Photo: Star ornament. Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021. Worship format and original content: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021.

We Gather

“Teach us to seek You in all that has life that we may see You as the Light of life.” -John Phillip Newell

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome to our 2022 celebration of The Epiphany – the adoration of the Christ Child by traveling Wise Ones. We, too, are travelers or the descendants of people who have come from foreign lands. Let us honor the graciousness of the indigenous Lisjan-Ohlone people upon whose land we live and practice ministry.

Invocation: Isaiah 60:1-6 (NRSV; pastor) A message of hope for the people.

Arise, shine; for your light has come,
   and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth,
   and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
   and divine glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light,
   and rulers to the brightness of your dawn.

Lift up your eyes and look around;
   they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
   and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant;
   your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
   the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you,
   the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
   all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
   and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

We light The Christ Candle invoking God’s presence as The Messiah. May it be Christ’s Light that shines within, among, and beyond our congregation this year. Amen.

Light The Christ Candle (pastor)

Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (pastor)

Passing the Peace (all) Joyful gestures and words of peace to one another.

We Rest in God’s Grace

Song: “O Radiant Christ” New Century Hymnal #168

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with this simple prayer based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (Breathe slowly)

Be still. (Breathe slowly)

Be. (Breathe slowly)

(Breathe in silence) Amen.

Assurance of Grace (pastor)

The God who guided extravagant blessings to the Christ Child will always draw us into holy communion. The God who redirected danger away from the Christ Child will always show us a better way forward. May we rest in the assurance of God’s good guidance. Amen.

We Listen

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV; pastor) A message of wisdom during broken times.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise ones from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, King Herod inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise ones and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then Herod sent the wise ones to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When the wise ones had heard the king, they men set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When the wise ones saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered the child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Sermon “Drawn to The Light” (pastor) May we, too, be led by Christ’s Light.

Special Music (instrumental solo)

We Pray

Prayer Requests (all)

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

Brilliant One, all we really want, all our souls really want, is to be in Your Light. Shine upon us. Illuminate us. Bless our congregation with Your truth that we might be a beacon of hope and justice for many. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

We Celebrate Holy Communion

Invitation to Holy Communion

Stargazers, gather round! We are in the presence of Christ! If your heart, mind, body, or soul seeks the blessing of Christ’s Light, this blessed meal is most lavishly offered to you and all who wish to partake.

Let us speak the names of those who are not physically present with whom we wish to be spiritually gathered. (Say names out loud.)

Preparation

Today’s Holy Communion, mystically, takes place in the manger in the presence of Jesus’s earthly parents, shepherds with their flocks, wise ones with their gifts, and angels singing, singing, singing the glory of God.

Consecration of Elements

Place hands on the cup and the bread in your household.

Let us pray:

Holy Light, bless our cups and pieces of bread. Bless our households and homes. Bless our nations and our shared world. Shine upon us. Fill us what You most wish to share with us this Epiphany. Amen.

Sharing the Elements

Did the infant Jesus know, as foreign wise ones presented him with regal gifts, that one day he would give the world the gift of himself for the liberation of all beings? I hope so! Today, we receive, again, what God continues to give…

Jesus lifted up the loaf, gave thanks to God, broke it, and said: “Take, eat. This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Let us receive the gift of Christ’s Body given for us.  (eat bread)

After supper, Jesus lifted up the cup, gave thanks to God, and offered it to them saying: “Drink this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” Let us receive the gift of The New Covenant poured out for us. (drink from cup)

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Let us pray:

We are not worthy, O God, of Your abundant grace, and yet, we are most grateful. May the blessing of this Epiphany Communion especially fortify us with hope, wisdom, and mercy as we offer our congregation to You for Your glory in the year ahead. May it be so. Amen.

