ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 3RD 2017-ADVENT 1-SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION

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 3rd, 2017

1st Sunday of Advent—Hope

The Sacrament of Communion

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 “Hope” Banner

*Call to Worship 

One: In every season of life, 
All: God is always with us, even when we believe otherwise. 
One: In this season of waiting, 
All: Jesus reminds us that Bethlehem is the beginning 
of our discipleship, not the end of the journey. 
One: In this season of Advent anticipation and hope, 
All: the Spirit opens our ears to the songs of the angels. 
One: Come, let us worship. 

*Hymn Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus VU  2 

Advent Candle-lighting Liturgy 

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

Sung Response: O Little Town of Bethlehem  verse 1 VU 64

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 64:1-9  Tear open the heavens and come down. 

One: Herein is Wisdom.    All: Thanks be to God. 

Psalm 80  Shine upon us, shepherd of Israel VU794, Pt. 1

*Hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel VU  1 

Opening the Word/Time with Children

Mark 13:24-37  You will see 'the Son of Man coming in clouds'.

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

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer

May we be alert enough to watch for the opportunities we will have to serve others in this season of holiness, as well as the ways in which we can offer those intangible gifts of our presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

* Communion Hymn All Who Hunger VU 460

Sacrament of Communion  Communion Insert, cover of VU

Distribution Hymn You Satisfy the Hungry Heart VU 478

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn My Lord, What a Morning VU 708

* Commissioning 

One: As you were present with us through your Word, O God: 
All: may we be present to those you send us to serve this week. 
One: As you fed us with your peace, Bread of life: 
All: may we grace others with that peace, 
this day and all the days to come. 
One: As you welcomed us to your table, Spirit of hope: 
All: may we welcome all those you send us 
that they may find a home with us. 

* Benediction   Romans 15

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you 
to live in harmony with one another.  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.          

* Choral Amen