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 2nd, 2018
1st Sunday of Advent—Hope
The Sacrament of Communion
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 “Hope” 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 first Sunday of Advent.
We come to begin the journey toward Christmas,
preparing our hearts and our homes to welcome God’s child.
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.
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.
One: As the people of God, we search for hope.…[Light the first Advent candle]
As the people of God, we cry out to the Radiant Dawn:
Come quickly to shine on us;
Come quickly to brighten our path;
Come quickly to restore our hope.
As the people of God, we sing.
Sung Response: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel verse 6 VU 1
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Jeremiah 33:14–16 A righteous branch from David’s line.This is the witness of the Hebrew people.
All:Thanks be to God.
Psalm 25:1–10To you, O God, I lift my soul. Ref.2 VU 752
*Hymn Teach Me, God, to Wonder VU 299
Opening the Word/Time with Children
The Gospel Acclamation
Luke 21:25–36 Signs in heavens and Earth; parable of the fig tree
One: This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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 As We Gather at Your Table VU 457
Sacrament of Communion Communion Insert, cover of VU
Distribution Hymn Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to ... VU459
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
* Hymn Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus VU 2* Commissioning and Blessing
May the candle of hope burn brightly in our hearts,
preparing the way for the Christ child.
May we be the signs of hope 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.
