Enter with anticipation Wait with sensitivity FIRST UNITED CHURCH 23 VAN HORNE AVE, DRYDEN, ON P8N 2A6 PH: 807-223-2119 Fax: 807-223-2119 Email: [email protected] Web Page: firstuniteddryden.webs Facebook Page: facebook/FirstUnitedChurchDryden. Minister: Rev. Hewitt T. Holmes Organist: Joan Hatch Secretary: Laurie Huffman Power Point Prompter: Sally Sipos Church Office Hours: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm ~ Monday thru Friday Mission Statement GATHER as Gods people, GROW in faith, love and service, and GO out and share the love of God. (Dated: February 2014) Theme for the Year: Behold, I make all things New. (Rev. 21: 5) Advent 2 Human Rights Sunday & Holy Communion December 7, 2014 at 10:00 am Worship with sincerity Depart to Serve *please stand, if you are able to do so. ORDER OF WORSHIP WE GATHER Prelude Christmas Carols *Entrance of the Word & Lighting of the Christ Candle Child -1- *Christ Candle Song: “Many are the Light-beams” (VU # 588; v. 1) *Centering Words L: You who proclaim God’s glory, remember the blessings of days gone by. P: Jesus is coming to show us God’s glory! L: Sisters who sing God’s glory, listen, for God is speaking to us today. Organ Introit: “Glory to God” (MV# 36) P: Jesus is coming to show us God’s glory! L: Brothers who shout God’s glory, rejoice in God’s patience as you await God’s holy day. P: Jesus is coming to show us God’s glory! We are the people who proclaim God’s glory. Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You” (VU# 232, v. 1) Lighting of the Advent Candle – Peace VOICE 1: Last Sunday we lit the first candle in our Advent Wreath, the candle of hope. We light it again as we remember that Christ will come again to fulfil all of Gods promises to us. (The candle of hope is lit) VOICE 2: The second candle of Advent is the Candle of Peace. It is sometimes called the Bethlehem Candle to remind us of the place in which preparations were made to receive and cradle the Christ child. VOICE 1: Peace is a gift that we must be prepared for. God gives us the gift of peace when we turn to God in faith. VOICE 2: The prophet Isaiah calls Christ the Prince of Peace. Through John the Baptist and all the other prophets, God asks us to prepare our hearts so that Christ may come in. -2- VOICE 1: Our hope is in God, and in God’s son Jesus Christ. Our peace is found in Christ. We light this candle today to remind us that Christ brings peace to all who trust in Jesus. The Candle of Peace is lit while the congregation sings, “A Candle is Burning” (VU#6, v. 2) VOICE 2: Let us pray. Loving God, thank you for the peace you give us through Jesus. Help us prepare our hearts to receive Him. Bless our worship. Guide us in all that we say and do. We ask it in the name of the one born in Bethlehem. Amen. Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You” (VU# 232, vv. 2-4) Behold, you desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. Psalm 51:6 First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 Joanne Bunney The Choir Ministry This Week at First United Church, Dryden Welcome (Birthday, Anniversaries, Celebrations) Passing of the Peace of Christ - Leader *The Congregation shares the right hand or appropriate signs of fellowship WE GROW Prayer of Confession (Isaiah 40; Psalm 85; 2 Peter 3) - Together God of endless mercy, hear our prayer: You have comforted us, -3- you have cared for us tenderly, and you have restored our losses. Yet we wither like grass when winter winds blow upon it. We fade like cut flowers in a vase, beautiful but for a few short days. You speak peace to us and call us to be faithful, yet we turn away from you, choosing folly, strife, and passing pleasures. You are patient with us, yet we accuse you of apathy and neglect. Forgive us, we pray. Make us mindful of our salvation through Jesus Christ, who was, and is, and is to be— the one who is eternally transforming us through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen. Kingdom Kids Leader Children leave from Kingdom Kids time But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3: 17(NKJV) Second Reading: Mark 1: 1 - 8 Sharon McKee Congregation Sings: Write these Words in our hearts, we beseech You, O God. Instrumental Sermon: “The Messenger” Hewitt T. Holmes, Rev. THE RESPONSE Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight a highway for our God. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together. The word of our God shall stand forever. -4- Invitation to the Tithes & Offering - Together Let us offer our gratitude for God’s countless blessings: past, present, and future in God’s eternal kingdom. Tithes & Offering Ushers Offering Instrumental - “On Jordan’s Bank” (VU# 20) Offering Prayer - Together Lord God, you have shown us your glory: in your holy word, in the blessings of our daily lives, and in the promise of your eternal kingdom. You share your glory with us, giving us the power to live in holiness and godliness. Your loving patience gives us hope as we await the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. In gratitude and thanks, we offer you our hearts, our lives, and all that we have. Use these gifts, we pray, to prepare your way of salvation and to establish your realm of peace. