First AME Zion Church Virtual Worship
Sunday, December 20, 2020
The Call to Worship and Invocation
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we pray for hope, joy, peace, and Love.
Morning Hymn -- Emmanuel
Performed by First Baptist Church of Glenarden
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;
The third day he rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Scripture Reading -- Isaiah 7:10-14
10 Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying,
11 Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.”
12But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!”
13Then he said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also?
14Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Fourth Sunday of Advent:
The Lighting of the Love Candle
Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer -- Jesus, Oh What A
Wonderful Child
Performed by House of Hope
We are praying for you:
Rev. Keith Johnson, Octavian Rodriquez, Angelikka Carter, James Spaulding, Rev. and Mrs. Braxton, Dwaine Giggans,
Johnie Mae Williams, Christine Ferguson, Rev. Michael Henderson, Rev. Veronica Buckner, Alisha Taliafero, Brother Joe and Sister Mary Brown (Kyles Temple Sacramento), Stephanie Brown, Anthony Brown and Family, Marion Burrus and Family, Devan Bartlow, Lawrence Meeks; and, Audrey Fambro and Family, Gerald Nelson and Family, Connie Nunez and Family, and Carol Goode, in the loss of their loved ones.
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we approach the celebration of your birth, we are blessed to have your presence in our lives. Father, we adore you and worship your holy name. Dear Lord, we confess our sins and shortcomings and pray that you will forgive us. We are truly sorry for doing those things that we were not to do, and not doing those things that you commanded us to do.
We pray for the sick and shut-in among us. Today we ask your bountiful blessings on the Browns of Sacramento in their time of health crisis. We know that you are able to bring healing. We also ask for your mercy for those who are undertaken by sin and who don't know you in the pardon of their sins. We intercede on their behalf and pray that they will come to know you as their saving, heavenly Father.
As we go through the next few days, we pray that you will be with us. Please Lord, release our minds from worry and doubt and let us celebrate your birth, realizing that you are the balm that we so desperately need. Father, touch our church, please give us those things that we stand in need of, and let us learn to be content in all circumstances. Bless our Pastor and please be a hedge of protection around him. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Song of Praise -- Children Go Where I Send Thee
Performed by The Church Without Walls Men's Chorus, Dr. Michael McFrazier, Director
Tithes and Offerings
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2nd Chronicles 9:7
Visit our Gift section on the Gift tab. You may give via credit cards, PayPal and Givelify.com (Download Givelify to your Smartphone). If you prefer, mail your tithes and offerings to First AMEZ Church, 95 S. 20th Street, San Jose CA 95116
Announcements
Pastor and First Lady, Rogers wish you a joyous and blessed Christmas.
Please check your text messages and email for further updates on the events and news about the schedule for all local AMEZ services. In accordance with the directives of the Board of Bishops, our on-site services are suspended until further notice. This includes Bible Study and choir rehearsals. Our next on-site service to be announced.
The Sermonic Scripture - John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Song of Preparation -- Special Gift
Performed by Bishops Yvette Flunder, Walter Hawkins and The Love Center Choir
Sermon -- What Have You Done With The Gift?
Ronald L. Rogers, Pastor
First AME Zion Church San Jose
Click icon for sound
Invitation to Christian Discipleship
The door of the church is open. Now is the time when we offer Christ to you. If you need to make a tough decision, now is the time. Without discussion, dialogue or debate, take that step and unite with First AME Zion Church today. Call (408) 688-6980 and First Church will celebrate with you as you make the best decision of your life.
Benediction
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy; To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.