WILMOT UNITED CHURCH DECEMBER 4, ADVENT TWO HANGING OF THE GREENS

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1 WILMOT UNITED CHURCH DECEMBER 4, ADVENT TWO HANGING OF THE GREENS Portions of the service printed in bold are spoken by the whole congregation. At the points marked * - those who are able are invited to stand. Presider: Rev. Rose-Hannah Gaskin Prelude: Christmas Carols (arr. Shackley/Hayes) Welcome *Opening Hymn: People, Look East VU #9 Call to Worship: (Responsive) How shall we prepare this house for the birth of Jesus? With branches of cedar, the tree of excellence and strength. How shall we prepare this house for the eternal Christ? With garlands of pine and fir, whose leaves are ever living, ever green. How shall we prepare this house for the prophet of Galilee? With wreaths of holly and ivy, telling of his passion, death and resurrection. How shall we prepare our hearts for this revelation of God? By hearing again the words of the prophets and the promises of God. For in the story of Jesus we see revealed the transforming power of God We are reminded anew of God s vision of wholeness, justice, and peace for all of creation. Thanks be to God. Lighting of the Advent Wreath: We light the second candle, the candle of peace, and dare to express our longing for peace, for healing, and the well-being of all creation. 1

2 Loving God, as we enter this Advent season, We open all the dark places in our lives and memories to the healing light of Christ. Show us the creative power of hope and peace. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you, That we may walk in the light of Christ. Amen. * Hymn: Hope Is A Star (Verse 2) VU #7 Storytime for the Young and the Young at Heart Rev. Ellen Beairsto The Story Begins... (The Christmas Tree is lit) Blessing of the Christmas Tree Unison Loving God, we come with joy to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, whose path of justice and inclusivity lights a path for all who follow him. May this tree, arrayed in splendour, remind us of the life-giving cross of Christ, that we may always rejoice in the new life that shines in our hearts. In Jesus name. Amen. (Children and youth leave for Sunday School) The Story Continues - The Meaning of the Service * Hymn: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence [Verses 1,3, &4] VU #473 Significance of the Colours * Hymn: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus VU #2 The Poinsettia Story... (The poinsettias are brought forward) Scripture Reading: Isaiah 60: 2-3 John Beyea Anthem: Arching Starlight (Enns) (Soloist: Amber Bishop) The Prophet Declares a Child Will Be Born: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 Judy Coates 2

3 The Story... [Evergreen is hung from the balcony] *Hymn: There s a Voice in the Wilderness VU #18 The Fourth Servant Song Isaiah 53:1-6 David Coon *Hymn: Once in Royal David s City (verses 1, 3 & 4) VU #62 The Mystery of the Incarnation: John 1:1-5, 9-14 Rev. R-H Gaskin Nativity Scene... *Hymn: What Child Is This VU #74 Pastoral Prayer Lord s Prayer Offering Doxology: VU #541 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures high and low; give thanks to God in love made known: Creator, Word and Spirit, One. Prayer of Dedication: We dedicate our lives and all that we have to the work of life, of love, of peace. Receive our gifts and lead us in wisdom and courage. Amen. Commission and Blessing: Take time, in the busyness of this season, for quiet reflection For the light of God s love is discernible everywhere. We will let ourselves be surprised by wonder, And set aside time to offer quiet thanks. The good news of Advent is this: 3

4 Christ is coming. Christ is always coming. We will welcome Christ into our hearts. We will let ourselves be guided by his ministry. We will go forth from this place in hope. *Hymn: Go, Tell It on the Mountain VU #43 Benediction Benediction Response: Choral Amen (Lucille Caseley) Go forth in HOPE, Prepare for PEACE, Seek abundant JOY, Share all your LOVE. Amen. Postlude: Noel Etranger (D Aquin) Hanging of the Greens: Contributed by Slettom Jeanyne; adaptation by Rose-Hannah Gaskin ***************************************************************************** If you wish, you are invited to remain for the Postlude as it is part of our Worship Service. ****************************************************************************** MEMORIAL FLOWERS: In Loving Memory of: Placed by: Carl & Bertha Rawn The Family Joyce Moase Cliff and family Charles Redfearn Burdetta, Dwight and Hyun Kim William Howe Eva Howe and family Sister Mary Jane Bob and Johanne Jones Our parents Bob and Johanne Jones WELCOME to this service of worship and thank you for being with us today. You are invited to join us for COFFEE & CONVERSATION in the Dr. G. M. Young Memorial Hall. Thank you to members of the Stewardship and Finance Committee and Trustees for hosting this time of fellowship. TODAY Lois MacDougall s Gooseberry jam will be for sale at Coffee and Conversation. Prices $3.00 and a very few $4.00 bottles. All proceeds to go to the UCW for their projects. 4

