Sunday Worship: Advent 4

My Heart Shall Sing is this year’s Advent focus at Nokomis Heights. It’s a series about endings and beginnings—the rhythm of Advent—and is based on readings from the gospel of Luke, using global Christian songs and hymns to explore what the biblical text is revealing. Each hymn or song offers an Advent proclamation for how we might prepare the way of the Lord. Our theme hymn this week, “Canticle of the Turning,” is a contemporary paraphrase of Mary’s words in Luke 1:46-55. The hymn uses an Irish folk song for an upbeat, lively setting of Mary’s song, full of hope and determination. Christmas is right around the corner, and whether we’re ready for it or not, the world is about to turn.

Pastor Steve Delzer is preaching this fourth Sunday in Advent, and our Sunday school children will be helping to lead worship, with songs and readings—and maybe even a few costumes! Join us for in-person worship, with masks, at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary. We will light the Advent wreath, sing Advent songs, and celebrate Holy Communion together.

We ask that everyone over the age of 2 wear a mask to protect unvaccinated children and other vulnerable populations. Social distancing is encouraged, but not required—households may choose to sit together. We also ask you to sign in, for contact tracing. Color-coded name tags help others know your level of comfort engaging with others: Red—Hi! Please keep your distance. Green—Hi! I’m comfortable being close enough for conversation and fist-bumps. Singing, with masks, is allowed. Worship leaders are all vaccinated, and during worship, they will remove their masks to speak and sing. In addition, there are a few other small changes to limit movement and contact as we ease back into communal life. Please pay attention to the signs in the building.