ZION UNITED CHURCH McKEE S MILLS PASTORAL CHARGE THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

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1 ZION UNITED CHURCH McKEE S MILLS PASTORAL CHARGE THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Student Minister Betty-Jean Friedman Supporting Minister Rev. G. Boyd Butt Ministry of Music Robyn Mitton December 7, 2008 Advent 2 Prelude Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient being on the way to something unknown, something new. And yet it is the law of progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability and that it may take a very long time. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin Introit Wait for the Lord Wait for the Lord, God's day is near. Wait for the Lord, be strong, take heart! Waiting Lighting of the Christ Candle Greeting - Passing the Peace, but Not the Germs One: You are invited to share the spiritual gifts of the season with one another during Advent. Today we celebrate peace. Share the gift of peace with your neighbour/s make the peace sign (two fingers in a V). Feel free to speak. All: Liturgical action of peace Announcements Centering Silence A period of reflective silence

2 Liturgy of Light One: Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. All around us people prepare for parties, dinners and presents. These events could distract us from the real reason for our anticipation. On the other hand, they also could prepare us; they could be the voice crying in a wilderness of materialism: Prepare the way for the coming of what is really important. All: Rather than get lost in the wilderness of distractions, we will let the music and the lights make us sensitive to the voice that is even now calling our name. We will listen for the Word in the words and even in the noise. One: A reading from the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 40, v 1 to 11. All: In this season of hustle and bustle we are tempted to get frantic and join the panic to shop our way into the holiday spirit. In this moment, we resist that temptation and choose instead to be at peace with who we are and where we are on this path. We will let this time prepare us, and we will hear God s call to be those who prepare the world. One: On this second Sunday of Advent we choose to be a peaceful presence in this midst of a frantic season. So, today, we light the second candle as an act of preparation and call it Peace. Hymn Give Us Peace for the World Give us peace in the world, we are waiting, Give us peace for ourselves, we pray, Give us peace from our fears and from worry, Give us peace for a brand new way. R Refrain Light a candle, light a candle Light a candle while we wait and pray. Light a candle, light a candle, Light a candle of God s love. -2-

3 Hanging of the Greens Introduction One: How shall we prepare this house for the coming of the Sovereign? All: With branches of cedar, the tree of royalty. One: How shall we prepare this house for the coming of the eternal Christ? All: With garlands of pine and fir, whose leaves are ever living, ever green. One: How shall we prepare this house for the coming of our Saviour? All: With wreaths of holly and ivy, telling of the passion, death, and resurrection. One: How shall we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Son of All: God? By hearing again the words of the prophets, who foretold the saving work of God. One: For God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved. All: Glory to God in the highest! The Cedar Branch Jeremiah In ancient times the cedar was revered as the tree of royalty. It also signified immortality and was used for purification. We place this cedar branch as a sign of Christ, who reigns as Sovereign forever, and whose coming, in justice and righteousness, will purify our hearts. Hymn 59, v 2 Joy to the World! Call to Awareness Stir up our hearts, we beseech you, to prepare ourselves to receive your Son. When he comes and knocks, may he find us not sleeping in sin, but awake to righteousness, ceaselessly rejoicing in his love. May our hearts and minds be so purified, that we may be ready to receive his promise of eternal life. The Gelasian Sacramentary, c. 500 Prayer of Confession (unison) O God we confess that we come to worship caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. We think about lists -3- of gifts we would like to receive, and lists of things we have to do. Time seems to be short and so are our tempers at times. We admit that we

4 find it hard to focus on what Christmas is truly about the coming of Jesus into our world. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to turn around and refocus ourselves. Help us to discover again the peace and awesomeness of the gift given to us in Bethlehem so long ago. Silence for personal reflection Words of Assurance Response of Praise (sung) Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! The Wreath Isaiah 9.2, 6-7 Because the needles of pine and fir trees appear to not die each season, the ancients saw them as signs of things that last forever. Isaiah tells us that there will be no end to the reign of the Messiah. Therefore, we hang this wreath of evergreens shaped in a circle, which itself has no end, to signify the eternal reign of Jesus, the Christ. Hymn 44, v 1, 4 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Focus on Theme with Youth The Lord s Prayer Hymn 7, v 2 Hope is a Star The Garland The most striking and the most universal feature of Christmas is the use of evergreens in churches and homes. Among ancient Romans evergreens were an emblem of peace, joy, and victory. The early Christians placed them in their windows to indicate that Christ had entered the home. Holly and ivy, along with pine, and fir are called evergreens because they never change color. They are ever - green, ever - alive, even in the midst of winter. -4- They symbolize the unchanging nature of our God, and they remind us of the everlasting life that is ours through Christ Jesus. Under Christian thought and sentiment, holly became widely used in church celebrations. Holly was considered as the burning bush, or a symbol of

