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TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
December 7, 2025
Second Sunday of Advent
GATHERING AND PREPARING TO WORSHIP GOD
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Leader: Christ is risen!
People: He is risen indeed!
PRELUDE: “Pastorale” J.S. Bach
Readying Our Hearts (A time of silent prayer and reflection in preparation for worshiping God together.)
Scriptures for Meditation and Memorization: Ephesians 2:4-5
“Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.”
CALL TO WORSHIP AND ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING
Responsive Call to Worship
Leader: Arise, shine, for your light has come!
People: And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you!
Leader: Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
People: We proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light!
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 (Pew Bible pp. 1076-1077)
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him –
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD —
and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.
In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Reflection.
The prophet Isaiah said, “Comfort, comfort my people” to a nation anxious about invasion and exile, as he foretold the coming of the Prince of Peace.
Our world is still filled with violence and abuse, where families are torn apart by war and children are used as soldiers. Where the streets of our cities are for many a combat zone.
Isaiah’s words continue to speak to us that Jesus will bring us to an everlasting peace.
Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn to give birth to Jesus, but we can heed John the Baptist’s command to make room in our hearts for Jesus. Wherever there is war or mistrust between peoples, families, or our own hearts, God is present and leading us to make new ways of living in peace. Christ is our only hope, and our peace is found through Him.
We will light the candle of peace today to remind us of Jesus’ life-giving peace to all who trust in Him. For Jesus declared:
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Jn 14:27)
We will light the candle of peace today to honor those among God’s children who live the gospel truth that war, anger, hatred, bitterness, envy and unforgiveness do not bring peace – those who instead bring to our world the message of peace with the Father through faith in His Son.
We will light the candle of peace today to honor those among God’s children who seek to live as His instruments of peace each day, to the glory of God.
May each and every one of us be numbered among those people who know such honor by the grace of God.
Lighting of the Advent Candle.
Leader: On the first Sunday of Advent we lit the candle of Hope. Today, on the second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of Peace.
Unison Prayer of Adoration/Invocation: Let us pray . . .
We’re in trouble, Holy God. So many in the world do not know peace in their countries or in their hearts. We use weapons of steel and barbed words to wound one another. We seek balm for our restless hearts in things that only make us more wounded. Open our hearts to Jesus so we may have the peace of His holy presence and live it in our unpeaceful world. Save us from outside violence and inner turmoil. We need You. Come, Prince of Peace. Amen.
*GATHERING SONG: “Make Straight the Way” Blevins/Hansen
Acoustic Worship Team
Make straight the way for the coming Lord. (repeat)
Every valley high every mountain low. (repeat)
Every crooked road every winding path. (repeat)
Make straight the way He will come at last. (repeat)
Chorus
Turn your heart to the King.
Let His grace and mercy sing.
In your heart let His justice flow,
His righteousness endure.
Bridge
Forevermore; Forevermore; He is Lord.
CALL TO REPENTANCE
Leader: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him, yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son purifies us from all sin. Let us first confess our sins to God, our merciful Father, in the silence of our hearts; and after a few moments we’ll join together in our unison prayer of confession.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison prayer after a time of silent personal confession.)
Most holy and mighty Father, we have sinned against You by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart, and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have run from Your ways and embraced the darkness of this present evil age. Forgive us for the sake of Jesus Christ Your only Son and our only Savior.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: Sisters and Brothers in Christ, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In Jesus’ name, you are forgiven and loved with an everlasting love! Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
*All: (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.
ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH GOD’S WORD
SCRIPTURE READING: Ephesians 1:3-14 (Pew Bible pp. 1817-1818)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment — to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession — to the praise of his glory.
Leader: This is the word of the LORD.
People: Thanks be to God.
ANTHEM: “God the Father Sends His Angel” Quinn/Eicker
Choir
SCRIPTURE READING: Ephesians 2:1-10 (Pew Bible pp. 1818-1819)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Leader: This is the word of the LORD.
People: Thanks be to God.
SERMON: “The Reformed Solas — Part II: Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)”
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD THROUGH AFFIRMATION,
OFFERING, AND PRAYER
*SONG OF REFLECTION AND RESPONSE: Hymn #436
“Grace Alone”
Acoustic Worship Team
Every promise we can make, every prayer and step of faith,
Every difference we can make, is only by His grace.
Every mountain we will climb, every ray of hope we shine,
Every blessing left behind, is only by His grace.
