HELPFUL LINKS FOR THIS WEEK:
- Download today’s Bulletin: Riviera Presbyterian Church Bulletin Script December 27, 2020 (PDF)
- Watch the video on Youtube or above. Premiere is at 11:00 a.m. Sunday. The video duration is 45 minutes.
- When the video finishes, join our HOLY GROUNDS Zoom call at NOON.: (Zoom ID 829 1129 7119 pw 056833)
- Let us know you attended worship with us today / submit a prayer of praise or concern
- We offer Adult Sunday School on Sundays before worship. Email the church office for a Zoom link.
- Read the devotional PDF for the Season of Advent
BULLETIN
Worship Sunday December 27, 2020
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS TIME
Good Morning!
Welcome to Riviera’s virtual worship service. We’re delighted that you joined us today. Even when we’re physically apart, the Holy Spirit unites us as one community! Even when we can’t go to church, we are the church!
Let us know you worshiped with us today by filling out the Friendship Form located on our website www.rivierachurch.org WORSHIP page.
If you are joining us via Facebook or YouTube, please check in or leave us a comment so we know you are worshiping with us today. Don’t forget to keep checking our various social media outlets, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, for up-to-date information.
This morning we welcome the Rev. Alex Patchin-McNeil, Executive Director and the Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt, Board Co-Moderator of More Light Presbyterians.
Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt,
Co-Moderator of the Board of More Light Presbyterians.
Graduate of Union Theological Seminary and Pastoral Fellow for Youth at Rutgers Presbyterian Church in NYC. Currently discerning a new call.
GATHERING
OPENING HYMN –
CHIMING OF THE HOUR and WELCOMING THE LIGHT
WELCOME – Rev. Martha M. Shiverick
MINUTE FOR MISSION — Alex McNeil, Director, More Light Presbyterians
CALL TO WORSHIP — Karen Collier
In you, O God, I will greatly rejoice:
in speaking, I will greatly rejoice;
in silence, I will greatly rejoice;
in travels, I will greatly rejoice;
in resting, I will greatly rejoice;
in working, I will greatly rejoice;
in leisure, I will greatly rejoice;
in duties, I will greatly rejoice;
in freedom, I will greatly rejoice.
O God, my whole being exults in you, and my life shall evermore declare your praise, my light, my love, my joy.
Let us worship God!
CALL TO CONFESSION — Ruth Gonzalez
Jesus came into an indifferent world, yet Jesus’ life revealed the inner thoughts of many. Let us confess our sins before God and one another knowing that even before the words are out of our mouths, God loves and forgives us.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, we confess that we have not lived as your faithful children.
We have kept silent in the midst of prejudice and hatred. We have been idle in the face of violence and injustice. We have not been a light to the nations, and our lives have not revealed your glory. Forgive us, merciful God. Repair the ugliness of our sin and restore is us your beautiful grace;
Through Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
This is God’s promise: you have been called by God, claimed in Christ, and set free through the Spirit.
Believe in the Good News: In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
CHILDREN’S SERMON — Anna Rosas
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION — Karen Collier
Dear God, As you led Simeon to embrace the infant Jesus, guide us, Holy Spirit, by your gracious light that we may welcome your saving Word.
CHORAL ANTHEM
SCRIPTURE — The Rev. DeTar Birt, More Light Presbyterian’s Board Co-Moderator
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- Psalm 148
SERMON — The Rev. DeTar Birt, More Light Presbyterian’s Board Co-Moderator
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- ‘Praises in the Unknown’
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Mimi Sutherland
As children of God and heirs of the promise, let us pray to our creator, saying, Loving God, hear our prayer.
For the nations of the earth, that governments and those in authority may protect the vulnerable, shelter the oppressed,
and pursue the way of peace, let us pray: Loving God, hear our prayer.
For the City of Miami and for all places of human interaction, that we can be responsible to others in this pandemic.
We pray that kindness may abound compassion prevail, and harmony endure, Let us pray: Loving God, hear our prayer.
For our planet earth, our home, that we may honor the gifts we receive from the land, and respect the limitations as we protect the earth’s resources, Let us pray: Loving God, hear our prayer.
