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Advent 2013

HOLY MARGINS: BIRTHING THE HOLY

God Comes to the Margins of a Brutal Empire
to a Poor, Unwed Jewish Woman

Scripture Commentary and Sample Worship Outlines
by Rev. Dr. Sally Harris
Co-Chair, Affirm United/S'affirmer ensemble

ADVENT III - DECEMBER 16TH
ON THE MARGINS, THE HOLY IS BORN IN JOY

Scripture Commentary

  • Isaiah 35: 1-10 On the margins the desert blooms and rejoices
  • As we continue our Advent journey we again pause to be clear about our ultimate destination - God's realm of shalom. Isaiah reminds us of God's vision for the whole of creation when our world will be restored. Listen for the joy of the redeemed.

  • Luke 1: 39-45 On the margins joy comes through solidarity
  • This text is often referred to as "The Visitation" when Mary makes haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Mary's joyful response to encountering God is to reach out in solidarity to another. Peace and blessings are offered on the margins of society.

Resources:

  • Elizabeth Johnson's Truly Our Sister or Dangerous Memories: A Mosaic of Mary
  • John Dear's Mary of Nazareth, Prophet of Peace
  • Renita Weems' Just A Sister Away

Sample Worship Outline

Advent 2013: Holy Margins - Birthing the Holy

ADVENT: "is always a sub-version, always a version,
a rendering of reality that lives under the dominant version."
~ W. Brueggemann [adapted]

As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence
is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.
~ Julian of Norwich

WE GATHER IN JOY!

Prelude

Greeting in Word

In this holy time
GOD WAITS FOR US!
On the margins
WE COME WITH JOY

*Greeting in Song      For All the Children      David Lohman

Chorus only: O may our hearts and minds be opened
Fling the church doors open wide.
May there be room enough for everyone inside.
For in God there is a welcome, in God we all belong.
May that welcome be our song.

Sharing Our Lives in Community (i.e. announcements)

Introit (optional)

*Call To Advent Worship

In the midst of shortening days
Beneath heavy, rain saturated skies
WE GATHER!
Gathered to worship
Gathered to remember
     the seeds of joy planted deep
     within us, at the beginning of time
In the midst of red poinsettias
Beneath the angel's wings
WE GATHER!
Gathered to worship
Gathered to remember
     the songs of joy sung by ancient
     storytellers given to us, since the
     beginning of time.
WE GATHER IN JOY TO WORSHIP!

*Advent Carol:      Good Christian Friends, Rejoice      (In Dulci Jubilo)

Inviting the Presence

God of Advent Joy
Across the infinity of space and time
     a common heart beats in every breast….
THE WORLD AWAITS THE SONG OF JOY
In these busy days of preparation we seek quiet spaces
FOR WE BELIEVE IN YOUR SONG OF JOY
In the fear and darkness of the daily news.
WE BELIEVE IN YOUR SONG OF JOY
So as we come from the margins
MAY YOU LIGHT OUR WAY WITH JOY. AMEN
Sharing the Joy The JOY of Christ be with you
AND ALSO WITH YOU!

*Singing Our Response:      Longfellow's Carol      J. Baptiste Calkin

Once in despair, I bowed my head.
There is no peace on earth, I said,
For hate is strong and mocks the song
of Peace on Earth, good-will to all.

Then peeled the bells, more loud and deep,
"God is not dead, God does not sleep.
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
with Peace on Earth, good-will to all.

WE LISTEN IN JOY!

Reading from the Prophets: Isaiah 35: 1-10

On the margins the desert blooms and rejoices

Choir (optional)

Reading from the Gospel Luke 1: 39-45

On the margins joy comes through solidarity

Song of JOY:      Joy Shall Come      (optional) (Israeli traditional)

Reflecting On The Word:

We Respond In JOY!

*Singing our Joy: (optional)

Offering Our Gifts

OPEN OUR EARS that we may hear the cries of your people.
OPEN OUR EYES that we may see the needs of your creation.
OPEN OUR HEARTS that we may bring JOY to the despairing.
OPEN OUR HANDS that we may respond to God's generosity.

Offering is received

*Advent Doxology:      In The Bleak Mid Winter verses 1 & 4

Giving Thanks:

Maker of Stars, Transformer of Life, Giver of JOY, here is the advent of our generosity:
THE GENEROSITY OF GIFTS PRESENTED;
THE GENEROSITY OF FAITH SHARED;
THE GENEROSITY OF JOY DECLARED. AMEN

*Carol:      Joy to the World      (Antioch)

* Blessing in Word:

May we know God's sustaining
AS OUR SOULS ARE MADE READY
On the margins
THE HOLY IS BORN

*Blessing in Song:      Your JOY, O God      St. Clement

Your JOY, O God is ever yearning
To touch and heal a world in a pain
May we in Christ be ever learning
To bring to birth that Joy again.

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Organizational Partners

Affirm United/S'affirmer Ensemble The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists Brethren-Mennonite Council for LGBT Concerns Open and Affirming Ministries of the Gay, Lesbian & Affirming Disciples (GLAD) Integrity Reconciling Works
More Light Presbyterians Open and Affirming Program of the United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns (ONA) Reconciling Ministries Network Room for All - Reformed Church in America Welcoming Community Network - Community of Christ