Gathering Our Spirit to God's Spirit

We’ve got a table covered with many candles, a few of them very tall. This is our Advent Wreath this year. The tall candle of Hope remains, but in the middle of the table is a short stubby, inconspicuous unlit candle for Peace. The Eye Chart emphasizes “I See God.” There will be four communion stations with bread and juice at each one: one in the remote stage right area, one in the doorway stage left, one in the hall by the library, and one in the pool hall back by the strength team door. (They are meant to be remote and out of the way.)

• “Peace Train” by Cat Stevens plays
• A Journeyer steps up to light the lamp and another rings the bell
• David (E) and Leslie (L) make announcements

Worshiping with Our Children

• Rick leads our children in talking about Advent meaning that Christmas is coming, and that means the coming of peace -- a peace that asks us not only to receive peace, but also to be peacemakers among our friends and family.

Welcome and Breathe

• David welcomes, has us breathe…
• “Trade As One” video plays

Advent Wreath: Peace

• A Journey family reads the Advent Welcome and lights the candle of Peace

Reader A: Today is the second Sunday of Advent. Advent is the season in which we look for, and prepare ourselves for, the presence of God with us.

Reader B: The world Jesus came into many years ago was a restless, uneasy, conflicted world. Those same issues trouble our world today. Peace on any level seems unrealistic and naïve. We could use a Prince of Peace right about now.

Reader C: We light the candle of Peace -- peace that comes when we see the world the way God sees the world and sees value and the image of God in every man woman and child. It is a peace that God brings, but that we also pursue as his peacemakers. 1 Peter 3:11 encourages us, “Make a conscious choice to resist evil…and a conscious choice to choose good. Search diligently for peace…pursue it…work tirelessly to maintain it.”

Reader A: Let us pray. “Dear God, we ask You to come to us this Advent season. Speak to us. Call to us. Show us Your vision for the world. It is a vision that desires Peace for Your creation, and a vision that includes us, Your beloved children, in the role of peacemakers. That makes us a little nervous, so bring your Peace. Amen.”

• JIFC Choir sings “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
• A Journeyer reads Luke 2:8-14
• “Sea Parable” video plays
• A Journeyer reads Matthew 5:9

Giving -- To Help God Do God's Work in This World

• Reader 3 leads an offertory prayer
• JIFC Choir rocks out “Amazing Grace” as the ushers pass the baskets and take them to the foot of the cross

Telling The Story and Our Story

• Rick talks
• Rick officiates and introduces communion
• Rick explains that when you find the table, you are to serve whomever is next in line behind you with the words “Receive the Peacemaker. Go and make peace.”

Go Out to Serve with Mercy and Grace

• David leads a prayer

Every Day: A Journey Responsive Prayer

Reader: You see us, You know us, You love us -- and You are all around.

Journey: Every day.

Reader: You see the world You created. You see hope where we see hopelessness and fear.

Journey: Every day.

Reader: Your heart aches for peace in our world, for nations, for communities, for individuals. It is why Jesus became flesh and blood -- to be our Peace Ambassador.

Journey: Every day.

Reader: Now we have been commissioned as emissaries of the Peace Ambassador. We are called to be peace-makers, peace-brokers, peace-evangelists, and peace-angels.

Journey: Every day.

Reader: So, people, get ready. The Peace Train is departing for all points of love. All aboard!

Journey: Every day. Every day. Amen.

• David dismisses
• JIFC Choir sings “People, Get Ready”
• “Peace Train” plays again as folks depart