Preparation for Worship – November 29, 2020
Gathering & Preparation – Advent means coming. Jesus the Christ has come and is coming again. We worship the Christ who has come and inaugurated his Kingdom. We worship the Christ King who continually builds his Kingdom during this gospel age. We worship King Jesus who will come again to consummate his Kingdom reign. “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music” (Psalm 98:4).
Advent Candle Lighting
Prelude – Go Tell it on the Mountain
*Call to Worship
*Hymn #195 Joy to the World!
*Prayer of Adoration
*Affirmation of Faith – First, Shorter, and Larger Catechism
1st #72 – How is Christ your king?
- Christ rules over me, the world and Satan, and he defends me.
1st #75 – Why do you need Christ as your king?
- Because I am weak and helpless.
WSC #26 – How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
- Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
WLC #45 – How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
- Christ executeth the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them, in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory, and their good; and also in taking vengeances on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel.
*Hymn #218 Angels, from the Realms of Glory
Scripture Reading – Zechariah 11
Sermon – Rejection of the Good Shepherd
Pastor Dan Ledford
*Hymn #196 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Unison Prayer of Confession
God of salvation, in Christ you have done great things – our hearts are filled with joy. By your power you lifted us out of the wasteland of sin, and brought us with joy and laughter into your kingdom. Salvation is your gift to us. But we confess that often we try to replace your gift with our own efforts. We try to complete what is already perfect; we try to add to what is already full; we try to earn what we already have. Forgive us for our foolishness. Help us to focus on your grace. Help us to live grateful lives in return. For Jesus’ sake alone.
Silent Prayer
Assurance & Comfort of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
*Hymn #211 God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
Prayer of Intercession for Christ’s Church & the World
*Hymn #208 O Come, All Ye Faithful
*Benediction
Postlude
Announcements
Pandemic Guidelines Regarding In-Person Corporate Worship
The Session & Deacons are deeply grateful to the Westminster church family for your prayers, patience, and support as we have sought wisdom in applying the recommendations of governing authorities regarding the pandemic. We are having in-person corporate worship in the sanctuary on the Lord’s Day along with some other in-person activities, with certain restrictions in place. Our enhanced live-stream of our worship service is available for those who cannot or should not attend. For those who do attend in person, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Please enter the Church using the front, Main Street doors and wait for an usher to seat you.
- Please wear a mask as you enter, move about, and exit the building (not required for children under 12) and maintain social distancing.
- Please wait to be seated by an usher. We have a staggered seating arrangement that allows the congregation to maintain social distancing and maintain less than 25% room capacity.
- Once you are seated in the sanctuary, it is your choice to remove your mask or leave it on. Several pews in the rear of the sanctuary are reserved for those who want to wear a mask during the entire service and sit among others who are masked as well.
- Child care available for ages birth – 2 in our upstairs nursery.
- Children’s Worship is available midway through the service for preschoolers and kindergartners.
- An offering plate is located outside the sanctuary doors for your use since we will not be passing offering plates during the service.
We are thankful to be together in the fellowship of the church family; and yet acknowledge it is wise for some to stay at home. It is important for us to love one another well, in recognition that we have all been experiencing this season of life under God’s perfect providence. In all circumstances let us love the Lord and love one another.
