First Presbyterian Church of Weedsport
November 29, 2026
Rev. Brian Copeland
First Sunday of Advent
CHIMES (Preparing ourselves for worship.)
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Liturgist
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Liturgist
The sun is darkened; the moon does not give light. Come, Lord Jesus.
You are the potter; we are yours. Come, Lord Jesus.
Strengthen us so that we are ready. Come, Lord Jesus.
HYMN #
CONFESSION AND PARDON (Responsive) Liturgist
We have all sinned, not one of us is clean; but there is mercy for those who call on the name of the Lord. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
Restore us, O God of hosts. Let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Save us, O Lord, from traps of our own creating: from fear that blocks the way of love,
from worry that blocks the way of joy, from isolation that blocks the way of relationship, from structural injustices that keep the world bound. Forgive us, O God of hosts, until the stars fall from heaven and we live as people transformed.
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION MAY BE OFFERED
Every valley is lifted up; every mountain, made low. Now the glory of the Lord is revealed,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
SPECIAL MUSIC
CHILDREN’S TIME (If children are present.) Children may leave to go to Sunday School after Children’s Time.)
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison) Liturgist
Holy God, our hope and strength, by the power of your Spirit prepare the way in our hearts for the coming of your Word, so that we may see the glorious signs of your promise fulfilled; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 64:1-9 Liturgist
1 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
so that the mountains would quake at your presence —
2 as when fire kindles brushwood
and the fire causes water to boil —
to make your name known to your adversaries,
so that the nations might tremble at your presence
3 When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
4 From ages past no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who works for those who wait for him.
5 You meet those who gladly do right,
those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned;
because you hid yourself we transgressed.
6 We have all become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth
We all fade like a leaf,
and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
7 There is no one who calls on your name,
or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us,
and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity
8 Yet, O LORD, you are our Father;
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
9 Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD,
and do not remember iniquity forever.
Now consider, we are all your people.
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 13:24-37 Rev. Brian Copeland
24“But in those days, after that suffering,
the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light,
25 and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
26Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. 27Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
28“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35Therefore, keep awake — for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON Rev. Brian Copeland
HYMN #
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Unison) Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.19
Out of Israel, God in due time raised up Jesus. His faith and obedience were the response of the perfect child of God. He was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel,
the beginning of the new creation, and the pioneer of the new humanity. He gave history its meaning and direction and called the church to be his servant for the reconciliation of the world.
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND THE LORD’S PRAYER (Hymnal p. 16 Traditional)
God of hosts, let your face shine. Stir up your might and bring salvation. Coming Savior, hear our prayer.
INVITATION TO OFFERING (Offering plates are not passed. Offering plates are on the front and back tables.)
DOXOLOGY (Hymn #592)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Unison)
God Most High, receive the gifts of our lives as an offering of gratitude for your grace.
Overshadow us with your Holy Spirit and let it be with us according to your word,
for nothing is impossible with you. Amen.
HYMN #
BLESSING AND CHARGE
POSTLUDE
*LARGE PRINT BULLETINS ARE AVAILABLE. Please ask the greeter.
Reminders:
Dec. 13 – Session and committee meetings after worship
Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve worship, 7 p.m.
