INVITATION TO THE TABLE

The prophets foretold it: the desert burst into bloom.
Angelic messengers delivered news:
a priest lost his speech; a young woman found her voice.
In this season of Advent, the scriptures revive old stories
     and bring new understandings.
In the face of critics and skeptics,
our faith cries out, resilient,
like a baby from a manger bed.

From that Bethlehem beginning,
Jesus, baptized in the Jordan, spent his life serving others
that all might know the compassionate attention of a loving God.
Today, Jesus serves us yet again,
as we gather at this Table he prepares for us.

COMMUNION PRAYER

Dear Jesus of Advent,
You remain a sacred mystery to us.
You have brought Good News for all the people
and we will not be afraid, for you are here.
We are hungry for your love
which surpasses all our understanding;
we are thirsty for your spirit that never runs dry.
In this meal nourish our souls,
feed our minds, quench our deepest longings and
     forgive our transgressions,
that we may glorify you every day of our lives. Amen.

BLESSING OF THE BREAD AND CUP

SHARING OF THE MEAL
 
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Holy Creator, Bread of Life, Everlasting Salvation,
A light shines in the night and the night will not over come it.
In this meal we have been replenished and strengthened,
the light of your love rekindled within.
We will be bold to carry this light into the world.
Thank you for recharging our batteries
and reviving your ambient glow within us.
You are the power source that never gives out
- eternally renewable and sustainable.
Thank you God
Thank you Christ
Thank you Spirit               Amen.

Our Faith Cries Out, Resilient: Service of Holy Communion for Advent, was written by the Rev. Penny L. Lowes, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and a free lance writer. She has served two UCC congregations, most recently for seven years as the Senior Pastor at the Congregational Church or Birmingham, UCC in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Copyright 2011 Local Church Ministries, Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.