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Song: “Come, Touch Our Hearts” (MV# 12, vv. 4) Prayer of Intercession Leader The Sacrament of Holy Communion Instrumental Song: “Bread of Life” (MV# 194, v. 1) The Invitation L: This is the table, not of the Church, but of the Lord. It is to be made ready for those who love Christ, and who want to love Christ more. -5- So come, you who have much faith and you who have little, you who have been here often and you who have not been for a long time, you who have tried to follow and you who have failed. Come, not because it is I who invite you: it is our Lord. It is his will that those who want him should meet him here. The Story P: Now let us hear the story of how this Sacrament began. L: On the night, on which Jesus was betrayed, he sat at supper with his disciples. While they were eating, he took a piece of bread, said a blessing, broke it and gave it to them with the words, ‘This is my body. It is broken for you. Do this to remember me.’ After the supper he took the Cup gave it to them and told them to drink all of it. P: So now, following Jesus’ example and command, We take this bread and this wine, The ordinary things of the world which Christ will make special. And as he said a prayer before sharing, Let us do so too. Prayer L: Gratitude, praise, hearts lifted high, voices full and joyful…these you deserve. P: For when we were nothing, you made us something When we had no name, no faith and no future, you called us your children. When we lost our way or turned away, you did not abandon us. When we came back to you, your arms opened wide in welcome. -6- L: And look, you prepare a table for us offering not just bread, not just wine, but your very self so that we may be filled, forgiven, healed, blessed and made new again. P: You are worth all our pain and all our praise. So now, in gratitude, We join our voices to those of the Church on earth and in heaven. Organ Sanctus: “Holy, Holy, Holy” (VU, pg. 941) The Breaking of the Bread & The Filling of the Cup The Prayer of Jesus (Tune – Kumbayah) Father (Parent) God in heaven, Lord most high Hear your children’s prayer, Lord most high, Hallowed be your name, Lord most high, O Lord, hear our prayer. May your kingdom come, here on earth, May your will be done, here on earth, As it is in heaven, so on earth, O Lord, hear our prayer. Give us daily bread, day by day, And forgive our sins, day by day As we too forgive, day by day O Lord, hear our prayer. Lead us in your way, make us strong. When temptations come, make us strong, Save us all from sin, keep us strong, O Lord, hear our prayer. Agnus Dei Together Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world, Have mercy upon us. -7- Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world, Have mercy upon us. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world, Grant us Your peace. Sharing of the Cup and Bread (Elements): (The Congregation will be served in the pews. The server will pass the elements to the person at the end who intern will serve the next person with these words – (The Bread) The body broken for YOU and (The Wine) The blood shed for YOU. The elements will be consumed immediately after you are served) Communion Hymns: “Bread of Life” (MV# 194, vv. 3 & 5); “All Earth is Waiting” (VU# 5, vv.1-2) “Let us Build a House” (MV# 1 vv. 3 and 5). Post Communion Prayer L: Lord Jesus Christ, You have put your life into our hands; Now we put our lives into yours. P: Take us, renew and remake us. What we have been is past; What we shall be, through you, Still awaits us. L: Lead us on. P: Take us with you. Amen. This Week at First United Church, Dryden News WE GO FORTH *Hymn: “I’ve Got Peace” (VU# 577) -8- *Commissioning (Together) In the power of the Holy Spirit we now go forth into the world, to fulfil our calling as the people of God, the body of Christ. *Benediction *Amen (MV# 974) *Recessional Response: “Gloria” (VU# 37) Postlude “Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” - Ronald Reagan Ushers Ray Neilson, Randi Neilson, Clara Johnson, Martin Johnson Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! The Minister & Board of Management are glad to have you in Worship today. We hope God will inspire and challenge us through this encounter for our daily living. If you are worshipping with us for the first time or have not been with us for some time please receive our warm welcome. First timers are asked to sign our guest book at the entrance of the Sanctuary. NOTICES 1. Thank you to all who make worship happen in First United Church, Dryden. The worship committee, the greeters, the Ushers, Musicians, Choir, the Power Point Prompter and the worshippers. Your presence makes a difference! 2. Fellowship Time – Each Sunday following the service everyone is welcome to the Fellowship Hall downstairs to enjoy good company, coffee and dainties.*Please sign up to assist. 