Bulletin
Sunday, December 11th, 2011
3rd Sunday in Advent
Contents
We Gather in God's Name
Welcome
A Cry from the Heart
Psalm 22
Lifting Our Burdens to God
The Gospel Lesson
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Candle Lighting Litany of Remembrance
ONE: We light this Advent candle to remember those persons who have been loved and lost. We pause to remember their name, their face, their voice. We give thanks for the memory that binds them to us this season which anticipates Christmas.
ALL: MAY GOD'S ETERNAL LOVE SURROUND THEM
ONE: We light this second candle to redeem the pain of loss: the loss of relationships, the loss of jobs, the loss of health. As we gather up the pain of the past, we offer it to You, O God, asking that into our open hands, You will place the gift of peace.
ALL: REFRESH, RESTORE, RENEW US, O GOD, AND LEAD US INTO YOUR FUTURE.
ONE: We light this third candle to remember ourselves this Christmas time. We pause and remember the past weeks, months and for some of us, years of down times. We remember the poignancy of memories, the grief, the sadness, the hurts, the pain of reflecting on our own mortality.
ALL: LET US REMEMBER THAT DAWN DEFEATS DARKNESS
ONE: This fourth candle is lit to remember our faith and the gift of hope which God offers to us in the Christmas story. We remember that God who shares our life, promises us a place and time of no more pain and suffering.
ALL: LET US REMEMBER THE ONE WHO SHOWS THE WAY AND WHO GOES WITH US INTO OUR TOMORROWS.
Prayers of the People:
This is a time to lift specific prayers for yourself or others carrying heavy burdens. It can be as simple as a name. At the end of each prayer, please say, “Loving God, hear our prayer.” Everyone else can respond “And in your merciful love, answer.”
Affirming God's Presence
Psalm 121
Lighting Personal Candles
People are invited to light a personal candle in acknowledgment of whatever burden they want to give to God.
Final blessing
Deep peace of the running wave to you, Deep peace of the flowing air to you, Deep peace of the quiet earth to you, Deep peace of the shining stars to you, Deep peace of the gentle night to you, Moon and stars pour their healing light on you, Deep peace of Christ Christ the light of the world Deep peace of Christ to you.