December 7, 2025 10AM
Gathering in-person as well as on Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84796018939?pwd=qbqOdeZSiGJBdeUkUKlT4ZOiYLjIdY.1
Meeting ID: 847 9601 8939
Passcode: 386656
December 7, 2025
Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Isaiah 40
A voice cries in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make God’s way clear.
Lift up every valley, lower every mountain.
For the Glory of the Lord shall be revealed.”
Call to Worship
Advent Candle Lighting
As we watch and wait for the dawning of Christ,
we light the Advent candles, dispelling the dark and
remembering the promises of God with prayer.
Today we light the candle of Peace.
We can work for peace knowing that even as we wait for His final coming,
“The Lord our God is with us, He is mighty to save.”
Come, my Light, and illumine my darkness.
Come, my Life, and revive me from death.
Come, my Physician, and heal my wounds.
Come, Flame of divine love, and burn up the thorns of my sins,
kindling my heart with the flame of your love.
Come, my King, sit upon the throne of my heart and reign there,
for you alone are my King and my Lord.
Amen.
*Opening Songs:
Love Divine All Loves Excelling (#558)
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast;
let us all in Thee inherit,
let us find the promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning,
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.
Come, almighty to deliver,
let us all Thy life receive;
suddenly return and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.
Finish then thy new creation,
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee:
changed from glory into glory,
till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Come All Ye Pining
Lord, we adore thy boundless grace,
The heights and depths unknown,
Of pardon, life and joy and peace,
in thy beloved Son.
Chorus:
Come, all ye pining, hungry, poor,
the Savior’s bounty taste;
Behold a never-failing store
for every willing guest.
O wondrous gifts of love divine,
Dear Source of every good;
Jesus, in thee what glories shine!
How rich thy flowing blood!
Chorus
Here shall your numerous wants receive,
a free, a full supply;
He has unmeasured bliss to give,
and joys that never die.
Chorus
Unison Prayer of Confession
Faithful God, we confess that we have not always led lives of holiness. We suffer from impatience, apathy, and greed; we have not been at peace. We repent of these offenses and turn to You in love. Forgive our poor behavior and pardon our sins, that we may walk in righteousness to the glory of your name, Amen.
Scripture—Isaiah 11:1-10 (pg. 558)
In God Alone (Taizé)
In God alone my soul can find rest and peace
In God my peace and joy
Only in God my soul can find its rest
Find its rest and peace
Kids Dismissed for Faith Explorers
Scripture— Matthew 3:1-12 (pg. 784)
Sermon
Adrienne Schlosser-Hall
Sacred Silence
The Longest Night
Peter Mayer
Celebration of Communion
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks and praise to the Lord.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Prayers of the People & The Lord's Prayer
*Closing Song:
Comfort, Comfort Now My People (#132)
Comfort, comfort now my people
Tell of peace so says our God
Comfort those who sit in darkness
Mourning under sorrow's load
To God's people now proclaim
That God's pardon waits for them
Tell them that their war is over
God will reign in peace forever
For the herald's voice is crying
In the desert far and near
Calling us to true 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
Straight shall be what long was crooked
And the rougher places plain
Let your hearts be true and humble
As befits His holy reign
For the glory of the Lord
Now on earth is shed abroad
And all flesh shall see the token
That God's Word is never broken
Blessing & Sending
*Please stand as you are able
Liturgist: Kjell Tingelstad
Musicians: Christina Po, George and Vickie Myers
Upcoming Events and Announcements:
Neah Bay Christmas Party: December 13th-14th
Christmas Eve Service: December 24th, 5pm
Triple C Farms: We want to give a big thank you to Triple C Farms in Stanwood for the donation of the beautiful narthex and sanctuary trees.
Tithes & Offerings: If you would like to make a financial offering you can give online:
https://epc-bothell.churchcenter.com/giving