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 16th, 2018-St. Mark’s
3rd Sunday of Advent—Joy
* please stand as able
Announcements The Work of Church and Community
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.
Let us pause to remember that in this region we live and work and worship on lands that are, by law, the unceded territories of the Wabanaki peoples—predominantly the lands of the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy. May we live with respect on this land, and live in peace and friendship with its people.
One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.
* Introit Procession & Hanging of “Joy” Banner
*Call to Worship
Come, people of God,
holy creations, wholly God’s,
with our holey and ragged lives.
We come, seeking God’s grace to make us whole.
Come on this third Sunday of Advent.
We continue our journey toward Christmas,
joyous and excited, ready to welcome God’s child
into our hearts and homes.
Come to trust, listen, believe, and imagine what is possible
because God has come into our lives and into our world.
We come, O God, we come.
Written by Susan Lukey, High River U.C., High River, Alta. Gathering, A/C/E 2017‒2018, page 26. Used with permission.
*Hymn All Earth Is Waiting VU 5
Advent Candle-lighting Liturgy From Minutes for Mission 2018
This Advent Wreath Candle-Lighting Liturgy is based on the Revised
Common Lectionary readings for Year B and inspired by the seven
Antiphons of Advent (the Great O’s), traditionally used between
December 17 and December 24.
As the people of God, we search for joy.…
[Light the third (pink) Advent candle]
As the people of God, we cry out to the Rod of Jesse (or Root of Jesse):
Come quickly to inspire the dreamers;
Come quickly to bind up the broken-hearted;
Come quickly to testify of God’s great work with shouts of joy.
As the people of God, we sing.
Sung Response: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel verse 4 VU 1
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Zephaniah 3:14-20 Sing, Daughter of Zion, God comes.
This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.
Isaiah 12:2-6 Proclaim God’s deeds to the nations. VU 880
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in God always! Again, I say rejoice!
* Hymn Make Me a Channel of Your Peace VU 684
Opening the Word & The Lord's Prayer
The Gospel Acclamation
Luke 3:7-18 John warns the crowds, “You brood of vipers!”
One: This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Opening the Word 2
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn I, the Lord of Sea and Sky VU 509
Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God
* Offering Prayer
Gracious God, may these gifts come from our deepest joy. You are the God of abundance and on this day we give thanks knowing that you are our salvation; we will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is our strength and our might. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Concern
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
* Hymn Rejoice, the Lord Is King VU 213
* Commissioning and Blessing
May the candle of joy burn brightly in our hearts,
preparing the way for the Christ child.
May we be the signs of joy in our world,
as we prepare during this season of Advent.
And may we always know that we never go alone,
for God our Creator, Jesus our Brother,
and the Holy Spirit our Sustainer
are our constant companions.
Written by Wanda Winfield, Blenheim U.C., Blenheim, Ont. Gathering, A/C/E 2018‒2019, page 35. Used with permission.
* Choral Amen