Chorus:
Grace alone, which God supplies,
Strength unknown He will provide.
Christ in us, our Cornerstone.
We will go forth in grace alone.
Every soul we long to reach, every heart we hope to teach,
Everywhere we share His peace, is only by His grace.
Every loving word we say, every tear we wipe away,
Every sorrow turned to praise, is only by His grace. (Chorus)
THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER AND OFFERING
Invitation
Affirmation of Faith: The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered death and was buried. On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Words of Institution
Partaking of the Elements and the Giving of Our Offering:
“Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming” arr. Mark Hayes
(For those joining us in the Sanctuary this morning, you are invited, as you come forward to receive the Communion Elements, and as you feel so led, to place your offering in one of the plates up front. For those unable to be with us physically, you are encouraged to partake of the elements in your home at this time. Also, as you are able, we invite you to set aside your offering as an act of personal dedication at this time, either to be mailed in, dropped off at the church, or brought in when you are able to join us in worship. Let this time be one of receiving from and offering yourself to our Lord — to the praise of His glory.)
Prayer of Commitment
*Sung Response (Doxology)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER OF INTERCESSION/SUPPLICATION
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
BRINGING OUR WORSHIP INTO OUR WORLD
MINUTE FOR MINISTRY: New International Ministries – Zambia Dan Vissani
*SENDING SONG: # 158 “Blest Be the God of Israel” (alternate tune)
Blessed be the God of Israel, who comes to set us free,
who visits and redeems us, and grants us liberty.
The prophets spoke of mercy, of freedom and release;
God shall fulfill the promise to bring our people peace.
Now from the house of David a child of grace has come,
a Savior who will lead us to our eternal home.
Before him goes the herald, forerunner in the way,
the prophet of salvation, the harbinger of day.
On all by death imprisoned the sun begins to rise,
the dawning of forgiveness upon the sinner’s eyes,
to guide the feet of pilgrims along the paths of peace;
O bless our God and Savior with songs that never cease!
*BENEDICTION: (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
Postlude: “The King Is Coming” Stuart Landon
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Note: Church’s email address – office@trinitychurchtroy.org. Website address – www.trinitychurchtroy.org.)
- If you would like to help support the work of Hope 7 in our local community, we encourage you to drop off non-perishable food items, toiletries and other hygiene items either at Trinity Church, or at Hope 7 directly (M-F 9:30-11:45), or call Sue Laz (518-892-4042) to arrange for a pick-up.
- We are receiving new or gently used clothes for the Capital City Rescue Mission (CCRM). There is a box in the narthex for donations. You may bring your items to the church or call Sue Laz to arrange for a pick-up.
- Church “business-style” cards are available in the narthex. You are encouraged to take some to hand out as you invite others to join us in worship.
- Sunday morning prayer, 8:30-9:00am in the Prayer Room/Library. Join us as we pray for Sunday’s worship as well as other needs, concerns, praises and thanksgivings.
- Adult Sunday morning Bible Study meets before worship (9:15-10:00am). We are study the Spiritual Disciplines as presented in Richard Foster’s book, “Celebration of Discipline.” All are encouraged to join us.
- Wednesday evening Bible Study: There will be no Wednesday Evening Bible Study during Advent. This Bible Study will meet next on January 7, 2026 at 7:00pm. You can find the Zoom link at the church’s website under “Digital meetings” or as included here — https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84268790436.
- Poinsettia orders are due today. If you would like to place an order but don’t have the payment let Sue Laz know and she will place your order for you to reimburse later.
- We will hold a clothing giveaway this coming Saturday, December 13th, from 10-1. We have an assortment of clothing in all sizes from babies to teens. It’s a great time to interact with families in our community and fill a need they have, and hopefully to share our faith with them and invite them to worship with us. If you can help with set up and/or during the event please speak with Sue Laz.
- To encourage us in the study of God’s Word, the Inward Ministry Committee is providing a selection of Bible study booklets for personal Bible study. These can be found in the literature rack in the narthex.
- We are serving at the Capital City Rescue Mission, Saturday, December 20th. Please plan to join with others of Trinity Church to serve the evening meal at the Capital City Rescue Mission. We will meet at the church at 5:00 for those wishing to carpool to the mission or you can meet us there around 5:30. Serving involves ensuring the tables are set for dinner, serving the meal, and cleaning up the tables afterwards. If you can help, please speak with Peter Laz.