November 30th, 2025 - First Sunday of Advent
We offer you a warm welcome, and as is our practice, we remember that the land on which we meet is, was, and always will be native land. We acknowledge those indigenous tribes to Oklahoma: the Wichitas, Caddos, Plains Apaches, and the Quapaws, as the original custodians of the land in this place. We grieve the violence done to native language, culture, and personhood, and seek to honor the sovereignty and dignity of native peoples.
We are so glad you've joined us, whether onsite or online. Please take a moment to tell us you are here by using the sign-in button below.
We offer you a warm welcome, and as is our practice, we remember that the land on which we meet is, was, and always will be native land. We acknowledge those indigenous tribes to Oklahoma: the Wichitas, Caddos, Plains Apaches, and the Quapaws, as the original custodians of the land in this place. We grieve the violence done to native language, culture, and personhood, and seek to honor the sovereignty and dignity of native peoples.
We are so glad you've joined us, whether onsite or online. Please take a moment to tell us you are here by using the sign-in button below.
Introit
Isaiah the Prophet
Sydney Carter and Joy Patterson
Clint Williams and Carolyn Sargent
Isaiah the prophet has written of old how God's new creation shall come.
Instead of the thorn tree the fir tree shall grow; the wolf shall lie down with the lamb.
The mountains and hills shall break forth into song, the peoples be led forth in peace;
The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea.
Yet nations still prey on the meek of the world, and conflict turns parent from child.
Your people spoil all the sweetness of earth; the brier and the thorn tree grow wild.
God, bring to fruition your will for the earth, that no one shall hurt or destroy,
That wisdom and justice shall reign in the land and your people shall go forth in joy.
Sydney Carter and Joy Patterson
Clint Williams and Carolyn Sargent
Isaiah the prophet has written of old how God's new creation shall come.
Instead of the thorn tree the fir tree shall grow; the wolf shall lie down with the lamb.
The mountains and hills shall break forth into song, the peoples be led forth in peace;
The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea.
Yet nations still prey on the meek of the world, and conflict turns parent from child.
Your people spoil all the sweetness of earth; the brier and the thorn tree grow wild.
God, bring to fruition your will for the earth, that no one shall hurt or destroy,
That wisdom and justice shall reign in the land and your people shall go forth in joy.
Candle Lighting Liturgy
One: In a world full of fear, where do you see hope?
All: We see hope when we look to the next generation. We feel hope when we gather together. We know hope, deep in our bones, when we dream of a better world.
One: You are right. Even in a fearful world, hope is all around us.
All: Today we light the candle of hope as a reminder of this good news. May this flicker of light help us remember that we have reason to hope.
All: We see hope when we look to the next generation. We feel hope when we gather together. We know hope, deep in our bones, when we dream of a better world.
One: You are right. Even in a fearful world, hope is all around us.
All: Today we light the candle of hope as a reminder of this good news. May this flicker of light help us remember that we have reason to hope.
Introit Reprise
Isaiah the Prophet
God, bring to fruition your will for the earth, that no one shall hurt or destroy,
That wisdom and justice shall reign in the land and your people shall go forth in joy.
God, bring to fruition your will for the earth, that no one shall hurt or destroy,
That wisdom and justice shall reign in the land and your people shall go forth in joy.
Call to Worship
One: On Sundays and Mondays, on good days and bad, when there is nothing but sunshine and when the clouds gather,
All: Early in the morning and very late at night, here in this room and out in the world, we long for Love to be made known.
One: In a fearful world, we settle our worried hearts and center our distracted minds by telling sacred stories of God's presence, of hearts made whole, and the surprise of good news.
All: So let us sing with joyful resolve, pray with tender spirits, and welcome each other into the Season of Advent!
All: Early in the morning and very late at night, here in this room and out in the world, we long for Love to be made known.
One: In a fearful world, we settle our worried hearts and center our distracted minds by telling sacred stories of God's presence, of hearts made whole, and the surprise of good news.
All: So let us sing with joyful resolve, pray with tender spirits, and welcome each other into the Season of Advent!
Hymn
O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Hymn 116
New Century Hymnal
[Please rise in body or in spirit.]
New Century Hymnal
[Please rise in body or in spirit.]
Pass the Peace of Christ
One: "May the peace of Christ be with you."
All: "And also with you!"
All: "And also with you!"
Anthem
Anthem
Composer
Glenda Stansbury
Composer
Glenda Stansbury
Prayers of the People
One: Inbreaking God, every time we read our sacred stories, we remember that You are a God who draws near, who breaks into the messy middle of our lives to offer hope, love, and good news. So once again, we bow our heads, Holy One. We quiet our racing minds. We allow our spirits to lean towards You like trees stretching towards the sun. And we bring you our prayers:
All: We give thanks for the wonder that is all around us, for the everyday miracles of love and laughter. We celebrate the birthdays of our beloveds: Jon, Marsha, Kayla, Joe, and Janette. May they know grace and peace.
