WELCOME
~ for Sunday, December 4th -- 2nd of Advent (Peace) / White Gift ~
~ Supply Minister: Rev. “Bill” Perry ~
*CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: A lamb, a coin, a lost boy.
All: God will find them.
One: In the crowded paths, in the lonely desert, in the midst of demanding life,
All:
OPENING PRAYER – SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT – PEACE
INTROIT: “Hope Is a Star” (VU 7, Verse 2---Those persons participating in candle-lighting ceremony come forward)
Reader: Long before candles were used as decorations, they served a very practical purpose of providing much needed light. A candle burning would point one in the right direction, guiding one safely home or keeping a ship from being lost at sea. Candles and the light they provide point the way forward.
Reader: Candles also have great symbolic meaning. From anticipation, to thankfulness, to peace, candles are often used to relay and symbolize these basic human emotions.
Reader: John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the arrival of the Messiah. He came as a light to point the way forward in this new time that God was preparing.
Reader: Those who were self-satisfied and did not want to hear God’s voice tried to drown out the message that John was bringing. But for those who were ready to start over and embrace a new time, God’s time, John’s message brought not only hope, but also peace.
Reader: We light this second candle as a sign of peace, the peace that comes in the midst of chaos when we allow God to speak to us in new ways.
(Lighting of the Second Advent Candle, symbolizing Peace)
CHORAL RESPONSE: “Hope Is a Star” (VU 7, Verses 1&2---Those participating resume their seats)
GATHERING PRAYER: (Unison)
The time is now for us to gather as your beloved community of faith. We may not be sure what has brought us here today---but here we are: open, waiting, expectant, and almost ready. Create in us hearts of courage and faith, to continue to stumble and dance our way to Bethlehem. Find us and guide us, Holy One. Amen.
*Hymn Of Approach: # 9 -- “People, Look East” (vs. 1, 3, 5)
ANNOUNCEMENTS / LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH
MUSICAL MINISTRY: “Light a Candle for Peace”
Children’s Hymn: “Love Came Down at Christmas” (words on screen)
(Children come forward and will remain in Church for the “White Gift” Service)--Unwrapping of the Figurines for the Creche
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
One: Loving and patient God.
All: teach us to wait.
One: For all the moments we have rushed and panicked and missed,
All: forgive us.
One: Loving and patient God,
All: teach us to trust.
One: For all the times we have doubted, done it ourselves, and disappointed others,
All: forgive us.
One: Loving and patient God.
All: teach us to search.
One: For all the times we have given up, decided it’s not worth it, and left too soon,
All: forgive us.
One: Loving and patient God.
All: teach us to say “Yes”.
One: For opportunities rejected, for all the regret and fear,
All: forgive us.
One: Loving and patient God.
All: teach us to heal.
One: For the wounds, and words of hurt, and memories that ache,
All: forgive us.
One: Hold us as we let go!
WORDS OF FORGIVENESS AND FREEDOM:
One: In God’s love, there is enough! Enough grace, enough mercy, enough compassion, and enough time to forgive our sin and restore our relationships. Dare to begin again, loved and free. Thanks be to God!
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION: (Unison)
Exquisite and tender God, foster in each of us an openness to hear your Word, to live your Way, and to celebrate the wonder that is you. May we discover a truth that frees us to be who you would have us to be. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
WE Seek The WORD OF GOD
Reader:
Old Testament: Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Pg. 574 in pew Bibles (RSV)
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 -- Pg. 815 in pew Bibles (RSV)
*Hymn: # 18 -- “There’s a Voice in the Wilderness”
PRESENTATION: “Why White Gifts?”
-- performed by Alissa, Sarina & Nadia Goodfellow
*Hymn: # 29 -- “Hark the Glad Sound”
PRESENTATION: “What are You Looking For?”
-- performed by Bill Chambers & Cathy Palmer
*Hymn: # 68 -- “All Poor Ones and Humble”
OFFERING INVITATION:
One: We can’t give what we don’t have. We must find it first. Locate our joy, our abundance, and offer it to God.
(Please bring / dance your Offering and White Gifts to the front using the centre aisle, and return to your seats using the side aisles. If you require assistance, please raise your hand.)
*OFFERTORY PRAYER:
One: This discovery of your blessings in our lives is cause for celebration. We give thanks, O God, for the gift of your presence and the gift of our faith. Accept the offerings we give in love. Amen.
One: God, whose nature is hidden and yet revealed, we walk with amazement along this journey toward Bethlehem. Guide us in right action and right thinking, so that all we attempt to do may be infused with courage and faithfulness to you.
Provide us eyes to see the ministry near us, the work we are called to in your name. Open our hearts to love in brand new ways that shatter our fears and reluctance.
Offer us opportunities to explore our giftedness, celebrate our abundance, and give generously in the hope that you have given to each of us.
We lift up our prayers for the world.... (pause for silent prayer)
For others.... (pause for silent prayer)
Humbly, we lift up our prayers for ourselves.... (pause for silent prayer)
God of all things, bring us to that fullness of time, when all will be found. Amen.
*Hymn: # 43 -- “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”
*BLESSING
One: Throughout our lives, God finds us.
Again and again and again.
Go in Peace!
* CHORAL AMEN
***Portions of this service were written by Deborah Walker, “Gathering, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany 2003-2004”, Pgs. 66-68.***