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 18th, 2016
4th Sunday of Advent-Love
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 A Light is Gleaming, Refrain VU 82
*Call to Worship
One: In a time of waiting and anticipation…All: God is with us.
One: As close as the air we breathe…
All: God is with us.
One: From generation to generation…
All: God is with us.
One: Hear the good news…
All: God is with us. Let us worship God!
*Hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel vss. 1, 3, 5, 7 VU 1
Advent Candle-lighting Liturgy
One: In this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light a candle for love, and to remind us that God is the light on our paths.All: Light up our hearts with your ways.
One: God was with Mary. God was with Joseph. When we face uncertainty, God will be with us.
All: Light up our hearts with your ways.
One: God sends Christ to open our hearts to an immense love. God, as we wait,
All: light up our hearts with your ways. The candle is lit.
Sung Response: I am walking a path of love (x3), lead me home (x2).
Prayer of Confession
Words of Affirmation
One: Friends, our God is a God of love. Even in our brokenness and imperfection, God never leaves us. Like Joseph, may our dreams lead us to the wisdom of God.All: May angels guide our hearts and minds. We are forgiven and cherished through and through. Thanks be to God. Amen.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Isaiah 7:10–16 The sign of Emmanuel.
One: Herein is Wisdom. All: Thanks be to God.Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19 Shine forth and save us. Pt. 1, VU 794
* Hymn Hope is a Star VU 7
Opening the Word/The Lord’s Prayer
Matthew 1:18–25 Joseph’s dream.
One: This is Good News. All: Thanks be to God.Opening the Word 2
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem VU 64
Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God
* Offering Prayer
Friends, we are called to bear witness to the fragility of our human story and follow God to a manger.May we live in the light of God, that we may abound in compassion and love. We bring the best of ourselves and our offerings to God’s church and world. Amen.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Concern
...Live in our hearts and near to us always.We lift up to you, in the silence of our hearts, all those in need of your love and comfort (pause for silence).
