Our congregation has become increasingly troubled by the racial injustices within our society.
The recent killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis; Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky; Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia; and many other murders resulting from police brutality against our black and brown brothers and sisters challenges our congregation to awaken from our slumber.
We are a multi-racial, predominantly white church community located in a racially diverse city. These events have called us to act with the knowledge that we have fallen short in the past. William Dickerson of the Brockton Interfaith Community, challenges us: if we are not willing to step up and seek justice, then we are part of the problem.
We publicly commit ourselves to move past complacency and to do the work to become a community that embraces and lives out racial and social justice. It’s not enough to be “not racist!” We seek to be anti-racist in our thoughts and actions and to become trusted, active allies of our partners. Led by faith and the example of Jesus, we will strive to leave our comfort zones and to show up in challenging spaces to support those partners. We will work together to dismantle the deeply embedded institutional racism in our city and in our nation.
We confess to not fully understanding what all that may mean and what our role may be. As we push ourselves to show up, we know we also have reflective work to do as a congregation. We are dedicated to educating ourselves, to seeking help in understanding the issues of the black and brown communities, and to moving forward with open eyes, open ears, open minds and open hearts toward the work of eradicating racial injustice.
We pray for courage and guidance as we take risks as a people of faith called to seek justice for all of humanity.
Serving Today: Rev. Jane MacIntyre Ann-Marie Illsley, Acting Associate Minister Murray Kidd, Music Director Sylvia Berry, Organist David Wilcox, Sign Language Loren Stott, Sign Language Tricia Gross, Hospitality Team Leader
9:55 a.m. January 19, 2020Watch Welcome to worship! As you settle in for worship, please feel free to light a candle of prayer in the chapel area (right side of sanctuary). The children will be with us through the word with The Children, then may be excused to their program. There is nursery care available throughout the service, and a crying room for those who become inconsolable.
RINGING OF THE CHIMES Sylvia Berry, Organist
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS Barry Shelley, Moderator *PROCESSIONAL HYMN ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ No. 631 CALL TO WORSHIP L: Sing praise to God, all the peoples! P: Praise God who really loves us all! L: Don’t be afraid and do not doubt God’s love. P: Open our hearts, O God, and help us to receive that love. L: Dance in joy to the spirit of God. P: Let our spirits resound with joy at God’s light of joy, AMEN.
INTROIT ‘Precious Lord, Take My Hand’ Rev. Thomas DorseyWatch GATHERING PRAYER A WORD WITH THE CHILDREN: Community SINGING THE CHILDREN OUT ‘This Little Light of Mine’ Traditional *Asterisk indicates all who are able may stand Bold print indicates congregational response
PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION (in unison) God of Hope, at times all we feel is hopelessness. We have waited so long for justice. We have worked so hard and it seems for nothing. The world seems to get worse, as more people struggle to make ends meet, as more people become homeless, as violence rages around us. Burn the flame in us, O God, of hope. Be the light that cannot be hidden. Remind us that we are not alone, and others can help our light to shine. Call upon us to lean on one another during trying times. May we remember each other in prayer, and may we seek prayer from others. May we encourage and lift up one another, and call upon others for help. May we be renewed in spirit, O God, and look to Jesus Christ, the perfector of our faith, who lived as one of us, died as one of us, but lives again so that all may have eternal love and life. It is in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
KYRIE ‘Blessed Quietness’ refrain No. 267 Blessed quietness, holy quietness, what assurance in my soul. On the stormy sea, Jesus speaks to me, and the billows cease to roll. *WORDS OF ASSURANCE 1 Corinthians 1:1-9Watch (please stand as you are able)
*RECEIVING AND SHARING GOD’S LOVE (by handshake, embrace, or with hands folded) The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
*GLORIA A READING FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 49:1-7 ANTHEM ‘Healing River’ Fred HellermanWatch Oh healing river, send down your waters upon this land. Send down your waters to wash the blood from off the sand. Oh healing river, no seed is growing in this barren ground. The land is parching. This land is thirsting. Oh healing river, send your waters down. Let the seed of freedom awake and flourish. Let the deep roots nourish. Let the tall stalks rise. Proud leaves uncurling against the skies. Oh healing river send down your waters. Send down your waters upon this land. Send down your waters to wash the blood from off the sand; to wash the land.
