1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

advent, week 4
21 december 2014
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Reflection
“The virgin birth is far less mind-boggling than the power of all Creation stooping so low as to
become one of us.”
• Madeline L’Engle
“A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes - and is completely dependent on the fact that the door
of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent.”
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Preparation
Use the time before the service as an opportunity to prepare for worship, quiet your heart, and
receive Christ. Feel free to read the reflections above. As a courtesy, please turn off your cell
phone, beeper, iPod, or other noisemaker at this time.
Welcome
The ancient Celts believed that there were “thin places” on this earth; places where you could
experience the very presence of God. Worship is a “thin place” between heaven and earth
where we meet with God. When we gather for congregational worship we enter into the very
presence of the Living God. No matter who you are or what you have done, God, by his grace, is
able to change your life forever. Meet with him at this “thin place”: worship.
Credits
All Scripture references taken from the New International Version (NIV), unless otherwise noted
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Call to Worship
Based on Luke 1:46-50
Our souls magnify the Lord!
Our spirits rejoice in God our Savior!
The mighty One has done great things for us!
Holy is God’s name! Let us worship God.
For God is our Maker and our Redeemer;
from generation to generation God gives mercy.
Prayer of Invocation
“Arise, The Kingdom Is At Hand” *
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The Call to Worship is an
invitation into the unique
activity of worship. Our
primary activity in the worship
service is to participate in the
gift exchange of worship itself,
by hearing God’s Word, by
offering prayers and praise,
and by receiving spiritual
nourishment offered at the
Lord’s table.
The term invocation implies that
the congregation invokes, or “calls
upon,” God. In it, we express our
longing for God as well as deep
dependence and humility.
Arise, the kingdom is at hand, the King is drawing nigh;
Arise with joy, thou faithful band, to meet the Lord most high!
Look up, ye souls, weighed down with care, the Sovereign is not far;
Look up, faint hearts, from your despair, behold the Morning Star!
Look up, ye drooping hearts, today, the King is very near;
O cast your griefs and fears away, for, lo, your help is here!
Hope on, ye broken hearts, at last, the King comes in his might;
He loved us in the ages past, when we lay wrapped in night
Look up, ye souls weighed down with care the Sovereign is not far!
Look up, faint hearts, from your despair behold the Morning Star!
The Lord is with us now, who shall the sinking spirit feed
With strength and comfort at its need, to whom even death shall bow
Hope, O ye broken hearts, at last, the King comes on in might
He loved us in the ages past, when we lay wrapped in night
Now are our sorrows over, and fear and wrath to joy give place
Since God hath made us in his grace, his children evermore
• Words: Johann Rist (1651)
• Music arrangement: Josh Bales (2010)
*Please rise in body or in spirit
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“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” *
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
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Why do we sing in church?
As God's people gather for
worship, we focus our attention
on God and away from
ourselves by singing together.
We respond with thanksgiving
to God, because we have hope.
And we sing because it is the
best and most complete
response that we can utter.
By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone
By thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne
Come to us, come to us, come to us, come to us
• Words: Charles Wesley (1745)
• Music: Rowland Prichard (1830)
First Reading *
Luke 2:1-14
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As the Bible is the primary
means by which God speaks to
and edifies his people, we read
and listen to the Scriptures
together in worship. In ancient
Israel and the early church,
services of worship were
organized for the public
reading of scripture – a
practice vital to building up the
community of faith.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census
should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first
census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to
Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to
the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with
Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there,
the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped
him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at
night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news
that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to
you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths
and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
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Call to Confession
Based on John 1:8-9 (NRSV)
God’s Word assures us:
If we say that we have no sin,
we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just
will forgive us our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God.
Corporate Confession
Lord, we have not kept watch for you.
We have occupied ourselves with our own concerns.
We have not waited to find your will for us.
We have not noticed the needs of the people around us.
We have not acknowledged the love that has been shown to us.
Forgive us for our lack of watchfulness.
Help us to wait to know your will.
Help us to look out for the needs of others.
Help us to work and watch for your coming. Amen.
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Because sin is so pervasive in
both our corporate and
individual lives, Christians and
non-Christians are called to
come before the Father with
honesty and transparency,
confessing our brokenness
and asking for both forgiveness
and healing through Jesus Christ…
…we confess corporately to
show our unity even in our
brokenness.
