1. Advent 1

2. GOD WELCOMES US Be on watch, be alert, for you do not know when the time will come. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen.

3. Let us confess our sins in the presence of God and of each other. We confess to you, almighty God, before the whole company of heaven, and to each other, that we have sinned in thought, word and deed, by our own fault. Have mercy on us, for Jesus’ sake, forgive us all our sins, and bring us to eternal life. Amen.

4. May the almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon and forgiveness of all our sins. Amen.

5. We light the Advent candle and pray The true light was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. The true light, who enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

6. Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world. You came to be born as a king in Bethlehem, the city of King David. Be born in our hearts, and rule our lives today. Amen.

7. We sing an Advent hymn/song

8. Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel : you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might: and come to save us! Restore us O God of hosts, let your face shine that we might be saved.

9. Restore us, O God: let your face shine, that we may be saved. O Lord God of hosts: how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers? You have fed them with the bread of tears: and given them tears to drink in full measure. You make us the scorn of our neighbours: our enemies laugh among themselves. Restore us O God of hosts, let your face shine that we might be saved.

10. Restore us, O God of hosts: let your face shine, that we may be saved. But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand: the one whom you made strong for yourself. Then we will never turn back from you: give us life, and we will call on your name. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts: let your face shine, that we may be saved. Restore us O God of hosts, let your face shine that we might be saved.

11. The Lord be with you And also with you. Let us pray.

12. Jesus, Son of God, you have promised to return at a time that no one knows. Keep us watchful in prayer and strong in faith as we wait for you to come. For you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

13. GOD SPEAKS TO US Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 64:1-9 (after the reading) This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

14. Epistle Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 (after the reading) This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

15. Gospel Reading – Mark 13:24-37 (after the gospel) This is the gospel of the Lord Praise be to you, O Christ Thank you, Lord Jesus, for promising to return. Help us always to keep watching and to be awake and ready. Amen.

16. We sing a hymn/song

17. We listen to the address

18. We confess our faith I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried.

19. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty, from thence he will come to judge the living and the dead.

20. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. * ‘catholic’ here meaning 'universal'

21. GOD RECEIVES OUR OFFERING We sing a hymn/song as our offering is received

22. We pray for ourselves and the world Prayer response: Lord, in your mercy: Come and save your people.

23. The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.

24. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

25. May Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, shine on us and make us ready to meet him when he comes in glory. And the blessing of almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with us always. Amen.

26. We sing a hymn/song