Prelude Sunday, December 4, 2016 Chilliwack United Church Second Sunday of Advent Sacrament of Holy Communion 10:30 a.m. We Gather to Celebrate God's Presence Welcome & Greeting Gathering Song No. 5 VU (Verse 1) All Earth is Waiting All earth is waiting to see the Promised One, and open furrows await the seed of God. All the world, bound and struggling, seeks true liberty; it cries out for justice and searches for the truth. Thus says the prophet to those of Israel, 'A virgin mother will bear Emmanuel.' One whose name is 'God with us', our Saviour shall be, through whom hope will blossom once more within our hearts. Call to Worship In this season of spending and doing, welcome to this holy space of renewal and refreshment. We worship the God who fills and fulfills. Listen to the words of hope and peace; listen for the words of challenge and change. We worship the God who fills and fulfills. Hymn No. 2 VU Come Thou Long Expected Jesus - 1 -
Prayer Sunday, December 4, 2016 The Prophet Speaks Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. - 2 -
Lighting the Advent Candles Sunday, December 4, 2016 PEACE Last Sunday we lit the first candle the candle of Hope. Today we light the second candle, for Peace We know full well that peace is elusive. In some parts of the world it is almost completely absent. Yet in this Season of Advent, we trust that God is never absent from us. God is always preparing something new. Even when there is war and discord, whether between countries, within families, or within our own hearts, God is present, gently leading us to new possibilities. The poet, Wendell Berry, wrote When despair for the world grows in me... I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. We think of the 23 rd Psalm, He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. When everything feels hopeless, God calls us away from our hopelessness and calls us to the same comfort that Isaiah spoke to his people. God calls us to breathe in the holy breath of peace. When we light the candle of Peace, we breathe in the One who restores us. Whatever we face in life, God's Spirit of peace will dwell within us. (Light the purple candle) - 3 -
Sing Light of Jesus, light of Jesus, Show the way, show the way, Shine in us forever, shine in us forever, This we pray, this we pray. Sunday, December 4, 2016 (Tune: Frere Jacques) Prayer (In Unison) Loving God, in this time of preparation and planning, we thank you for the hope and peace you unfailingly offer us. Show us the creative power of hope. Teach us the peace that comes from drawing on your grace for comfort and courage. Teach us the peace that comes from justice. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you, that we may walk in the light of Christ. Amen. Sung Response No. 7 VU (Verse 2) Anthem Peace is Ribbon Bright Star Shining Prayer of Confession Words of Grace Hearing God's Word Epistle Romans 15:4-13 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - 4 -
Sunday, December 4, 2016 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name ; and again he says, Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people ; and again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him ; and again Isaiah says, The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Responsive Psalm No. 72 (Parts 1 & 3) Page 791 VU Gospel Matthew 3:1-12 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Now John wore clothing of camel s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our ancestor ; for I tell you, God is - 5 -
Sunday, December 4, 2016 able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Thanks be to God! Amen. Invitation to Communion Sacrament of Holy Communion Communion Hymn No. 20 VU On Jordan's Bank Communion Prayer Lord's Prayer (Sung) No. 959 VU The Bread & The Cup Prayer After Communion Sung Response No. 20 VU (Verse 3) In you, we find abundant life, our refuge in the midst of strife; without your grace we waste away, like flowers that wither and decay. - 6 -
