St. James United Church November 27, 2011 Hanging of the Greens

Transcription

1 St. James United Church November 27, 2011 Hanging of the Greens Minister: Minister of Visitation/MUN Chaplain C.E. Lay Minister: Organist/Choir Director: Assistant Organist: UCW Choir: Scripture Reader: Organ Prelude: Welcome: Introit: Today s bulletin has been dedicated in loving memory of John Harvey Butt (November 7, November 26, 2005) By wife Sadie, Daughter Glenda and son-in-law Glenn Winsor Daughter Gloria, son-in-law Keith and grandson Joel Le Feuvre Sing and Rejoice Rev. Bill Bartlett Rev. Pamela Jones-Fitzgerald Susan Sheppard Philip Roberts Allan Morgan Doreen Brown Brenda Nyatanga Call To Worship: (responsive) L: Your promise dawns upon us, Living God P: we wait expectantly. L: Your hope arises among us, Living God P: we wait confidently. L: Your Cherished One appears for us, Living God P: we wait in joy. Prayer Of Approach: (unison) Advent God, we come before you with hearts ready for your Love. We are waiting in HOPE to receive your Beloved into our lives, once -2- seek your forgiveness for the ways in which we want to rush ahead, for the ways in which we cut corners, for the ways in which we have lost HOPE. Forgive our hastiness and unfaithfulness. Fill us with the patience and care to prepare for Immanuel, that we may truly know God with us. Amen. Hymn: Come, Thou Long - Expected Jesus 2 Introduction to the Hanging of The Greens The Advent Wreath Hope Burning Brightly Lighting the Candle of Hope Advent Lighting Hymn: A Candle Is Burning (Verse 1) 6 The Banners and Paraments: The Art Of Praise The Garland: God s Welcome Extended to All People Hymn: Mary, Woman of the Promise 16 The Life and Work of the Congregation Offertory Invitation: (unison) God of surprises, we wait in HOPE for the mystery of the rebirth of the Christ Child in our lives. We are in great need of finding avenues of Hope, in our individual lives and collectively, as a congregation. In anticipation of renewed Hope, we are thankful for the opportunity to offer our gifts of time, talents and financial resources. Offertory: Like A Child Offertory Hymn: Hope Is a Star (verse 1 7

2 -3- Offertory Prayer: (unison) Accept, O God, this money offered, these gifts given, the goodwill of our hearts, that disappointment may be turned to hope, and worry may be turned to anticipation, as we await with wonder the birth of Christ. Amen. The Poinsettia: A Symbol of the Unexpected The Wreath: A Symbol of Never-Ending Love Scripture: Luke 1: 5-25 Hymn: Herald! Sound the Note of Gladness (verses 1 & 2) 28 Scripture: Luke 1: Mistletoe: The Promise of Peace Hymn: Herald! Sound the Note of Gladness (verses 3 & 4) 28 Anthem: The Christmas Tree: A Symbol of Celebration and Rebirth Star Child The Stars: Lead Us Through the Night The Candles and Lights: God Promises to Give Light Scripture: Isaiah 9:2 and 60:1-3 The Manger: The Spirit of Love Hymn: Away In A Manger (verse 1) 69 Meditation: Pastoral Prayer & Lord s Prayer: -4- Dedication of the Greens and Decorations: (unison) Gracious God, we dedicate the beautiful decorations and symbols in this place of worship and in our homes to your glory during this Advent and Christmas season. May they remind us of your gift of Jesus to us and our calling to share that gift with all the world. Amen Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (verses 1, 3, 6 &7) 1 Commissioning: O come, desire behind our greatest needs. O come, liberator of humanity. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Amen. Choral Benediction: May God s Blessing Organ Postlude: ******************************** Resources for worship: Celebrate God s Presence and Gathering 2011 Ushers in Charge: Jack and Florence Head Greeters: Eric and Betty Patey Ushers: Jim Von Riesen Jean Thompson Linda Babstock Karen Brown Bruce Hunt Oliver Wellon Cec Templeman Sympathy and Condolences We extend sincere sympathy and condolences to Rita Dawe on the recent death of her son, Byron Dawe. A memorial service was held on Monday this past week at Carnell s Memorial Chapel. Scripture Readers. We are in need of volunteers to read scripture on Sunday mornings. Persons willing to submit their names are asked to sign the signup sheet provided in the church foyer. Christmas Visitor Persons submitting articles for the Christmas Visitor are asked to have it to the church office by December 7.

