Welcome to a Gathering of EChurch@Wartburg
Here is our Order of Worship
Advent Prayer link
I lift my heart up to you, Lord,
to thank you for the blessings
you shower on me each day.
You are the 'joy of my soul.'
I know that in your great love,
I am held and protected by you.
I pray and listen to the good news you send;
I ask and feel the healing.
I am freed by you
from the things in this world
that let me hide from you.
I rejoice, I rejoice, down to my soul.
Help me to prepare my heart
to be open and able to receive your immense love.
Amen
Advent Prayer link
Oh, Adonai, dearest Lord,
Compassionate God of justice,
so many areas of my life seem imprisoned
but you promise me real freedom
and peace in my life.
Renew my spirit and free my soul.
Please, open my heart which you have bathed in the longing of Advent.
I am awe-struck as your glory fills the earth and I want to follow you in caring for other.
Grant me the grace to see how you shine your light on the poor who have such a special place in your heart.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Amen
Luke 6:6-11 (NASB Bible Gateway)
On another Sabbath He entered the synagogue and was teaching;
and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.
The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath,
so that they might find reason to accuse Him.
But He knew what they were thinking, and He said to the man with the withered hand,
“Get up and come forward!” And he got up and came forward.
And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?”
After looking around at them all, He said to him, “Stretch out your hand!”
And he did so; and his hand was restored. But they themselves were filled with rage,
and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
Advent Prayer link
Oh, Jesus, you hold the key
that will unlock my constricted heart.
It gives me great hope
that Mary said yes to you and your plan.
She was filled with the Spirit
and put aside her own doubts.
I know you are ready to answer my prayers,
ease my doubts and calm my fears.
Sometimes I don't hear your messengers
because they aren't what I expect.
They aren't wearing wings or halos
but are the people standing in front of me.
How many times have I not listened?
How often have I balked at your messages
and your messengers?
Fill me with the light of your Spirit
and enter, in all your glory
into my life.
Let me rejoice!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Amen
Advent Benediction link
Go now and walk in the light of the Lord.
Stay alert for the Lord is near.
Put on the armour of light
and live openly and honourably.
Pray for peace for all God’s people.
And may God clothe you in the light of Christ;
May Christ Jesus teach you his ways;
And may the Holy Spirit keep you alert and prepared
for the coming day of the Lord.
We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
…In the name of Christ.
Amen.