ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 17TH 2017-ADVENT 3

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com 

Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers: Whole People of God

  Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.        Minister of Music: Al Fougere

December 17th, 2017

3rd Sunday of Advent—Joy

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.

One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

* Introit Procession & Hanging of “Joy” Banner

*Call to Worship  From Isaiah 61:1, 10 The Message 

One: The spirit of God is on me because God anointed me; 
All: sent me to bring good news to the poor, 
One: heal the heartbroken, 
All: announce freedom to all captives, 
One: I will sing for joy in God, 
All: explode in praise from deep in my soul. 
One: Come, let us worship.

*Hymn  People Look East VU  9 

Advent Candle-lighting Liturgy 

Leader: Advent is a season of waiting: waiting for hope, peace, joy, and love of God to break into our lives anew 
All: through the story of the birth of Jesus, and through acts of hope, peace, joy, and love. 
Leader: Today we light the third candle, the candle of joy. 
 (A time of reflection & candle-lighting by congregation members)

*Sung Response: O Little Town of Bethlehem  verse 3 VU 64

Opening Prayer

Giver of joy,
fill our hearts with praise as we gather to worship you.
As your light fills the room, pushing out the darkness,
so, too, let your light shine within us that there is no shadow
of fear left within us in this hour.
Remind us of your presence and your faithfulness in all
times and all places.
Let your light shine through us,
illuminating your way in this not-yet-perfected world. Amen. 

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11 The spirit of the Lord is upon me.

One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God. 

Psalm  126 Sow in tears; reap in joy. Refrain 2 VU 850

*Hymn I Am the Light of the World VU   87

Opening the Word and the Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

John 1:6–8, 19–28  John testified to the Light.

One: This is Good News. All: Thanks be to God.

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Affirmation of Faith    A New Creed VU 918

* Hymn Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness VU 375

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer

The prayers we offer, the gifts we give, are like seeds sown in trust that God’s love will water these seeds and bring new life, hope, and joy to those who weep. Amen. 

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession 

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Hark! the Herald Angels Sing VU  48 

* Sending Out

Enter this Advent week with joy. 
Enter this Advent with patience. 
May your waiting be rich and the presence of our God 
full and near to you. 
Bear God’s peace to this world, 
like one candle overcoming the shadows.           

Written by Robin Wardlaw, Glen Rhodes U.C., Toronto, Ont. 

Gathering, Advent/Christmas 2017-2018, p. 31. Used with permission.

* Choral Amen