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (all; acapella) Please mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

Announcements (pastor)

Song: “Arise, Your Light is Come!” The New Century Hymnal #164

Benediction: “The Blessing of Grace” written by The Rev. William Sloane Coffin and final Epiphany blessing by Pastor Kathryn (pastor)

May God give you the grace never to sell yourself short; grace to risk something big for something good; and grace to remember the world is now too dangerous for anything but the truth and too small for anything but love. (wsc)

Arise, Dear Ones, Our Light is Come! May we go forth with Hope, Love, and Peace. Amen. (kms)

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceded territory of the Lisjan- Ohlone people, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!

Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!

Online Publishing Date: December 29, 2021.

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!

Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”

Photo: Christ Candle. Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021; Worship format and original content: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021

We Gather

It is the extra breath from the exhausted lung, the one more thing to try when all else has failed, the upward reach of life when weariness closes in upon all endeavor. This is the basis of hope in moments of despair, the incentive to carry on when times are out of joint and men have lost their reason, the source of confidence when worlds crash and dreams whiten into ash. The birth of the child — life’s most dramatic answer to death — this is the growing edge incarnate.” – Howard Thurman

Live Singing Outside Before the Service

Carols “The First Noel” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Pastor Bladimer, guitar; Vicky, song leader)

Christmas Hope

Prelude “Believe” (Everett, piano solo)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (Pastor Kathryn)

Advent Wreath Invocation (Esther and Hai Ying; in Cantonese and English)

This Advent, we waited for the rebirth of Jesus Christ listening to St Paul’s teachings about the Christian community embodying “Love in Action.” We lit Advent Candles honoring Jesus’s Relatives, St. John the Baptist, Jesus’s Mother Mary, and His Father Joseph. On Christmas Eve, we light these four Advent Candles with great hope. Christ will soon be reborn!

Light all Four Advent Candles (Esther and Hai Ying)

Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (pastor)

Votive Lighting Music “Away in a Manger” (Vicky, piano solo)

Christmas Light

Scripture Narrative: Jesus’ birth (David, liturgist)

Jesus Christ was born about two thousand and twenty years ago during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Caesar Augustus decreed that all residents of the Roman Empire should be registered. So Jesus’ parents, Joseph and Mary of Nazareth, went to Bethlehem – the royal city founded by King David. While in Bethlehem Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger. The child was born in a stable because there was no place for them in the inn. (from Luke 2:1-7)

Christ Candle Reading (Esther and Hai Ying; in Cantonese and English)

Surrounded by the shining faith, hope, and love of those who have gone before us, those with us, and those who will come – we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!

We light this new Christ Candle deeply moved by God’s greatest gift – our beloved Jesus Christ, the Messiah – God’s finest example of Love in Action!

Light the New Christ Candle (Esther and Hai Ying)

Special Music “Silent Night” (Everett, piano solo)

Christmas Joy

Scripture Narrative: Shepherds and Angels (David, liturgist)

Beyond the city of Bethlehem shepherds were grazing their flocks carefully watching over them throughout the night. A heavenly light appeared – an angel glowing with the glory of God. The shepherds where were terrified! The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people. Today in the city of David, the Messiah – humanity’s savior – is born. Go to Bethlehem and look for a child wrapped in bands of cloth, lying in a manger.” A host of heavenly beings joined the angel. They praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favors!” (from Luke 2:8-14)

Special Music “Christmas Time is Here” (Everett, piano solo)

Christmas Peace

Scripture Narrative: Shepherds and Holy Family (David, liturgist)

After the angels left, the shepherds quickly went to Bethlehem where they found Mary and Joseph. Their newborn baby was wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. The shepherds told the new parents everything the angels had said. Everyone who heard the shepherds speak was astonished, except for Mary. She treasured these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned to the fields, rejoicing. They glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen – just as the angel had described. (from Luke 2:15-20)

Passing the Peace (pastor, all) Offer joyful gestures and words of peace: “Peace be with You.”

