First Sunday of Advent First Baptist Church Halifax December 3, 2017

Transcription

1 First Sunday of Advent First Baptist Church Halifax December 3, 2017 Today we begin the celebration of Advent. Advent is the season of preparation for the comings of Christ. We prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ during the Christmas season, but we also prepare ourselves for the ways Christ is coming into our world today and we lean into the hope that one day Christ will come in fullness to bring the Realm of God s peace, love, and joy into all the world. Our Advent bulletin covers were an art project of the congregation during last year s Advent season. Each of the images was coloured by the many hands of First Baptist Church Halifax!

2 Prelude: The Community Gathers for Worship Veni, Emmanuel -Wyton Please use this time to settle for worship *Please stand as you are able *Processional Carol: #1 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (STUTTGART) Organist, Lynette *Candle of Hope: The Mathis Family & The prophet Mary sang, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour for the Mighty One has done great things for me. We sing a song of hope, for God has looked with favour upon us and brings hope for a new and just way of life. Light the candle of God s hope, light the light of Mary s song, light the light we all must hold. Light the light, the fire of life, let the candle reveal God s glory, Jesus Christ has come to earth and for us shall come again. *Silent Confession *Choral Response (GREENWOOD RIDGE) The candle is lit. Hope is a light, hope is a light. Hope is a light to show the way, Hope is a light to show the way. Light the candle of hope, Light the candle of hope. Anthem Choir My Lord has Come -Todd Welcome and Announcements Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Children are welcome to come to the chancel steps during the chiming of the bells *Children s Carol: #27 Gentle Mary Laid her Child (TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM) The children in Primary to Grade 2 are dismissed for Sunday School. First Testament: Isaiah 6:1-4, 8-11 (pg. 635) Diana Hazelton 2

3 *Psalm Lesson: 126 (the Inclusive Bible) When the LORD brought us captives back to Zion, we thought we were dreaming! Our mouths were filled with laughter then, our tongues with songs of joy. And from the nations we heard, Their God has done great things from them. Yes the LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. R Now set our captive hearts free, O LORD! Make them like streams in the driest desert! Then those who now sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy; Those who go out weeping as they carry their seed for sowing will come back with shouts of joy as they carry their harvest home. R Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (pg. 205) Kate Thomson *Gradual Carol #16 The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (GABRIEL'S MESSAGE) Gospel: Luke 1:46-55 (pg. 57) Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Sermon: A Song We Sing Together: Magnificat Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Offertory Anthem Magnificat -Howells Choir *Presentation of Offering: Doxology (VENI EMMANUEL) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise Christ, all people here below, Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel, Shall come to thee O Israel. Invitation to the Table Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards and Rev. Jenny Drewitz Communion Carol #507 I Come with Joy (DOVE OF PEACE) Prayers of the People and the Lord s Prayer Rev. Jenny Drewitz Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, 3

4 The Peace Sharing the Holy Feast as we forgive those that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Deacons & Sanctus, Agnus Dei - Schubert Prayer After Communion Choir Rev. Jenny Drewitz *Recessional Carol: #9 O Come, O Come Emmanuel (VENI EMMANUEL) Benediction & Choral Amen Postlude: Vom Himmel hoch -Luther/Fischer Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Organist, Lynette Wahlstrom News Notes Our Prayer List We pray for all members of our congregation, especially those who are in frail health and unable to join with us for worship and activities. Particular prayers are requested for: Lynne Alary, Roy Yetman (Dartmouth General), Judy Morton, Pearl Stevens, Marjorie Morrisson, Bruce Sterns, Betty Deal, and Marion Kennedy. Thanks be to God for the gift of new life. Congratulations to parents, Cheryl and Andrew Botas on the birth of George Louka Botas. First grandson to Owen and Betty Evans, "Louka" was born on Sunday, November 26 weighing 7lbs 3ozs. Mom and baby are doing very well. Acknowledgements Today's bulletin is sponsored by proud parents Rev. John and Debbie Boyd in celebration of their daughter, Alaina, who received a PhD in Chemistry from Queens University on November 15. Thank you to Clyde Evans for facilitating the 4 week book study on The Nativity. 4

5 A Big Thank You to all those who contributed to the Advent devotion book whether by writing a reflection, editing or submitting photos. This devotion is designed to guide you through the season of Advent in preparation for Christmas. Copies are available on the church website digitally and limited hard copies are available throughout the church. Faith Development Notes Advent Potluck Lunch Sunday Dec. 3, following worship (First Sunday of Advent) Assembly Room Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the beginning of the Advent season with a potluck lunch. This is for all ages and stages in the congregation. During the lunch we'll engage in faith conversation about Christmas hymns, and maybe sing a little too. There will also be a puzzle that will need everyone's help to work on! Hope to see you there. Sanctuary Hosts Wanted Tuesdays Thursdays between Dec. 5 th 21 st from 4pm to 6pm Throughout last years Advent and Lenten seasons the Sanctuary was open for selected hours for quiet reflection. Some members of our congregation, as well as the greater community found solace in a place of quiet rest. Given the response from last year, we d like to open our doors again, but need some help. To show greater hospitality, we are looking for hosts that could welcome any guests that would come during this time. Perhaps they have a question about the windows, or services or just need to see a friendly face. During these times either Rev. Rusty or Rev. Jenny will be available should a guest wish to speak to a minister. If you are available to host, please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board across from the parlour. The sanctuary will be open from Tuesdays- Thursdays from 4-6pm throughout Advent (Dec 5-Dec 21). Music Notes Songsters Meet & Sing Sunday, weekly following Worship service. Chancel Open to all interested youth (ages 2-17), especially new singers. Come and hear what fun it is to sing! Please see Lynette for more information. Community Outreach Clothing Donations Deadline December 8 th The outreach team is collecting gently used, clean items to distribute at the Brunswick St. Mission Breakfast on Saturday December 9th. Items such as sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, and gloves would be greatly appreciated. There will be a box in the narthex to collect your donations. 5

