December 14th, 2025 - Third 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
Gaudete!
from the Piae Cantiones, 1582
arr. Philip Lawson
Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus
Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!
(Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary – Rejoice!)
Tempus adest gratiæ, Hoc quod optabamus,
Carmina lætitiæ, Devote reddamus.
(The time of grace has come—what we have wished for;
Songs of joy, let us give back faithfully.)
Deus homo factus est, Natura mirante,
Mundus renovatus est, A Christo regnante.
(God has become man, with nature marvelling,
The world has been renewed by the reigning Christ.)
Ezechielis porta, Clausa pertransitur,
Unde lux est orta, Salus invenitur.
(The closed gate of Ezekiel is passed through,
Whence the light is risen; Salvation has been found.)
Ergo nostra contio, Psallat iam in lustro;
Benedicat Domino: Salus Regi nostro.
(Therefore, let our assembly now sing in brightness
Let it bless the Lord: Greetings to our King.)
from the Piae Cantiones, 1582
arr. Philip Lawson
Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus
Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!
(Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary – Rejoice!)
Tempus adest gratiæ, Hoc quod optabamus,
Carmina lætitiæ, Devote reddamus.
(The time of grace has come—what we have wished for;
Songs of joy, let us give back faithfully.)
Deus homo factus est, Natura mirante,
Mundus renovatus est, A Christo regnante.
(God has become man, with nature marvelling,
The world has been renewed by the reigning Christ.)
Ezechielis porta, Clausa pertransitur,
Unde lux est orta, Salus invenitur.
(The closed gate of Ezekiel is passed through,
Whence the light is risen; Salvation has been found.)
Ergo nostra contio, Psallat iam in lustro;
Benedicat Domino: Salus Regi nostro.
(Therefore, let our assembly now sing in brightness
Let it bless the Lord: Greetings to our King.)
Candle Lighting Liturgy - The Candle of Joy
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. We see joy in the delight of friends. We see joy in meals around the table and in the singing of Christmas carols.
One: You are right. Even in a fearful world, joy is all around us!
All: Today we light the candle of joy as a reminder of the good news. May this flicker of light help us know that even in a fearful world, joy is here. We only have to look for it.
All: We see glimmers of joy in birthday candles and homemade cards. We see joy in the delight of friends. We see joy in meals around the table and in the singing of Christmas carols.
One: You are right. Even in a fearful world, joy is all around us!
All: Today we light the candle of joy as a reminder of the good news. May this flicker of light help us know that even in a fearful world, joy is here. We only have to look for it.
Introit Reprise
Gaudete!
Call to Worship
One: Jeremiah said, “I am only a boy.” Moses said, “Who am I to do this work?” Mary said, “How can this be?” Like our ancestors of faith, we have questions about what's possible and what's probable.
All: Even still, God invites us closer to remind us that we are wildly capable of bringing Love into a fearful world.
One: So may we trust the Inviter. May we believe God's confidence in us. Let us accept God's call to do the work that is ours to do.
All: In a world that tells us to be afraid, let us gather our courage and quiet our fear. Let hope be our hallmark, peace be our practice, and joy be the ground on which we build abundant life for all!
All: Even still, God invites us closer to remind us that we are wildly capable of bringing Love into a fearful world.
One: So may we trust the Inviter. May we believe God's confidence in us. Let us accept God's call to do the work that is ours to do.
All: In a world that tells us to be afraid, let us gather our courage and quiet our fear. Let hope be our hallmark, peace be our practice, and joy be the ground on which we build abundant life for all!
Hymn
Watcher, Tell Us of the Night, Hymn 103
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!"
Recognition of Ministry: Steven Christofferson
Our friends Steven and Nichole Christofferson are off on a new adventure! A well-deserved promotion at Steven's full-time job means that they are moving to Atlanta in January. In his six years as Mayflower’s Director of Youth Ministry, Steven has forever changed the lives of students who make up SOLACE, our faith formation program for 6th-12th graders. We are so grateful for his work and ministry, and we'll be cheering as Steven & Nichole begin their next chapter!
Anthem
People Look East
arr. John Leavitt
Third Sunday (of Advent) Choir
People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way.
Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the star, is on the way.
Angels, announce with shouts of mirth
Christ who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming
With the word, the Lord is coming.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Lord, is on the way.
arr. John Leavitt
Third Sunday (of Advent) Choir
People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way.
Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the star, is on the way.
Angels, announce with shouts of mirth
Christ who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming
With the word, the Lord is coming.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Lord, is on the way.
