Here is the link for our service this morning.

Following the welcome the Fung Family: Vickie, Wayne and Braden lead us in the call to worship and lighting the Advent Candles.

Dr. Imre Szilas plays “What Child Is This?” the tune Greensleeves as arranged by Richard Purvis.  Following the Chimes we sing the third stanza of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

Rev. Dr. Martha Campbell gives the announcements about our Advent Daily Devotional;  information about our Longest Night Service on December 21st: and Robert Smith has put lights up on the church.  Then Martha goes tells us the prayer concerns: Andrew Digrius (Dawn Smith’s son) had a bike accident and sustained a concussion and needed stitches; Sara Alteryd’s great aunt, Ulla Marie, died – her family has sustained several deaths in the last 18 months, and,  Bruce Buegler did not have surgery (the insurance company changed their mind about the surgeon);  and families that mourn and are going through these holidays without someone who has been a part of their lives: Bill Loesch and Dustin Paddock at the death of a parent.  Martha leads us in prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.

Dr. Imre Szilas plays a brief musical interlude: Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow.

Martha leads us in the Advent Affirmation and then, for the anthem, Shannon Kauble sings, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” accompanied by Imre Szilas.

Braden Fung leads us in the Prayer for Illumination and reads the Scripture lesson: Luke 1:59-67, 76-80 the prophecy of the birth of John the Baptizer to his father, Zechariah, and Zechariah’s blessing and prophecy about his son, John.

Rev. Dr. Twining Campbell, presents the sermon based on Joy and John the Baptizer.  John may have looked odd but he understood what God was doing in the world. He saw that Jesus represented God coming among us so that we could see that all of life is blessed and holy.  Our God is part of all that are and do and trusting in our Lord’s care we too can experience joy.

Following the charge and Benediction the service closes with Dr. Imre Szilas playing “In Dulci Jubilo” arranged by Gordon Young.