Responding to God The Life & Work of the Church Sunday, December 4, 2016 Presentation of Our Offering Sung Response We give you but your own, whate'er the gift may be; all that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully. No. 542 VU Prayer of Dedication (In Unison) Generous God, in this season of faith, hope, and love, we thank you for the countless ways you have provided for all that we need in body, mind and spirit. We make these offerings as a sign of our gratitude, and pray that you would enable us to live in generosity to others. May these gifts, and the ones given through PAR, become acts of kindness and justice in our own neighbourhood and with our mission partners around the world. We pray in Jesus name. Amen. Advent Prayers Hymn No. 33 MV Verse 1: Hope Jesus Came Bringing Us Hope Verse 2: Peace Commissioning & Blessing Sung Blessing No. 649 VU - Sing Twice - (You are invited to join hands with those around you to form a blessings circle ) Walk with me, I will walk with you and build the land that God has planned where love shines through. - 7 -
Sunday, December 4, 2016 Postlude The church has a supply of hearing units for improved sound in the sanctuary. If you wish to use a set for the Sunday service, please pick one up from the sound booth at the back of the sanctuary. Announcements Leading the Service Today: Clergy; Rev. Heather Anderson Musician; Lynda Mundstock Music Director; Marilyn Taves Scripture Reader; Lynn Catto Communion Servers; Eunice Dargatz, Tami Ware, Winnie Loucks Lectionary Readings for December 11, 2016 Advent III Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 Budget Summary Average Weekly Revenue Required to Service our 2016 Operating Budget $ 3,526.00 Average Weekly Revenue to October 31, 2016 3,095.00 Deficit as of October 31, 2016 (13,894.00) Deficit as of October 31, 2015 (19,285.00) Average Mission & Service Weekly Revenue Required to Service our 2016 Objective $ 211.00 Average Mission & Service Weekly Revenue Received to October 31, 2016 251.00 Mission & Service Funds Received to Date October 31, 2016 9,807.00 Mission & Service Funds Received to Date October 31, 2015 9,226.00 For your information, complete regular Monthly Financial Statements are posted in the Narthex on the bulletin board next to the ramp. - 8 -
Sunday, December 4, 2016 Keep on top of the latest news! Be sure to contact the church office at 604-792-4634 or email chwkuc@shaw.ca, and add your name to our email list! Seed Money Finale! Julie Muirhead's project finishes today with one last sale! 5 pot holders, 4 casserole carriers, 3 pretty aprons, 2 Raggedy Anns...and a partridge in a pear tree! Advent Praise TODAY! Sunday, December 4, 2016 You HAVE to put this date on your calendar so you don't miss our annual Advent Praise Service! There will be six choirs this year with many new Christmas songs for your enjoyment. Joining us for the first time will be the Songs of Praise Orchestra. They will accompany the carol singing and entertain you with their own Christmas Medley. The BIG FINALE is the six choirs joining together to form a Mass Choir under the direction of Debora Soutar. The Date: Sunday, December 4, 2016 Time: 2:00 p.m. Admission: Non-perishable food for the local Food Bank There will be refreshments in the hall following the service. See you there! - 9 -
Sunday, December 4, 2016 Thrift Shop Volunteers are invited to a time of Christmas celebration on Monday, December 5-11:45 a.m. at the Capital Restaurant. Lunch will be $5.00 per person. For more information, contact Faye at 604-792-2980. Gifts With Vision Catalogues are available at the church office or in the Narthex. Consider alternate ideas for gift giving that reflect the true spirit of giving to others. Take Time to Breathe Come for a moment of calm during a very busy season. Centering Prayer is held in our Sanctuary every Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. In December, our Congregational Pot Luck Lunch will take place on Sunday, December 11 following our morning worship service. We will also be celebrating the birthdays of Iva Hancock and Peggy Seanor. Their families will be providing the desserts for the meal. Our Annual Christmas Concert will be included as part of that afternoon's festivities. Come celebrate the Christmas Season and birthdays with great food, fellowship and fun. A Cup of Christmas Tea - Thursday, December 22 at 10:00 a.m., join others in our Lounge to enjoy this classic Christmas story, conversation with friend, and Advent Appies. We are once again supporting the Salvation Army Adopt-a- Family Program. For information about our family and how you can contribute, contact Iva at 604-792-6794 From Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, First United Church extends to you their sincerest good wishes for Advent. In this time of celebration and reflection, thank you for turning your thoughts and prayers to those living with less in your own community and in theirs. They join you in spirit on your Advent journey, and ask that you join them in lifting up those in need. Please give as you are able. Contact Natalie at 1-604-681-8365 (ext 104) or nlanoville@firstunited.ca - 10 -
