UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HANCOCK
We respect tradition — and we welcome inclusive language about people and expansive language about God. Please pray using words most meaningful to you.
Open and Affirming of ALL God’s Children
December 10, 2023 – Second Sunday of Advent – Peace
This service will be in-person and on Zoom at 10:00
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 822 2425 2518 Passcode: 755650
Silent Prayer
God of shalom, revive us again. Give us the wisdom and courage to be peacemakers, the strength to make a way in the wilderness accessible to all, the valleys lifted up, the mountains made low, the rough places plain. With Mary and Elizabeth, Jael and Judith, Shiphrah and Puah and Rizpah and Miriam - fill us with your Spirit and your shalom, for the sake of your vibrant, buzzing , blooming world. Come, Prince of Peace, come. Amen
* Indicates points in the service when we stand in body or spirit
Announcements
Prelude
Welcome What Star Is This Tune: Puer Nobis Praetorius/ Ritter
*Introit Spirit of the Living God R. #281
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me,Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
*Call to Worship
One: The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill my promise to my people.All: Justice and righteousness will fill the land and all will live in peace and safety.
*Passing of the Peace (ASL)
*Hymn Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus R. #121
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King,born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone;by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
*Invocation (in unison)
God our salvation, there is wisdom, peace, and joy for those who keep your Word. By the power of your Holy Spirit, lead us in your truth. Amen
Children’s Message Advent Wreath – Godly Play –
Advent 2 – The Holy Family
Hebrew Scripture Genesis 17:15-22 Christian Scripture Luke 1:39-45
Contemporary Reading “Hope” is the thing with feathers
Emily Dickinson
Special Music Alleluia for Advent Patrick Lieberman
Message Rev. TJ Mack
*Hymn Mary, Woman of the Promise (vs. 1,2,3) B. #123
Mary, woman of the promise; vessel of your people's dreams:
Through your open, willing spirit waters of God's goodness streamed.
Mary, song of holy wisdom, sung before the world began:
Faithful to the Word within you, as you bore God's wondrous plan.
Mary, morning star of justice; mirror of the Radiant Light:
In the shadows of life's journey, be a beacon for our sight.
Prayers of the People – Sharing Joys & Concerns
Our Father (Creator, 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
Lead me Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way plain
before my face. For it is thou Lord, thou Lord, only, that makest
me dwell in safety.
Invitation to Offering – Trusting in the sure promises of Christ, and grateful for the Spirit’s sustaining power, let us bring our tithes and offerings to God.
Offertory Meditation on “See Amid the Winter’s Snow”
Goss/ Barr
*The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all
creatures here below; Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen
*Prayer of Dedication (spoken in unison)
In faith and hope we offer our gifts of money and self, that we may be part of what you are doing in the world even now, as we watch for Christ’s coming in glory. Amen
*Hymn Down by the Riverside
Gonna lay down my sword and shield, Down by the riverside, down by the riverside, Down by the riverside. Gonna lay down my sword and shield, Down by the riverside, gonna study war no more.
Refrain:
I ain't gonna study war no more, Ain't gonna study war no more,Ain't gonna study war no more. I ain't gonna study war no more,Ain't gonna study war no more, Ain't gonna study war no more.
Gonna lay down my war––––shoes, Down by the riverside, down by the riverside, Down by the riverside. Gonna lay down my war–––– shoes, Down by the riverside, gonna study war no more.
Refrain:
Gonna put on my long white robe, Down by the riverside, down by the riverside, Down by the riverside. Gonna put on my long white robe, Down by the riverside, gonna study war no more.
Refrain:
Gonna meet my––––Savior, Down by the riverside, down by the riverside, Down by the riverside. Gonna meet my––––Savior,
Down by the riverside, gonna study war no more.
Refrain:
*Benediction
*Sung Christmas Blessing (sung to Eventide)
Go with us, Lord, throughout this Christmas tide: be our protector, brother, friend, and guide. Give us your peace and keep us in your care: help us your love and grace with all to share.
Postlude Noel in G Louis Claude Daquin
(Please remain seated for the Postlude)
If you are visiting with us today, please sign our Guest Book in the back of the sanctuary.
Support our Church Financially
Please visit Hancock (Maine) UCC on Facebook or our new webpage www.hancockucc.com
or visit this link to our PayPal account: paypal.me/hancockucc
or mail offerings to:
Union Congregational Church, PO Box 443, Hancock, ME 04640 (Attention: Treasurer)
Contact Us
207.422.3100
207.323.6743
Many thanks to those who make this service possible –
in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Music Minister – Debbie Riley
Deacons – Nick Davis, Robin Long, Pat Summerer
Liturgist – Nick Davis
Audio-Video Support – Mike Summerer
Office Secretary – Vicky Espling
Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack
The Body of Christ – You
Resources, adapted
Silent Prayer – Magnify: Mary’s Song and the Magnificent Women of Advent
Call to Worship and Invocation – Feasting on the Word Worship Companion, Year C
Prayers of Offering and Dedication – Feasting on the Word Worship Companion, Year C
Sung Christmas Blessing by Jan Chamberlain in Gifts in Open Hands – Tirabassi & Eddy
"Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE,
License #A-738532. All rights reserved.
Spirit of the Living God
Words and Music - ©1963 Jubilate Music
Contributors: Daniel Iverson and Michale Baughen, Daniel Iverson
Come, Thou Long-Expected JesusWords and Music - ©2021 Stephen DeCesare / Exultet Music
Contributors: Traditional, Charles Wesley, Stephen DeCesare
Mary, Woman of the Promise
Words - ©1988 Selah Publishing Co., Inc.
Contributors: Mary Frances Fleischaker