Worship Roadmap - December 14, 2025

Updated: Friday, December 12, 2025 10:55:58am

(Roadmap version: Final (Advent 3 - Joy)
Pastor: Rev. Shirley Macemon
Lay Reader: Ed Pansullo, Song Leader: Laurann Golden
Lectionary Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:46b-55; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11;
Used Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 1:26-39)

PTZ1 - select Closeup Ruth/Janet view
PTZ2 - select Song Leader View
Start Zoom Recording at 9:59:30

Prelude

"Awake! Awake, and greet the new morn"
by Marty Haugen
Used under OneLicense.net A-726183

PTZ1 Select Closeup Lectern view

Song: "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You" (NCH#4)

Song Leader: Our gathering songs are "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You" and "Come O Long Expected Jesus".
You may remain seated.

Joyful, joyful,
we adore you,
God of glory,
God of love;

Hearts unfold like
flowers before you,
opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds
of sin and sadness,
drive the storms
of doubt away;

Giver of
immortal gladness,
fill us with
the light of day.

All your works with
joy surround you,
earth and heaven
reflect your rays,

Stars and angels
sing around you,
center of unbroken praise.

Field and forest,
vale and mountain,
flowery meadow,
flashing sea,

Chanting bird and
flowing fountain
teach us what our
praise should be.

Mortals, join
the mighty chorus
which the
morning stars began;

Boundless love
is reigning o’er us,
reconciling
race and clan.

Ever singing,
move we forward,
faithful in
the midst of strife,

Joyful music
leads us onward
in the triumph
song of life.

Henry van Dyke; © 1995, The Pilgrim Press, Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-726183.

Song: "Come, O Long-Expected Jesus" (NCH#122)

Come O long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free
From our fears and
sins release us
Grant us your true liberty.

Born all people to deliver
Born a child, you came to reign!
Born to rule on earth forever
come, be known to us again.

By your own eternal Spirit
come to claim us as your own
By your all sufficient merit
let us share your
cross and crown.

Charles Wesley; Public Domain

Lay Reader: Announcements

Welcome to Campbell United Church of Christ!
We are an Open and Affirming congregation and
no matter where you are on your spiritual journey,
you are welcome here.

(raise Bulletin)

Please take the Bulletin insert home with you to remind you of upcoming events.

(highlight next week special events if any)

Lay Reader: Other Announcements

Lay Reader: Are there any other announcements?

Lay Reader: Call to Worship

Lay Reader: Please rise as you are able and join me in our responsive Call to Worship:

Lay Reader: Responsive Call to Worship

One: Jeremiah said, “I am only a boy.”

All: Moses said, “Who am I to do this work?”

One: Mary said, “How can this be?”

All: We often say, “But God, I am afraid.”

One: Even when we are afraid, God invites us closer.

All: So may we trust the Inviter.

One: May we heed God’s invitation.

All: May we summon our courage and sing God’s praise.

One: Let us worship our courageous, inviting, calling God. Amen!

Lay Reader: please be seated.

(Lay reader move to Advent candles and prepare to light a candle)

PTZ2 - select Advent Candle View

Pastor: Advent Candle Lighting

Pastor: Join me in reading our responsive Advent Candle lighting.

Pastor: Responsive Advent Candle Lighting

One: In a world full of fear, where do you see glimmers of joy?

All: We see glimmers of joy in birthday candles and homemade cards.

All: We see joy in the laughter of children and the delight of grandparents.

All: We see joy in meals around the table and in the singing of Christmas songs.

One: You are right.
Even in a fearful world, joy is all around us.

One: Today we light the candle of joy as a reminder of this good news.

One: May this flicker of light help us remember that even in a fearful world, joy is here.

One: Joy is real.
We only have to look for it.
(Light candle)

All: Thanks be to God for that good news!
Amen

PTZ2 Select Song Leader View

Song: "Light A Candle Bright and Tall"

Light a candle
bright and tall
For the Joy
this season brings.

