WELCOME TO WORSHIP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018 SECOND OF ADVENT PREPARE ST. ANDREW S UNITED CHURCH 10:30 AM

Transcription

1 WELCOME TO WORSHIP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018 SECOND OF ADVENT PREPARE ST. ANDREW S UNITED CHURCH 10:30 AM A family that celebrates God s presence through people, worship, music and outreach *indicates to rise physically or in spirit only PRELUDE WELCOME WE CELEBRATE GOD S PRESENCE OUR WELCOME, WITNESS, LIFE AND WORK Doug Hind ADVENT CANDLE LITURGY (responsive) Reader 1: How can we talk about preparing? We already know what s going to happen. Brenda Kent Reader 2: Really? What s going to happen? Kim Sanson Reader 1: You know: the manger, the baby, shepherds, angels. The whole big story of Jesus birth. Reader 2: So that s going to happen in the scripture story, but what s going to happen in your story this Advent season? Reader 1: Well, Christmas shopping, parties, wrapping presents, seeing friends and family. Pretty much the regular stuff. Reader 2: Sounds like there s lots of preparing necessary: planning shopping trips, making sure you have the materials you need for gifts, baking and cooking for parties, maybe even cleaning your house a bit before people arrive. And that s just for the things you know are going to happen. You never know when something new or unexpected might come along. Reader 1: I guess you re right. [thoughtful pause] There s a real hope to this, isn t there? Preparing for new things to happen, looking toward the future? [light the candle] All: We all could use a reminder to look for the unknown, to be prepared for the unexpected. With all the traditions and plans of Christmas we can miss the wonder of looking forward to Mary s new baby, to unexpected changes in our lives, and the hope-filled way that God is renewing our lives.

2 SUNG RESPONSE (tune of What Child is This VU 74 ) OPENING PRAYER We wait in the darkness, expectantly, longingly, anxiously, thoughtfully. The darkness is our friend. In the darkness of the womb, we have all been nurtured and protected. In the darkness of the womb the Christ-child was made ready for the journey into light. It is only in the darkness that we can see the splendour of the universe blankets of stars, the solitary glowings of the planets. It was the darkness that allowed the Magi to find the star that guided them to where the Christ-child lay. In the darkness of the night, desert people find relief from the cruel relentless heat of the sun. In the blessed desert darkness Mary and Joseph were able to flee with the infant Jesus to safety in Egypt. In the darkness of sleep, we are soothed and restored, healed and renewed. In the darkness of sleep, dreams rise up. God spoke to Joseph and the wise men through dreams. God is speaking still. Sometimes in the solitude of the darkness our fears and concerns, our hopes and visions rise to the surface. We come face to face with ourselves and with the road that lies ahead of us. And in that same darkness we find companionship for the journey. In that same darkness we sometimes allow ourselves to wonder and worry whether the human race is going to survive. And then, in the darkness we know that you are with us, O God, yet still we await your coming. In the darkness that contains both our hopelessness and our hope, we watch for a sign of God s hope. For you are with us, O God, in darkness and in light. James Hawes, on Sunday Papers. INTROIT Magnificat Christine Baribeau BOOK OPENING VIDEO SCRIPTURE Luke 1: (page 57 NT) Beth Germs ANCIENT NARRATIVE (Children s Time) Greg Simpson, DLM SUNG RESPONSE Worship 444 Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly OFFERTORY *OFFERTORY HYMN Doxology (tune O Come, O Come VU 1)

3 *PRAYER OF DEDICATION (together) Here, O God are our gifts: not for us, but for your work in the world. Bless them, we pray, that they may become connections, that they may transform the world in hope, that they may transform us as we seek to live actively in hope. Amen. Gord Dunbar, Gathering Advent 2018 Page 34 ANTHEM Advent Coventry Carol (Heather Sorenson) PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE *HYMN VU 882 Prepare the Way, O Zion MODERN NARRATIVE Greg Simpson, DLM BOOK CLOSING VIDEO *BENEDICTION As you wait in expectation for the coming of Emmanuel, express God s lovingkindness for all humanity in what you do-for, to, and with your neighbour. Amen. George Allan, Gathering Advent 2018 Page 36 SUNG RESPONSE (tune of What Child is This VU 74 ) POSTLUDE All music copied under copyright OneLicense #A

4 WELCOME TO WORSHIP SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018 SECOND OF ADVENT: PREPARE Celebrating God s Presence through People, Worship, Music and Outreach December 16 December 21 December 23 December 30 UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES Third of Advent / Rejoice 7 pm Longest Night Service in the Chapel Fourth of Advent / Draw Nigh Worship Around the Breakfast Table in Fellowship Hall UPCOMING CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES December 24 at 6:45 pm December 24 at 7 pm December 24 at 9:30 pm December 24 at 10 pm Christmas music with Devon Hansen on piano Family Christmas Service with candle lighting featuring the St. Andrew s Chancel Choir and string orchestra Mini concert featuring music ensembles and string orchestra Late night service with candle lighting and communion; featuring the Chancel Choir, flutes and string orchestra

