Welcome to Worship
We’re so glad you’re here! Our service will last about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Scroll down to find the Order of Worship and other resources to help you engage with the service. All lyrics and scripture readings will be displayed on the stage screen, so feel free to participate in a way that feels comfortable to you. We recommend you turn off or reduce your phone’s notifications during the service to help you minimize distractions. Wherever you are in your faith journey, we hope this service helps you to take your next steps in response to the unconditional love of God.
Order of Worship
Opening Song
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
Welcome
Whatever your faith journey looks like and whatever your background might be, know that you are welcome in this place. If you are new to Kindred, we are glad you’re here! Click the “I’m New” button to tell us how we can connect with you. If you have a special need for prayer, we’d love the chance to pray for you. You can confidentially submit your prayer by tapping the ‘Prayer’ button at the bottom of the page.
Advent Candle Lighting
The word Advent means Coming or Arrival. The Christian year doesn’t begin with the sound of Easter trumpets, the howling winds of Pentecost, or even the triumphant, angelic, “Gloria” of Christmas Day. Instead, we begin in quiet waiting–waiting in the shadows of despair, conflict, sorrow, and hate. It is here that the God of grace and mercy will arrive. And it is here, amidst those same shadows, that God’s church lights candles of heartfelt hope, love, joy, and peace in preparation and anticipation for Jesus’ arrival.
The Lighting of the Advent Candles is a symbolic way we mark the weeks leading up to Christmas as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the mystery of Jesus’ birth. Just as the biblical figures journeyed to Bethlehem, we also journey through the season of Advent. The lighting of candles on the Advent wreath reminds us that we are on the way to meet Christ once again.
Songs of Praise
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
Old Testament Reading:
Micah 5:2-5 (CEB)
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
“Great Are You Lord”
Scripture Reading
Matthew 2:13-18 (CEB)
Sermon
Do you know someone who might benefit from hearing today’s sermon? Send them a link to listen anytime via our podcast here.
Song of Reflection
“Glory in the Darkest Place”
Generosity Moment
Jesus calls his followers to live generously, using whatever we have to be a blessing to others. So we take a moment during worship to celebrate ways we see God working through acts of generosity that are making an impact here at Kindred and beyond.
Communion
Why we do Communion:
Dinner parties and shared meals were central to Jesus’ ministry. In fact, Jesus instructed his followers to make a habit of hosting the kind of meals he had shared with them, promising that he would continue to be present with them as they did. So every time we share this family meal called “Communion,” we encounter Jesus together and are nourished by his love in a real, tangible way.
How we do Communion:
Following the tradition that originated with Jesus himself, we celebrate Communion by prayerfully remembering all that God has and continues to do for us. We then bless the bread that we’ll eat and the “wine” (we use non-alcoholic grape juice at Kindred) that we’ll drink. But before we finally eat and drink, we pray aloud the prayer Jesus taught his very first disciples, called the Lord’s Prayer (words below). Then we eat and drink, trusting (or at least trying to trust) that God is present and nourishing us physically and spiritually.
All are welcome:
Regardless of your age, denominational affiliation, spiritual (or not so spiritual) background, you are invited to share Communion with us. Taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8)
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, in heaven, Hallowed be your Name.
Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Communion Song
“Come Light Our Hearts”
Announcements
You’ll find this week’s announcements in our weekly newsletter linked via the button below.
Benediction
At the end of each worship service we’re given a blessing. We’re also reminded that as we go back into the world we’re called to reflect the love of God in all that we do.
During this song you are invited to sing along or to spend this time in prayer for: yourself, your concerns, our church, Kindred’s ministry family that includes University and Amity United Methodist Churches, our local community, and/or our world. If you have a specific prayer concern(s) to share with our Care Team today, please tell us here so we can lift you up in our prayers this week.