Joy like fountains
brimming full.
Through our world
now let it ring!

Shine within
our hearts today
Come, O Joy,
to us, we pray.

Conrad Kocher, David Wood; © 2012 by David Wood. All rights reserved. Written for the congregation of First United Church, Bloomington, Indiana http:\/\/firstuc.org Permission is given for duplication and use within worship settings.

Lay Reader: Prayer for Illumination

Lay Reader: Holy One,
the story of this season is not a new one.
We’ve heard this tale before.
We’ve seen the nativities, watched the plays, sung the songs,
witnessed the children act it out.1
The story of this season is not a new one,
and yet we long to hear it as if it is.
So spark our spirits awake.
Call forth awareness, attention, and reverence in us.
Allow us to hear this ancient tale with brand new ears.
With hope we pray,
amen.

PTZ2 - Select Song Leader View

Song Leader: Call to Confession

Song Leader: So let us go before God in prayer,
trusting that there is nothing we need to hide from our Creator.
Let us pray.

Song Leader: Responsive Prayer of Confession

All: Courageous God, you invite us to live into our call.

All: You invite us to act, to serve, and to trust.

All: Instead of responding with a resounding “yes,” we often hide our face.

All: We dig our heels in.
We look for someone else to volunteer.

All: Spark courage in us.
Remind us that every person is capable of making a difference.

All: Remind us that even when we’re scared, we are not alone.

All: You invite us forward.
With baby steps we hope, we pray,
amen.

(Brief Pause)

Song Leader: Words of Forgiveness

Song Leader: Family of faith,
no matter where your path has led you in the past, today is a new day.
So join me in declaring this good news:

Song Leader: Responsive Words of Forgiveness

All: We are known.
We are forgiven!
We are sent to serve.

All: May we step forward in faith, always moving closer to God’s call.
Amen.

Pastor: Passing of the Peace-Invitation

Pastor: Let us pass God’s blessing of peace among one another.

Pastor: Passing of the Peace

One: May the peace and joy of Christ be with you.
ALL: And also with you.

Wait to advance to this slide until speaking is concluded.

Pastor: Passing of the Peace

Share a wave, elbow bump, or hug as you are mutually comfortable

Song: "Mary, Woman of the Promise" (NCH#123)

Mary, woman of the promise;
vessel of your people's dreams:
Through your open, willing spirit
waters of God's goodness streamed.

Mary, song of holy wisdom
sung before the world began:
Faithful to the Word within you,
as you bore God's wondrous plan.

Mary, morning star of justice;
mirror of the Radiant Light:
In the shadows of life's journey,
be a beacon for our sight.

Mary, woman of the gospel;
humble home for treasured seed:
Help us to be true disciples,
bearing fruit in word and deed.

Mary Frances Fleischaker,Ralph Vaughan Williams; Text by Mary Frances Fleischaker, © 1988, Selah Publishing Co., Inc., Tune: QUEM PASTORES, 14th c. German Carol, Harmony by Ralph Vaughn Williams, Public Domain. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-726183.

Lay Reader: Scripture

Jeremiah 1:4-10
Luke 1:26-39
(NRSVue)

Lay Reader: Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 1:4–10 (NRSVue)

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.”

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you.

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth.

See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Lay Reader: Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26–39 (NRSVue)

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”

But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.

He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.

And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country,

Lay Reader: Scripture Response

One: This is God’s self-revealing through the stories of our people.

All: Praise be to God.

Start 15 min Confidence Timer

Pastor: Message

"Even in our fear, we are called forward"
Rev. Shirley Macemon

Stop Confidence Timer

PTZ2 - select Choir view

Choir: Anthem

"Beautiful Star of Bethlehem"
by R. Fisher Boyce
Used under OneLicense.net A-726183

(Pastor: wait for A/V techs to return to A/V booth and the Offering slide to appear before proceeding)

PTZ2 - select Song Leader view

Pastor: Offering

Pastor:

While we do not pass the plates for our Offering,
we do have offering plates at the back rows of chairs as you enter the sanctuary.
Please feel free to place your offerings there.
We also have a secure way to give online by using our webpage at campbellucc.com/donate

Let us pause and reflect as you give your offerings.

