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Unfinished Community
Hybrid Worship

Sunday, December 1st, 2024:
First Sunday of Advent

"He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty."

 -Luke 1:52-53 -

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THE APPROACH TO GOD

Welcome.                                                                                    Rev. Don Van Antwerpen
Call to Worship                                                                                          Psalm 127:1-2

Hymn                                                                       "My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout"
Prayer of Confession     

THE WORD OF GOD IN CONVERSATION

Children's Time                                                                              Rev. Don Van Antwerpen

First Reading                                                                                              Luke 21:25-36

Second Reading                                                                             1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Homily                                                                                            “Just Before the Dawn”
Discussion                                                                                                       Everyone!

      Q1:How can we open ourselves up to community, and how can we bear with others in the 

            community in love and support during the difficult times to come?

      Q2: How can our community support others beyond us, who also need to lean on people for

             love, support, and survival?

RESPONDING TO GOD

Communion

Prayers and Offerings                                                                   Rev. Akiko Van Antwerpen

Hymn                                                                                                       “Blest are They”
Benediction                                                                                   Rev. Don Van Antwerpen

Song Lyrics for Today's Worship

"My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout"

1.    My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great,
And my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the one who waits.
You fixed your sight on the servant's plight, and my weakness you did not spurn,
So from east to west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

REFRAIN:  My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,
And the world is about to turn.

2.  Though I am small, my God, my all, you work great things in me.
And your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.
Your very name puts the proud to shame, and those who would for you yearn,
You will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

3.  From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.
Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;
These are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

4.  Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:
God's mercy must deliver us from the conqueror's crushing grasp.
This saving word that our forbears heard is the promise that holds us bound,
'Til the spear and rod be crushed by God, who is turning the world around. (Refrain x2)


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“Blest Are They"

1. Blest are they, the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of God. Blest are they, full of sorrow, they shall be consoled. 

 

CHORUS:  Rejoice and be glad! Blessed are you; holy are you! Rejoice and be glad! Yours is the kingdom of God!

 

3. Blest are they, who show mercy, mercy shall be theirs. Blest are they, the pure of heart, they shall see God. 

 

CHORUS:  Rejoice and be glad! Blessed are you; holy are you! Rejoice and be glad! Yours is the kingdom of God!

 

4. Blest are you who suffer hate, all because of me. Rejoice, be glad; yours is the kingdom; shine for all to see. 

 

CHORUS (2x):  Rejoice and be glad! Blessed are you; holy are you! Rejoice and be glad! Yours is the kingdom of God! 

Song Lyrics
Bulletin
Serving in Worship Today

Presiding Pastors

Rev. Musubi Tabuchi, Ashiya Christian Church

Rev. Don Van Antwerpen (RCA), Unfinished Community

Rev. Akiko Van Antwerpen (RCA - Volunteer)

Ministers

All The People of God's Community

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