Special Music “Let There Be Peace on Earth” (Everett, piano solo)

Christmas Grace

Scripture: Titus 2:11-14 (Common English Bible translation; pastor reads)

The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It educates us so that we can live sensible, ethical, and godly lives right now by rejecting ungodly lives and the desires of this world. At the same time we wait for the blessed hope and the glorious appearance of our great God and savior Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us in order to rescue us from every kind of lawless behavior, and cleanse a special people for himself who are eager to do good actions.

Sermon “Liberating, Empowering Love in Action” (pastor)

Special Music “Canon in D” Pachelbel” (Vicky, piano solo)

Christmas Prayers

Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (Vicky, piano; sing softly)

Special Music “A Thousand Points of Light” (if moving outside; Vicky, piano solo)

Christmas Love

Holy Communion (Pastor Kathryn and Pastor Bladimer)

Invitation, Gathering Souls, Words of Institution, Prayer of Consecration, Sharing the Elements, Prayer of Thanksgiving

Carols “Joy to the World” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain” (singing outside or humming indoors. Pastor Bladimer, guitar; Vicky, song leader)

Benediction (pastor)

Merry Christmas! May God bless everyone!

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceded territory of the Lisjan- Ohlone people, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!

Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!

Online Publishing Date: December 19, 2021.

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!

Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”

Photo: Fourth Candle of Advent – Father Joseph. Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021. Worship format and original content: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021

4 Advent Candle Art to Color BELOW — enjoy!

BCCC Worship Schedule

In-person worship services: 11am 1^st and 2^nd Sundays; ZOOM worship services: 2pm the other Sundays of the month; In-person Christmas Eve worship service: 2pm Dec 24^th, Holy Communion

We Gather

“Character is what you are in the dark.” -Dwight Lyman Moody

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome! No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life’s journey – you are welcome this 4th Sunday of Advent. Our Advent theme is “Love in Action.” Committed to right action, we honor the Lisjan-Ohlone peoples upon whose unceded land we live and practice ministry.

Advent Wreath Invocation (Advent Wreath household)

This week, St Paul reminds us to fix our minds on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, of excellence, and worthy of praise. Such focus leads us to uplifting Love in Action.

We light the Fourth Candle of Advent in tribute to Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, a man who daily modeled the noblest virtues. May St Joseph’s example inspire us to be our best selves for the well-being of all beings. Amen.

Light the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Advent Candles (Advent Wreath household)

Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (pastor)

Passing the Peace (all) Offer joyful gestures and words of peace to one another: “Peace be with You.”

We Rest in God’s Grace

*Song: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Words: Phillip Brooks, 1868; Music: Lewis H Redner, 1868. Chalice Hymnal #144.

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with this simple prayer based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (Breathe slowly)

Be still. (Breathe slowly)

Be. (Breathe slowly)

(Breathe in silence) Amen.

Assurance of Grace (pastor)

Beloved Ones, even when we have forgotten we are made in the image of God, God has not forgotten our original nature. We are designed to be noble creatures, caring and insightful. We are meant to dwell with each other giving comfort and aid, assurance and companionship. Rest in the grace of our Original Blessing. God is good. Amen.

We Listen

Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9 (NRSV)

(Concluding his letter to the young church in Philippi, St Paul invites them to root in what is truly good.)

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Sermon “Love in Action: True, Honorable Love” (pastor) God’s love is forever good, forever worthy and fruitful. We recall Jesus’s earthly father and St Paul’s invitation to be our best.

Special Music: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Words: 12^th century Latin hymn with 19^th and 20^th century verses. Music: 15th century French melody. Chalice Hymnal #119.

We Pray

Prayer Requests (all)

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

Eternal Source of Hope and Integrity, this last Sunday of Advent we set our minds on You and Your beautiful vision of life on earth. We have been disappointed, soiled, wounded and harmed; we have fallen away from Your vision. Call us back into hope. Lure us to the Eternally Good that we might nurture what is worthy and truly redemptive. We ask this, Parent of All, not for ourselves, but for our children and their descendants. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

Invitation to Holy Communion

Come youthful laborers and wizened elders!