Private Confession
We confess individually in
order to own our failing toward
God and toward humankind in
thought, word and deed.
Assurance of Forgiveness
Christ has given the Church
authority to declare
forgiveness of sins in his
name. Because of this, when
the liturgist proclaims that your
sins are forgiven, you can know
that Christ agrees.
Based on Jeremiah 33:14-16 (NRSV)
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the
promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In
those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to
spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and
righteousness in the land. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our
righteousness.”
People of God: Jesus Christ, our Lord, whose coming we announce in this season, is our
righteousness. In Christ, we are made right with God. Thanks be to God!
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“Jesus Shall Reign” *
VERSE 1
Jesus shall reign wherever the sun
Does its daily journeys run
His kingdom will stretch from shore to shore
Till moons will wax and wane no more
VERSE 2
Power well becomes his hands;
All heaven submits to his commands;
His justice shall avenge the poor
When pride and rage prevail no more
Blessings abound wherever he reigns
He suffered to set us free
VERSE 3
With power he vindicates the just
And treads the oppressor in the dust:
His honor and his fear shall last
Till hours, and years, and time be past
His love and his justice will never be lost
Poured like a fury out on the cross
CHORUS 2
Give every kingdom to your Son
Extend his reign, exalt his throne
Forever we sing this victory song
Jesus reigns
CHORUS 1
O, Great God, your holy sway
The known and unknown worlds obey
Heaven and earth pour out their songs
Our hearts join in
• Words: Isaac Watts (1719); Music: Holy City Hymns (2014)
Prayers of the People
After each petition of the prayer, there will be a time to pray silently.
Please join us in the following refrain:
Leader: Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
In response to God's having
gathered us in worship, we
offer our petitions to him for
the church, the nation, the
world, the city and those who
are suffering.
The Lord's Prayer Based on Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our
debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For the kingdom, the
power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.
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Passing the Peace
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.
CityChurch Update
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Passing the peace is a
tradition rooted in Scripture
that embodies our identity as
peacemakers (Matt. 5:9; 2 Cor.
5:20) and trains ours hearts,
hands, and tongues in the ways
of peace.
Second Reading
Isaiah 9:1-7
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Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he
humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of
the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—
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The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep
darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice
before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For
as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across
their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every
garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he
will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the
greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and
over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on
and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Prayer of Illumination
The prayer of illumination
acknowledges the Spirit’s work
in this part of worship by
requesting God’s Spirit to act
through the reading and
preaching of Scripture. The
prayer is offered for both the
preacher and the listener, for
both the speaking and the
hearing of the Word.
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Sermon
Advent: Jesus and the Prophets, Part 4
“Fear Not” – Isaiah 9:1-7
Rev. Phil Letizia, Lead Pastor
Notes
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A sermon is not just teaching
for living; it is mainly a time
when Christ encounters his
people through his Word.
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Affirmation of Faith *
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and
earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by
the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius
Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into
heaven, and is seated on the right hand of God the Father
Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the
dead.
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When we affirm our
faith together, it reminds us
that we are part of an ancient
and global faith. This basic
creed of Christian churches, as
most familiarly known, is called
the Apostles' Creed. It has
received this title because of its
great antiquity; it dates from
very early times in the Church,
a half century or so from the
last writings of the New
Testament.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of
sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Invitation to the Table
Words of Institution
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
On the night on which Jesus was betrayed, he sat at supper with his disciples. While they were
eating, he took a piece of bread, said a blessing, broke it, and gave it to them with the words,
“This is my body. It is broken for you. Do this to remember me.” Later he took the cup, saying,
“This cup is God’s covenant, sealed with my blood. Drink from it, all of you, to remember me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he
comes.
*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Distribution of the Bread + Cup
CityChurch welcomes all baptized Christians – those who are
trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation and who are members of
congregations that proclaim the gospel – to receive the Holy
Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist)
with us. We will be coming forward to receive Communion.
When you come forward, tear a piece of the bread, and then
dip it into the cup.
Please note that we use wine in Communion. If you cannot
receive wine, non-alcoholic white grape juice is also available. If you
are not able to receive The Lord’s Supper, please use this time
to meditate on one of the prayers below.
