St. Mark’s United Church, Port Hawkesbury
DLM-R/MDiv Student: Barb MacNaughton (902-302-5832)
Pianist: Adam Cooke
Administrator: Jane MacKinnon
Ministry: The Whole Congregation
Advent 3 Joy – December 12, 2021
The Community Gathers
Welcome and Announcements
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING:
Relight the candles of hope and peace
Joy can be elusive.
In shadowed times, it is difficult for us to find joy.
The night may feel like it is closing in on us on these shortest days of the year.
Yet, we believe that joy is possible. We believe that light will return.
Embracing joy in times of trouble is a choice.
May we find the strength to choose joy.
May we let God lead us through the tears to the places and people of joy.
May joy be found in a manger and in your heart.
♫ Hymn: Hope Is a Star VU 7 verse 1 - 3
Gathering Words:
Today is the third Sunday of Advent.
Today is the day we light the candle for joy.
Joy – much needed in our world.
Today we join together in this joyous time
As we learn and grow and give as part of our commitment to joy in our world.
And so we sing and we pray and we listen to hear the ways in which we can contribute to joy in our world.
Let us pray:
Advent God, today we come with joy in our hearts. We come for this time of celebration, away from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. May we be filled with the joy in the totality of who we are as we listen and learn of the call of John the Baptist. May we open ourselves to help all who are in need in whatever way we are able. Amen.
♫ Hymn: People Look East VU 9
The Community Explores
Scriptures:
Old Testament Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-20
Responsive Reading: Isaiah 12: 2-6 VU 880
New Testament Reading: Philippians 4: 4-7
♫ Hymn: On Jordan’s Bank VU 20
Gospel Reading: Luke 3: 7-18
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church through these words today.
Thanks Be to God!
Message
♫ Hymn: Come, Let us Sing VU 222
The Community Celebrates
Minute for Mission
Offering Hymn: VU #55
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give him – give my heart.
Offering Prayer:
Giving God, when we reach out in love and understanding to others, joy is a gift to all. When we answer the Gospel in our giving, joy is a gift to all. When we pledge ourselves to live in God’s way, Joy is a gift to all. May we be filled with joy this advent season as we offer the work of our hands and the love of our hearts this day and everyday. Amen
Our Joys and Concerns and Lighting the candle of caring:
As one heart is lifted
May we share its celebration
As one heart is burdened
May we share the pain it knows
And so we take this flame and light our special care candle… in all our joys and in all our concerns, may we be ever mindful of the present-ness of God among us.
Prayers for the people and Lord’s Prayer
♫ Hymn: Joy to the World VU 59
The Community Goes Forth
Commissioning/Benediction
♫ Closing: Choral Amen
One License A-401486
Ministering through leadership this morning are:
Minister: Barbara MacNaughton
Pianist: Adam Cooke
Lay Reader: Jean Mac Pherson
Mission Moment: Anna Marie Langley
Advent Wreath:
Counters: Clark Brander, Malcolm Matheson
MEMORIAL
A donation has been received for Southbrook Cemetery In Loving Memory Of
ANN & CLIFTON WILLIAMS from their daughter Donna McCann
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Barb is in the office most mornings Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 noon. If you need to arrange a different time, please call her cell: 902-302-5832.
Secretary’s Office Hours:
Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. - 12 noon.
Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.
The December calendar is out, please remember to pick one up on the table in the narthex.
Christmas Eve Service is at 6 p.m. with Communion and candle lighting.
Blue Christmas/Longest Night Service:
Thursday, December 16th – 7 p.m.
It is time to renew your Broadview magazine.
Please contact Barb MacIntyre.
Lay Readers:
December 19th – Joyce Oliver-Snair
December 24th – Barb MacIntyre – Christmas Eve
Minute for Mission Readers:
December 19th – Yvonne Fox
December 24th – Christmas Eve
Food Bank Sunday – Last Sunday of the month.
We wish to extend a huge THANK YOU to all who helped out with
collection counting in 2021, and especially to those who took multiple
turns counting and helping out on very short notice.
Your participation is GREATLY APPRECIATED.
The collection counting schedule for 2022 is available and we look forward to YOUR
participation and support by signing up.
Many thanks,
Patsy & Clark
