Home

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Church Anniversary Sunday

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Centering Practice

• We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself
• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths
• Stand for 12 seconds of silence with open hands
• Take one big step forward to symbolize starting off on the right foot!

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Call to Worship

God is doing a new thing,
making a way in the wilderness
and creating streams of Living Water
in the wasteland.

God has created and formed us,
calling us precious, honored, and loved.
We receive the love of Christ
and share it with our neighbors near and far.
Amen. 

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Worship Song

My Hallelujah / O Come Let Us Adore

O come all ye faithful
Come let us adore Him

You will have our hallelujah
You alone, the highest name
All to You, Lord we surrender
Every breath we take
Make our lives Your praise

Open up the doors again 
Let the King of glory in 
His Kingdom will never end 
Oh, we know that You are good

Break the darkness with the light 
All the earth let praise arise 
Every dead place come alive 
Oh, we know that You are good

Oh, Spirit of the Living God 
Fire burning in our hearts  
We’re wide awake to who You are
Oh, we know that You are good

You are my strength when I am weak 
You are my sight when I can’t see  
As praise goes up, I believe 
The walls are coming down

Oh, when I was lost, You rescued me 
When I was bound, You set me free
As praise goes up, I believe 
The walls are coming down

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Prayer of Confession

God of goodness and guidance,
In the midst of shadow & fog,
You send Jesus to be our light of hope.

In a world of scarcity, make us generous;
To those who fear, make us the voice of love;
For the grieving, make us tender and kind;
Hear us, O God, we pray: 

— Moment of silent prayer — 

Spirit of new life,
Help us to dream with You —
broader and wider and newer and brighter
than all we have ever known.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Prayers of the People

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Communion

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Anniversary Sunday: Let’s celebrate our church’s anniversary together after service in the park! Lunch will be provided — please consider giving $10 to cover the costs. 
• Resolution Run: This Saturday, January 11th, we invite you to kick off the year with our Anchor & Hope Run Club — please talk to Jin for registration details to join our team 

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

Shine (From the Inside Out)

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Worship Song

You Hold It All Together

Our hope is in You God
We are steadfast
We will not be moved

We’re anchored, never shaken
All our hope is You

You come at the right time
When I least expect it
Never behind

So why would I be surprised
When You deliver every time

On mountaintops, You stay the same
In valleys low, You never change

And I believe that I will see
The goodness of the Lord
I’m confident as seasons change
Your faithfulness remains

You go, You go before me
To prepare a blessing
You madе a way

It’s more than I could imagine
More than I can fathom
Or comprehend

God of our present
God of our future
You write our story
You hold it all together

And we believe that we will see
The goodness of the Lord
We’re confident as seasons change
Your faithfulness remains

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Scripture Reading

Hebrews 6:19

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Panel Conversation

Staff & Core Team Representative:

Kathy Lee, Pastor David, Tae Kim, Pastor Dan, Pastor Jeya

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Our dreams for our church for 2025:

• Kathy: I hope that we as a church can embody Christ’s love, peace, and joy to one another and the world around us as we engage deeply in relationship with God, one another, and the greater community around us.
• Pastor David: My hope for our church in 2025 is that we are not just finding Jesus as our anchor and hope, but we are living that out in our own communities.
• Tae: My hope for our church in 2025 is that this is a year of growth. I believe we have a wonderful church, a wonderful and dedicated pastoral staff, and a mission that is not only rooted in Truth but so relevant for the world today: to bring hope to those who need it — a hope that has been given to us through God’s love.
• Pastor Dan: My dream is that this time next year, each of us will be more open to God, others, and ourselves — and that the journey of openness will fill our hearts with joy, meaning, and encouragement. 
• Pastor Jeya: To learn together how we can see hope by being hope in our small corners of the world, which then flows and overflows into the rest of this world.

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Worship Song

Let Us Be Known

Let us be known by our love
In every word, in every deed
Honor the Son

Let our light shine in every eye
Let us be known by our love

For the glory of our Savior
For the glory of our God
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our love

Let us be known by our joy
In every home, in every heart
Sing to the Lord

Let our lives show goodness and hope
Let us be known by our joy

For the glory of our Savior
For the glory of our God
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our joy

Let us be known by our peace
In every town, in every tribe
Jesus is King

Let us go forth, heal and restore
Let us be known by our peace

For the glory of our Savior
For the glory of our God
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our peace

For the glory of our Savior
For the glory of our God
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our love

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Benediction

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The Fourth Sunday of Advent & Christmas Sunday

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Call to Worship

Throughout this Advent season, we have gathered together
lighting candles to remind us of Jesus, the Light of the World,
and the gift of Christ’s light shining in and through our lives. 