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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD OFFERTORY ‘Every Time I Feel the Spirit’ TraditionalWatch Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart I will pray. Upon that mountain, my Lord spoke, our of God’s mouth came fire and smoke. All around me looks so fine, ask my Lord if all was mine. Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart I will pray. Jordan River chilly and cold, chills the body, not the soul. Ain’t but one train on this track, runs to heaven and right back. Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart I will pray. I have heartache, I have woe, I have trouble here below. While God leads me I’ll not fear, I am sheltered by God’s care. Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart I will pray. *DOXOLOGY ‘I’m So Glad, Jesus Lifted Me’ No. 529 I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me Singing glory, hallelujah! Jesus lifted me. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION *HYMN ‘Down by the Riverside’ No. 673
*COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTIONWatch (please be seated for the closing music) CLOSING MUSIC Three Spirituals ‘We Shall Overcome’ arr. by William F. Smith ‘Kum Ba Yah’ arr. by Jerry Ray ‘I’ve Got Peace Like a River’ arr. by Jerry Ray
Serving Today: Ann-Marie Illsley, Acting Associate Minister Murray Kidd, Music Director Sylvia Berry, Organist David Wilcox, Sign Language Loren Stott, Sign Language Gini Hathaway, Lay Reader Chris Madden, Hospitality Team Leader
9:55 a.m. January 12, 2020Watch Welcome to worship! As you settle in for worship, please feel free to light a candle of prayer in the chapel area (right side of sanctuary). The children will be with us through the word with The Children, then may be excused to their program. There is nursery care available throughout the service, and a crying room for those who become inconsolable.
RINGING OF THE CHIMES Sylvia Berry, Organist
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS Sue Koza, Vice ModeratorWatch *PROCESSIONAL HYMN ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past’ No. 67 CALL TO WORSHIP: (from Psalm 29) Leader: Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ALL: ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Leader: Ascribe to the Lord the glory of God’s name; ALL: worship the Lord in holy splendor. Leader: May the Lord give strength to God’s people! ALL: May the Lord bless God’s people with peace! INTROIT ‘Woke Up this Morning’ Traditional A READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES Isaiah 42:1-6 Lay Reader: Adam Mitchell
A WORD WITH THE CHILDREN: Interim Ann-Marie IllsleyWatch
SINGING THE CHILDREN OUT ‘This Little Light of Mine’ *Asterisk indicates all who are able may stand Bold print indicates congregational response
PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION (in unison) We are precious in your sight, yet we often forget that we are your beloved. We confess that our love can be fickle and inconstant. We follow selfish goals and deny that our way of life harms others and hurts your world. We are sorry and want to change. Create in us a clean heart, strengthen our resolve, reconcile us one to another, and bless us with your peace. Amen.
KYRIE ‘Blessed Quietness’ refrain No. 267 Blessed quietness, holy quietness, what assurance in my soul. On the stormy sea, Jesus speaks to me, and the billows cease to roll.
*WORDS OF ASSURANCE Acts 10: 34 and 43 (please stand as you are able)
*RECEIVING AND SHARING GOD’S LOVE (by handshake, embrace, or with hands folded) The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
*GLORIA ‘Arise, Shine; for Your Light Has Come’ Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you. The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
THE STORY OF THE BAPTISM OF JESUS Matthew 3:13-17Watch
ANTHEM ‘Precious Lord, Take My Hand’ Rev. Thomas Dorsey,arr. Ed LojeskiWatch When my way grows drear, precious Lord linger near when my life is almost gone. Hear my cry, hear my call, hold my hand lest I fall. Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home. Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand. I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home. When the darkness appears and the night draws near and the day is past and gone. At the river I stand guide my feet, hold my hand. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
MORNING PRAYERS
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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE OF GODWatch OFFERTORY ‘Trouble!’ Traditional, arr. Sally Albrecht Trouble! Soon I will be done with the trouble! Wade in the water, children. God’s gonna trouble the water. See that band all dressed in red. Must be the ones that Moses led. No more weepin’ and awailin’, I’m going to live with God.