6 Brunswick St. Mission Breakfast 2107 Brunswick St. December 9, 5:30am First Baptist Church will be preparing and serving breakfast for the Brunswick Street Mission on this date. Although a busy time of year for everyone, we are hoping that lots of volunteers will sign up for this very rewarding outreach project. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the parlour. White Gift Program Sunday Dec. 10 th Worship Service This special Advent program is a great way to support the needs and causes of our community! Last year, members of the congregation generously donated $8, to the program. This year we are hoping to provide gifts for at least 80 people and donate a minimum of $1, for Christmas dinners as well as support a few other worthy organizations this holiday season. Volunteers are needed to: Purchase and wrap gifts of clothing, household items, and toys Deliver the food boxes, as well as the gifts, to the recipients on December 16 th at 9:00 AM We re counting on your support to make our White Gift Program a success again this year a wonderful way to bring Christmas to families in need! Community Notes Christmas Open House at the Parsonage December 10, 1:30pm 3:30pm The Edwards family invites you to visit the parsonage for their Christmas open house. All are welcome. Christmas Memorial Flowers Deadline: Monday Dec. 11th Members and friends of First Baptist Church are invited to place Memorial Flowers, the beautiful poinsettias, in the church for the Christmas season that honour the lives of family members and friends. You can donate to the fund by placing your offering in an envelope marked Flowers. Please note if you wish to have your name added to the acknowledgements that will be in the bulletin of Sunday Dec. 17 th. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the church office via at office@fbchalifax.ca or by calling during office hours a A Note from Bill MacInnis, Chair of Finance Committee To meet our 2017 current envelope budget we need to raise an additional $65,000 in December. As this amount is more than was received last year, we recognize that meeting this goal will be a significant challenge. We need your increased support through December. Your extra and generous donations are necessary to meet our goal and are very much appreciated Offering Envelopes are now available at the back of the Narthex. 6

7 Greater Community Notes 36th Halifax Scouts - Christmas Trees. The Scouts are selling Christmas trees and wreaths by pre-sale only. Pick-up day is Saturday, December 9 from 9am to 12pm. For your convenience, order forms are available by the bulletin board outside of the parlour. Alternatively, you may pre-order your tree or wreath by calling Scouter Howard Donohoe at Your support helps the scouts to purchase equipment and program aids. Casual Employment Opportunity (Daytime availability required) From time to time, there is a need for an individual (or individuals) to perform daytime duties during the regular work week to supplement the work done by our Office Administrator, Part-Time Custodian or Assistant Sextons. For example, assistant sexton duties for an event (such as a funeral) or reception type duties (answering phone and overseeing access to building), or other duties in the absence of either our Office Administrator or Part-time Custodian. If this work is of interest to you or you know an individual whom you would recommend, please speak with or write to Sheila Stanley, Chair of the Personnel Committee at sheilastanley@fbchalifax.ca. This Week in Our Church: Dec 4-10 Please refer to the calendar on our website for a complete list of activities. Church Office hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm. The Sanctuary is open for quiet reflection from Tuesday Thursday, 4pm 6pm each work during advent. Today 10:30am Creche, Worship 11:45am Songsters, Sanctuary 11:45am, Advent Potluck 2:30pm, Caratis Service - Men Without Jackets (offsite) Monday 7:30pm, RCCO carolfest (offsite) Tuesday 9:04am, Ring bells in honour of the Halifax Explosion Tuesday 6:30pm, Finance Meeting(Boardroom) Wednesday 11am, Clergy Meeting Wednesday 6:30pm Board of CE (Boardroom) Thursday 7:00pm, Choir Practice Saturday 5:30am, Brunswick St. Breakfast (offsite) Saturday 9:00am, Christmas Tree Decorating, Sanctuary Saturday 1:00pm, Christmas pageant rehearsal Next Sunday: December 10, 2017; 2nd Sunday of Advent, White Gift 10:30am Creche, Worship King of Judea Christmas Play 11:45am, Coffee & Conversation, Parlour 11:45am, Grace Notes Rehearsal, Sanctuary 1:30 3:30pm Open House at the Parsonage 7

8 First Baptist Church Halifax - Where Faith Comes To Life! Founded in Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8 Office office@fbchalifax.ca facebook.com/firstbaptisthalifax Of Service To You Today Deacons on Duty: Bryan Darrell, Paul LaFleche, and Kathryn Schwartzentruber Sexton on Duty: Jennifer Ferguson Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards, Senior Minister (rustyedwards@fbchalifax.ca) Rev. Jenny Drewitz, Minister of Faith Development (jennydrewitz@fbchalifax.ca) Rev. Nelson A. Metcalfe, Minister of Visitation (na.metcalfe@ns.sympatico.ca) Ms. Lynette Wahlstrom, Director of Music (lynettewahlstrom@fbchalifax.ca) Dr. Pauline Allsop, Deacon Emerita Our Mission To be an inclusive and ecumenical community of believers in Jesus Christ, committed to proclaim God s mission of love by word and deed. Our Vision To be a Christ-centered community of diverse people experiencing God s unconditional love and acceptance, finding opportunities to grow and nurture our faith, and sharing that love, acceptance and faith with the world. Using gifts God has given us to do the work God is calling us to do! Welcome to First Baptist Church Halifax! If you are visiting with us today, please know how glad we are to have you with us as we worship God together. We invite you to complete a visitor s card, located in the hymnal rack in front of you, and place it in the offering plate later in the service. You are also invited to advent potluck in the Assembly Room, one floor below, immediately following this morning s service. 8