Prayers of the People
One: Still-Speaking God, there are moments when grace breaks in unexpectedly—when, like Mary, we are greeted by something holy, and we dare to dream your dreams for the world. When we look to the future with trembling, you whisper to our hesitant hearts, “Do not be afraid.” And so, trusting you are already present with us, we offer you our prayers.
All: Today we give thanks for the wonders that interrupt our ordinary days—for the feeling of satisfaction when our good work is recognized, for the generosity of this congregation in wrapping our neighbors in warmth and providing for the most vulnerable among us, for moments of tenderness and music and joy. We celebrate the birthdays of our beloveds: Harper, Carolyn, Carole, Dana, Michelle, and Lori. May they know grace and peace.
One: We also know, Holy One, that You are with us in our prayers of lament.We pray for Jonathan, Donavan, Becky, Shannon and Rebecca, Dennis, Meg, Joan, and Shirley. We pray, too, for Kristi, Sue, Michael Ann, Brian, Carolyn, and Janet. We trust you know the prayers that are but whispers in our hearts. Spark courage in us, Holy One. After all, you have called us just as you have called ordinary people throughout all of time.
All: Here we are. May it be with us just as you have promised. With hope of Advent we pray, Amen.
All: Today we give thanks for the wonders that interrupt our ordinary days—for the feeling of satisfaction when our good work is recognized, for the generosity of this congregation in wrapping our neighbors in warmth and providing for the most vulnerable among us, for moments of tenderness and music and joy. We celebrate the birthdays of our beloveds: Harper, Carolyn, Carole, Dana, Michelle, and Lori. May they know grace and peace.
One: We also know, Holy One, that You are with us in our prayers of lament.We pray for Jonathan, Donavan, Becky, Shannon and Rebecca, Dennis, Meg, Joan, and Shirley. We pray, too, for Kristi, Sue, Michael Ann, Brian, Carolyn, and Janet. We trust you know the prayers that are but whispers in our hearts. Spark courage in us, Holy One. After all, you have called us just as you have called ordinary people throughout all of time.
All: Here we are. May it be with us just as you have promised. With hope of Advent we pray, Amen.
Call + Response
One: Good News among us! Joy conquers fear.
All: Good News among us! Joy conquers fear.
One: Fear not, beloveds, hearken now; our God has done great things!
Then to the faithful of the earth, the call of God clear rings.
All: Good News among us! Joy conquers fear.
One: With joy draw water from the spring; salvation's living well.
The Holy One is in our midst; glad praises sing and tell!
All: Good News among us! Joy conquers fear.
All: Good News among us! Joy conquers fear.
One: Fear not, beloveds, hearken now; our God has done great things!
Then to the faithful of the earth, the call of God clear rings.
All: Good News among us! Joy conquers fear.
One: With joy draw water from the spring; salvation's living well.
The Holy One is in our midst; glad praises sing and tell!
All: Good News among us! Joy conquers fear.
Pastoral Prayer
Rev. Sheridan Irick
Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-8 & Luke 1:26-38
Jeremiah 1:4-8:
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.”
Luke 1:26-38:
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.
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.”
Luke 1:26-38:
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.
Sermon: We Are Called Forward
Rev. Dr. Lori Walke
Hymn
Comfort, Comfort O My People, Hymn 101
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.
- Next Sunday, December 21st, Morning Prayer at 8:30 will be a time to acknowledge that not everything about this season is merry and bright. We'll be in the columbarium, which is located to the west of the sanctuary, for a Blue Christmas service. Then, in Morning Worship at 10:15, our Christmas Extravaganza will feature incredible music from our Handbell Ensemble and Chancel Choir.
- Later that afternoon, join Mayflower's Ensemble in Residence, Bella Voce, at 5pm for their Christmas concert, "Nine Lessons & Carols," in the sanctuary. This concert is free and open to the public, so invite your friends and neighbors for an evening of peace and joy.
- We eagerly anticipate celebrate Christmas Eve together on December 24th - our services are at 4pm & 6pm, both ending in candlelight. The 4pm service will include you pick 'em carols and Christmas story, while the 6pm service will include hymns and a homily.
- As we approach the new year, please remember to return your 2026 Pledge Card with some amount in the Operating Fund. You can do so using a paper copy, which can be found in the main hallway under the bulletin board or online - either on the Home Page of our App or at the bottom of the Giving Page on our website.
- Finally, after we sing the benediction response, we are headed into Milligan Hall for 363’s Winter Warmth Packing Party, a time when all ages and stages can work together to fill bags of goodies, hats, and hand warmers for our neighbors at the Homeless Alliance and Joe’s Addiction.
- 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.]