# St. John’s United Church of Christ Chambersburg, PA December 8, 2024 --- ## Second Sunday of Advent – "Peace Grows" ### Gathering Song **"This Is the Day"** ### Unison Welcome *"No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here"* ### Announcements **News in the Pews – December 8, 2024** **This Week at St. John’s:** - **Monday, December 9:** - Christmas Breakfast Set-up – Room 116 - Meditation Practice – Parlor Room 111 - Advent Book Study – Conference Room 111 - **Tuesday, December 10:** - Christmas Breakfast – Room 116 - Ministry Meeting – Library Room 106 - Choir Practice – Choir Room 115 - **Wednesday, December 11:** - Midweek Luncheon – Fellowship Hall - **Saturday, December 14:** - Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 115 - Saturday Night Worship – Fellowship Hall - **Sunday, December 15:** - Spark Elementary Church School Class – Room 115 - Youth Discussion Class – Youth Room 206 - Sunday Worship Service – Sanctuary --- **Upcoming Events:** - **Blue Christmas Service:** December 18 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fayetteville. A quiet, reflective service for those experiencing grief or hardship during the holidays. - **Christmas Eve Worship:** 5 PM and 7 PM in the Sanctuary, with music from the Bells of St. John’s and the First Lutheran Rose Ringers. **Other Notices:** - **Advent Book Study:** Mondays at 3 PM in Room 111, discussing *"Hope in the Dark"* by Rebecca Solnit. - **Winter Warmth Drive:** Donations of coats, hats, gloves, and winter gear are needed. Drop-offs can be made in the church office through January 15. - **Operation Dishwasher:** The church is raising funds to replace the aging kitchen dishwasher. Your contributions are appreciated! **Passing of the Peace** *"The peace of Christ be with you"* **Response:** *"And also with you"* ### Chiming of the Trinity & Prelude *From "From the Manger"* --- ### Call to Worship As we begin this second week of Advent, focused on *peace*, may we remember what the angel said: - *"Be not afraid, Glory to God in the highest!"* - *"Peace to this house."* Born to bring peace, the Spirit of Christ says: - *"Blessed are the peacemakers."* In this season of long nights and expectant hearts, how do we find this *peace*? - *Peace* happens when we treat each other, ourselves, and the world kindly. - *Peace* emerges when the work of justice is done, when all are free to be who God made us to be. **Let us worship in a spirit of *peace*, proclaiming the coming of the Prince of Peace!** --- ### Hymn **#723 (insert)** *"Canticle of the Turning"* **Canticle of the Turning** 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 ones who wait. You fixed your sight on your 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 to those who would for you yearn, You will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is 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! 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 ev’ry tyrant from his throne. The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn; There are tables spread, ev’ry mouth be fed, for the world is 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! 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 forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound, ’Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around. **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! --- ### Opening Prayer *From "From the Manger"* God of starry skies, into your *peaceful* presence we bring our whole selves: - Anxieties, concerns, distractions, projects, dreams, and disorders. We know that in this unjust and chaotic world, peace is difficult to find and maintain, but we hunger for peace today. - Reveal the ways we have blocked or prevented your *peace* within us and our communities. - Expand our capacity for peace as we remember the manger, where *peace* first began to grow. - Help us reimagine systems that would make space for more peace. **May the peace of Christ sustain us in worship today. Amen.** --- ### Lighting of the Advent Candles **(All):** God of the shepherds in the field, we too are afraid, longing for a peaceful world. - We hear the cries of the oppressed ringing out, *"No justice, no peace,"* and we join in this lament. - We know you came to bring peace, and that peace prevails when lofty rulers are humbled and all are included and empowered. --- ### Prayer for Illumination *From "From the Manger"* God of peace and presence, accompany us today as we continue our Advent journey. - May we be deeply empowered by the coming birth of Jesus. - May the story of Jesus inspire us to work toward a world where all are fed and peace prevails. In Christ, we see true peace intertwined with the fulfillment of hunger and the pursuit of justice. **We ground our minds and hearts in this moment so we might be transformed by your message. Amen.** --- ### Scripture Readings - **Malachi 3:1-4 (NRSVUE):** > See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like washers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. - **Philippians 1:3-11 (NRSVUE):** > I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, for all of you are my partners in God’s grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the tender affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what really matters, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. - **Luke 2:14 (NRSVUE):** > “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” - **Luke 10:1-6 (NRSVUE):** > After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way; I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘*Peace* to this house!’ And if a person of *peace* is there, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. --- ### Anthem *"Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus"* (arr. Donald McCullough) **Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus** 1. 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. 2. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all-sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne. --- ### Children's Message **Roxanne Davenport** *Children’s Corner will be offered following the Children’s Message* --- ### Sermon **Rev. Caroline E. Saxton** # Sermon Outline: Second Sunday of Advent – Peace Grows --- ## **Introduction** - **Opening Invocation (00:00:57):** - Worship begins in the name of God, the Creator. - Invitation to reflect on *peace* as the focus of Advent's second week. - Key phrases: - *"Do not be afraid. Glory to God in the highest!"* - Peace is the message of Christ: *"Peace to this house. Blessed are the peacemakers."