5 Mary whose being glows with the Holy Spirit. The red berries represented the blood drops from the cruel thorns in the crown of Jesus. In Isaiah 60:13 we find these words: "The Glory of Lebanon shall come unto you, the fir tree, the pine tree and the box together, to beautify the place of your sanctuary." Our forefathers called the procuring of these evergreens, "Bringing home Christmas!" Hymn 30 Hail to God's Own Anointed Invocation GOSPEL Mark The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark All: Glory to Christ, the Word. Gospel response (sung) 20, v 1 & 4 On Jordan's Bank The Legend of the Christmas Tree The Christmas Tree is widely used in our celebration of Christmas. Green trees, blue trees, frosty snow-covered trees, inside a warm room. Lighted trees, living trees, all are trees of Christmas. Narrator Our use of Christmas trees is so widespread, we have forgotten the beginning. Hear the legend of the first Christmas Tree. Reader: Seven hundred years after the birth of Christ, Pope Gregory wanted to send a Christian missionary to the pagan tribes of Northern Germany. He called on Winfred of England (later known as Saint Boniface) to go to Germany for a three-year period to teach Christian ways to the pagan tribes who lived there. One day, as Winfred was traveling among the people -5- there, he came upon a gathering for a pagan ceremony in the forest. With the ritual about to take place, the spirit of the forest was being worshiped with a human sacrifice. The usual ceremony involved the blood of an innocent child sprinkled around an oak tree to please the god of the forest. Winfred begged that the ceremony be stopped,

6 but his words were ignored. In a desperate act to stop the ritual, Winfred grabbed the ceremonial axe and cut down the oak tree. The people were furious, but their anger turned to amazement as they saw a small fir tree spring up to replace the fallen oak. A shaft of light caused each twig on the fir tree to glisten and the people listened and believed when Winfred told them the tree was a symbol of the birth of life through Christ. Thus, began the custom among German people of using a fir tree as a symbol to acknowledge the birth of Christ. It was another seven hundred years before Martin Luther put lighted candles on his tree to recapture the glistening twigs of the tree in the forest which Winfred had seen. Green trees, blue trees, frosty snow-covered trees, lighted trees, living trees; all are trees of Christmas. Carol O, Christmas Tree Come forward as able and place an ornament on the Christmas Tree. Lighting the Christmas Tree John 1.1-5, 9-14 As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, the Light of the World, we light the Christmas tree. During this Advent, whenever you see a lighted Christmas tree, let it call to mind the One who brings light to our darkness, healing to our brokenness, and peace to all who receive him. Hymn , v 1 Jesus Bids Us Shine The Legend of the Poinsettia In the past two hundred years, a new element has found its place in our Christmas celebration. It is from the Christian practices and symbols in Mexico that we have adopted this tradition.

7 In the very early part of the 19th century, an American who served the United States as an ambassador, spent a tour of duty in Mexico. He admired the dramatic beauty of the bright red poinsettia that grew rooftop high and bloomed profusely at Christmas. He was awed when Mexican Christians told him why the bright red poinsettias were a part of their celebration of the birth and life of Christ. In Mexico, the story goes like this: The Bethlehem star shone over the manger where Jesus was born. Its light so bright the earth responded, reflecting that star light, receiving that star light, mirroring that star light with a beautiful flower. Star shaped, radiant shaped, pure white petals, golden star centers. In Mexican lore, it was always the Flower of the Holy Night. It grew on earth as a creation to glorify and commemorate that Holy Night "For the stars shout forth the glory of God." Then came the tragic day when Jesus dies on the cross and the blossoms changed. Pure white petals remembered the sacrifice of the Christ born when the star was over Bethlehem. Flower of the Holy Night, star shaped, radiant shaped, blood red petals, star flowers for the Holy Night. Now, everywhere, on cards and on trees, in churches and in our homes, the poinsettia takes its place; reminding us of a Holy Night, pointing to a Good Friday. Carol Oh, star of wonder, star of night, Star of royal beauty bright, -7- Ever leading, still proceeding, Guide us with your perfect light! The Gifts of Christmas From the beginning of Christmas celebrations, gift giving has been a part of the season. The Wise Men gave out of their treasures, and the Shepherds gave of themselves. Both express the Gift of God in giving Christ as the Savior to the World. Unique in our history of generous givers is the story of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Lycia in the

8 fourth century A.D. He is reputed to have been wealthy, his emblem being three purses and three golden balls. This was the symbol of rich Italian families of his time. It survives today in the signs of some of our pawnshops. The good Bishop gave his money away secretly to those whom he found in need. He was deeply interested in young people, giving his wealth especially to maidens whose lack of a dowry was affecting their matrimonial future, and to needy boys. Gifts coming from unknown sources were commonly attributed to him and parents customarily gave him credit for their gifts to their children. The discovery of his generosity is said to have been made by the father of three dowry-less daughters. The eldest two each received from the chimney on successive nights a substantial gift of gold with her name on it. The father resolved to watch and see who their generous benefactor could be. His vigil revealed the good Saint Nicholas as the donor of the gifts. His name survives today as the human embodiment of unselfish giving. Hanging up our stockings in pleasant anticipation of Santa's gifts may have originated from the fact that the maidens of this Bishopric of Myra, needing and expecting a dowry from the good Saint Nicholas, suspended a stocking to catch the money purse the generous Bishop was sure to drop down the chimney. Offertory Reading Giving Ann Weems. Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem. Philadelphia: Westminster Press (1980): Offering Prayer The Star Martin Luther also topped his tree with a star to commemorate that star which was in the Bethlehem sky as recorded in scriptures: "Behold, there came wise-men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and we have come to worship Him." Hymn 36, v 3 Angels, from the Realms of Glory