5 The Administration, Stewardship & Resources Committee have set the focus for the month of December as St. Andrew s United Church and all the work that the church does. Please consider giving generously so that we can continue to fulfill our mission. JANUARY MISSION & OUTREACH COMMITTEE FOCUS CARE PACKAGES (formerly known as Kits for the Homeless) We have been experiencing the hard reality of coping with cold indoor temperatures as we await the replacement of the church boiler and the return of the warmth to which we are accustomed (not without some whining and complaining). However, I feel safe in assuming that we leave the cold sanctuary and return to a warm, cozy home. Sadly, there are some in our community who are not as fortunate. St. Andrews Church has provided many kits in the past to the Salvation Army for their distribution to clients in need. Your Outreach committee has decided that this will be our first project in Thus, we are asking you to think of this if you are travelling during the holidays. Please save any unused travel sized toiletries for these kits. Also, if you are freshening up a bathroom, please save any gently used bath towels. Each of the kits are wrapped in a bath-sized towel. Although it is not mandatory, we like to have cloth shopping bags to drop each kit into for ease of carrying. A complete list of mandatory items will be provided at a later date OFFERING ENVELOPES If you do not have a set of envelopes and would like offering envelopes for 2019, please contact the Treasurer, Barbara Robbins, at , ext 3, or stantreasurer@bellnet.ca

6 ADVENT BIBLE STUDY (facilitated by Greg Simpson) Did you know that there are different versions of the Christmas story? Come and explore the story of Jesus birth as told by the different gospel writers and deepen your understanding of the meaning of Christmas. Bring a bible (any version). Christmas baking always welcome! Wednesdays from 12:00-1:00pm, December 12 and 19, 2018 FLOWER DELIVERY VOLUNTEERS The Flower Committee is seeking volunteers to help deliver Christmas Poinsettias to our shut-ins. Deliveries will take place following worship on Sunday, December 16, as part of the ministry of the church. If you are available to help, please contact the church office, so we can plan better on the day of the deliveries. DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS Audrey Comanic (11); David Gillespie (12); Lillian Coleman (14); Barb Rayment, Ross Moore (15); Chantal Douglas (17); Judy Currier-Davis (18); Lori Mackenzie (19); Olivia Carruthers, Spencer (20); Herb Parker (23); Chad Bedford (24); Norma Vickery (27); Murray Stark (29); Julia Smith (31). DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Ann & Michael Bouwmeester (17); Dorothy & Abie Heersma (26). Congratulations everyone on your December celebrations! A FRIENDLY REMINDER that all use of facilities should be booked through the Church Office. Thank you!

7 Generosity does not ask What have you done for me lately? Generosity is giving without counting the cost. Stewardship Seconds December 9, 2018 UNIQUE GIFT IDEA! Do you have someone on your gift list that is hard to buy for? Why not buy them a gift of music by purchasing them a ticket for one or more of the upcoming Windsor Symphony Orchestra s upcoming concerts. Contact the Church Office. MEMORIAL FLOWERS 2019 To purchase flowers to honour a loved one or for a special celebration please contact Vicky in the Church Office. Forms are located outside the office. The cost of donating flowers is $ SANCTUARY DECORATING Our decorating this year continues to incorporate the best decorations from our dual heritage, respecting the need to observe the Advent season apart from the secular Christmas season. The large Christmas tree and smaller woodland displays feature a Canadian winter theme. Visit the child-friendly crèche on the table outside the Nursery that children are invited to touch and use interactively. Thanks to Shone Carson, Andrew & Michael Smith for coordinating the decorating, and their helpers, Bill Guerin, Jim Glassford, Gary Rieger, John Speller, and Fred Williams. Special thanks to Larry & Lynne Hyatt for their pet fawn that graces the front of our Sanctuary in the woodland theme. Also special thanks to Jim Glassford for gathering the items for the dried arrangements. Many hands make light work!

8 SATURDAY'S AT 7 REJOICE! Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 2 pm and 7 pm Please note two shows! St. Andrew's continues its five year Christmas tradition with the leadership of Music Director, Devon Hansen. A dramatic presentation of "A Dicken's Christmas" with narration, full chamber orchestra and the Chancel Choir is a program highlight. Guest singers include Christine Baribeau, Andrew Dernyck and other talented Chatham-Kent singers. Take time to rejoice in the meaning of the season. Freewill offering ($10 suggested donation). Doors open 30 minutes prior. FLOWER FUND DONATIONS FOR POINSETTIAS 2018 Donations to the Flower Fund enable us to buy flowers for shutin s during the Advent season. (The approximate cost of each poinsettia is $10.) These flowers will be placed in the Sanctuary in time for our annual Christmas concert and delivered to shutin s on Sunday, December 16, just in time for Christmas. This donation may be made in honour of or in memory of a loved one. The list of those honoured will be published in the bulletin announcements during the Advent season. Please include your donation in your offering envelope indicating Flower Fund on the third line. You may contact the church office to fill out a form. Donations forwarded by Monday, December 10, 2018 would be appreciated.