*DOXOLOGY ‘All People That On Earth Do Dwell’ vs 2 No. 18 Know that there is one God, indeed, who fashions us without our aid, who claims, us, gives us all we need, whose tender care will never fade.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION *HYMN ‘Called As Partners in Christ’s Service’ No. 453
*COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTION (please be seated for the closing music)
Serving Today: Rev. Katrina Clinton Ann-Marie Illsley, Acting Associate Minister Murray Kidd, Music Director Sylvia Berry, Organist David Wilcox, Sign Language Loren Stott, Sign Language Adam Mitchell, Lay Reader Loren Stott, Hospitality Team Leader
9:55 a.m. January 5, 2020Watch Welcome to worship! As you settle in for worship, please feel free to light a candle of prayer in the chapel area (right side of sanctuary). The children will be with us until after the word, then may be excused to their program. There is nursery care available throughout the service, and a crying room for those who become inconsolable.
RINGING OF THE CHIMES Sylvia Berry, Organist
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS Barry Shelley, Moderator *PROCESSIONAL HYMN ‘Go, Tell It on the Mountain’ No. 167 GATHERING PRAYER
A WORD: EPIPHANYWatch (following the word, the children will be excused to their program)
PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION (in unison) Merciful God, Light of the world, we confess that we have not been as kind nor as generous as you would ask us to be. We ask your forgiveness and ask that we be awakened, that we may shine with the light of your grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
KYRIE ‘It Is Well With My Soul’ vs 1 No. 561 *WORDS OF ASSURANCE *RECEIVING AND SHARING GOD’S LOVE (by handshake, embrace, or with hands folded) The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. *GLORIA ‘Clap Your Hands’ No. 38 Clap your hands, all you people, shout unto God with a voice of triumph! Clap your hands, all you people; shout unto God with a voice of praise! Hosanna! Hosanna!, Shout unto God with a voice of triumph! Praise God! Praise God! Shout unto God with a voice of praise! *Asterisk indicates all who are able may stand Bold print indicates congregational response
A READING FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 60:1-6 Rev. Katrina ClintonWatch
A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF JOHN John 1:1-5 Kate Howard
A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW Matthew 2:1-12
ANTHEM ‘We Are One’ Brian TateWatch When we walk, when we sleep, when we rise, we are one. When we laugh, when we sing, when we cry, when we run, we are one. And we shall love one another with all our hearts. And we shall care for each other with all our soul and our might. When we stand when we fall, when we rise we are one. In the cold, in the heat, in the dark, in the sun we are one. And we shall love one another with all our hearts. And we shall care for each other with all our soul and our might. When we’re hurting one another, that’s the way we hurt ourselves, with our sisters and our brothers we will rise. And we do and we try we must live or we die. We will reach, we will climb, we will rise, we will fly, we are one. And these words shall be forever within our hearts, And we shall teach them to our children, and remember them in our lives. When we walk, when we sleep, when we rise, we are one, when we laugh, when we sing, when we cry, when we run, we are strong, we belong, we are one!
MORNING PRAYERS
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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE OF GODWatch OFFERTORY ‘Woke Up This Morning’ Traditional Spiritual *DOXOLOGY ‘All Creatures of Our God and King’ vs 4 No. 22
And all forgiven tender hearts, forgiving others, take your part, sing praises, Alleluia! You who long pain and sorrow bear, praise God, who knows your ev’ry care. O praise God, O praise God, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION *HYMN ‘The First Noel’ verses 3 & 5 No. 151 (the children will return from their program)
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION THE COMMUNION PRAYERWatch God be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to God. Let us give thanks to God Most High. It is right to give God thanks and praise. It is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise, O God… Therefore, with all who love and serve you in heaven and on earth, we raise our voices:
WORDS OF INSTITUTION PRAYER OF CONSECRATION SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP (We will receive the communion by coming forward. Please signal an usher if you would prefer to be served in your seat. Our table is open to all. Gluten-free wafers are available in the small dish for those who need them.)
COMMUNION MUSIC ‘A Place at the Table’ Lori True/Shirley Erena MurrayWatch
For everyone born, a place at the table, for everyone born, clean water and bread, a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing, for everyone born, a star overhead.
(Refrain) And God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy!
