SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENTDecember 8, 2019, 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary

Welcome and AnnouncementsRecognition of First Time Visitors

Prelude And the Glory of the Lord G. F. Handel(Chancel Choir)

The Lighting of the Second Advent Candle Bishop FamilyCarole, Pete, Corbie, Preston, and Crispin

Sung Responses are No. 92 in Hymnal—Follow the Song Leader

*Opening Hy m n Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates No. 93

*Prayer ConfessionLeader: We are restless, unsettled, O God. Each one of us, in our

own way, has chosen a path that leads away from yourpeace. We are anxious, worried, O God. Each one of us, inour own way, has chosen paths of discord and brokenness. We stand in need of direction. We stand in need ofwholeness. Redeem us, O Lord.

Unison: Come, Lord Jesus; forgive us and restore us.Come, Lord Jesus; guide us and deliver us.Come, Lord Jesus; teach us and renew us.Come Lord Jesus. Bring us peace

(Silent Prayer)*Assurance of Pardon*Response No. 113

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,And the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.

Glo—ria in excelsis De-o; Glo—ria in excelsis De-o!

*Passing of the Peace of ChristLeader: Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives, do I give to you.” May the peace ofChrist be with you.

People: And also with you!

Chapel Choir An Advent Carol Jody W. Lindh

Hymn for the Children to Come ForwardI’ve Got Peace Like a River No. 623

(Eric Nanz, guitar; Alana Nanz, piano)

Time for Children John Anderson

Prayer for Illum i n a t i o n Spirit of the Living God No. 288 (Eric Nanz, guitar; Alana Nanz, piano)

First Scripture Reading Isaiah 11:1-10 Beverly Grady

Anthem Joy to the World G. F. Handel(Chancel Choir) arr. Rutter

Second Scripture Reading Matthew 3:1-12

Sermon Who It Offends… and Who It Doesn’t Dr. DeYoe

*Affirmation of Faith An Advent AffirmationWe believe in God, creator and lover of the earth, origin and destinyof us all. We believe in Jesus Christ, sent to us by God in the fragilepromise of a baby yet unborn—who emerged as the herald of hope. Jesus is God's affirmation of us in the face of despair, leading theway to the land of promise where justice and peace will flourish. Webelieve in the Holy Spirit, who implants the seed of truth, brings us tobirth as the body of Christ, and empowers us to confront andtransform all that is corrupt, degrading and deceitful. We believe inthe coming reign of God. Announced by the Baptist, it has drawnnear to us in Jesus, and will be completed in the union of earth andheaven, when all who have passed through the world's deep sorrowwill be raised from the waters, robed in righteousness, and gatheredinto the joyous fulfillment of God's desire. For the coming of thatday, we pray: Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

*Hymn Prepare the Way, O Zion No. 106(Eric Nanz, guitar; Alana Nanz, piano)

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer (sins)

Giving of our Tithes and Offering Offertory Prelude on Sleepers, Awake J. S. Bach*Response

Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing;Come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.

Glo—ria in excelsis Deo; Glo—ria in excelsis De-o!

*Prayer of Dedication

*Closing H y m n O Come, O Come Emmanuel (verses 1,2,6,7) No. 88

*Benediction*Benediction Response Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

(Chancel Choir) Catherine Winkworth*Postlude Prelude and Fugue in F Major J. S. Bach

(Warren Apple, organ)If you choose to leave worship prior to the postlude,

please leave quietly in respect to others.

*Please Stand. Thank you for turning off your cell phonesCCLI License 969085

* * * * * * * *Welcome to our Visitors!

We are happy you have joined us for worship this morning! We hope you findblessings in the message, the music and the Covenant family, and that you willcome again! You are invited to participate in all of the activities which weoffer. Sunday activities include Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. for all ages withworship at 10:00 a.m.

A Nursery is provided for infants through 1st grade. Grades 2 and up shouldremain in the worship service. Children’s worship packets are available in theback of the sanctuary with weekly scripture-related activities to keep childrenengaged during worship.

The Chancel Flowers this morning are given byGarrett Van Siclen to the glory of God and

in memory of his motherElla Van Siclen.

Participating in Today’s WorshipSenior Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Jeffrey DeYoeScripture Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverly GradyChildren’s Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. John AndersonDirector of Music/Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Warren AppleDirector of Children’s Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria BahruthChapel Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colton Herman, Corbin Bishop,

Preston Bishop, Matthew SprungGuitar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric NanzPiano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alana NanzA-V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Maurer and Alexander Maurer