3 Memory Tree Form This time of the year thoughts of our loved ones are never far from our minds. One of the ways we acknowledge this is through the Memory Tree. For a donation of $5.00 a colored bulb will be changed to a white one in memory of your loved one. The changing of the lights is a beautiful seasonal visible symbol. Even when the tree comes down the gift continues in the ongoing projects here at St. James. Name of person donating: In Memory of: Address: Env#: The deadline for donations to the Memory Tree and also for the 6 p.m. Christmas Eve bulletin will be noon on December 21. Donations received after the 21 will be printed in the bulletin on January 1, Memorial Fund We acknowledge donations in loving memory of Susie Andrews from the following: Boyd and Nina Bartlett Raymond and Joyce Andrews Roland and Daphne Andrews John and Sandra Simmons Brooks and Maisie Adey Neices Shirley Downey and Linda J. Andrews Audrey Spurrell, Erma Andrews and Larkhall Academy Cemetery Fund We acknowledge a donation in loving memory of Susie Andrews from Vera Marshall. We also acknowledge a donation in loving memory of Cecil G. Cole from wife Muriel and family.

4 St. James United Church Mission Statement The Church is a fellowship of believers who have responded to God s call through Jesus Christ. As members of a Christian community initiated by Christ to proclaim God s love for the whole creation, we are called to: (1) Believe in God and God s love made visible in Jesus Christ; (2) To participate in a spiritual journey, intentionally proclaiming, celebrating and deepening spiritual consciousness; (3) To be good stewards of all that we possess and to care for the earth which is God s creation; (4) To develop meaningful and caring relationships with others as well as with God; (5) To empower individuals and groups, in response to the call of Christ, to increase their awareness of the oppressive forces around them, and with God s help, to seek justice for all people. Church Directory Minister:... Rev. Bill Bartlett Minister of Visitation.. Rev. Pamela-Jones Fitzgerald C.E. Lay Minister... Susan Sheppard Minister Emeritus... Rev. Dr. Wallace Baker Clerk of Session... Clyde Flight Chief Usher... David Hapgood Organist & Sr. Choir Director...Philip Roberts Assistant Organist... Allan Morgan Youth Choir...Doreen Brown Children s Choir... Susan Sheppard Office Secretary/Manager... Margaret Hodder Church Custodians/Maintenance... Keith Davis, Dave Hapgood and Linda Martin Youth Groups will be selling their handmade Christmas ornaments following the service next Sunday. Funds raised will go towards their community outreach activities. Drama The drama group is looking for assistance in leading the group in the upcoming Christmas and Easter programs and also to help with the dinner theatre scheduled for March Persons interested are asked to contact Rebecca at rebeccapike@warp.nfld.net. Go Project Group Leader We are looking for a person to volunteer as a group leader for the Go Project this year. Fundraising has already begun but we still need help. If you are interested or know someone who is, please call Rebecca or Susan at the church at (must be age 20+) Discussion Group Culture, Ethnicity, Multicultural, Intercultural. What do they mean and how do they relate to us in our church community? Join us in the Fellowship Room on Monday December 5 at 7 p.m. for an hour of coffee, conversation and an exploration of the intercultural church. Everyone welcome! Come and bring a friend. Escasoni Christmas Carolling - Thursday, December 15, 7 at p.m. Join us for Christmas Carolling with the residents at Escasoni. Please contact the church office if you will be attending. Also we are in need of someone to play guitar or other musical instrument as we sing. Call Rev. Pam at the church office at Book Group - The group will be reading and discussing, "Reclaiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World" by John Shelby Spong in the new year. If you would like to join us, this book might be an addition to your Christmas wish list. Contact Susan at the church office if you would like to order a copy. Order will be placed on Dec 5 th. Grieving: Coping with the Holidays. Open sessions - a combination of music, reflections, ideas, and suggestions for those who are helping themselves or helping others dealing with a loss and to cope with the memories and feelings that the holiday season may bring. The sessions are free. Seating is limited. Please call or leave a message for Lisa Higgins at to let her know if you or others plan to attend a

