December 22, 2002 - Advent IV – Choir Cantata
Grace fills us when we trust that God acts in our lives and in the world, and when we respond to what God is doing. Mary is full of grace: she not only recognizes God’s call, but she also embodies it. She chooses to live in God’s context first of all. How might we do the same?
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: Come God
All: Come with the frightened
One: Come with the poor
All: Come with the children
One: Come with those who have always been your friends
All: Come and lead us where you are living and show us what you want us to do.
One: Let us continue to unite our hearts in prayer.
All: God of the unexpected and undreamt: In this holy season, instill your hope in our hearts. Prepare us; prepare us so we can hear again the song of the angels and see again the beckoning star. Amen.
One: In the song of the angels: Mystery. In the awe of the shepherds: Wonder. In the birth of the child: Grace.
All: We light this candle remembering the love of God.
One: In the vice of concern: Compassion. In the hand of friendship: Support. In the relationship of trust: Care.
All: We light this candle remembering the love incarnate in others.
One: In the cry of the oppressed: Liberation. In the tears of the vulnerable: Justice. In the rage of the violated: Peace.
All: We light this candle remembering the love needed in the world.
One: We light this candle remembering we are called to love God.
All: We light this candle remembering we are called to love our neighbour.
(lighting of the fourth Advent candle)
Hymn #7 “Hope Is a Star”
Time with the Young & the young at heart
The Sunday School go downstairs for a movie.
We Remain in God’s Presence Through Confession
God of unending mercy, we are a people of abundance. Your never-ceasing love surrounds us; your great compassion embraces us; but we take these gifts for granted. Open our eyes to the wonders of creation. Tune our ears to the cries for love in a lonely world. Fill our hearts with a faith that is revealed in action…(Silent Confession)
Assurance of Pardon (One)
The past is behind us, the future is before us, the moment of new beginnings is now! As forgiven people we are filled with hope. Thanks be to God!
Biblical Notes
Magnificat – Mary’s Song
One: This is the Good News of Jesus Christ
Hymn #12 “She Danced in the Summer” (responsive- led by June)
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We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Offertory
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give him – give my heart.
God, as we prepare, for the festival of Christ’s birth, help us to give in expectation of his return. May our gifts be used to prepare the world for Christ’s coming, when all creation shall sing your praise. Amen.
Hymn #44 “It Came upon the Midnight Clear”
Commissioning
The vision will be fulfilled in its own time. If it seems slow in coming, wait for it, for it will surely come. And as we wait, may all things work together for good; may we be blessed with wisdom and discernment, and determination and patience; may we take the time to grow in grace, day by day.
Choral Amen
#298 “When You Walk From Here”
When you walk from here, when you walk from here.
Walk with justice, walk with mercy, and with God’s humble care.
Postlude
The Life And Work Of The Congregation
The poinsettia plants have been placed by the UCW
The flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning
in loving memory of our mother/grandmother:
Nellie Guthrie
and husband/father:
Gordon Anderson
by
Joan & Graham Anderson
and in memory of
the Lang family
by
Archie Lang
Next Week’s Readings from: Isaiah 61:10 – 61:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40;
Thought For Today
Life can only be understood backwards;
but it must be lived forwards.
by Soren Kiekegaard
Spirit Connection
Renew your faith in television…
Sunday evenings – 6:30 p.m. on Vision TV
December 22 - Journey to Bethlehem
December 29 - A Christmas Card
January 5 - When A Bird Has Wings: Haiti