ST PAUL'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Newport, RI
Welcome
Prelude
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” (Wesley, arr. Leonard)
Hymn
“Surely the Presence of the Lord Is in This Place” #328
♫
Welcome of All & Call to Worship
We praise God
Opening Hymn
“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" #213
♫
Opening Prayer
Holy and Loving God, as we enter this season of Advent, we come with hearts longing for Your light and hope. You call us to stay awake, to prepare for Your coming with love and faith. Fill us with a spirit of readiness and gratitude, that we may abound in love for one another and reflect Your grace to the world. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Hymn
"Gloria, Gloria" #72
♫
Greeting One Another with the Sign of Peace
Leader: Peace be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Let us share the Peace of Christ with great joy.
We celebrate community
Joys and Concerns
You may end your prayer with “This is my prayer.”
We all respond with “This is our prayer.”
Pastoral Prayer & Lord's Prayer
Our Father-Mother, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
We celebrate tithing & offering
Offertory Hymn
“Maybe This Christmas” (Ron Sexsmith)
Performed by Chuck C. & Toni C.
Doxology
"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" #95
♫
Offertory/Commitment Prayer
Gracious God, as we offer our gifts this first Sunday of Advent, we commit our lives to Your purpose. Awaken our hearts to the hope we share in Christ, and guide us to use these offerings to reflect Your love in the world. Strengthen our faith and prepare us to be vessels of Your grace, building Your kingdom here and now. Amen.
Closing
Closing Hymn
“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” #206
♫