Come refugees and persons born of this land!

Come friend and foe, stranger and kin!

Come one and all to this Holy Table!

This blessed meal is offered to everyone who wishes to partake – residents of earth or heaven. Let us speak the names of those who are not physically present with whom we wish to be spiritually gathered. (Say names out loud.)

Prayer of Preparation (followed by silence for confession)

In the way of St Joseph, father of Jesus, we approach this ritual with humility and eagerness to be changed by God. We come seeking to be the best we can be, relying upon God’s help.

Let us pray:

Holy God, receive us now as we present our silent offerings of confession and regret. Please transform our misdeeds and transgressions and bless us with Your sweet, holy forgiveness. Amen.

Silence

God’s Grace 

Before we named it, God knew it. Before we asked for forgiveness, God forgave us. Beloved Ones, we are tenderly and fiercely loved by the Source of All That Is. Receive the grace of forgiveness and the wonder of renewal, again. Amen.

Consecration of Elements

Place hands on the cup and the bread in your household.

Let us pray:

May our earnest hands behold these simple and wondrous items – a cup of juice, a piece of bread. In touching these, O God, may we also know we touch eternity. May they be for us symbols of the Living Christ who always was, is, and will always be. Amen.

Sharing the Elements

Jesus lifted up the loaf, gave thanks to God, broke it, and said: “Take, eat. This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” With gratitude, let us receive.  (eat bread)

After supper, Jesus lifted up the cup, gave thanks to God, and offered it to them saying: “Drink this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” With gratitude, let us receive. (drink from cup)

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Let us pray:

As we near the rebirth of the Living Christ, most Holy God, we pray that this meal will strengthen our character and expand our compassion. May we love a bit more as You love. For all we know that You have done for us, as well as all You have done that is still a mystery to us, we give thanks. Amen.

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (all; acapella) Please mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

Announcements (pastor)

*Christmas Eve: In-person worship at BCCC, Friday 12/24 2pm. Holy Communion and outside caroling!

*Next Sunday: 1^st Sunday of Christmas 2pm ZOOM. Wear something colorful for a service of singing and sharing!

*Song: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Words: Phillip Brooks, 1868; Music: Lewis H Redner, 1868. Chalice Hymnal #144.

Benediction (pastor)

God has designed our souls to crave what is fundamentally good. Our deepest selves seek the solace of what is triumphantly worthy, for this is the way of peace. May the Peace of God be everyone. Amen.

The service is concluded.

4th Advent Candle: Father Joseph ~ Love in Action: True, Honorable Love

Candle Artwork: Jesus’ earthly father was an experienced carpenter. Jewish spiritual law (Torah) was his moral plumbline. Jesus learned from Joseph, the builder and righteous person, essential lessons reverberating with earthly (wooden design behind plumb) and heavenly (the larger, repeated design) qualities. The seven Stars of David represent the original Hebrew tribes, Jesus’ ancestors.

Color image below. Cut paper. Wrap art onto glass devotional candle (8” tall, 2.25” diameter). Tape.

Reading: This week, St Paul reminds us to fix our minds on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, of excellence, and worthy of praise. Such focus leads us to uplifting Love in Action. We light the Fourth Candle of Advent in tribute to Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, a man who daily modeled the noblest virtues. May St Joseph’s example inspire us to be our best selves for the well-being of all beings. Amen.  

Light the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Advent Candles.

Reflect: Whose “True, Honorable Love in Action” inspires you?

Worship Resources:

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceeded territory of the Lisjan- Ohlone people, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!

Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!

Online Publishing Date: December 14, 2021.

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!

Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”

Photo: Third Candle of Advent – Mother Mary. Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021. Worship format and original content: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021

BCCC Worship Schedule

In-person worship services: 11am 1^st and 2^nd Sundays; ZOOM worship services: 2pm the other Sundays of the month; In-person Christmas Eve worship service: 2pm Dec 24^th, Holy Communion

We Gather

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of this servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name.”  – Mary, pregnant with Jesus (Luke 1:46b-49)

Prelude (live)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome! No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life’s journey – you are welcome here this 3^rd Sunday of Advent. Our Advent theme is “Love in Action.” St Paul is teaching us about embodying Christ-Love through action. Today, we are gathered on Lisjan-Ohlone land not far from sacred shellmounds, holy places for over 5,000 years.

Advent Wreath Invocation (Advent 3 family)

St Paul advises turning to God with thanksgiving assuring us that gladness and peace will follow. Mary, Jesus’ mother, opens her heart, mind, body, and soul to God for the uplift of all beings. Her soul sings with happiness and hope!

We light the Third Candle of Advent recalling nurturing ones, like Mother Mary, who embody deep faith and gentle love. Such Love in Action inspires us to trust God and care for others. May our spirits sing as we await the rebirth of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Light the First, Second, and Third Advent Candles (Advent 3 family)

Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (pastor; musician plays while candles are lit)

Passing the Peace (all) Offer joyful gestures and words of peace: “Peace be with You.”

We Rest in God’s Grace

Special Music: (live)

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with this simple prayer based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (Breathe slowly)

Be still. (Breathe slowly)

Be. (Breathe slowly)

(Breathe in silence) Amen.

Assurance of Grace (pastor)

Wintertime can be a lonely time, a time of noticing what isn’t any more or what hasn’t come to pass. We long for connection and inner warm. St Mary, a single young pregnant mother, and St Paul, the great evangelizer jailed for doing ministry, remind us we can always trust in God no matter what is going on. Furthermore, turning to God will produce gladness despite the challenges we face.

What is on your mind or in your heart today? Lift up these matters and persons to God believing that God will do what is God’s to do and guide us in doing what is ours to do. We are blessed.

We Listen

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 (liturgist; version: CEB)

(St Paul, concluding his letter to the young church in Philippi, offers these words of assurance and encouragement.)

Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Sermon “Love in Action: Gentle, Thankful Love” (pastor)

Special Music (live)

We Pray

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

Holy God, we hold close our concerns and desires. Help us loosen our clutch on our issues that we might embrace what You embrace. We praise YOU for all you have done for us, for all people, for all creation. We shift our focus from the immediate to the eternal and thank YOU for your never-ending love and care. We are blessed, so blessed by YOU.

Prayers of the People, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (all; Vicky) Please mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

We Celebrate Holy Communion

Everyone is situated outside and has individually wrapped bread and juice.

Invitation (pastor)

Welcome to God’s Advent Party! We come to God’s Table all ages with great joy, gladness, and gratitude for this blessed ritual is a gift freely given to everyone! Today we are celebrating in yet another new way. Because of the weather, we are inside and we continue to wear masks while inside — no eating and drinking. (We’ll send you home with Communion crackers and juice to receive outside, in your cars, or at home.)

Thankfully, there is a Christian tradition of receiving Holy Communion as a spiritual feast without actually eating or drinking. Today, we honor the essential gift of Holy Communion: spiritual communion – union with God through Christ, and reunion with loved ones on earth and in heaven. This is how we will celebrate Holy Communion inside today without taking undue health risks.

Gathering Souls (pastor)

Let us speak the names of those persons, living or dead, who are not physically present but with us in spirit. (speak their names)

Scriptural Invitation (liturgist)

We worship a giving God who forever invites us to receive what is needed to nourish and heal, uplift and inspire. Today, let us listen to Jesus’ mother, Mary’s, prophetic and joyful song of praise: 

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of this servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name. God’s mercy is for those who fear God from generation to generation.

God has shown strength with God’s arm; scattering the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. God has helped servant Israel, in remembrance of God’s mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and Sarah and their descendants forever.”