Even the darkness is not dark to God;
the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to God.
Emmanuel — God with us and God coming to us —
shines bright, bringing light and life to all the world.

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Lighting of the Advent Candles

Week Four: The Candle of Love

Reading 1:
We light the candle of Hope
as we await the coming of Jesus, 
who is our source of hope. 

— Light one purple candle (the candle of Hope) —

Together:
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of hope
to a weary world.

Reading 2:
We light the candle of Peace, 
knowing that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. 

— Light one purple candle (the candle of Peace) —

Together:
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of peace
to all who are broken and lost.

Reading 3:
We light the candle of Joy, 
knowing that the joy of the Lord is our strength. 

— Light one pink candle (the candle of Joy) —

Together:
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of joy
in our times of sorrow.

Reading 4:
We light the candle of Love, 
knowing that God is Love,
revealed to us in Jesus Christ. 

— Light the final purple candle (the candle of Love) —

Together:
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of love
revealed to us in Jesus.

Reading 5:
In the beginning was the Word 
and the Word was with God, 
and the Word was God. 
The Word became flesh and lived among us, 
full of grace and truth.  

Reading 6:
In Him was life, and that life was the light of all. 
We light the Christ Candle,
knowing that Jesus is our hope, our peace,
our joy, and the source of love.

— Light the gold Christ candle —

Together:
The Word became flesh and lived among us,
full of grace and truth.

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Worship Song

O Come All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem
O come and behold Him, born the King of Angels

O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation
O sing, all ye bright hosts of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning
Jesus, to Thee be all glo — ry giv’n
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!

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Advent Prayer

Holy One, 
be the light in our darkness this day. 
As we have lit the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love  
we pray for those people and places who need
Your hope, peace, joy, and love…    

— Invite people forward to light candles — 

Holy One, 
be the light in our darkness this day, 
that we might reflect Your light  
into every corner of our world.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Worship Song

O Holy Night

O holy night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night
Of the dear Savior’s birth.

Long lay the world
In sin and error pining,
Till He appeared
And the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees!
O hear the angel voices!
O night divine
O night when Christ was born!
O night divine
O night, O night divine

Truly He taught us
To love one another;
His law is love
And His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break
For the slave is our brother,
And in His name
All oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy
In grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us
Praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord!
O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory
Evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory
Evermore proclaim!

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Communion

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Worship Song

The First Noel

The first Noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay

In fields, where they
Lay keeping their sheep
On a cold’s winter night
That was so deep

Noel… Noel… Noel… Noel…
Born is the King of Israel

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east
Beyond them far

And to the earth
It gave a great light
And so it continued
Both day and night

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Advent Offerings: This year’s advent offering will be given to two groups: Justice Ventures International and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the children will be doing their annual collection for a World Vision Gift (1 goat and 2 chickens!)
• Sunday School Volunteers: We need volunteers to teach in the new year. Please talk to Tae today to sign up! 
• Thank you! Thanks to the Vista Kim family for hosting our Christmas party and for everyone who contributed to the potluck! 
• Upcoming Schedule: 
  • Youth Group outing today: Pastor David will take our students to an escape room after service today
  • Worship Guides: Be on the lookout for a couple of worship guides, one for Christmas Eve/Christmas Day and one for Reset Sunday
  • Reset Sunday: Next Sunday,  12/29/24, we will not gather in community but, instead, encourage you to connect with God and others out in the world 
  • Sunday, 1/5/25: Anchor & Hope’s anniversary where we’ll have a party in the park after worship! We’ll provide lunch — please consider donating $10.00 per person for the food

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Offering Prayer

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

Light of the World

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Scripture Reading

John 1:14 (CEV & the Message)

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.

John 14:2

There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Reflection

Pastor Jeya

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Conversation:

• If we were to all get a big house together, what would the house look like? What kind of rooms should there be?
• If we were making a room for Jesus, what would you put in his room?
• What would be good about living together?
• What would be hard about living together?
• What’s a way that you feel you might love people in your sphere well this Christmas and this coming year?

