Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: We light the third candle of Advent, the candle of Joy. Joy is not simply an emotion—it is God’s gift, a response to God’s invitation to come, to feast, to live.
People: We rejoice because God welcomes us freely, offering grace without price and life without measure.
Leader: Through the prophet Isaiah, God calls out: “Come to the waters… Listen, so that you may live.”
People: We open our hearts to God’s joyful invitation.
(The Joy candle is lit.)
Leader: May this flame remind us that joy grows wherever God’s presence is welcomed.
People: Come, Lord Jesus. Make our hearts rejoice in You.
Opening Hymn
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel UMH 211
Prayer of Confession
God of joy, we confess that we often live as though your feast is too good to be true. We cling to scarcity, doubt your abundance, and ignore your invitation to delight in your grace.
Open our hearts to your joy. Hear now the silent confessions of our hearts…
—silent prayer—
Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Hear the promise of God: everyone who thirsts is invited, everyone who hungers is welcomed. fIn Christ, joy is yours, and your sins are forgiven.
People: Thanks be to God, who fills us with joy.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Isaiah 55:1-13
Sermon:
Come to the Water by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee UMH 89
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
God of abundant joy, we thank you for your invitation to come and delight in the grace that satisfies every thirst.
Filled with your gladness, we offer these gifts, and we offer our hands and hearts to share your joy with all who hunger for hope. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
People Look East UMH 202
Benediction
Said Each Week as A Communal Prayer:
Send to us all the people who feel unwanted and unloved in other places, and if they can't come to us, send us to them.
Postlude