ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 24TH 2017-ADVENT 4

PLEASE NOTE: MORNING WORSHIP AT ST. MARK'S FOR ADVENT 4  AT 9:30, NO SERVICE THIS MORNING AT ST. DAVID'S

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 24th, 2017

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 Procession & Hanging of “Love” Banner

*Call to Worship  Inspired by Psalm 89 

One: What shall we sing? 
All: That God’s love is loyal and never-ending! 
One: What shall we shout? 
All: God’s faithfulness is for all generations! 
One: What shall we proclaim? 
All: God’s covenant is our firm foundation! 
One: Let us worship and praise our Creator, shouting praise to the rock of our salvation.

*Hymn Hark the Glad Sound VU 29 

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 love. 

 (A time of reflection & candle-lighting by congregation members)

*Sung Response: O Little Town of Bethlehem  verse 4 VU 64

Opening Prayer

Ever-loving God, we are here this day, but we are 
unsure if our voices will ring pleasantly enough to delight your ear; 
unsure if our hearts will find the rhythm of yours; 
unsure if we have enough courage to place our trust in you. 
Remind us that even the most insecure find strength in the good
news because you have prepared their hearts for service and praise. 
Prepare us for worship. 
We are ready, and like Mary, 
we wish to be your servants. Amen.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16 Who will build God’s house?

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

Luke 1:47–55 Song of Mary…the Magnificat. VU 898 

*Hymn To a Maid Whose Name Was Mary VU  14 

Opening the Word and the Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Luke 1:26–38 The angel Gabriel visits Mary.

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

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Herald! Sound the Note of Gladness VU  28 

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Song What can I give him? Verse 4 VU 55

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession 

This prayer intersperses paraphrased verses of the Magnificat to
drive the petitions and thanksgivings.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Joy to the World VU  59 

* Sending Out

Enter this Advent week with love. 
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