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Worship Song

Go Tell It on the Mountain / O Come Let Us Adore Him

Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born

While shepherds kept their watching
O’er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a Holy Light

The shepherds feared and trembled
When Lo! above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Savior’s birth

Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent us our Salvation
That blessed Christmas morn!

O sing alleluia
Come let us adore Him
O sing alleluia
Come let us adore Him

O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

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Benediction

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Gingerbread Neighborhood Build

Together

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The Third Sunday of Advent

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• Stand, stretch to the sky like a tree taking in the light (you can even smile!)

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Lighting of the Advent Candles

Week Three: The Candle of Joy

Reading 1
We give thanks for the light of Christ,
shining in the lives of all God’s people.  

Reading 2
As we light our Advent candle
We thank You for the joy You give.
As we prepare for Christmastime
Light of the world, shine on us.  

Reading 3
In the midst of sorrow
Bring joy to our hearts.
To all the people who don’t know You,
Light of the world, shine through us.  

Reading 4
In this world of pain and darkness,
Help us to find joy in serving You.
In our service here today,
Light of the world, light the way.   

— Light Two Purple Candles and One Pink Candle —

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Worship Songs

Center / Oh Our Lord

Oh Christ be the center of our lives
Be the place we fix our eyes
Be the center of our lives

We behold the breaking dawn
The light that shines over everyone
We look to You, we long for You, oh Lord

We behold the rising sun
The earth awaits, Your hope has come
We look to You, we long for You, oh Lord

Oh, oh, oh, our Lord
Oh, oh, oh, our Lord
How majestic is Your name in all the earth

We behold the falling rain
Like waters rise, flood this place
We reach for You, we cling to You, oh Lord

Oh, Your name is a light in the darkness
Oh, Your name is the word of truth
Oh Your name, oh Your name

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Joy of the Lord

Though tears may fall
My song will rise, my song will rise to You
Though my heart may fail
My song will rise, my song will rise to You
While there’s breath in my lungs
I will praise You, Lord

In the dead of night
I’ll lift my eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You
When the waters rise
I’ll lift my eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You
While there’s hope in my heart
I will praise You, Lord

The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord is my strength
In the darkness I’ll dance
In the shadows I’ll sing
The joy of the Lord is my strength

When I cannot see You with my eyes
Let faith arise to You
When I cannot feel Your hand in mine
Let faith arise to You
God of mercy and love
I will praise You, Lord

Oh You shine with glory Lord of light
I feel alive with You
In Your presence now I come alive
I am alive with You
There is strength when I say
I will praise You, Lord

When sorrow comes my way
You are the shield around me
Always You remain
Like courage in the fight
I hear You call my name
Jesus, I am coming
Walking on the waves
Reaching for Your light

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Advent Prayer

Holy One, 
be the light in our darkness this day. 
As we have lit the candle of joy,  
we pray for those people and places who need joy…    

— Invite people forward to light candles — 

Holy One, 
be the light in our darkness this day, 
that we might reflect Your light  
into every corner of our world.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Communion

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Advent Offerings: This year’s advent offering will be given to two groups: Justice Ventures International and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
• Upcoming Schedule: 
  • Next Sunday, 12/15: Young Adults bowling outing after service 
  • Saturday, 12/21: Christmas party at the Kim’s house in Vista 
  • Sunday, 12/22: Advent offering during service; Youth Group outing after service 
  • Sunday, 12/29: Reset Sunday 
  • Sunday, 1/5/25: Anchor & Hope’s anniversary! 

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

Joy to the World

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Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Worship Song

Mercies (New Every Morning)

In brokenness and wandering
Through all my fear and unbelief
Your faithfulness appears to me again

Through mountain top and valley low
In every season, this I know
Your goodness, like the dawn, will break again

All Your mercies rising
In this heart again
And my soul begins to sing

They are new every morning
New every morning
Great is Your faithfulness
Your mercies are new every morning
New every morning
Great is Your faithfulness

Every good and perfect gift
In Your endless grace You give
Flowing from the Father’s heart to mine

Beams of heaven as I go
Through this wilderness below
The fullness of Your love for all of time

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Scripture Reading

Luke 2:8-20

⁸ Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: ¹¹ to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, ¹⁹ and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Sermon

The Season of Advent: Joy

Pastor David

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Conversation:

• What does your life look like when you are your most joyful self?
• What may be hindering you from living into that joy?

