Prelude

Drew Community Brass Ensemble

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlefolk”
“Comfort, Comfort, O My People”
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Choral Introit

“O Magnum Mysterium”

Congregational Song

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

Words of Welcome

Mark Miller

Poem

“August 1619” by Clint Smith

Archie Manning, reader

Act One: Can Christianity be Redeemed?

“Balm in Gilead” [soloist, Kiara Pettiway]

Genesis 37:12-28 (NRSV)

Hayoung Kang, reader

Reflection

Dr. Morris Davis

Congregational Song

“I Believe in the Sun”

Silent Reflection

Litany

The Rev. Taylor Bean, reader

One: We believe through any trial, there is always a way
Many: But sometimes in the suffering and despair, our hearts yearn for shelter
One: And a voice rises around us, saying hold on my child, I’ll give you strength, I’ll give you hope. Just stay a little while.

Reprise, “I Believe in the Sun”

One: In this broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing,
Many: to witness among all people the power of the Gospel and the love of Christ,
One: to unmask idolatries in Church and culture,
Many: to lift up the voices of peoples long silenced,
One: and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. Amen.

Act Two: Resilience and Resistance

Poem

“Will the Angels Sing This Year?” by Thomas Troeger [soloist, Dr. Julian Wamble]

Kelsey Wallace, Reader

Matthew 3:1-12 (NRSV)

Amy Thompson, reader

Reflection

Mark Miller

Congregational Song

“Break Every Chain” led by Kellie Turner

Intercessory Prayer and Candle Lighting

Caelyn Adams & Keith Miller Murden, readers; Andrew Dietz candle lighter

One: Holy One, we pray this night for those who feel all hope is lost. Look with compassion on those for whom suffering seems to have no end. Remind us that out of death you bring life.
All: We light this candle of hope to give us strength for the journey.

One: Holy One, whom we cannot love unless we love our neighbors, remove hate and prejudice from us and from all people, so that your children may be reconciled with one another. Bring wisdom to our leaders that the walls of hostility that divide us may be torn down.
All: We light this candle to burn as sign of peace among all people.

One: God of comfort, stand tonight with those who weep, those who mourn, and those who sorrow. Bring swift mercy to those who continue to groan under the weight of systemic injustice.
All: We light the candle of joy to warm the path ahead of us.

One: Magnify your love within us, O God, that we might help to bring the day when perfect compassion, mercy, and loving kindness will be manifest in all relationships. May we work relentlessly toward that day so that your kindom might come – even here, even now.
All: We light this candle with love.

Act Three: Hope Can’t Wait

“People Look East” [soloist, Dr. Julian Wamble]

Magnificat – Luke 1:46-55 (NRSV)

The Rev. Dr. Traci West, reader

Reflection

The Rev. Dr. Dean Tanya Linn Bennett

Congregational Song

“Canticle of the Turning”

Unison Prayer

Hail, Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among people who mother and blessed is the fruit of your nurture. Holy Mary, bearer of God, pray for us sinners now, and forevermore. Amen.

Epilogue

Blessing

Mark Miller

Sending

“Walk in the Light”

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Worship Notes:

For more information on the 1619 project visit: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html

Poem by Clint Smith: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/african-american-poets.html

Candle Lighting Litany: adapted by Kelsey Wallace (Dec. 2019) from https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/worship/pdfs/lighting_the_advent_wreath.pdf

Litany: adapted by Kelsey Wallace (Dec. 2019) from the poem “I Believe in the Sun” (author unknown) and “A Brief Statement of Faith,” PC(U.S.A.) Book of Confessions.