hearts are veiled in sorrow and shadow
Will this season ever end?
“Yes.” We hear your, “Yes.”
Those who are weary will find rest
Those who mourn will be comforted
Those who hunger will be filled
The Light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness will not overcome it. Amen.
Lighting the Christ Candle
We welcome you O Christ, Light of the World.
In the midst of our suffering, help us to worship you in spirit and in truth.
*Hymn Comfort, Comfort You My People
Scripture Isaiah 11:1-5, The Voice Translation
Homily
Lighting of the Advent Candles
This candle represents our suffering and the suffering of the world. In the light of God’s love, we claim God’s gift of truth.
There is no need to hide or deny. God welcomes us as we are.
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy. ~Psalm 86:1
This candle represents our suffering and the suffering of the world. In the light of God’s love, we claim God’s gift of lament.
We recognize our wounds and cry out to God. We accept God’s invitation to express every feeling and question.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. ~ Psalm 22:1-2
This candle represents our suffering and the suffering of the world. In the light of God’s love, we claim God’s gift of hope.
God is good. God is strong. God is near, leading us to a day without tears and pain, without sin and death. Healing and deliverance are coming; if not now, then on that day.
By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. ~Psalm 65:5
*Hymn Hark! The Herald Sing (Jesus, The Light of the World)
Time for Prayer and Sharing of the Peace Light
You are encouraged to write your burdens and sorrow on the blue cards… As you come forward to receive the Peace Light leave them on the communion table, pick up a candle to receive the Peace Light from the pastor. For those unable to come forward we will bring the light to you.
Response to the Light:
I gladly receive this light
And its message of peace and friendship.
I pledge to share that message
through my words
and through my actions.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom 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 Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.
*Hymn When Peace Like A River
Affirmation of Faith for Christmas
(adapted from the poem First Coming by Madeleine L’Engle)
Christians, what do you believe?
God did not wait till the world was ready,
till nations were at peace.
God came when the Heavens were unsteady
and prisoners cried out for release.
God did not wait for the perfect time.
God came when the need was deep and great.
God dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine.
God did not wait till hearts were pure.
In joy God came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame,
God came and God’s Light would not go out.
God came to a world which did not mesh;
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh,
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
For to share our grief, to touch our pain,
God came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
Passing the Peace
*Hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Closing Prayer and Benediction
Postlude
DEAR FRIENDS
Welcome to worship here at Peapack Reformed Church! If you are visiting with us, welcome! If you are a member, welcome back! Our mission is to be a congregation called by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. This mission is the catalyst for all that we do, and is our aim for who we want to be.
If you are visiting with us via Facebook Live and would like more information about our church, send us a message on Facebook or email office@peapackreformed.org and we will be in touch with you. Even under these odd and anxious circumstances, we would love to be your church home. Our virtual doors are always open wide and our hearts are always ready to welcome new faces into our fellowship.
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Many thanks for all those who have shared their abundance with neighbors in need.
Our church refrigerators have plenty of space to hold even more!
Mark your calendars now to pick up these important items
and bring to church by the dates listed:
Sunday, December 17 - gallon(s) whole milk
Sunday, December 31 - eggs
Sunday, January 7 - gallon(s) whole milk
Peapack Reformed Church is a congregation called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
CALLED • EMPOWERED • COMMITTED