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Worship Song

Send the Rain

Lord, we come to You
Now with open hands
Broken lives and dreams
Washed up on the sand

We’ve been beaten down
But still we choose to stand
We choose to stand

Lord, we long for You
For Your hand to move
Heal this barren land
Come and make it new

Jesus, You’re the life
That is breaking through
You’re breaking through

The saints of old in ancient days
They worked the ground
that we reap from today

So use our hands to cultivate
The harvest that
our children’s children taste
We’re ready God, so send the rain

Lord, we’ll follow You
To unbroken earth
On the path not used
Where new hope is birthed

We will work as one
Holding to Your truth
To Your truth

Heal the ruined cities
We destroyed with our own hands
Bring us back together
Let us see the promised land

Pour out Your Spirit
On this dry and thirsty ground
O God of the harvest
Could it be right here and now
Could it be right here and now

Open up the heavens,
let Your rain fall down
We are thirsty, we are thirsty

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Benediction

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The Second Sunday of Advent

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• Advent is a season of watching and waiting on the Lord. The theme of this second Sunday is peace — many people in our world today are stressed, anxious, frustrated, frazzled, or otherwise un-peaceful 
• Invite you to take 3 deep breaths as you hold a symbol of peace for yourself (hands over heart, hug, open, hands over eyes); whatever brings your pace down and allows you to encounter the Prince of Peace today 

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Lighting of the Advent Candles

Week Two: The Candle of Peace

Reading 1
We give thanks for the light of Christ,
shining in the lives of all God’s people.  

Reading 2
As we light our Advent candle
We thank You for the peace You give.
As we prepare for Christmastime
Light of the world, shine on us.  

Reading 3
In our lives of confusion and stress,
Bring peace to our hearts.
To all the people who don’t know You,
Light of the world, shine through us.  

Reading 4
In this world of pain and darkness,
Help us to share the peace You give.
In our service here today,
Light of the world, light the way.   

— Light Two Purple Candles —

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Worship Songs

Great Are You Lord

O come, O come Emmanuel
O come, O come Emmanuel

You give life
You are love
You bring light to the darkness

You give hope
You restore
every heart that is broken
And great are You, Lord

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
To You only

All the earth will shout Your praise
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great are You, Lord

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Be Thou My Vision

Be thou my Vision
O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me
Save that Thou art

Thou my best thought
By day or by night
Waking or sleeping 
Thy Presence, my Light

Riches I heed not
Nor vain empty praise
Thou mine inheritance
Now and always

Thou and Thou only 
Be first in my heart
High King of Heaven 
My treasure, Thou art

O God, be my everything
Be my delight
Be Jesus, my glory
My soul satisfied

High King of Heaven
When victory is won
May I reach Heaven’s joys 
O bright Heaven’s sun

Heart of my own heart
Whatever befall
Still be my vision
O Ruler of all

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Advent Prayer

Holy One, 
be the light in our darkness this day. 
As we have lit the candle of peace,  
we pray for those people and places who need peace…    

— Invite people forward to light candles — 

Holy One, 
be the light in our darkness this day, 
that we might reflect Your light  
into every corner of our world.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Communion

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Advent Offerings: This year’s advent offering will be given to two groups: Justice Ventures International and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
• Upcoming Schedule: 
  • Next Sunday, 12/15: Young Adults bowling outing after service 
  • Saturday, 12/21: Christmas party at the Kim’s house in Vista 
  • Sunday, 12/22: Advent offering during service; Youth Group outing after service 
  • Sunday, 12/29: Reset Sunday 
  • Sunday, 1/5/25: Anchor & Hope’s anniversary! 

