Order of Service, November 3, 2019

Introduction

The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would miraculously conceive and bear the Son of God. He also informed her of the miraculous conception of her relative, Elizabeth. The young Mary promptly made the arduous journey to visit Elizabeth. Luke’s description of their meeting is filled with signs of the sovereign work of God. Under the direction of the Spirit of God, the old woman pronounce blessing—twice on Mary and once on the child Mary carried.

In this Lord’s Day service we will focus on the blessedness of the virgin Mary, mother of our Lord.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Prelude

Call to Worship     Lamentations 3:22-24

Invocation

PROCLAMATION

Hymn 243      Come Thou Found of Every Blessing

Worship through Giving

Response:      Doxology

Hymn 247     Amazing Grace

Note: In 1:28, 30, Gabriel greeted Mary as a recipient of God’s grace. Through her, God extended his grace to fallen humanity.

Scripture Reading      Genesis 3:1-24

Notes: The miraculous conception of God’s own Son in the womb of the virgin Mary was the long-awaited fulfillment of the promise that God made to Eve.

Pastoral Prayer

Hymn 335     And Can It Be?

Notes: Charles Wesley’s magnificent hymn compresses the span of the Gospel story into 5 verses. The third verse lays before us the wonders of the incarnation. He left his Father’s throne, humbled himself to become on of us, and died for us. Can it be? Can mercy this immense and free be ours? Amazing love!

Message     Mary, Blessed Among Women
Luke 1:39-45
Pastor Steven Thomas

RESPONSE

Hymn 91     Once in Royal David’s City

Note: This beloved Christmas hymn is one of the few that refers to Mary by name. It moves our thoughts of Mary’s child from the humble birth to His glorious reign. “With His children gathered ‘round, His great praise shall e’er resound.” It expresses our confidence that he will lead us “To the place where He has gone” because of “His own redeeming love.”

Prayer Response     Mark Buhr

Benediction     John Miles