WELCOME TO

SAMPSON’S MILLS

PRESBYTERIAN

CHURCH

We embrace our call to love and serve Jesus Christ as we cultivate community

and empower our neighbors.

1665 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 Phone: 412-678-5355

Email: sampsonsmillspc@verizon.net Website: sampsonsmills.org

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mailto:sampsonsmillspc@verizon.nethttps://sampsonsmills.org/youtube

A Service of Divine Worship on the Lord’s Day

December 13th, 2020

Third Sunday in Advent The Prelude

Welcome

The Call to Worship – Lighting the Advent Wreath

Liturgist:

Mary’s Yes gets the most attention in the Christmas story, but Joseph’s Yes was equally

consequential. Joseph could have gone with his plan to quietly dismiss his now

mysteriously, pregnant fiancée. Instead he risks everything – his reputation and his

family’s – by heeding the angel’s message.

Scholars call what Joseph did as moral righteousness. It would be in his right to call

for the public shaming of Mary. He could have well dismissed her and himself from

their obligation, leaving Mary equally as vulnerable as in option number one. Both

would have been acceptable in the eyes of their neighbors and even the law in those

days.

Light the Pink Candle

Today we light the pink candle. This year we light it for Joseph to remember his more

excellent way of love in taking Mary as his wife and the Christ Child as his own. It

was certainly not easy. It required much of him. His example of self- sacrifice and

righteousness show us what is possible when we don’t allow fear to rule our hearts but

rather lean into hope instead.

*Unison Advent Prayer – God of risky love and hope, you sent a messenger to Joseph

telling him Mary was expecting and to not be afraid. Somehow, that was enough for

Joseph to choose the better way. In doing so, his yes joined Mary’s, making a way for

you to make your home with us in Jesus. Help us not be afraid. Help us to choose the

more excellent way – love. Help us to say yes to your promise, too. Amen.

*Opening Hymn #244: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus C. Wesley

*Passing the Peace of Christ, Sharing in Christ’s Welcome

Liturgist: Sister, Brother, don’t grow weary. Peace is on its way.

All: But, even as we wait, let us be peace for one another until our Prince of Peace

comes again!

(Congregation shares peace with one another in our pew or in our homes)

Small Talk Jo VanMeter

Please visit www.sampsonsmills.org/worship for all Children’s Worship Resources

Prayer for Illumination

Speak to us, Lord. Speak to us in the waiting, the watching, the hoping, the longing, the

sorrow, the sighing, the rejoicing. Speak to us by your Word in these Advent days; and walk

with us until the day of your coming. Amen.

The Scripture Lesson Matthew 1:18-25

The Message “Experiences of Hope: Zechariah’s Incredulous Hope”

Rev. Jessica McClure Archer

A Prayer for Our Waiting This Advent

O God, we are waiting

For your creative spark to ignite us and transform us.

We are waiting for your healing and comfort

For lives taken by the coronavirus for the damage done to life and livelihood,

For the hate and anger that has ripped through too many of us.

O God, we wait in hope.

We are waiting for your justice to sway the thrones of power,

To care for the poor, the lonely, the outcast and dispossessed,

But also know that our hearts and hands must act for change.

O God, we wait in peace.

We are waiting for the whole world

To tilt away from death and destruction toward play and imagination.

O God, we wait in joy.

http://www.sampsonsmills.org/worship

Help us, O God,

To seek the light,

To rejoice in the simple things

To hold out in hope

To trust that Christmas will still yet come

Even as we wait.

A Moment of Silent Prayer is shared.

O, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer…

The Lord’s Prayer

Amen.

*The Sending Hymn #251: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear E. Sears

*The Charge and Benediction

As we leave this service, we are invited to give our offerings. May our offerings be

reflection of God’s abundance in our lives, for the glory of God and for the work of God’s

kingdom in the world. You can give by placing your gift at the door, online, mail-in or visiting

the church office! Thank you for being so generous and sustaining our ministry.

https://www.sampsonsmills.org/offering

*Postlude

https://www.sampsonsmills.org/offering