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

I’ve Got Peace Like a River

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Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Worship Song

Psalm 23 (I’m Not Alone)

O Lord You’re my Shepherd
You go before me
Defender behind me
I won’t fear

I’m filled with anointing
My cup’s overflowing
Nothing can harm me
I won’t fear

Hallelujah, I am not alone
You’re my comfort
Always holds me close

Lord, You always guide me
Through mountains and valleys
Your joy is refreshing
It restores my soul

Your mercy and goodness
Gives me assurance
That I’ll see Your glory
Face to face

Your Spirit lives within me
So I will walk in Your peace
Your Spirit lives within me
Come lead me, Lord lead me

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Scripture Reading

Isaiah 9:2,6-7 

2  The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

6  For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders,
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Great will be his authority,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Sermon

The Season of Advent: Peace

Pastor Dan

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Conversation:

• Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace: In which way do you need Jesus to bring you peace today?
• Say a brief prayer for your conversation partner: “Jesus, be _______ for _______ today” 

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Worship Song

Be Still

O broken sinner come
And rest by Galilee
And let the Savior speak to you
The beauty of His peace

His tender voice of love
Bids all your strivings cease
Breathes into every fear and doubt
The beauty of His peace

Be still my soul
Be still my soul
Be still my soul
Be still

You know my anxious thoughts
Your Spirit my relief
Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire
The beauty of Your peace
The beauty of Your peace

When tears fall through the night
And panic grips my life
I can rest, I can rest in You

When sorrow marks my day
I will not be afraid
I will trust, I will trust in You

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My One defense, my righteousness
Oh God how I need You

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Benediction

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The First Sunday of Advent

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My Hallelujah

Open up the doors again
Let the King of glory in
His Kingdom will never end
Oh, I know that You are good

Break the darkness with the light
All the earth let praise arise
Every dead place come alive
Oh, I know that You are good
Oh, I know that You are good

You will have my hallelujah
You alone the highest name
All to You I surrender
Every breath I take
Make my life Your praise

Oh, Spirit of the Living God
Fire burning in my heart
I’m wide awake to who You are
Oh, I know that You are good
Oh, I know that You are good

You are my strength when I am weak
You are my sight when I can’t see
As praise goes up, I believe
The walls are coming down

Oh, when I was lost, You rescued me
When I was bound, You set me free
As praise goes up, I believe
The walls are coming down

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Call to Worship

The holiday season can be “the most wonderful time of the year” and it can be a time of stress, anxiety, and sorrow for many. In the busyness of the season, being able to celebrate Advent is truly a gift. Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas (today!) and is a time of watching and waiting for Jesus — both as we celebrate His first arrival into our world and as we await His return to renew all things. 

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Lighting of the Advent Candles

Noah Kim’s Family

We give thanks for the light of Christ,
shining in the lives of all God’s people.

As we light our Advent candle
We thank You for the hope You give.
As we prepare for Christmas time
Light of the world, shine on us.

In this world of pain and darkness,
Bring hope to our hearts.
To all the people who don’t know You,
Light of the world, shine through us.

Jesus, You are coming again,
Help us to live in the hope You bring.
In our service here today,
Light of the world, light the way.

— Light One Purple Candle —

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You Hold It All Together

Our hope is in You God
We are steadfast
We will not be moved

We’re anchored, never shaken
All our hope is You

You come at the right time
When I least expect it
Never behind

So why would I be surprised
When You deliver every time

On mountaintops, You stay the same
In valleys low, You never change

And I believe that I will see
The goodness of the Lord
I’m confident as seasons change
Your faithfulness remains

You go, You go before me
To prepare a blessing
You madе a way

It’s more than I could imagine
More than I can fathom
Or comprehend

God of our present
God of our future
You write our story
You hold it all together

And we believe that we will see
The goodness of the Lord
We’re confident as seasons change
Your faithfulness remains

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Scripture Reading

Isaiah 9:2

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Interactive Prayer Stations

Together

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Great Are You Lord

You give life
You are love
You bring light to the darkness

You give hope
You restore
every heart that is broken
And great are You, Lord

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
To You only

All the earth will shout Your praise
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great are You, Lord

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Build My Life

Worthy of every song we could ever sing
Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You

Jesus, the Name above every other name
Jesus, the only One who could ever save
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You, we live for You

Holy, there is no one like You
There is none beside You
Open up my eyes in wonder

And show me who You are
And fill me with Your heart
And lead me in Your love
To those around me

I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken

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Open Space

I will make room for You
To do whatever You want to
To do whatever You want to

My heart is an open space
For You to come and have Your way
I’m open, I’m open

Pull me in closer, close to Your heart
May I be a pure reflection
of who You are

Love that is patient, love that is kind
Love that keeps no offenses
or wrongs in mind

Make me like Jesus
Make me like Jesus

You’re faithful to find me
Right where I am
Even in my wandering
You call me friend

