Prelude - Silent Night, played by Judy Mank

The First Sunday of Advent

Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is a special time for many people. We're all familiar with the busyness of buying presents, arranging family get-togethers, the hectic schedule of events, and the boisterous music playing everywhere. Of course, due to COVID all of that is much different this year - though perhaps that may help us this year come closer to remembering the themes the church has historically associated with Advent as we slow down and appreciate the gift that God has given us in Jesus.

Waiting and Preparation – Waiting and preparation are two major themes of Advent. When Jesus was born, the Jews had been waiting hundreds of years for the prophecies of a Savior to be fulfilled. Remembering that long period of waiting and longing, we take times of quiet and reflection and repentance, remembering God’s faithfulness to keep all His promises to us.

Joy – Along with the waiting and preparation, however, is the joy we have because we know that Christ has come and will return to make all things new. We give voice to this joy in music and song, but also in generosity giving and service, and in times of prayer.

Each week of Advent we will be lighting another candle, counting down the weeks toward Christmas, and hearing Scripture read from both the Old and New Testaments as we remember the great story of redemption.

Below is the video for week one of Advent. We invite you to watch it, listening closely to the Scripture that is read.

Then take a few moments of prayer, asking God to reveal Himself to you in this season, that you might know Him and take hold of the rest He offers to this weary world.

Offering

During this time when we can't gather on Sundays, we can still receive your offerings a couple of ways:

You can drop your offering in the locked mailbox outside the church office entrance
Or, you can mail them to the church at 393 Water Street, Augusta ME 04330.

Thank you for your continued support of Penney and its ministries!

Scripture Text - Luke 1:5-22

Sermon: The Story of Zechariah

Congregational Singing

We encourage you to sing - make a joyful noise! If you play an instrument, play! If you have some favorite hymns or choruses, pick one or two and sing! Or make use of other technology to play some music, and listen and sing along.
Below are some hymns you can make use of if these would be a help to you.