For young and for old, a place at the table, a voice to be heard, a part in the song, the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled, for young and for old, the right to belong. (Refrain) For gay and for straight, a place at the table, a covenant shared, a welcoming space, a rainbow of race and gender and color, for gay and for straight, the chalice of grace. (Refrain) Also…..
Impromptu in Ab, Op. 142, No. 2. Franz Schubert (1797-1828)Watch RESPONSIVE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING You have given yourself to us, Lord. Now we give ourselves to others. Your love has made us a new people. As a people of love we will serve you with joy. Your glory has filled our hearts. Help us to glorify you in all things. Amen.
*COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTIONWatch (please be seated for the closing music) CLOSING MUSIC
Serving Today: Rev. Patricia Hayes, Senior Minister Ann-Marie Illsley, Acting Associate Minister Murray Kidd, Music Director Sylvia Berry, Organist David Wilcox, Sign Language Loren Stott, Sign Language Audrey Jones, Hospitality Team Leader
9:55 a.m. December 29, 2019Watch Welcome to worship! As you settle in for worship, please feel free to light a candle of prayer in the chapel area (right side of sanctuary). The children will be with us throughout the service. There is nursery care available throughout the service, and a crying room for those who become inconsolable.
RINGING OF THE CHIMES Sylvia Berry, Organist
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS Barry Shelley, Moderator *HYMN ‘Good Christian Friends Rejoice’ No. 164 GATHERING PRAYER
THE FIRST READING Isaiah 63:7-9 Lay Reader: Alice FarnsworthWatch REFLECTING ON THE YEAR ABOUT TO PASS What three things brought you the most joy in the past year?
PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION (together) Gracious God, as we come to the close of the year, guide us to be reconciled with ourselves, with our families, with our neighbors, and with you. Guide us in the ways of peace. For the things we have done, and the things we have left undone, we ask forgiveness. Amen.
KYRIE recording of Nancy Davis singing ‘Balm in Gilead’ with the choir
*WORDS OF ASSURANCE (please stand) *PASSING THE PEACE
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you
People: and also with you
*GLORIA ‘Angels We Have Heard On High’ refrain No. 155 Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
THE SECOND READING Hebrews 2:10-18 Lay Reader: Jan HowardWatch REFLECTING ON THIS MOMENT What three things do you appreciate right now? HYMN ‘What Child Is This’ No. 162
THE GOSPEL READING Matthew 2:13-23Watch REFLECTING ON THE COMING YEAR What three things do you hope for, plan for, pray for in the coming year? HYMN ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime’ No. 166
SOLO ‘I Wonder as I Wander’ Alisa Cassola, soloist Appalachian Christmas CarolWatch I wonder as I wander out under the sky, How Jesus the Savior did come for to die. For poor on’ry people like you and like I… I wonder as I wander out under the sky. When Mary birthed Jesus ’twas in a cow’s stall, With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all. But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall, And the promise of ages it then did recall. If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing, A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing, Or all of God’s angels in heav’n for to sing, He surely could have it, ’cause he was the King.
MORNING PRAYERS
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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY ‘Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming’ German CarolWatch (words found in hymn #160) arr. by Michael Praetorius (1609) *DOXOLOGY ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ What can I offer, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise one, I would do my part; But what I can, I offer – all my heart.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION *HYMN ‘Joy to the World’ No 143
*COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTION (please be seated for the closing music)
CLOSING MUSIC ‘Auld Lang Syne’Watch Traditional Scottish folk tune/Text by Robert Burns arr. by F.J. Haydn Alisa Cassola and Sylvia Berry
Rev. Patricia Hayes, Senior Minister Ann-Marie Illsley, Acting Associate Minister Murray Kidd, Music Director Sylvia Berry, Organist David Wilcox, Sign Language Loren Stott, Sign Language Beth Eaton, Hospitality Team Leader
9:55 a.m. December 22, 2019 Watch Welcome! As you arrive, please feel free to light a prayer candle in the chapel area to the right side of the sanctuary. The children will be with us throughout the service. Nursery care is available throughout the service, and there is also a crying room at the back of the sanctuary should your child become inconsolable.