5 session and if you require further information. Weekly Schedule Time Today Nursery and Sunday School Monday Yoga 9:30 am Wednesday Singing Group Guitar Group Friendship Group Christmas Social Youth Choir Men s Choir 10:00 am 11 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 7:00 pm 8:00 pm Thursday Senior Choir 7:30 pm Saturday Drama Club 10:00 am Dec 4 Contemporary Worship Advent 2 Baptism Service 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Dec 11 Advent 3 White Gift Service 9:30 a.m. 11:00 am Dec 12 UCW Christmas Social 5:30 for 6 pm Dec 18 Advent 4 - Contemporary Worship Special Music with Senior Choir 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Dec 21 AOTS Christmas Social 6:30 for 7 Dec 24 Christmas Family Service Christmas Eve Carol Sing Christmas Communion Service 6 p.m. 9 p.m. 9:30 p.m. Dec 25 Christmas Worship Service 11:00 am Reminder - Christmas Eve Services At the Worship and Sacraments Committee meeting held on October 16, 2011 a motion was made and approved to hold the Christmas Eve family service at 6 p.m. this year. Also the carol sing will be held at 9 p.m. followed by a Christmas communion service at 9:30 p.m. Christmas of Dreams Sorensen School of Dance presents A Christmas of Dreams in honour of Bethany Daniel Pike. The concert will be held on November 29 at 7 p.m. at the Art and Culture Centre. Tickets are $20. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Bethany Danielle Pike Camp Fund. Winter Solstice Service Tuesday, Dec 21 at 7 p.m. in Susan s front yard, 397 Thorburn Road. Join us as we celebrate the longest night of the year and the return of Light to the world around the bonfire. Bring along a mug and flashlight. For more information, contact Susan. (Dress warm) White Gift This year for our white gift project we will be collecting items for Stella Burry Community Services. They have sent a Christmas Wish List of items which they are in need of. You are invited to bring items from the list during the Sundays of Advent and place them in the wagon/boxes in the foyer. The Sunday School children will bring them forward during the White Gift Service on Dec. 11. Gifts will be donated to the Stella Burry Corporation. See their Christmas wish list below. Household Items Dishes Single Sheets Pots and pans Cups, mugs and glasses Forks, knives, spoons Pie Plates, cake pans, pizza pans Utensils Cookie Sheets Knives Can Openers Cutting Board Colander Kettle Blankets and Pillows Toaster Dish Racks Plastic mixing bowls Casserole Dishes Electric Mixer Bath towels and face cloths Dish cloths and pot cloths Frying pans, pillows Personal Care Items Other Helpful Items Shampoo Socks (men & women) Deodorant Underwear (up to size 5X) Hair brush and combs Night shirts Hair spray and gels Pajamas and pajama bottoms Razors Slippers Shaving creams and gels Night wear sizes 1X-5X Toothbrush and toothpaste Hats and gloves Soap Winter Wear Moisturizer Footwear ***********************

6 Come Divine Messiah - 15 th Annual Advent Festival of Carols and Scripture tonight at 7:30 at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist. This is a candlelight service and is for people of all faiths. Reception to follow. Free will donations! Advent: A Celebration of Preparation hosted by University Chaplaincy will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at St. John s Chapel (School of Social Work Building, parking is available). For more information or to contact a Chaplain, please visit Coping with Anxiety: A Guide to Breaking Free -with Helen Martinez,PBVM, Psy.D., Tuesday, 7:00-9:00pm, December 6- Stress Management Reel Justice Film Festival, Monday, December 5, 7:30pm Concrete, Steel and Paint Advent Reflections- Peace, Hope, Love, & Joy,- with Carmel Doyle and Marie Wall, Monday, 1:30-3:30pm, December 12, and Tuesday, 7:00-9:00pm, December 13 Christmas Labyrinth, A Walking Meditation, -with Donna Burt, Wednesday, 10:00-12noon, or 7:00-9:00pm, December 14, Cosmological Moments of Grace-with Presentation Retreat Team, Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm. Note: Admission-A non-perishable food item for The Gathering Place