Order of Service / Advent 2 / December 10, 2023

   South Stormon Pastoral Charge 

(Ingleside-Newington United Church & St. Andrew's-St. Mark's United Church)

Led by Rev. Min Hwang

*Gathering Hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (#1 VU | vs. 1,4,5)

Welcome

Advent Candle-Lighting (Call to Worship & Opening Prayer)

<The first candle is lit.>

We come to find shelter from our fear, to discover hope as we practise our faith in worship.

We come because the vulnerable Christ child enlightens us with possibility.

We come to affirm that divine peace thrives within us, a seed of inspiration strengthened by Spirit breath.

  We come to seek wisdom and daring to live lives of peace, transforming into a community of faith that builds bridges.

On this second Sunday of Advent, we light this second candle symbolizing peace-the proclamation that God calls us to live peacefully in understanding.

<The second candle is lit.>

 

All sing: VU 7 “Hope is a star” verse two only

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,

Giving a promise of safety and worth

When God is a child there’s joy in our song.

The Last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,

And none shall be afraid

 

We enter into prayer to receive the blessings of the peace that passes all understanding:

  Whisper to our hearts this morning, O God, helping us to notice the chasms we create between one another. Breathe into our intentions that we become ever more aware, believing we can make a difference, no matter how small we may feel. Lead us through the Way of Jesus to listen to one another in live. Amen

*Gord Dunbar. Gathering ACE 2023-2024, page 71.

*Opening Hymn Herald! Sound the Note of Gladness (#28 VU)

The Celebration of Baptism

[Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

Search us God, help us to honestly reflect on the situations where we have acted like the Pharisees and Sadducees – relying on our status, privilege or ancestry, focusing more on who we are than how we behave and who we hope to become. Help us to dig deep, and rediscover who you wish us to be. Where this differs from who we are, grant us the wisdom and courage to turn back towards you, so that we may bear fruit worthy of repentance. (a time of silent reflection) Amen.

*Seasons of the Spirit ACE 2019-2020. Page 41.

Words of Assurance

The Good News of this Advent season is forgiveness of sin and new life. Let us commit our lives to Christ’s way of hope and peace.

  Thanks be to the Advent God, who comes among us, setting us free to love and serve.]

*Celebrate God’s Presence. page 86.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Time for God’s Children

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

Isaiah 40:3-5 Prepare the way of the Lord.

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (VU 802) Justice and peace will embrace.

Mark 1:1-8 The preaching of John the baptizer.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn There’s a Voice in the Wilderness (#18 VU)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn (#55 VU | v. 4, In the Bleak Midwinter)

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.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Loving God, with hope and love, we bring our gifts to you. May our act of giving symbolize peace to the world. As we worship you through the Advent journey, may these offerings be blessed to bring peace for our work here and your work in the world. Amen.

*Lori Van Santvoort-Jansekovich. Gathering ACE 2023-2024, page 32.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn On Jordan’s Bank (#20 VU)

*Commissioning

It is Advent. Prepare for the coming of Jesus.

    We will listen quietly and regularly for God’s word for us.

It is Advent. Prepare for the coming of Jesus.

    We will be aware of the needs within the circle of our community.

It is Advent. Prepare for the coming of Jesus.

    We will support our friends, who may be stressed, anxious, or grieving.

It is Advent. Prepare for the coming of Jesus.

    We will share in the Advent life of our faith community.

It is Advent. Prepare for the coming of Jesus.

    We will give thanks continually for God’s supreme gift of the Christ child.

God’s blessing will be yours in this journey, as Christmas comes near.

    O come Emmanuel, O come Emmanuel. Be with us always. Amen.

* Adapted from David Sparks, Gathering ACE 2022/2023. Page 33.

*Commissioning Song Prepare the Way of the Lord (#10 VU)

Prepare the way of the Lord! Prepare the way of the Lord! Make a straight path for him, make a straight path, prepare the way of the Lord! (x2)

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