Words of Institution, Prayer of Consecration, Sharing the Elements (pastor)

We join St Mary and St Paul, and all who gather in the name of Christ, to join Jesus at the Passover table with his friends.

Jesus took the bread (lift); gave it to God for blessing (pray); broke it (break); and gave it to them, saying: “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup of wine (lift); gave it to God for blessing (pray); and gave it to them (present); saying: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for the many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, remember me.”

Let us invite the Holy Spirit to bless the bread and cups we will consume later today: Wondrous Holy Spirit, third person of the Blessed Trinity, please enter us and these elements we will consume.

May the bread and cup be for us both comfort and blessing as we celebrate God’s good work of repairing what has been broken or cast out of balance. Amen.

Today we experience a spiritual Holy Communion together and later, a physicial one. Let us give thanks for what has been and what will be:

Prayer of Thanksgiving (pastor)

We praise You, O God, our Savior for Your care of us and all persons. Giver of dignity and blessing, healer of worries and injustices, source of food and true wealth, we remember Your faithfulness and praise You. Amen.

Carol (selection to be made; humming indoors)

Announcements, including Santa’s Helpers (invitation to receive)

Benediction (pastor)

Divine Joy defies conditions – it rises where it will rise, when it will rise. Let us be glad and grateful, compassionate and caring – and if it is God’s will, we will be joyful! Go forth in peace, Dear Ones.

The service is concluded.

3nd Advent Candle: Mother Mary ~ Love in Action: Gentle, Thankful Love

Candle Artwork: The rose is a classic symbol for Mary, Jesus’ mother. The symmetrical open hand – hamsa – an ancient Middle Eastern image of protection, is found in Hebrew, Christian, and Islamic sacred art, also signifies openness to God. The heart and leaves reflect Mother Mary’s vibrant faith.

Color image below. Cut paper. Wrap art onto glass devotional candle (8” tall, 2.25” diameter). Tape.

Reading: St Paul advises turning to God with thanksgiving assuring us that gladness and peace will follow. Mary, Jesus’ mother, opens her heart, mind, body, and soul to God for the uplift of all beings. Her soul sings with happiness and hope! We light the Third Candle of Advent recalling nurturing ones, like Mother Mary, who embody deep faith and gentle love. Such Love in Action inspires us to trust God and care for others. May our spirits sing as we await the rebirth of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Light the First, Second, and Third Advent Candles.

Reflect: Who models “Gentle, Thankful Love in Action” nurturing you?

Worship Resources:

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceeded territory of the Lisjan- Ohlone people, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!

Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!

Online Publishing Date: December 8, 2021.

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!

Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”

Photo: Second Candle of Advent – John the Baptist. Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021.

Worship format and original content: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021.

BCCC Worship Schedule

In-person worship services: 11am 1^st and 2^nd Sundays; ZOOM worship services: 2pm the other Sundays of the month; In-person Christmas Eve worship service: 2pm Dec 24^th, Holy Communion

We Gather

“Twant me, ’twas the Lord. I always told Him, ‘I trust to You. I don’t know where to go or what to do, but I expect You to lead me,’ and He always did.” ~ Harriet Tubman

Postlude (live)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome! No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life’s journey – you are welcome this 2^nd Sunday of Advent. Our Advent theme is “Love in Action.” We are listening to St Paul’s teachings about embodying Christ-Love through action. Today, we are gathered on Lisjan-Ohlone land not far from sacred shellmounds where ancestors have rested and prayers have been offered for 5,000 years.

Advent Wreath Invocation (liturgist/s)

This week, St Paul promotes growing in spiritual insight amid external challenges. John the Baptist, the only child of a Temple priest and descendant of the first Hebrew priest, Aaron, follows God’s call to practice ministry in new places in new ways.