One: Having given thanks, Holy One, we also give over the tender places in our hearts.
All: We pray for those who are desperate for good news, those who are overlooked, and for those who feel heartbreakingly alone, ourselves included.
One: We pray for Jonathan, Donavan, Becky, Shannon and Rebecca, Dennis, Meg, Joan, and Shirley. We pray, too, for Kristi, Sue, Michael Ann, Brian, and Carolyn. We trust you know the prayers that are but whispers in our hearts.
All: Remind us, Holy One, that we are not alone. Break through the chatter and the distraction, and speak to us once more. With hope of Advent we pray, Amen.
All: We give thanks for the wonder that is all around us, for the everyday miracles of love and laughter. We celebrate the birthdays of our beloveds: Jon, Marsha, Kayla, Joe, and Janette. May they know grace and peace.
One: Having given thanks, Holy One, we also give over the tender places in our hearts.
All: We pray for those who are desperate for good news, those who are overlooked, and for those who feel heartbreakingly alone, ourselves included.
One: We pray for Jonathan, Donavan, Becky, Shannon and Rebecca, Dennis, Meg, Joan, and Shirley. We pray, too, for Kristi, Sue, Michael Ann, Brian, and Carolyn. We trust you know the prayers that are but whispers in our hearts.
All: Remind us, Holy One, that we are not alone. Break through the chatter and the distraction, and speak to us once more. With hope of Advent we pray, Amen.
Call + Response
Type your new text here.
Pastoral Prayer
Rev. Dr. Lori Walke
Scripture:
Type your new text here.
Sermon
Rev. Sheridan Irick
Hymn
Now Bless the God of Israel, Hymn 110
New Century Hymnal
[Please rise in body or in spirit.]
New Century Hymnal
[Please rise in body or in spirit.]
Announcements
- Please use the giving link above to support the work and mission of this congregation with your tithes and offerings.
- The annual 363 Wrap Them in Warmth Drive continues the whole month of November. Find their wishlist on the announcements page of our website.
- Bella Voce, Mayflower’s Ensemble in Residence, invites you back to the sanctuary today at 5pm for an evening of music, history, and storytelling. A History of Hymns takes guests on a musical journey spanning more than three centuries of hymnody, exploring the rich origins behind some of the world’s most beloved and enduring songs of faith. It promises to be an inspiring program for music lovers and history enthusiasts alike. All are welcome.
- Advent & Art Intergenerational Sunday School meets on Sundays, December 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and January 4th, at 9:15am in Classroom 2 to cultivate the spirit of Advent through creativity, relationships, and scripture. All are welcome!
- Mayflower is delighted to welcome our friends from PAMBE Ghana back to Milligan Hall on Sunday, December 7th, for their annual Global Market pop-up shop. This fair-trade marketplace features beautifully crafted items from around the world, with every purchase supporting PAMBE Ghana’s mission to provide high-quality, culturally grounded education for children in northern Ghana. Stop by, say hello, explore their holiday treasures, and join us in supporting this remarkable partnership in learning and global justice.
- If you would like sponsor the new chairs in Milligan Hall, please donate to the cleverly named Chair Fund by selecting it from the drop down menu on our online giving portal.
- You can find more details about all of these things in the events tab on our app and on our website.
Benediction
One: In this fearful world, may we look for God's spirit. Let us reach for each other's hands and choose courage whenever we can. And in all things, let us remember that good news is louder than fear. In the name of the one who calls, the one who sends, and who journeys with us, let us go in peace, pray for peace, wage a little peace, and love one another.
ALL: Every single other. Amen.
ALL: Every single other. Amen.
Benediction Response
What Does the Lord Require?
Jim Strathdee
Part 1: What does the Lord require of you? What does the Lord require of you?
Part 2: Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God. Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God.
Part 3: To do justice, and love kindness and walk humbly with your God. To do justice, and love kindness and walk humbly with your God.
[Sung in a round, Part 1 begins the response, joined the second time by Part 2, then by Part 3, and then a fourth time through. For those in-person, it is our tradition for the congregation to stand and turn towards the center aisle during the benediction response so that we might "send each other forth" to embody what we sing.]
Jim Strathdee
Part 1: What does the Lord require of you? What does the Lord require of you?
Part 2: Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God. Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God.
Part 3: To do justice, and love kindness and walk humbly with your God. To do justice, and love kindness and walk humbly with your God.
[Sung in a round, Part 1 begins the response, joined the second time by Part 2, then by Part 3, and then a fourth time through. For those in-person, it is our tradition for the congregation to stand and turn towards the center aisle during the benediction response so that we might "send each other forth" to embody what we sing.]