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“The Eucharist is the definitive
action practiced in the Christian
community that keeps Jesus
Christ before us as the Savior of
the world and our Savior, and
ourselves as sinners in need of
being saved. The Eucharist is
the sacramental act that pulls
us into actual material
participation with Christ
(eating and drinking bread and
wine) as he gives his very life
“for us and for our
salvation” (cf., the Nicene
Creed)... The Eucharist puts
Jesus in his place: dying on the
cross and giving us that
sacrificed life. And it puts us in
our place: opening our hands
and receiving the remission of
our sins, which is our
salvation.”
• Eugene Peterson, Christ
Prayers of Meditation for Those Not Communing
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Prayer for Those Searching for Truth
Prayer of Belief
Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth,
and the life. Grant that I might be undaunted by
the cost of following you as I consider the
reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true,
please guide me, teach me, and open to me the
reality of who you are. Give me an
understanding of you that is coherent,
convincing, and that leads to the life that you
promise. Amen.
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more
sinful than I ever before believed, but through
you I am more loved and accepted than I ever
dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt,
bearing my punishment on the cross, and
offering forgiveness and new life. Knowing that
you have been raised from the dead, I turn from
my sins and receive you as Savior and Lord.
Amen.
Prayer for Those Overcome with Sin
Lord Jesus Christ, grant that I may see in you the
fulfillment of all my need and may turn from
every false satisfaction to feed on you, the true
and living bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin
that clings so closely and run with perseverance
the race set before me, looking to you, the
pioneer and perfecter of my faith. Amen.
Prayer for Covenant Children (Not Yet
Confirmed)
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for placing me inside
your family, the church. Help me more and more
to know you, to love you and to follow you as
your faithful disciple. Amen.
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Gifts + Offerings
Christ calls us, to give generously as a sign of gratitude for how much he has given us. Our
response to his grace enables us to give sacrificially of ourselves to one another and the work
of Christ’s Kingdom. Your gift is an act of personal worship to God in response to his grace in
your life.
If you’re new to CityChurch, or are exploring Christianity, you’re under no obligation to give.
Consider allocating a significant portion of your tithe and offering to the community where you
invest most of your time, and where others are investing in you.
The offering box is located in the back. For your convenience, one-time or recurring gifts can be
made online. You may also give via text message by simply texting a dollar amount to
954.719.7992 and following the instructions. For more details, visit: citychurchwm.com/giving
Songs of Response – “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” *
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear
CHORUS
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel
O come thou Dayspring come and cheer, our spirits by thy advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadows put to flight
O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid thou our sad divisions cease and be thyself our King of Peace
• Words: 12th Century (Veni, veni Emanuel); translated from Latin to English by John Neale, Mediaeval Hymns (1851)
• Music: Veni Emmanuel (from a 15th Century French hymn); arranged by Thomas Helmore (1856)
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Benediction *
2 Peter 3:13-15 (NRSV)
In accordance with his promise,
we wait for new heavens and a new earth,
where righteousness is at home.
Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things,
strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish;
and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.
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Just as we ordain new
ministers and send them into
the world to serve, in the
Benediction, Christ ordains
you with a blessing that equips
you for service.
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VISION
THE VISION OF CITYCHURCH is the Spiritual, Social, and Cultural renewal of Wilton Manors.
MISSION
WE SEEK TO BE the very presence of Christ in Wilton Manors by cultivating a community of
Faith, Hope + Love
VALUES
The Gospel. The Gospel is the only hope for humankind. The message of the Gospel is that Christ
has done what is necessary to bring us into a relationship with God. We keep it at the center of
everything.
Mission & Movement. Because God is the one who initiates relationships, and sent his Son to
seek and save people, we will pursue relationships with people in hope that they will be restored
to their Father. CityChurch does not exist as an end in itself – we desire to be an incubator for
church planting throughout South Florida, in that when we grow, we will be very intentional
about spinning off and beginning new congregations throughout our city. Each of these
churches will partner with us in pursuing the goal of spiritual, social, and cultural renewal.
The City. Christianity has always thrived in an urban context. We love Wilton Manors, and want
to live, work, celebrate, raise our families, enjoy, and serve this great city.
