Greeting

Hymn #349                                  “We Gather Together”            Senghas/arr. Kremser

Welcome

Covenant                                  Love is the spirit of this church,

and reason is its guide.

To dwell together in peace,

to seek truth in freedom,

and to serve human need:

this is our covenant.

Response                               May love shine forth through us today

May light of reason guide our way

May beauty, truth, and joy become

A flame that burns in everyone.

Call to Worship       

Invocation                                                                        Dori Jeanine Somers (adapted)

Musical Response                “Be Ye Lamps Unto Yourselves”                arr. Anderson

Story for All Ages                 “Light” by Jane Breskin Zalben

Children’s Recessional           “This Little Light of Mine” (#118)

African American spiritual

We will exit through the back doors of the sanctuary to go downstairs. Parents are welcome to escort their children downstairs and attend Religious Education with them, as they wish. Children of all ages are welcome to stay in the service.

Offertory                                    “All Earth Is Hopeful”                   Taule/arr. Cherwien

Meditation

Testimony                                                                                                          Betsy Urbik

Hymn #225                          “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”                Neale/Helmore

Readings                           From “Advent,” by Thomas Merton

Adapted from “The Christmas Quest,” in Voices from Downstream, by Phil Carspecken

Anthem                                                      “Blessing”                                                     Szymko

Sermon                                            Advent for Buddha                            Rev. Bret Lortie

Hymn #224                                  “Let Christmas Come”                     Morgan/Williams

Benediction                                                                                                Thomas Merton

Closing Blessing                                                                                                                  Scott

“Go your way in peace,

Wander as you may;

Blessed is the path you take;

May love guide you on your way.”