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NOVEMBER 30, 2025
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
REV. KENDRA BALLIET
ORGANIST JIM ROSS

Prelude 
Welcome & Announcements

*Call to Worship
PASTOR: Just as our theme carol asks, “what child is this?” we, too, have come with our questions this day. We go into the world with answers of Good News, being the Body of Christ through our words and deeds.
PEOPLE: We Ask, We Answer.
PASTOR: As we prepare to go into the world,
let us ask and answer the question we came with.
PEOPLE: What child IS this?
PASTOR: This is the one born into a time when hope was hard.
PEOPLE: What child IS this?
PASTOR: This is the one whose lowly status would send a message of hope that alleviation of oppression is a holy endeavor.
PEOPLE: What child IS this?
PASTOR: This, this is the “King of Kings” who shows us the way of true hope for all people.

* Opening Hymn – “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” #154

Lighting of the First Advent Candle
What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Reader 1: The nature of humanity seems to point to the need for a “savior,” especially when we feel things are out of control. People in the time of Jesus’ birth were no different. They hoped for a new reality of communal wellbeing in the midst of corruption and violence.

Reader 2: Peace only existed by definition of the empire. The collaboration of religious and state authorities for the sake of the rich and the demise of the poor was a hard reality for most.

Reader 1: We light this candle of Hope for those who need it most. (Light the First Purple Candle.)

Reader 2: For all who search for a place to belong.

Reader 1: For all who are frightened by imposing forces.


Reader 2: For all whose future seems uncertain.


Reader 1: Our question for today at the scene of the nativity is this: “For what do we hope in our time that will be ‘good news for ALL people?’”

Reader 2: What child IS this? This, this, is Christ the King who reigns with hope forever.

This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Opening Prayer
Here, at the nativity of your birth, give us the courage to face this moment with humility and hope. Open us to new understandings of the unfolding story of your presence among us. Show us the true meaning of the kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. We pray in the name of the Child, the One Who Reigns in our hearts and lives. Amen.

Children’s Chat

Scripture- Lamentations 3:46-57, Luke 2:1-5
Pastor: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God

Series: “What Child IS This: Beyond the Lullaby”
Message: “King of Kings”

Tithes and Offering
Offertory 
*Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #94

Prayer Hymn – “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #211 vs 1-3, 6

Prayers of the People - Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn – “Take the Name of Jesus with You” #536

Action Steps and Benediction

Postlude

 Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, or share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org