9 Date: Friday, December 21, 2018 Time: 6:00 10:00 PM St.Andrew,s United Church Christmas Party Location: St. Andrews United Church Fellowship Hall Hosted By: Christians United For Fun (C.U.F.F) Contact Person: Jenn & Chad Bedford ( ) Details: Come and be merry at our first Secret Santa Christmas party. This is an R.S.V.P only event, where guests will choose a name from a hat, and be a Secret Santa for the person they have chosen. All guests who sign up will have their name put into the hat to receive a gift. We are not expecting the gifts to be any more than $10. All guests will arrive at the party, with their wrapped gifts marked with the receivers first and last name and place the gift under the Christmas tree which will be at the foot of the stage in Fellowship Hall. Gifts will be handed out to their respected recipients throughout the evening! Snacks and refreshments will be available. Christmas music will be playing, and we hope this gets members of our church out, as well as new members from our community together, to get to know each other a little better! Sign-up sheets can be found in the office at St Andrews United Church, or on the C.U.F.F Facebook page! New to St. Andrew s? Did you know that your offering is tax deductible? Please use and fill out a pew envelope found in the back of the pews so that the Treasurer can issue you a receipt for income tax purposes at the end of the year for your contributions. If you would like offering envelopes or would like to give by PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance) please call the church office at Ext. 3.

10 THE HELPFUL SECTION HOW TO GIVE Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) If you have automatic debits from your bank account to pay for insurance, cable TV, taxes, fuel, or a mortgage, then you understand the PAR principle. It means regular contributions throughout the year that make it easy to donate to the United Church. Consider changing to PAR especially while you are away on vacation or travelling. Contact Barbara Robbins, Church Treasurer, to set up pre-authorized remittance or for any questions about PAR. WEBSITE REQUESTS please direct any requests through the Church Office for additions to the website or the preservice announcements. Vicky will be happy to add your announcements, photos or celebrations. We encourage you to check the website often at HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT FACEBOOK LATELY? We invite you to check out our St. Andrew s United Church page on Facebook. There are weekly events, news from London Conference, The United Church of Canada and Greg s messages are posted plus lots more! We also have a St. Andrew s Youth and Children s Ministry page for anyone who wants to keep up with news for our children and youth including upcoming events. Did You Know? That we now accept online donations to the church through CanadaHelps.org? It s easy and convenient too! Just search for St. Andrew s United Church Chatham.

11 ST. ANDREW S UNITED CHURCH 85 William Street South Chatham, ON N7M 4S5 Office: Fax: Website: standrews1@bellnet.ca Office Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 12 noon Greg Simpson - Minister / Ext. 2 pastorgreg18@gmail.com Devon Hansen - Director of Music / Ext. 1 musicdir@bellnet.ca Gabriella Cutler - Pastoral Care Coordinator / Ext. 4 pastoralcare@bellnet.ca / Cell: Brittany Borges - Children s Ministry Coordinator borgesbrittany@gmail.com Victoria Bechard - Secretary / Ext. 0 standrews1@bellnet.ca Barbara Robbins - Treasurer / Ext. 3 stantreasurer@bellnet.ca Harold Baughman - Caretaker / Ext. 5 A WEEK AT A GLANCE AT ST. ANDREW S Week of December 10 16, 2018 Monday 10:00 am Mission & Outreach Comm. P 6:00 pm Handbell Choir S 8:00 pm Cocaine Anonymous GR Tuesday 9:00 am Victoria Avenue Pantry Prep. K 10:00 am Spiritual Book Group P 11:00 am Staff Meeting C/O 11:30 am UCW Luncheon SAR 1:30 pm Shuffleboard GR Wednesday 9:00 am Victoria Avenue Pantry Program P 7:00 pm Fish Committee P Thursday 7:30 pm Chancel Choir S Friday 6:00 pm Fusion Youth and Kids Klub Dance GR Saturday 2:00 pm Saturday s at 7 Concert S 7:00 pm Saturday s at 7 Concert S 7:00 pm Narcotics Anonymous GR Sunday 10:30 am Worship S 11:30 am Fellowship Time FH Location Legend: BR Boardroom C Chapel CO Church Office FH Fellowship Hall GR K MG N OS Games Room Kitchen Memorial Garden Nursery Offsite P S SAR WSD YR Parlour Sanctuary St. Andrew s Residence William Street Door Youth Room