We light the Second Candle of Advent with gratitude for spiritual role models who inspire us to take risks when doing God’s will. May they be our “Partners in Grace” as we serve God with bold actions taken in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Light the First and Second Advent Candles (liturgist/s)

Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (pastor)

Passing the Peace (all) Offer joyful gestures and words of peace to one another: “Peace be with You.”

We Rest in God’s Grace

Special Music: (live)

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with this simple prayer based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (Breathe slowly)

Be still. (Breathe slowly)

Be. (Breathe slowly)

(Breathe in silence) Amen.

Assurance of Grace (pastor)

God loves to speak! God spoke to John the Baptist calling him to the Jordan River to spiritually prepare individuals for the coming of the Messiah. God spoke to the young Christians in Philippi who supported Paul and Timothy during their imprisonment. Paul knew that God would keep speaking to them as they grew as a congregation.

God is still speaking – to persons and groups. God is always eager to help us be who we are meant to be. There is more to come – with God’s help.

We Listen

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11 (CEB)

(St Paul and Timothy are imprisoned, incarcerated for religious activities. Paul is writing to their friends, the young church in Philippi.)

I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers. I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy. I’m glad because of the way you have been my partners in the ministry of the gospel from the time you first believed it until now. I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus. I have good reason to think this way about all of you because I keep you in my heart. You are all my partners in God’s grace, both during my time in prison and in the defense and support of the gospel. God is my witness that I feel affection for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus.

This is my prayer: that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight.I pray this so that you will be able to decide what really matters and so you will be sincere and blameless on the day of Christ. I pray that you will then be filled with the fruit of righteousness, which comes from Jesus Christ, in order to give glory and praise to God.

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Sermon “Love in Action: Courageous, Insightful Love” (pastor) John the Baptist, a prophet led by an internal wisdom, St Paul, a church-builder who taught spiritual growth, and Harriet Tubman, a self-emancipated, Christian abolitionist reveal the role of spiritual insight when acting boldly with God.

Presentation of the Retired Christ Candle

Blessing upon the Cantonese Fellowship

Special Music (live)

We Pray

Prayer Requests (all)

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

Most Holy God, in these times of great change grant unto us inner wisdom and faith in Your guidance. Speak to us, individually and communally, that we might bravely follow You into new forms of ministry. Bless us with insight and courage, and with the joy that comes from sharing in service to You. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (all; acapella) Please mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

Announcements (pastor)

*Next Sunday: 3^rd Sunday of Advent: In-person, Holy Communion, Santa Sacks *Christmas Eve: In-person worship, Holy Communion. Friday 12/24 2pm. BCCC.

Special Music (live)

Benediction (pastor)

Let us be thankful for each other – and the calling to be church with each other for the Glory of God, the uplift of our neighbors, and the care of our own precious souls. And let us thank the Still Speaking God who is calling us forward in new, needed ways. Amen.

Prelude (live)

The service is concluded.

2nd Advent Candle: John the Baptist ~ Love in Action: Courageous, Insightful Love

Candle Artwork: The River Jordan and cosmos swirl together celebrating baptism and divine reality. John, a mystic who experienced direct communication with God, was open to God doing a new thing through Jesus Christ the Messiah. The eight Stars of David pay tribute to John’s revered lineage.

Color image below. Cut paper. Wrap art onto glass devotional candle (8” tall, 2.25” diameter). Tape.

Reading: St Paul promotes growing in spiritual insight amid external and internal challenges. John the Baptist, the only child of a Temple priest and descendant of the first Hebrew priest, Aaron, follows God’s call to practice ministry in new places in new ways. We light the Second Candle of Advent with gratitude for spiritual role models who inspire us to take risks when doing God’s will. May they be our “Partners in Grace” as we serve God with bold actions taken in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Light the First and Second Advent Candles.

Reflect: Who models “Courageous, Insightful Love in Action” inspiring your actions?

Worship Resources:

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceeded territory of the Lisjan- Ohlone people, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!

Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!

Online Publishing Date: December 2, 2021.

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!

Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”