PSPC Worship Service

Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord,
People: who made heaven and earth.
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

ONE: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God.
ALL: Merciful God, in baptism you promise forgiveness and new life, making us part of the body of Christ. We confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from sisters and brothers in Christ. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another, we allow the past to hold us hostage. In your loving kindness, have mercy on us, and free us from sin. Remind us of the promises you make in baptism so that we may rise to new life, and live together in grace.

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. May the God of mercy who forgives you all your sins strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.

Creator Spirit, who hovered over the waters at creation's birth, who descended in the form of a dove at Jesus' baptism, who was poured out under the signs of fire and wind at Pentecost: Come to us, open our hearts and minds, so that we may hear the Word of life and be renewed by your power, for you live and reign with the Father and the Son, now and forever. Amen

READER: We are people of joy. God causes flowers to bloom in the desert; the wilderness is glad and breaks into song.
ALL: We open our eyes, and we are surprised by joy in our lives!
READER: The third candle of Advent reminds us that we are called to live as people of joy. We light this candle, recalling moments of laughter, great beauty, and deep faith. Let us pray:
ALL: Holy One, regardless of what happens in our lives or in our world, maybe we reflect the warmth and wonder of this flame. Make our church a place of joy and life in our community. Amen.