For those troubled with illness, hardship, or conflict, or for those who were grieving during this holiday period or had to get through it one day at a time, may they be feel strength, healing, and comfort,
Let us pray: Loving God, hear our prayer.
God, as we approach this new year and say goodbye to 2020, we do so with a sense of hope for the future. You have never abandoned us and we know that you will be with us as we move forward, so it is with faith and confidence that we also pray in the manner that Jesus taught us praying:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
For the Lord’s Prayer we appreciate the diverse traditions and backgrounds that make up the Riviera family of faith and encourage you to use whatever words for this prayer are meaningful for you.
Our Creator, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CALL TO OFFERING – Rev. Missy Shiverick
We give you thanks, God of all creation, for the power of your life-giving Word, making the winds blow and the waters flow. Receive these gifts: our offerings and tithes, and use them to bring peace and blessing to all your children; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING
For those of us gathered together, whether in our homes with our bubble family or on the computer screen with family and friends near and far, we know that the only perfect gift ever given was the one we received in Jesus Christ – a perfect gift from a gracious God. We know that in Jesus, we receive the perfect gift of God being with us. What a powerful gift, a perfect gift. Although we cannot give the perfect gift, we can give generously to support and be with our past, present and future leaders in their time of promise and their time of need. Please give generously to the Christmas Joy Offering.
Our goal for 2020 is $950. You can contribute to the offering on our website https://bit.ly/331a5E8
INVITATION TO GIVE TITHES AND OFFERINGS
The Act of Gratitude
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- You may donate today via credit/debit card by visiting our website at www.rivierachurch.org and clicking on the GIVE button
- You may download the free Give+ app (iOS & Android)
- You may consider setting up online payment via your bank bill pay program.
- You may also mail in your check to the church at Riviera Presbyterian Church at 5275 Sunset Drive, Miami FL 33143
If you are a member of another church, please donate to them during this time
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God, ye hosts in heaven above;
Praise God, the Trinity of Love. Amen
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION – The Rev. Ashely DeTar Birt
CLOSING HYMN
Thank you for worshipping at Riviera today. Please take a moment fill out the Friendship Form on our website and share any prayer requests or joys which will be sent to our pastoral care team.
We look forward to connecting with you next Sunday, January 3, 2021. We will celebrate Epiphany and finish with the sacrament of Communion.
HOLY GROUNDS FELLOWSHIP
You are invited to join the Zoom meeting for fellowship time at NOON today. (long worship)
http://bit.ly/rpcsunday
NOTES
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Don’t forget to fill out the Friendship Form below, or leave us a comment on Facebook so we know you worshiped with us today. Please include any prayer requests you have which will be sent to our pastoral care team.
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY: Join us next Sunday Morning for Online Adult Bible Study Class, via ZOOM. 10:00 am – 10:30 am. This is a great opportunity to study Sunday’s sermon passage with Pastor Missy. Meeting 860-148-3445
RIVIERA FOOD PANTRY MINISTRY: will be distributing food on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon on the east entrance of the sanctuary. Our Current Needs: Canned Veggies, fruits, soups, and tuna, pasta sauce, peanut butter and granola bars. Donations can be dropped off at the church Fellowship Hall doors on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. If you are ordering the food to be delivered please schedule them for Tuesdays or Thursdays. –Thank you.
–Thank you.
COPYRIGHT NOTICES
Video and audio was performed and recorded by various members of the church’s staff and family for the purpose of providing online worship to the members of Riviera Presbyterian and others who view the link. Reprinted/streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-713957. All rights reserved.
COPYRIGHT © 2020 RIVIERA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. All rights reserved.
- Love Has Come, hymn 110
#62232 List. Type: Words; First Line: Love has come-a light in the darkness! Contributors: Ken Bible. Text: © 1996, LNWHymns - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, hymn 128
from the Polish, E M G Reed (1885-1933) . New lyrics ©2020 by W G Busse (1964— ) -
What Child Is This, hymn 145.
Public Domain.