(Ruth plays a short interlude)

Now let us sing our thanks for our blessings.

Song: "Doxology"

Praise God from whom
all blessings flow;
Praise God
all creatures here below;

Praise God above
you heavenly host;
Creator, Christ and
Holy Ghost.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emanuel shall
come to thee,
O Israel.

Thomas Ken; Tune: O Come, O Come, Emanuel; Text/tune adapted by Dan McIntyre, UMC Board of Discipleship. Text and tune are Public Domain.

Song: "God Comes to Us"

God comes to us
on winter night,
in baby's breath,
by fire light,

God comes to us
on a star.

God comes to us
amidst our fears,
unspoken joys,
unending tears,

God comes to us,
where we are.

Winter brings cold days
and dark nights of
wondering;

We walk the path
with our eyes
to the ground

We question where
is our God
in the wandering?

We need to look up,
look out, look around.

God comes to us
on winter night,
in baby's breath,
by fire light,

God comes to us
on a star.

God comes to us
amidst our fears,
unspoken joys,
unending tears,

God comes to us,
where we are.

Dirk Damonte; Words and Music by Dirk Damonte, ©1994 Excelsis Music. Used with permission of author.

Pastor: Prayers of the People

You are invited to share prayers of joy or concern. So that the people online may hear, please wait for the microphone to be brought to you before sharing your joy or concern.

Online people are invited to unmute and offer your prayers. You can also email your prayers for our community to prayerchain@campbellucc.org

Please let us know if you would NOT like your spoken prayer to be distributed on the Prayer Chain email.

(Wait for prayers to conclude, then Pastor may re-voice offered prayers or proceed to Silent Meditation)

Pastor: Silent Meditation

Pastor: Let us keep those and our unvoiced prayers in mind as we listen for God in the silence that follows the ringing of the singing bowl.

(The singing bowl is rung.)

Pastor: Pastoral Prayer

Pastor: Calling God,
if you tapped on my shoulder today,
would my knees shake?
Would my mind race?
Would my voice waver?
Or, knowing the stories of all the faithful folks you’ve called before,
would I be ready?
Would I be brave enough to follow?
Would I hear your call for what it is?
Would I reply, “Let it be with me according to your will”?
It’s hard to know.
But what I do trust is that you are a God who calls.
You called Mary and Moses,
Jeremiah and Peter.
You have called ordinary people throughout all of time.
You have called artists and activists, poets and prophets, teachers and healers—young and old alike.

So as we move through this world, open our ears to hear your voice.
As we move through this world, open our hearts to the invitations, the inspiration, and the nudges you
place in our lives.
As we move through this world, God, allow us to hear whatever call you have in store for us in this season.
For no matter how big or how small, we trust that you are a calling, inviting, nudging, inspiring God who
sees us in the best light.
With hope we lean forward,
we listen for your word,
and we pray together the words your son taught us to pray, even if our voices shake, saying. . .

Pastor: The Lord's Prayer

ALL: Our Father (God/Mother/Creator),
who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.

ALL: Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.

ALL: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. (sins/debts)

ALL: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

ALL: For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.

(Pastor and Lay Reader move to the Communion table.)

PTZ1 - Select Communion view

Song: "Here At This Table"

Come and be filled
here at this table.
Food for all who hunger
And drink for
all who thirst.

Drink of his love,
wine of salvation.
You shall live forever
in Jesus Christ the Lord

Come and be filled
here at this table.
Food for all who hunger
And drink for
all who thirst.

Drink of his love,
wine of salvation.
You shall live forever
in Jesus Christ the Lord

You shall live forever
in Jesus Christ the Lord

Janet Sullivan Whitaker,James Maxwell Whitaker; (c) 1996, 2000, Janet Sullivan Whitaker and James Maxwell Whitaker. Published by OCP. All rights reserved.Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-726183.