RINGING OF THE CHIMES Sylvia Berry, Organist WORDS OF WELCOME Barry Shelley, Moderator *PROCESSIONAL HYMN ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ No. 150
CALL TO WORSHIPWatch Leader: It is the fourth Sunday of Advent. For this hour, for this moment we are holding on to the waiting, holding on to the preparation. ALL: Christmas is coming, and it is coming soon. Leader: Tonight we will celebrate the birth, but for this hour, for this moment, we create space for love. ALL: Love comes down at Christmas, love fills our hearts and sometimes breaks our hearts. Leader: So we gather to worship, with hearts full and broken, and we gather to prepare for the coming of our Lord. Let us begin our worship time on this, the fourth Sunday of Advent.
INTROIT ‘A Gospel Song of Peace’ Sally K. AlbrechtWatch
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE: A Prayer for Love
CHANCEL RINGERS ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ Katerine K. Davis arr. Henry SimeoneWatch Chancel Ringers: Doug Anderson, Carol Bradford, BIll Cockshaw, Jill Larson, Leigh-Ann Larson, Leo Larson, Sharon Quesnel, Murray Kidd
PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION (together) Holy One, on this fourth Sunday of Advent, we remember the Word made flesh, God and humanity joined as one. We celebrate that Jesus revealed you to us more than any other human being before or since. Like Jesus, we are fully human and we seek to be more like him, to be more open to you and to be filled with your Holy Spirit that we might follow in your way. Lord, we are sorry that we have not always acted like your sons and daughters, we have been selfish and strayed from the path, forgive us. Lord, we are sorry that we have not always been beacons of light in a world of darkness, forgive us. Lord, restore us into full relationship as your sons and daughters, may we know and accept your forgiveness, that is so freely offered and help us to be all that . we can be, all that we were created to be. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
KYRIE ‘What Child Is This’ verse 1 No. 162 What Child is this who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthem sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.
*WORDS OF ASSURANCE (please stand) *PASSING THE PEACE Leader: The peace of Christ be with you People: and also with you *GLORIA ‘Emmanuel, Emmanuel’ No. 134 Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel.
THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Jesus’ Christmas PartyWatch Based on the story “Jesus’ Christmas Party” by Nicholas Allan. The congregation is invited to join in singing hymns during the pageant
144 O Little Town of Bethlehem vs. 1
158 Her Baby, Newly Breathing vs. 1
151 The First Noel vs. 2
149 Angels From the Realms of Glory vs. 2
172 We Three Kings vs. 1
155 Angels We Have Heard on High vs. 1
PAGEANT SONG ‘Go Tell It On the Mountain’ Soloists: Levi Swisher-Rosa, Jessica Gross, Angeliza Campbell
A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 1:18 -25Watch HOMILY Rev. Patricia Hayes
ANTHEM ‘O Come to Set Us Free’ VENI EMMANUEL, arr. Mary McDonaldWatch Come, o come, our Savior Messiah, Hallelujah. Come to set us free. We await Your holy birth, Jesus, Light of the World; King of Kings and Lord of lords, come to set us free. Prince of Peace, He is God, our Redeemer; Come to set us free, hallelujah! Glory to the Son of God, Light and Life of the World: King of Kings and Lord of lords, come to set us free. O come, o come Emmanuel. Come to set us free. Emmanuel!
Pastor: Do you promise to participate in the life and mission of this family of God’s people, sharing regularly in the worship of God and enlisting in the work of this local church as it serves this community and the world? (I do) Congregational Affirmation: We welcome you with joy in the common life of this church. We promise you our friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in God’s knowledge and love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.
MORNING PRAYERS 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY ‘Gospel Magnificat’ Patti DrennanWatch My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my savior. He has seen in me a humble servant. Now generations will call me blessed, for God has done great things for me, and holy is His name. He gave food to the hungry with food to eat and banished all the rich away. The promise of His mercy fills me with joy today!
