Abiding Savior Lutheran ChurchAdvent Vespers Service

Saturday, December 3, 20116:30 p.m.

Advent

Gathe

ringOrder of Service

Please stand during worship as indicated by the asterisk (*).

* OPENING

* HYMN OF LIGHT “As the Dark Awaits the Dawn”

Gathering

2

* THANKSGIVING FOR LIGHT

Final response:

WordWord

REFLECTION on HOPE Reading Mark 13:24-37

REFLECTION on CALLING US BACK Reading Mark 1:1-8 REFLECTION on JOY Reading Isaiah 61:1-11

REFLECTION on NOW Reading Luke 1:26-38

3

In this Advent season of hope and expectation, the whole world awaits the coming of the Savior…to be with us. We hear the words of the prophets and angels. We sing of God's promises. We place our hope in God. Tonight we prayerfully reflect on what it means for Christ to be with us. The four stations in the front of the sanctuary present images, scripture and questions to help guide our prayer and reflection. Come to the tables in any order you wish. Look at the images or objects; read the scripture texts and the reflection questions either at the station or in your seat. Take as much time as you need at each station. Let our hearts prepare room for the coming of Christ.

Prayers Prayers

4

* PRAYER RESPONSE

* HYMN “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You”

5

* PRAYER RESPONSE (continued)

* THE LORD’S PRAYER

Final response:

6

Sending * BLESSING

* SENDING HYMN “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

Sending

7

ChristmasChristmas Worship at Abiding Savior

Christmas Eve5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Day10:00 a.m.

New Year’s Day10:00 a.m.

As part of our commitment to service in our community and our world, we ask that you pray for Pastor Blanca Irma Rodriguez and the members of our sister church, Pan de Vida Lutheran Church in Jayaque, El Salvador, and the members of our mission parish, Florist Avenue Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, during the coming week.

Vespers liturgy used by permission; copyright Augsburg Fortress, license #43109. “As the Dark Awaits the Dawn,” Music: Carl F. Schalk, Text: Susan Palo Cherwien; copyright Augsburg Fortress, used by permission, Onelicense.net #A-713169. “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You,” public domain. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” text and arrangement copyright Augsburg Fortress, used by permission, Onelicense.net #A-713169.