9 Congregational Prayer (litany one/all) If there is no cross in the manger, there is no Christmas. If the Babe doesn t become the Adult, there is no Bethlehem star. If there is no commitment in us, there are no Wise Men searching. If we offer no cup of cold water, there is no gold, no frankincense, no myrrh. If there is no praising God s name, there are no angels singing. If there is no spirit of alleluia, there are no shepherds watching. If there is no standing up, no speaking out, no risk, there is no Herod, no flight to Egypt. If there is no room in our inn, then Merry Christmas mocks the Christ Child, and the Holy Family is just a holiday card, and God will loathe our feasts and festivals. For if there is no reconciliation, we cannot call Christ Prince of Peace. If there is no goodwill toward others, it can all be packed away in boxes for another year. If there is no forgiveness in us, there is no cause for celebration. If we cannot go now even unto Golgotha, there is no Christmas in us. If Christmas is not now, if Christ is not born into the everyday present, Then what is all the noise about? -9- The Cross in the Manger Ann Weems. Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem. Philadelphia: Westminster Press (1980):77. Hymn 96 Will You Come and See the Light Advent Blessing One: God of the watching ones, the waiting ones, the slow and suffering ones, the angels in heaven, the child in the womb, All: Give us your benediction, your good word for our souls, that we might rest and rise in the kindness of your company. Cloth for the Cradle AMEN (sung)

10 Postlude (seated) Resources adapted from: Passing the Peace, but not the Germs: John H. Weinlick, McDougall United, Alberta. Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy: Worship Ways, Vol 8. No.1, Michael W. Smith. Give Us Hope for the World lyrics: E. Richard and women at Gabriel Dumont Correctional Training Residence, Sask. (1991). Prayer of Confession: Whole People of God. The Legend of the Christmas Tree, Star and the Poinsettias: Rev. Denzel Nonhof (1997). The Garland: Dennis Bratcher. Introduction, Cedar Branch, Wreath: UMC. Announcements A warm welcome is extended to everyone who has joined us in worship. We have been giving praise and glory to God as a congregation for at least 118 years and within these walls for 114 years. Our Christian life is sustained and grows by your presence. Please come often so we can get to know you. If you are a guest with us today, please sign our guest book in the Vestibule. Texts for Advent and Christmas Eve: Isaiah , 8-11; Psalm 126; Luke ; John 1.6-8, Samuel , 16 Psalm 89; Romans ; Luke Isaiah 9.2-7; Psalm 96; Titus ; Luke , (15-20) UPCOMING MEETINGS, EVENTS & SPECIAL SERVICES: LST Moment monthly Children s Christmas Concert Saturday, December 13 th, 4:00 pm Pizza party to follow order your slice/s & bring a dessert to share. Advent 3 Sacrament of Holy Communion December 21 st, 11:00 am Christ Eve Service December 24 th, 4:00 pm Triennial Visit Sunday, January 18, A Lens of Generosity Where has God s grace been shown in this time and place? Guatemala Scholarship we have $ towards the $ needed for our student this year. Lighting the Advent Wreath Pick the week that works best for your family. All requests will be honoured. On Christmas Eve we will provide an opportunity for you to make an Offering. The Offering plates will not be passed. A wrapped

11 Christmas Present will be placed on the back table to receive gifts. Envelopes will be available in your bulletin. Memorial Tree Requests can be placed on the Offering plate or sent to Shari Arsenault, 5327 Rt. 115, McKee's Mills, NB E4V 2T8. Tax receipts will be issued. During ADVENT, you are invited to participate in the following Outreach project: Health Kits (often presented to children in refugee camps distributed by Mennonite Central Committee) 1 toothbrush (adult size, leave in wrapper) 1 large squeeze-tube of toothpaste (at least 170 g/6oz) 1 bar soap ( g/3-5 oz, in wrapper) 1 hand towel (larger than fingertip, any color but white) 1 fingernail clipper BRING one, all or any of these items during Advent as an offering to persons in need. GeT ConNecTed with our church The United Church of Canada Wonder Café YouTube Maritime Conference Betty-Jean Friedman Gr8fulSoul@aol.com; phone: Jeremiah The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: The LORD is our righteousness. Isaiah 9.2, 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. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow

12 continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. John 1.1-5, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth.

ZION UNITED CHURCH McKEE S MILLS PASTORAL CHARGE THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

ZION UNITED CHURCH McKEE S MILLS PASTORAL CHARGE THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Student Minister Betty-Jean Friedman Supporting Minister Rev. G. Boyd Butt Ministry of Music Robyn Mitton December 24, 2007