Mercy receives me
And lifts me to my feet
I’m caught up in the wonder
and the mystery

Of knowing Jesus
Of knowing Jesus

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Expectation

You redeem our past
You take what’s old and broken
You’re breathing in new life

Rhythms of Your grace
Moving us to freedom
From darkness into light

You will make all things new,
You’ll bring Your kingdom here
We wait in expectation

We lift our eyes to You
Salvation’s drawing near
We wait in expectation

You have overcome
The troubles we are facing
You’re standing here with us

Oppression cannot win
And anxious thoughts are broken
By the pow’r of Jesus’ name

Oh, Oh (x3)
Oh, Salvation’s drawing near

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Have My Heart

Here’s my heart Lord
Here’s my heart Lord
Here’s my heart Lord
Speak what is true

You love with no reservations
You’re not looking for perfection
And there’s no need in me pretending
I’ll give You everything
I’ll give You everything

You deserve my full attention
Nothing less than my devotion
Oh, speak to me and I will listen
I’ll give You everything
I’ll give You everything

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh 
You can have my heart
You can have my heart

Be the Lord of my emotions
Set me free from selfish motives
And search me ’til there’s nothing hidden
And I’ll give You everything
Yes, I’ll give You everything

My heart is Yours forever
My heart is Yours forever

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Conversation

• What spoke to you today? (A song, prayer station, thought, something else)
• What is something you’re hopeful for as we head into this season of Advent?

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Open Up

May Your love
Cause us to open up
Cause us to open up our hearts

May Your light
Cause us to shine so bright
That we bring hope into the dark

All that we do without love
It means nothing
Grant us the courage to give
As You’re calling

Make me an instrument
Of Your peace
Where there is hatred
Let me sow love

Where there is darkness
Let me shine light and…

Hope for the hopeless
Your love is
Strength in our weakness
Your love is

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Advent Offerings: This year’s advent offering will be given to two groups: Justice Ventures International and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
• Monthly Prayer Walk: We will not gather for our prayer walk for the month of December — we’ll start up again in the new year!

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Thanksgiving Sunday

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Centering Practice

Psalm 100:4, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him; bless his name”

• Take a moment to pause and take a breath and think about something you are thankful for today
• Then, write it on the post-it and stick it to the foamboard

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Setting the Table Together

• What aspects of your city or neighborhood are you grateful for?
• What have others done in your life that you’re grateful for?
• Who is someone that really listens when you talk, and how does that affect you?
• What’s the best thing about your home, and have you taken the time to enjoy it recently?
• Have you had a chance to help someone recently? How did that make you feel?
• What’s something you look forward to in the future?
• What’s a hard lesson that you were grateful to learn?
• What about today has been better than yesterday?
• What’s an aspect of your physical health that you feel grateful for?
• What relationships are you grateful for?

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Worship Song

You Hold It All Together

You come at the right time
When I least expect it
Never behind

So why would I be surprised
When You deliver every time?

On mountaintops, You stay the same
On valley low, You never change

And I believe that I will see
The goodness of the Lord
I’m confident as seasons change
Your faithfulness remains

You go, You go before me
To prepare a blessing
You madе a way

It’s more than I could imagine
More than I can fathom
Or comprehend

God of my present
God of my future
You write my story
You hold it all together 

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• The Season of Advent: Next week is the first Sunday of Advent! This year’s advent offering will be given to two groups: Justice Ventures International and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
• Monthly Prayer Walk: We will not gather for our prayer walk for the month of December — we’ll start up again in the new year!

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Communion

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Scripture Reading

2 Samuel 9:1-11

¹ David asked, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I may show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” ² Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and he was summoned to David. The king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “At your service!” ³ The king said, “Is there anyone remaining of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” Ziba said to the king, “There remains a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” ⁴ The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” ⁵ Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. ⁶ Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David and fell on his face and did obeisance. David said, “Mephibosheth!” He answered, “I am your servant.” ⁷ David said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan; I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you yourself shall eat at my table always.” ⁸ He bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon a dead dog such as I?”  ⁹ Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. ¹⁰ You and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat, but your master’s grandson Mephibosheth shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. ¹¹ Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so your servant will do.” Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Scripture Engagement

Together

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Worship Song

Teach Us Your Ways

Teach us Your ways… teach us Your ways
As we learn from one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us Your ways

Teach us to give… teach us to give
Give ourselves for one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us to give

Teach us to weep… teach us to weep
Let us weep with one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us to weep

Hallelujah… hallelujah…
Let us learn from one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us Your ways

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Shared Meal

Led by Pastor David

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• Silently with one breath, say to God: I’m glad You are here 
• Silently with another breath, say to yourself: I’m glad I am here
• Out loud to neighbors: I’m glad you’re here 

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Call to Worship

We believe the first word is love.
We love because God first loved us.
We gather as beloved people of God.