* - Transition to the proclamation of peace through worship and hymns. --- ## **Theme Development: Peace as Justice and Action** - **Call to Worship Reflection (00:06:00):** - Peace grows when justice is served and kindness is practiced. - Recognizing how chaotic the world is, yet hungering for peace. - Prayer emphasizes: - Bringing one’s whole self, including anxieties, into God’s presence. - Reimagining systems that foster peace. - **Lighting the Candle of Peace (00:08:13):** - A symbolic reminder of God’s love and peace shared with all. - Connecting peace with the cries of the oppressed: *“No justice, no peace.”* --- ## **Scripture Insights** - **Key Readings Introduced (00:11:12):** - **Malachi 3:1-4:** - God’s refinement of people as pure gold, preparing them for righteous offerings. - **Philippians 1:3-11:** - Encouragement to grow in love and insight to bear the fruit of righteousness. - **Luke 2:14 and Luke 10:1-6:** - Angels’ proclamation of peace to shepherds. - Jesus sending out disciples to proclaim peace to every house. --- ## **Children’s Message (00:17:50):** - Discussion about symbols of peace: - The peace sign and its significance. - Jesus’ words: *“Peace be with you.”* - Teaching children that peace involves: - Acts of kindness and fairness. - Being brave and advocating for justice. --- ## **Sermon Focus** ### **1. Personal Story and Reflection (00:26:26):** - Story about the speaker's nonverbal autistic brother. - Peace is elusive and requires patience and effort, just as relationships do. - Ties personal struggles to the larger Advent message of waiting for peace. ### **2. Contrasting Peace Perspectives (00:28:37):** - **Worldly Peace:** - Often seen as imposed by power (e.g., Pax Romana). - **Jesus’ Peace:** - A bottom-up, communal approach. - Shown first to shepherds (ordinary people) rather than the elite. ### **3. Active Peace (00:33:58):** - Peace as a choice and shared responsibility. - In Luke 10, 72 disciples are sent to spread peace through collective, active participation. - Peace requires: - Working for justice. - Rejecting mere stability that condones injustice. - Viewing peace as liberation and shared love. ### **4. Practical Application (00:36:17):** - Jesus sets people free to become who they are meant to be. - Collective, active work is essential for peace to flourish. - Encouragement to become peacemakers who challenge injustice and create sustainable, holistic peace. ### **5. Hope in Peacemaking (00:38:36):** - Challenges of achieving peace: - It requires persistence and deeper questions. - Commitment to collaboration and growth. --- ## **Closing Thoughts and Blessing (00:39:42):** - **Blessed Are the Peacemakers:** - A call to work for peace in all areas of life. - Trusting God to guide efforts. - **Dedication of Gifts:** - Angel Tree program as an example of community love and peace in action. - Blessing for the givers and recipients. --- ## **Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer (00:53:52):** - Prayer for: - Those experiencing illness, grief, and challenges. - Gratitude for communal support and celebration. - Recitation of the Lord’s Prayer to close the sermon. --- ## **Key Takeaways:** - **Peace Requires Action:** - It is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and love. - **Ordinary People as Peacemakers:** - True peace starts with those who are humble and open to God’s message. - **Sustainable Peace:** - Calls for collective effort, questioning injustices, and nurturing shared hope and liberation. --- --- ### Dedication of the Angel Tree Gifts --- ### Sharing of Joys and Concerns --- ### Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer (Debts) --- ### Invitation to Giving --- ### Offertory Response *From "Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship"* *"Hope in the God who reigns above, who holds us all in steadfast love; whose spirit blows across the earth, preparing us for second birth."* --- ### Prayer of Dedication *From "From the Manger"* Loving God, these gifts and offerings are a reflection of our commitment to Christ’s *peace*. - May these provide sustenance to those in need and extend your love and justice throughout the world. - Bless the generosity of this community, prompting us to compassionately share in building a world where the hungry are filled. **Amen.** --- ### Hymn **#89** *"Comfort, Comfort Ye My People"* **Comfort, Comfort Ye My People** 1. Comfort, comfort ye my people, speak ye peace, thus saith our God; comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning 'neath their sorrows' load. Speak ye to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them; tell her that her sins I cover, and her warfare now is over. 2. Yea, her sins our God will pardon, blotting out each dark misdeed; all that well deserved his anger he no more will see nor heed. She hath suffered many a day, now her griefs have passed away; God will change her pining sadness into ever-springing gladness. 3. For the herald's voice is crying in the desert far and near, bidding all men to repentance, since the kingdom now is here. Oh, that warning cry obey, now prepare for God a way; let the valleys rise to meet him, and the hills bow down to greet him. 4. Make ye straight what long was crooked, make the rougher places plain; let your hearts be true and humble, as befits his holy reign. For the glory of the Lord now o'er earth is shed abroad; and all flesh shall see the token that his word is never broken. --- ### Charge & Benediction *From "From the Manger"* --- ### Postlude (Seated) *From "From the Manger"* --- ### Announcements The "Nursery Nook in the Narthex" quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families to use during worship. - Age-appropriate activity bags are also available. - See the deacon for assistance. **Please join us for coffee hour after worship!** --- ### Birthdays This Week - **12/09:** Virginia McCright - **12/13:** Mary (Alison) Hopper - **12/14:** Peter A’Zary --- ### Worship Participants - **Pastor:** Rev. Caroline E. Saxton - **Organist:** Barbara Motichka - **Deacon in Charge:** Chris Willman-Bunge - **Lector:** MaryLee Yaukey - **Children’s Corner:** Roxanne Davenport --- ### Flowers at the Foot of the Cross Given to the glory of God. --- ### St. John’s Vision We are called to love, to learn, to worship, and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone, and seeks service that will advance God’s realm on earth. ### St. John’s Mission To grow in love of God and neighbor. --- ### Worship Resources - "From the Manger" Advent liturgy © 2024 Illustrated Ministry - *Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship*, edited by Ruth C. Duck and Maren C. Tirabassi