Arts & Industries. We believe that the good news of the Gospel is about God’s redemption of
this fallen world and its cultural expressions. We are a church that welcomes, encourages, and
equips artists of every medium... and therefore we will seek to offer artists opportunities to show
or perform their work, providing encouragement for them to grow and develop as artists. We
also believe that the good news of the Gospel impacts work and the marketplace. We will
encourage men and women to use their positions, talents, and gifts to the best of their abilities,
and to the betterment of our city.
Life in Community. The Trinity is at the core of Christian truth; namely that God himself has
always been in community – the Father and Son and Spirit all loving, giving and sharing with one
another. We acknowledge that we need each other, and that the life Jesus offers works only in
connection with a community of faith.
Social Healing. The Gospel is the good news of Christ’s kingdom. CityChurch seeks to partner
with local social service agencies that assist the suffering in our own local community.
Furthermore, we will pray for sensitivity to the mercy needs of our community and will seek to
serve our neighbors out of Christ’s love.
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CityGroups
CityGroups are mid-week gatherings giving opportunity for
people to rehearse the Gospel together, live it out to one
another, and to be an extension of God’s love to our neighbors
while serving the community around us.
Mondays
7p - Led by Dan Franklin and Mary Gundlach
Hosted at the home of Dan Franklin (2832 NW 9 Ter, WM)
If you would like to be a part of this new CityGroup, contact Dan
Franklin (daniellfranklin@gmail.com) or Mary Gundlach
(mary.e.gundlach@gmail.com) for more information.
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“We who follow Jesus are a sent
people, even as Jesus was sent
into the world by His Heavenly
Father. We are a community
sent on a mission together: to
keep on doing the ministry of
Jesus so that all people and all
creation might experience the
reconciliation of God. God has
designed the church of Jesus
Christ to be a ‘missional’
fellowship. The word ‘mission’
comes from the Latin word
‘missio’, which means ‘having
been sent.’ Since we have been
sent to do God's work, we are a
‘missional’ community together.”
• Mark D. Roberts
Wednesdays
6p - Led by the Letizias
From 6-6:45pm, dinner will be on the table for everyone. Around 6:45 we'll have our time of
scripture reading and prayer. If you need to leave early after dinner, you're free to. If you can't
arrive until 7-7:30, there'll be food waiting for you and you can jump into the conversation at any
time! Whether you need to put kids to bed, get home earlier, or you get off work late, join us. We're
looking forward to our mid-week CityGroup being a place of wonderful fellowship.
For more information or to join a CityGroup, email us at: info@citychurchwm.com.
Text-to-Give Platform
We are excited to announce that you can now give via text message to CCWM. Simply send a text
message to 954.719.7992 with the amount you would like to give (i.e. 20). You will receive an
immediate response with a link to enter an email address and a credit/debit card number. Once you
enter this information, you will never have to enter it again, just save the number in your phone for
future giving. You can begin at anytime, and even give during our worship service! For more
information, contact us at info@citychurchwm.com.
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Upcoming Events (Mark Your Calendar!)
Weds, Dec 24, 5:30p – Christmas Eve Service
Join us at the at the Historic Richardson House for
our first ever Christmas Eve Candlelight &
Communion Service. This will be a wonderful
occasion to worship God and celebrate the birth
of Jesus Christ. After our service, there will be a
small reception of food, drinks, and Christmas
cheer. Please note: There will be no childcare
available during this service, though the childcare
room and amenities will be available for your use if
needed.
Visit Us Online Keep up-to-date with our events calendar, set up repeated
giving, and more on our website (citychurchwm.com). Get
updates throughout the week on Twitter (@CityChurchWM)
or by joining our Facebook page (facebook.com/
citychurchwiltonmanors).
Ministry Team
Rev. Phil Letizia, Lead Pastor
Dan Franklin, Pastoral Apprentice
Jeff Schmidt, Media Director
15.
Office ✦ 441 NE 3 Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 | Phone ✦ 754.300.7191
Web ✦ citychurchwm.com Email ✦ info@citychurchwm.com
CityChurch Wilton Manors has no formal affiliation with the Historic Richardson House.
We are grateful to the City of Wilton Manors allowing us rental space at this facility.
CityChurch Wilton Manors is a Presbyterian congregation affiliated with the Evangelical Presbyterian