5 CITRUS FRUIT FOR SALE: The Youth Group will be selling boxes of large Florida Oranges and Grapefruit after Church today. This opportunity has recently been made available to the Youth Group and for this order the boxes of fruit are available on a first come first served basis only. Please contact Greg Black who will be available during Coffee and Conversation to receive your order. Oranges $55.00/box and Grapefruit $50.00/box. Thank you. If you haven t yet picked up your copy of the Advent issue of Words from Wilmot be sure and ask one of the welcomers today, or find a copy at each of the entrances to the Sanctuary and at the Carleton Street entrance. If you know of someone who would like a copy but cannot attend church, or a friend or relative who would like one, please take copies for them as well. You can access all newsletters including the current issue in full colour on our website Thank you for sharing our Wilmot news with others. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT vehicles should not be left overnight in the Church parking lots during snow storms. This impedes the snow removal process. Vehicles that do not have a Wilmot parking sticker displayed will be towed if necessary during snow removal operations. If there are any questions please contact Greg Black. The Stewardship and Finance Committee want to congratulate and thank the 2017 Auction team, under the capable leadership of Andy MacDonald and Judy Luton, for a very successful event. A task well done, take a bow team!!! RAINBOW BRUNCH. (Potluck) Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. in Wilmot Church parlor. With th Christmas approaching it seems like a great time to provide a welcoming and safe space for LGBTQ folks and our family, friends, and allies. Don t have a stove, (or groceries), just let us know..we can always use help with set up and there is always lots of food. So dream up your favourite dish and join us for some shared time together. For info contact Deb Bradbury ( ) or Maureen Toner ( ). 5

6 WILMOT SENIORS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION - This year we are going to Aggie s th location at the Fredericton Golf Course on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 12 noon. It s going to be a great party with stories, door prizes, a Christmas Carol sing and of course, a delicious buffet lunch. All this fun for only $17! As in the past, we will be collecting wrapped gifts to be donated to the Men s Shelter. Please let Susan ( ) or Brenda ( ) know if you would like to join us for some fun and fellowship. Need a ride? No problem, we can arrange one for you very easily. You are very welcome be a part of our festivities as we celebrate Christmas together. OUR ANNUAL PROGRESSIVE CHRISTMAS DINNER: On Friday, December 16, we will be having our Annual Progressive Christmas Dinner. Sign up after church (Appetizers /Main Dish / Dessert) or give the church a call. Always a great time! ADVENT EVENTS : Saturdays: Dec. 10 and 17 - Spiritual Circle lunch and Advent discussion p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4: White Gift Sunday Wednesdays: Dec. 7, 14 and 21 - Come and Find the Quiet Centre in the sanctuary - 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11: Sunday School Christmas Pageant - Wee Three Kings. Christmas Congregational Lunch following the service. st December 21 : The Longest Night service at St. Paul s United Dec Christmas Eve Services: 4:00 Journeying to Bethlehem 7:00 Family Service 11:00 Communion Service 6

7 COMMUNITY NOTICES ADVENT TALKS with Bishop Bill Hockin - Have the Best Christmas Ever - Add God to your Christmas Cart. All welcome. Monday, Dec. 5 - The Gift of the Significant Life - Carolyn Westin, Psychotherapist Hopewell Counselling Service, Saint John, NB Monday, Dec The Thrill of the Chase - David Edwards, Anglican Bishop, Fredericton, NB ADVENT CAROL FESTIVAL: The Annual Advent Carol Festival held at St. Paul s United th Church will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Local church and community choirs will present a program of new, as well as familiar, Christmas music. This is a fundraiser for the Fredericton Food Bank; a freewill offering will be received. The event has raised more than $100,000 over the past 25 years. Upcoming Events at St. James Presbyterian Church - Hanwell Road SENIORS COFFEE HOUSE: Every Monday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. Cards & games, snacks, book exchange, great conversation. No cost (any donations are reinvested into seniors programs). Everyone welcome. INFORMATION SESSION: Healthy Aging in the Home: Programs for Seniors - Wednesday, December 7 (1:30 3:30 p.m.) Guest Speaker: Alesha Gaudet, Long- Term Care & Disability Support Services (Gov t of NB) No Cost. Refreshments provided. Everyone welcome. A CHRISTMAS CONCERT featuring the Maple Syrup Barbershop Quartet & The River Valley Chorus - Saturday, December 10 (7 p.m.) Reception included. No cost (Event is part of our ACTS for Seniors Initiative). Everyone welcome. 7

8 THIS WEEK AT WILMOT Dec th Today: ADVENT TWO / HANGING OF THE GREENS! 9:30 a.m. ADULT BIBLE CONVERSATION - Board Room 11:00 a.m. WORSHIP & S.S. 12:00 p.m. COFFEE & CONVERSATION Monday, Dec. 5: 6:30 p.m. LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC - various rooms 6:45 p.m. TOASTMASTERS CLUB - Board Room 7:00 p.m. SPANISH CLASS - Parlour Tuesday, Dec. 6: 7:00 p.m. MARTIAL ARTS - Gym Wednesday, Dec. 7: 9:00 a.m. QUILTERS - Parlour 10:00 a.m. TOY LIBRARY 1:00 p.m. WILMOT - Lunch 5:30 p.m. REHEARSAL - Choral Society - Sanctuary 7:00 p.m. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY- Parlour Thursday, Dec. 8: 9:30 a.m. QUILTING and FELLOWSHIP (learn to quilt) - Parlour 1:00 p.m. WRITERS GROUP - Parlour 6:30 p.m. HANDBELL CHOIR PRACTICE 7:30 p.m. CHOIR PRACTICE Friday, Dec. 9: 7:00 p.m. THE MESSIAH - Sanctuary Saturday, Dec. 10: 9:00 a.m. RAINBOW BRUNCH - Parlour 10:00 a.m. TOY LIBRARY 12:00 p.m. ADVENT STUDY SESSION TWO - Parlour 6:00 p.m. DROP-IN CENTRE Sunday, Dec. 11 : ADVENT THREE / CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 9:30 a.m. ADULT BIBLE CONVERSATION - Board Room 11:00 a.m. WORSHIP & SUNDAY SCHOOL 12:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON 8

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