Order of Service / Advent 3 / December 17, 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. 1,6,7)

Welcome

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

<The first two candles are lit.>

On this third Sunday of Advent, we light this candle symbolizing joy – acknowledging the reality that joy often bursts out of pain, hardship, and failure.

<The third candle is lit.>

Joy often comes to us unexpected, especially when we have given up on life

Joy reminds us that nothing is impossible – even in weakness.

In our joy, we are powerfully reminded that God is always near.

  Our joy erupts from the assurance that God is with us here and now.

 

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

Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,

Telling the world that the saviour is born.

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

 

Let us join prayerfully in thanksgiving and through divine conversation to discover peace and strength for our living and our loving:

  Open our understanding, O God, rooted in coming home to your loving. Free our perceptions from the chains of judgment and of polarization. Equip us to perceive the good in one another while sharing right relations. Inspire us for new life and new vision in all we think and do, that we might dance joyfully in Jesus’ name. Amen

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

*Opening Hymn A Light Is Gleaming (#82 VU | vs. 1,2,4)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

Loving God, we ask for your forgiveness when we do not dare to hope and for the times when we failed to serve others as you have called us to do. Prepare us for the birth of new life in our midst so that we may be good parents of the light born on a cold December night. (a time of silent reflection) Amen.

*Eric Hebert-Daly. Gathering ACE 2023-2024, page 30.

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 The Story of “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing.

Luke 1:47-55 (VU 898) Song of Mary.

John 1:6-9 John testified to the Light.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn In the Darkness Shines the Splendour (#92 VU | vs. 1,2,3)

*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 joy to the world. As we worship you through the Advent journey, may these offerings be blessed to bring joy 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 I Am the Light of the World (#87 VU | vs. 2,3,4)

*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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