Welcome to the Sunday Online Worship 06/12/2020 of the Eastern Region of the Riverina Presbytery. This service includes some pre-recorded videos prepared by the region in addition to some music videos. Most words are included or links to them are provided.
HYMN: “O come, O come Emmanuel”
Let us worship together, and sing if you are able, our first hymn, which is “O come, O come Emmanuel”. The video is below & a separate link is provided if you prefer to go directly to Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lgz5pJYHy6k
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
The ‘Call to Worship’ and ‘Opening Prayers’, which are in the video below, are led by Rev. Keith Robinson. The words are underneath the video.
Welcome to the Sunday online worship for 06/11/2020 from the Eastern Region of the Riverina Presbytery. Today is the second Sunday in the season of Advent, and we will be exploring how we can best prepare people’s lives for the way of the Lord.
The prophet Isaiah said,
‘Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain’
On this second Sunday of Advent
we remember that God sent us prophets
to help prepare the way. As we worship today,
let us prepare to welcome God’s work in our midst for the hope that it brings to all humankind.
We light the second Advent candle as a reminder of the hope that Christ brings.
Light two candles
Acknowledgement of country
As we begin our worship, let us also acknowledge the Wiradjuri people. They are the first inhabitants of our region, and part of God’s good creation. We honour them for their custodianship of the land, on which we live today.
Let us pray,
We give you thanks and praise, O God, for your reign draws near with the promise of justice, peace and security for all.
You created the earth and its inhabitants, and through the voice of the prophets crying in the desert, you called us to prepare the way for your coming. Through the scriptures, you have spoken words of steadfastness and encouragement, giving us hope in your visions of peace.
Come to us now, Lord of mercy and peace, forgive us for for those times when we have moved away from your light, and open our hearts to receive your words of hope. Give us courage and strength to change our lives for the better. Enable much by us, and encourage many through us. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Reflection
In “766 Christmases“, listen to people tell their stories of 766 Christmases & life with an emphasis on ‘Hope’. The video is below & a separate link is provided if you prefer to go directly to Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A47McJM-NwA
Bible readings
Rev. Keith Robinson leads us in the readings from Isaiah 40:1-11 & Mark 1:1-8.
Reflection
The speaker is Rev. Keith Robinson. There is a video of the message in the window below.
Prayers of the people & Lord’s Prayer
Go to the video below for the ‘Prayer of the people’, which are led by from Ros Robinson. The video includes the Lord’s Prayer & a closing blessing by Keith.
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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Word of mission & blessing
We look forward in hope to the special celebration of Emmanuel, God-with-us. Go on your way rejoicing at the one who comes among us in humility, yet overflowing with grace and truth. And as you go, grace, mercy and peace from the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer be with you now and always. Amen!
HYMN: ““God has spoken by the prophets”
The closing hymn is, “God has spoken by the prophets”, and it is sung The video is below & a separate link is provided if you prefer to go directly to Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rbR63VCTg4
POSTLUDE: “Come, O come, Emmanuel”
Today’s postlude is, ”Come, O come Emmanuel”, played with piano & cello. The video is below & a separate link is provided if you prefer to go directly to Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-Swwc