*DOXOLOGY ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ What can I offer, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise one, I would do my part; But what I can, I offer – all my heart. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN ‘Good Christian Friends, Rejoice’ No. 164 *COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTIONWatch (please be seated for the closing music) CLOSING MUSIC
Participating in today’s service are: Rev. Patricia Hayes, Senior Minister Ann-Marie Illsley, Acting Associate Minister Murray Kidd, Music Director Sylvia Berry, Organist David Wilcox, Sign Language Loren Stott, Sign Language Joyce Carroll, Hospitality Team Leader
9:55 a.m. December 15, 2019Watch Welcome to worship! As you settle in for worship, please feel free to light a candle of prayer in the chapel area (right side of sanctuary). The children will be with us until after the passing of the peace, then may be excused for pageant rehearsal. There is nursery care available throughout the service, and a crying room for those who become inconsolable.
RINGING OF THE CHIMES Sylvia Berry, Organist
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS Barry Shelley, Moderator *HYMN ‘Christians All, Your Lord is Coming’ No. 136
GATHERING PRAYER INTROIT ‘O Come to Set Us Free’ Mary McDonald
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE: JoyWatch Reader One: On this third Sunday of Advent, as we think about the coming of Jesus Christ, we light the candle of joy.
Reader Two: When Christ comes into our lives, He brings the fullness of joy. He anoints our hearts with the oil of gladness.
Reader One: When Jesus was born, the angels said that His coming was good news of great joy for all people.
Reader Two: Because Christ has come to us, we can live every day in the joy of the Lord. Praise to His name!
*Asterisk indicates all who are able may stand Bold print indicates congregational response
*RECEIVING AND SHARING GOD’S LOVE (by handshake or embrace or with hands clasped or folded) The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. (during the passing of the Peace, the children may be excused to pageant rehearsal) *GLORIA ‘Angels We Have Heard On High’ refrain No. 155 Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! MORNING PRAYERS
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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
HYMN ‘Emmanuel, Emmanuel’ No. 134Watch Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel.
A SEQUENCE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS BIDDING PRAYER (Original Bidding Prayer (1880)) Let us begin our sequence of lessons and carols with the original bidding prayer, starting with those on the pulpit side:
Pulpit Side: Beloved in Christ, at this Christmas-tide let it be our care and delight to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in the manger.
Eagle Side: Therefore let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious redemption brought us by this Holy Child.
Pulpit Side: But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world; for peace on earth and goodwill among all God’s people.
Eagle Side: And because this would rejoice God’s heart, let us remember, in God’s name, the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and them that mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and the little children.
Pulpit Side: Lastly, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the Lord Jesus we are one for evermore.
All: These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the Throne of Heaven.
THE FIRST READINGWatch Isaiah 35:1-10 Bob Cutting *HYMN ‘Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn’ No. 138 THE SECOND READING Psalm 146:5-10 Sharon Quesnel *HYMN ‘People, Look East’ No. 142 THE THIRD READING Luke 1:46b-55 Rev. Katrina Clinton HYMN (remain seated) ‘It Came Upon the Midnight Clear’ No. 153 THE FOURTH READING James 5:7-10 Adam Mitchell HYMN (remain seated) ‘Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming’ No. 160 THE FIFTH READING Matthew 11:2-11 Rev. Patricia Hayes
ANTHEM ‘Carol for Advent’ Don Besig (ASCAP)Watch Amid the winter’s cold embrace, clothed in a shroud of white, an anxious world in silence waits through the dark of night. As the lonely song of a dove echoes across the sky above, we can feel the moment is near; soon the Child of Peace will appear. What child is this the world awaits with quiet expectation? When will He come, the promised one, to bring us peace and salvation? Raise, raise your prayers on high, prepare His way, the time is nigh. Come, come, Emmanuel, O Child of Love and Peace. The air grows colder, the light grows dim, dark’ning the sky above. But soon the chill of the winter wind will warm with God’s gift of love. And a star will brighten the sky; songs of joy will echo on high! We will know the moment is here; the Child of Love and Peace will appear.
OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE OF GODWatch OFFERTORY ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel‘ Words found in hymn No. 119 15th Century French Melody, arr. Thomas Helmore *DOXOLOGY ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ What can I offer, poor as I am If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb If I were a wise one, I would do my part, But what I can, I offer – all my heart.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION *HYMN ‘Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence’ No. 124
*COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTIONWatch (please be seated for the closing music) CLOSING MUSIC
Serving Today: Rev. Patricia Hayes, Senior Minister Ann-Marie Illsley, Acting Associate Minister Murray Kidd, Music Director Sylvia Berry, Organist David Wilcox, Sign Language Loren Stott, Sign Language David Wilcox, Hospitality Team Leader
Click on the “Watch” link on the right to watch video of service starting at that point in the order of worship.