Therefore, we walk in the way of love,
with compassion and kindness
for ourselves and our neighbors
as we follow Jesus together.
Amen.

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Worship Songs

God Be Praised / Our God Reigns

Across the earth we see
Worshipers believe
Hear our song
Praise to our God, praise to our God

From dawn ‘til dusk we’ll be
Lifting up our King
Hear our song
Praise to our God, praise to our God

Bringing honor to Your majesty
There’s no other like King of all kings

God be praised
All the glory to Your awesome name
All creation rising up to say
We know, our God reigns

God be praised
All the glory to Your awesome name
Though the earth will shake and battles rage
We know, our God reigns

Our broken lives were changed
When You broke the night with day
Hear our song
Praise to our God, praise to our God

Out of ashes You lifted us
To the table You came
And filled our cup

Every heart and soul
All we are and more
Praise the Lord

Our God reigns, our God reigns…
Our God reigns, our God reigns…

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Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning
Our song shall rise to Thee

There is a sign at the sight of Thee
Merciful and mighty
God in three Persons
God in three Persons… blessed Trinity

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty
All Thy works
Shall praise Thy Name
In earth and sky and sea

There is a sign at the sight of Thee
There is none beside Thee
God in three Persons
God in three Persons… blessed Trinity

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Prayer of Confession

God of promise and purpose,
In You, we live and move and have our being.
You are the Light of the World.

Move us with Your compassion and mercy;
Fill us with Your courage and love;
Help us to live as Your people, in our day;
Hear us, O God, we pray: 

— Moment of silent prayer — 

Help us, O Lord our God, to love You
with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength,
and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Prayers of the People

After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
We give thanks.

For Mira Mesa, San Diego, and every community
in which we live, work, study, and play…

For the beauty of the earth and the glory of Your creation…

For the saints who have gone before us
and our church community around us…

For Your trustworthy love & guidance,
even in the most turbulent of times…

For Your call to become a living sign
of the Beloved Community You desire…

For our mission partners & collaborators around the world…

Amen.

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Staff Introduction & Prayer

Welcome to Pastor David Rucker-Do, Intergenerational Pastor!

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Communion

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• November schedule: Pastor David will be preaching next week and Pastor Jenn Guerra Aldana will guest preach on the 17th. We will celebrate Thanksgiving Sunday on 11/24 with an intergenerational worship service.

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

The Fruit of the Spirit

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Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Worship Song

The Love of the Father

Lift up your voices and lift up your praise
Join with the heavens, declaring the wonders
Of His faithfulness forever

Sing of the victory, the hope of the world
The Saviour has risen, the Spirit has come to
Bring us into love forever

We are the people of God
With the freedom of hope in our hearts
How great is the love of the Father

Lifted from darkness and into the light
The sons and the daughters are loved at a price
Our God has made us His forever

This is the song of the redeemed
The ransomed and the free
Given life at such a price
This is love, this is love

And when the Father calls us home
And we see Him on the throne
Hear the voices sing as one
This is love, this is love

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Scripture Reading

Mark 2:1-12

¹ When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. ² So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door, and he was speaking the word to them. ³ Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 

⁴ And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. ⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” 

⁶ Now some of the scribes were sitting there questioning in their hearts, ⁷ “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” ⁸ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves, and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 

⁹ Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? ¹⁰ But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— ¹¹ “I say to you, stand up, take your mat, and go to your home.” 

¹² And he stood up and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Sermon

The Power of Faith in Community

Pastor Dan

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Discussion questions

• Do you have someone you’d run through a brick wall for? Who would run through a brick wall for you?
• Think through your social base

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Worship Song

Teach Us Your Ways

Teach us Your ways… teach us Your ways
As we learn from one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us Your ways

Teach us to give… teach us to give
Give ourselves for one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us to give

Teach us to weep… teach us to weep
Let us weep with one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us to weep

Hallelujah… hallelujah…
Let us learn from one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us Your ways

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Benediction

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• For a breath or two, invite you to place your hands over your eyes (vision for the future)
• Finally, for a breath or two, invite you to place hands over heart (love for each step of the way)

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Call to Worship

We gather today in faith, called as the people of God.
We trust in the Holy Spirit,
the One who enables us to take holy risks.