Pastor: Communion Invitation

Pastor: Here at this Table, there is enough room, enough food, enough love for everyone.
Here at this Table, Jesus is standing up on his chair, waving his hands over his head, saying to each of you,
“I saved you a seat!”
Here at this Table, you are wanted and welcomed. You are safe and loved.
Here at this Table, you belong.

So my friends, there is no need for fear here, for this is a joyful feast.
And you are invited. All are welcome.

Pastor: Communion

Pastor: Loving God, pour out your Spirit on this Table.
Pour out your Spirit on this ordinary bread.
Pour out your Spirit on this ordinary juice.
For the thing we fear the most is distance from you,
Draw near to us here.
Saturate this room with your Spirit and this Table with your love. Amen

On the night of his arrest, Jesus took bread,
and after giving thanks to God, broke it and said,
"This is my body which is for you;
do this remembering me."

After supper, Jesus took the cup and, after giving thanks to God, said,
"This is the cup of the new covenant;
whenever you drink it,
do this remembering me."

Lay Reader: Communion

Lay Reader: As you come forward, please use the hand sanitizer station.
We have both regular and gluten-free elements for you to use.
If you would prefer to be served in your seat, stay seated, and we will come to you.
The Table is ready.
Please come.

Wait to advance to this slide until the speaking is concluded.

Communion

(The elements are shared.
Lay Reader returns to seat after all are served.)

Pastor: Communion Blessing

Pastor: Loving God,
In a world racked with fear, you gather us together.
You set the table, meet us here
And nourish our bodies as you nourish our spirits.
You remind us that this is a joyful feast, and that fear cannot win.
With renewed courage, renewed hope, and renewed conviction,
send us out into the world.
Help us to feed others as you have fed us.
With gratitude we pray,
Amen.

PTZ1 - Select Closeup Lectern view

Song: "Here I am, Lord"

Song Leader: Please rise as you are able and sing our closing song.

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save.

I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their
darkness bright,
Who will bear
my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you
calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people
in my heart.

I, the Lord, of snow and rain,
I have borne
my people's pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.

I will break their
hearts of stone,
Give them hearts
for love alone.
I will speak
my word to them.
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you
calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people
in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend
the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save

Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts
be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you
calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people
in my heart.

Daniel L. Schutte; (c)1981 Daniel L. Schutte and New Dawn Music. Published by OCP Publications. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-726183.

PTZ2 - select Closeup Ruth/Janet view

Pastor: Benediction

Pastor: In a fearful world,
look for God’s spirit.
Reach for each other’s hands.
Choose courage whenever you can.
And in all things, remember
that good news is louder than fear.
In the name of the one who calls,
the one who sends,
and the one who journeys with—
go in peace and
be not afraid.
Amen.

Postlude

"The First Noel"
Traditional
Public Domain

Advance to next slide after Postlude is concluded.
Remaining slides will auto-advance to the post-service loop.

Credits (Note: Credits slide will Advance after 5 seconds)

Pastor: Rev. Shirley Macemon
Lay Reader: Ed Pansullo
Song Leader: Laurann Golden

Music Director: Ruth Huber
AV tech: Ken True
Slides production: Ken True

Copyright (Note: Copyright slide will Advance after 5 seconds)

This Video © Copyright 2025,
CampbellUCC. All rights reserved.

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-726183 and/or from CCLI with streaming license #21189255.
All rights reserved.

Stop Zoom meeting.
Wait for Zoom video to process on CUCC-AV2 system
Turn off Projectors/ Rear TV/ Lobby TV and put away mics in A/V closet.

Goodbye (Note: Goodbye slide will Advance after 5 seconds)

Liturgy adapted from: Words for Worship - What Do You Fear Series by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Slide backgrounds, logos and liturgy Copyright 2025 a sanctified art, used by permission.

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-726183 and/or from CCLI with CCLI Streaming Plus License™ #21189255. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise noted, the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition of biblical translation is used.