9:55 a.m. December 8, 2019
Welcome to worship! As you settle in for worship, please feel free to light a candle of prayer in the chapel area (right side of sanctuary). The children will be with us through the baptism, then may be excused to their classes.
There is nursery care available throughout the service, and a crying room for those who become inconsolable.
RINGING OF THE CHIMES Sylvia Berry, Organist
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS Barry Shelley, Moderator *HYMN ‘Standing In the Need of Prayer’ No. 579
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Reader 1: Today we light two candles- the first Candle is called HOPE and it is a reminder that God’s promises are true.
Reader 2: The second Candle is called PEACE, God’s gentle loving peace for our lives.
Reader 3: We seek God’s peace in this time of stress.
Reader 4: Come, all is ready. Let the light of this these candles, called HOPE and PEACE, bring brightness to your spirits.
INTROIT ‘A Gospel Song of Peace’ Sally K. Albrecht GATHERING PRAYER
MISSION MOMENT *Asterisk indicates all who are able may stand Bold print indicates congregational response
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Being baptized today: Ramsey William Fraser, born on August 29, 2019 to Jennifer Lee Fraser and Corey Alan Fraser
QUESTIONS FOR BAPTISM Do you desire for your child to be baptized? We do Do you promise to be Christ’s disciple, follow Christ’s way, resist evil and oppression, and witness to Christ’s work and word? We do
*CONGREGATIONAL ASSENT (please rise) Do you who witness and celebrate this sacrament promise your love, support, and care to this child about to be baptized, as he lives and grows in Christ? We do
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (remain standing) Pastor: Let us unite with the church in all times and places in confessing our faith in the triune God. Do you believe in God? PEOPLE: I believe in God. Pastor: Do you believe in Jesus Christ? PEOPLE: I believe in Jesus Christ. Pastor: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? PEOPLE: I believe in the Holy Spirit. BAPTISMAL PRAYER Christ be with you. And also with you.
ACT OF BAPTISM PRAYER FOR THE BAPTIZED (in unison) We give you thanks Holy God, mother and father of all the faithful, for this baby who is today washed in the water of Baptism. Embrace us all as sons and daughters in the one household of your love. Grant us grace to receive, value, love, support, nurture and befriend this new member of the body of Christ.
*PASSING THE PEACE Leader: The peace of Christ be with you People: and also with you
*GLORIA ‘Emanuel, Emanuel’ No. 134 Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel.
A READING FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 11:1-10 Lay Reader: Alice Farnsworth
ANTHEM ‘E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come’ Paul Manz Peace be to you and grace from Him who freed us from our sins, Who loved us all and shed His blood that we might saved be. Sing Holy, Holy to our Lord, the Lord, Almighty God, Who was and is and is to come; Sing Holy, Holy, Lord! Rejoice in heaven, all ye that dwell therein, rejoice on earth, ye saints below, For Christ is coming, is coming soon, for Christ is coming soon! E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come, and night shall be no more; They need no light nor lamp nor sun, for Christ will be their All!
Words related to Revelation, Chapter 22
A READING FROM THE GOSPEL Matthew 3:1-12 Watch SERMON Rev. Patricia Hayes
HYMN ‘Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus’ No. 125 MORNING PRAYERS
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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY ‘Advent Alleluia’ HYFRYDOL, arr. Douglas Wagner Watch Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee. Alleluia. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King. Born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. Alleluia.
*DOXOLOGY *PRAYER OF DEDICATION *HYMN ‘There’s A Song in the Air’ No. 159
*COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTION (please be seated for the closing music) CLOSING MUSIC
Serving Today: Rev. Patricia Hayes, Senior Minister Ann-Marie Illsley, Acting Associate Minister Murray Kidd, Music Director Sylvia Berry, Organist David Wilcox, Sign Language Loren Stott, Sign Language Deana Colby, Hospitality Team Leader
