Morning edition. December 9, 2018 Sunday News VIBRANT INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE

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1 December 9, 2018 Sunday News Morning edition VIBRANT INCLUSIVE PROGRESSIVE Have you ever wondered why the traditional colours for Christmas are red and green? The roots of this longstanding practice come both from Pagan and Christian traditions. The ancient Celtic people revered the holly plant for its evergreen leaves and red berries that kept their beautiful colours even in the dead of winter. At the winter solstice homes were adorned with the vines. However, the notion of a red and green Christmas does have biblical roots as well. Red has long symbolized the passion and blood of Jesus, whose birth we celebrate in this sacred season. The green on the other hand comes from the hope of a coming messiah who would restore the fortunes of the people of Israel much like a fresh sprout from a long-since cut down-tree. In the Book of Isaiah this is described as a shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse and a branch shall grow out of his roots (11:1) Similarly in Jeremiah "I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David" (33:15) The Jesse Tree is a longstanding Advent tradition, perhaps not all that familiar to us here at MCC Toronto where the story of the lineage of Jesus through all the biblical matriarchs and patriarchs is told. This year our Advent themes will be told through the hope-filled images of greenery in scripture. Last Sunday we looked at Hope like a Sprout; this week our theme is Peace like a Vine. Next Sunday we will observe Joy like a Blossom. Finally, on the 4th Sunday of Advent, Rooted in Love as we prepare ourselves for Christmas and the rebirth of Christ into our lives. Rev. Jeff Rock - MCC Toronto

2 Offertory Performer The B Side Mark, David, Bill and Eric have been singing together in the MCC Toronto choir for several years and sang together as a quartet for the first time last Christmas. They enjoyed it so much, they thought they would give it another go! Bill and Eric have been married for 5 years. Mark and David have never been married. They call themselves the B- Side which is an off-shoot of the A-men who performed for several years at MCC Toronto. Music brings much joy to us and is a coping strategy for life. Merry Christmas!! Music Director: Diane Leah Order of Service At the symbol, please rise as you are able. Welcome Prelude Come Now And Worship Moment of Silence Opening Prayer Processional O Come All Ye Faithful Lighting Of The Advent Candle Hope Is A Star Anthem We Need A Little Christmas Time of Reconciliation Prayer of Reconciliation Affirmation of Freedom Invitation to Anointing What Child Is This Silent Night! Sacred Readings Isaiah 9:2,4-7 John 15:5 Lessons for Life Peace Like a Vine That Branches - Rev. Jeff Rock Come To The Water Prayers of the People Jesus Prayer Offertory Performer Sleighride Gathering Our Gifts Our Journey of Faith Blessing of Gifts Holy Communion Give Us This Day O Come, O Come, Emmanuel O Little Town Of Bethlehem Hallelujah (Cohen) Because You Live Benediction Closing Words Closing Song Joy To The World Follow us at

3 Happening Today Thrift Shop All morning Social Hall Children s Ministry 10:00 a.m. Rm 109 and 111 S.W.A.P. Choir Rehearsal 12:30 p.m. Sanctuary Evening Service 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Happening This Week Refugee Orientation Monday 1:00 p.m. Room 109 Meditation Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Room 109 Refugee Info Session Wednesday 3:00 p.m. Room 109 Choir Rehearsal Thursday 7:00 p.m. Social Hall A Peek in the Purse Updated statistics as of September 30, 2018, January to September For Enews register at

4 ` Mark Asselin was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario. His first love was architecture which led him to Toronto to begin his career studies at George Brown College. He then moved on to Humber College, graduating from their Interior Design Program, and starting his own design business while also working full time with another design firm to gain experience, finally returning to Humber to teach in the same Interior Design Program. In 1994, he met his life partner Patrick and shortly after decided to bring Patrick on as a business partner, creating Poetic Justice Design Associates. Mark retired from the design industry in 2005 and focused on volunteer work until 2009 when he made a career switch, joining a law firm as a legal assistant to work with victims of ` New Facilities Manager childhood sexual assault. In 2013, he returned to school to earn his accreditation as a Facility Management Professional, a bucket list goal. He recently completed a 14 -month contract as Project Manager for Save the Children Canada, responsible for the design, construction, and procurement for their new head office in North York. Mark believes in building lasting relationships through listening and practising empathy, recognizing equality, and communicating respect. Mark is an avid long-distance cyclist and participates yearly in the Sick Kids Ride for Children s Cancer, as well as ALS Canada. He and Patrick have two cats, Lyla, a grumpy Persian, and Lucy, a crazy Ginger, and hope to soon welcome a British Lab into the family. Trans and Non-Binary Meeting Aleks and Andrew are facilitating a get-together to check in on how trans and non-binary people from our congregation are doing with the current trend to erase and attack trans and non-binary gender identities. If you selfidentify as trans and/or non-binary and would like to be a part of the conversation please join us on Sunday December 16, 2018 at 12:30pm in Triangle Room A (Basement). Questions? office@mcctoronto.com

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6 ` Isaiah 9:2,4-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. ` John 15:5 First Reading Second Reading For a child has been born for us, an heir given to us; Upon whose shoulders dominion will rest; This One shall be named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Protector, Champion of Peace. This dominion and this peace shall grow without end, with David s throne and realm sustained with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. The zeal of our Sovereign God will do this. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. ` Service Announcement On Sunday December 23 and 30, Sunday services will be held at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Watch us at

7 Christmas Eve Tickets Don t forget to purchase your tickets online at or phone When booking please let us know of any accessibility needs. Children under 12 attend for free (ticket required). Get your tickets at

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