We believe a life of faith is open to God
and to our neighbors around us.
Our hearts are open this day.
Amen.

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Worship Songs

Sound of Adoration

When we were lost ones
You were the Shepherd that carried us home
When we were prodigals
You ran to meet us with open arms
And we can’t hold back our praise

When we were refugees
You were the One who took us in
When we were enemies
You paid the price for all our sin
And we can’t hold back our praise

This is the sound of adoration
Oh, how we love You
Jesus, we love You

You are the joy of all creation
Oh, how we love You
Jesus, we love You

You are the Risen One
You conquered death and made a way
You sang our freedom song
Now we are dancing on our chains
And we can’t hold back our praise

By the cross, I am free
Your grace changes everything
I was blind, now I see
Your grace changes everything

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Kingdom Come

God, let Your kingdom come
May Your will be done
God, let Your kingdom come

Earth is groaning and we are longing
For Your kingdom to come
All creation and all of heaven
Join their voices as one

Hope is stirring, joy arising
As we look to the day
When all injustice will bow
And every voice will cry out
Holy is Your name

Lift up your heads, all the weak and the poor
The Lord is at hand and His kingdom is yours

Lift up your hearts, all who suffer and mourn
The Lord is at hand and His kingdom is yours

Lift up your eyes, all who hunger for more
The Lord is at hand and His kingdom is yours

Lift up a shout, let the earth hear your voice
The Lord is at hand and His kingdom is yours

I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken

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Prayer of Confession

Faithful God,
We gather today as a people
shaped by Your love and faithfulness,
and part of a history of God’s people.

When we lose sight of who You are;
When we forget who we are;
When our hearts grow cold to our neighbors;
Have mercy, O God, we pray:

— Moment of silent prayer — 

Jesus, our True Vine,
Feed the roots of our faith,
renew our vision for the Church in our generation,
and help us to bear fruit of mercy & grace.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Prayers of the People

After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
Lord, have mercy.

For Mira Mesa, San Diego, and every community
in which we live, work, study, and play… 

For those suffering from violence, hatred, and war…  

For those experiencing anxiety and stress, grief and loss… 

For those given the responsibility to lead… 

For the Church to become a living sign
of the Beloved Community You desire… 

For our mission partners & collaborators around the world… 

For our Anchor & Hope community to grow in and share our faith… 

Amen.

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Coffee Gift Cards: Our church is going to bless the teachers & staff of Sandburg with gift cards for the day after Halloween (“you’re saints for handling the post-Halloween candy rush”). If you’d like to sponsor a set of cards, please visit the board today!

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

The Fruit of the Spirit

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Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Worship Song

You Hold It All Together

You come at the right time
When I least expect it
Never behind

So why would I be surprised
When You deliver every time?

On mountaintops, You stay the same
On valley low, You never change

And I believe that I will see
The goodness of the Lord
I’m confident as seasons change
Your faithfulness remains

You go, You go before me
To prepare a blessing
You madе a way

It’s more than I could imagine
More than I can fathom
Or comprehend

God of my present
God of my future
You write my story
You hold it all together 

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Scripture Reading

Malachi 1:1-2, 4:1-6

¹ A prophecy: The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi.

² “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?”

. . . . . . . 

¹ See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. ² But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. ³ And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts.

⁴ Remember the teaching of my servant Moses, the statutes and ordinances that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.⁵ See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. ⁶ He will turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents, so that I will not come and strike the land with a curse.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Sermon

Love Builds the Future

Pastor Dan

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Discussion questions

• What are unseen things that make life worth living?
• What makes you feel connected to God or God’s people? How can you strengthen those connections?

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Worship Song

Build My Life

Worthy of every song we could ever sing
Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You

Jesus, the Name above every other name
Jesus, the only One who could ever save
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You, we live for You

Holy, there is no one like You
There is none beside You
Open up my eyes in wonder

And show me who You are
And fill me with Your heart
And lead me in Your love
To those around me

I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken

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Benediction

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