Sunday, December 4, 2016 The Mission Ministry Unit continues to collect food items for the Cyrus Centre for their House on Wellington Ave. They provide shelter and services for at Risk Teens and require items for lunches. Specifically, we are collecting peanut butter, Cheese Whiz and margarine. They also need breakfast cereal. Bring your donations to church for delivery to their house. We continue to collect non-perishable food items for the local Salvation Army Food Bank. Please place your donations in the Salvation Army bin located in our Narthex. Our Chilliwack United Church Women continue to collect postage stamps and Campbell Soup labels. The stamps are collected for Eastern Star and are used to purchase cancer dressings. The Campbell Soup labels are collected for McCammon Elementary School. As we approach the end of the year, please keep in mind that contributions for the 2016 tax year need to be received by the church office on or before Saturday, December 31. The church office will be open for your convenience on Friday, December 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 24 to Thursday, December 29 Saturday, December 31 to Monday, January 2, 2017 The church office will be OPEN Friday, December 30 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for your convenience. - 11 -
Chilliwack United Church Monday, December 5 to Sunday, December 11 Monday, December 5 No meetings scheduled for today. Tuesday, December 6 9:00 Centering Prayer in the Sanctuary 1:00 Thrift Shop Open Wednesday, December 7 10:00 Thrift Shop Open 1:30 Celebration Ministry Unit Meeting Thursday, December 8 10:00 Thrift Shop Open Friday, December 9 10:00 Thrift Shop Open 10:30 Mission Ministry Unit Meeting Saturday, December 10 12:00 Kiwanis Soup Kitchen 1:00 Thrift Shop Open Sunday, December 11 Advent III 10:00 Congregational Pot Luck Lunch & Christmas Concert Sunday, December 4, 2016 Come and Worship the New Born King! Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Saturday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m. Christmas Day Service Sunday, December 25 at 10:30 a.m. New Year's Day Sunday, December 31 at 10:30 a.m. - 12 -
Minute for Mission Doctor, Missionary: Florence Murray Sunday, December 4, 2016 Were you a doctor or a missionary? people asked Florence Murray. I hope I was both, she responded. Born in 1894, Florence Murray began her medical studies at the start of World War One. In 1921 she was appointed a missionary medical doctor to Korea. Placed under house arrest by the occupying Japanese in 1941, she was deported to Canada one year later in a prisoner exchange but returned to Korea in 1947 and remained there until 1969. She became known internationally as an authority on leprosy and respiratory diseases and was one of the founders of the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital and College. With over 5,000 alumni from its schools of nursing, medicine, and dentistry, the hospital is today a centre of medical excellence in Korea. Dr. Murray is remembered and revered by the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea and by thousands of Koreans as a compassionate doctor who dedicated her life to living and working among poor and marginalized people. With courage, faith, and ingenuity, she confronted disease, poverty, tangled politics, cultural differences, and the violence of war. She committed her life to the well-being of others, and with fellow Korean workers left a proud legacy of hospitals and schools that continue to serve the people of Korea today. We are thankful for the cloud of witness found in our history with our partners like the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea and for the passion of women like Florence Murray! Please join me in making Mission & Service giving a regular part of your life of faith. Loving God, we are called to be your colours in the world, to walk with each other, to share in love through our gifts for Mission & Service. Guide us to shine brightly in the world. Amen - 13 -
Sunday, December 4, 2016 Chilliwack United Church 45835 Spadina Ave., Chilliwack, BC V2P 1T4 Phone: 604-792-4634 Fax: 604-792-9667 Email: chwkuc@shaw.ca www.chilliwackunitedchurch.com - 14 -