3. Do you like to be greeted at the door? We are in need of volunteers and therefore ask you to sign up as soon as possible. (ASAP) We look forward to having you on board. Thank you. 4. Shop and Support Cards – All persons are encouraged to purchase cards that can be used for shopping. For every card sold the church receives 3 – 5%. Cards are available from Martin Johnson or Marg Wallis or in the office (during office hours). (Please put on your cheques.)– FIRST UNITED CHURCH SHOP & SUPPORT. 5. Facebook & Website – Please like our page and visit our website. -9- 6. Important - It is that time of year again when we are wearing jackets to church. You are reminded to not leave any valuables in your pockets when you hang up your outerwear. 7. Advent and Christmas Worship Services: Advent 2 December 7 @ 10:00 am The Messenger Advent 3 December 14 @ 10:00 am Marys Song Longest Night December 17 @ 7:00 pm Blue Christmas Advent 4 December 21 @ 10:00 am The Angel Christmas Eve December 24 @ 7:30 pm The Messiah Christmas 1 December 28 @ 10:00 am Rejoicing in the Birth Come Join the Celebration! 8. Christmas Gift Three years ago we experienced an extensive building expense of about $45,000, of which $20,000 was borrowed from Presbytery, to be repaid at $5,000 plus interest each year. We thank you for your generous donations and fund raising support which allowed us to completely pay off this only outstanding loan at the end of 2013. Due to the extended winter and increased natural gas and hydro rates early this year, utility costs for 2014 are forecast to come in $2,000 higher than our budget. As we approach year end we ask you once again to consider a Christmas gift to your church through your offerings, or making a one-time donation marked “Operating Utilities Fund” to help cover this expense. Your support is greatly appreciated. In Christ, Trustees - Garry, Jim, Sharon, Roy, Hewitt 9. 2015 will provide a good opportunity to serve the Church on one of the following committees, groups, and board. Memorial 1 person needed Trustee 1 person needed Pastoral Care 1 person needed Board 3 persons needed UCW Executive 4 persons needed Feel free to talk with Betty Lyle if you are interested. -10- 10. Plans are on their way for the 2015 Budget. Let us continue to pray and support the work of the church. 11. Kingdom Kids Christmas Pageant will be on December 14 at 6:30pm. There will be a Free Will offering, Non-perishable food donation with proceeds to Christmas Cheer. 12. The Sunday school (Kingdom kids) will have a photo booth set up for a few Sundays. We will be taking pictures and printing Christmas cards. An example will be posted in the foyer shortly. 13. The Board Meeting is Tuesday, December 9, 2014 in the Board Room at 7pm. 14. Notice - Congregational Meeting - Dec. 14, 2014 immediately after Church to discuss and approve 2015 Budget. This will take place over tea and dainties. 15. The Worship Committee would like the Congregation to know that they will not be collecting donations for Poinsettias this Christmas. Instead they will be collecting in Memorium donations before Easter 2015. 16. The Vine is available outside the Sanctuary. Please dont forget to pick up your copy. -11- MISSION MOMENT Peace-Building in Colombia Susan Ferguson is overseas personnel serving with the Program of Ecumenical Accompaniment in Colombia. She writes: Columbians take intense pride in tradition and a rich array of cultures. Colombia is also a place of violence stemming from long-standing conflicts between the state and guerrilla groups and from a thriving drug trade. There are wide divisions between the very wealthy and the very poor. Widespread hunger and poverty are simple facts of life for many. There is lack of trust in those in authority. And the people are weary. Every day people are forced out of the countryside by paramilitary attacks and the takeover of land by large corporations, including traditional land belonging to Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. Every day, displaced people arrive in cities without work, housing, community support, or traditional ways of growing and using food. Three Mission and Service partners in Colombia work for peace with justice. The Colombian Methodist Church carries out social ministries among displace people and in Afro-Columbian and Indigenous communities. The Centre for Popular Communication trains children, youth, women, and young journalists in new ways of collaboration, creating a culture of peace. The Justice and Life Project, headed by human rights defender Lilia Solano, is directly involved in political processes that draw government, guerrillas, and civil society organizations into peace talks. Your gifts for Mission and Service are working for peace in Colombia. Please give generously. Bringing God into the World Moderator’s Advent Message 2014 In the Protestant tradition, Mary has often been downplayed, but still she calls on our imaginations, especially in the Christmas season, when we remember a young girl, startled by the visit of the angel with the message about pregnancy; the moment when Mary says yes to God; the wild rejoicing of the Magnificat; the long journey to Bethlehem; no room at the inn; giving birth in the stable; visits by shepherds and wise men; and the final image of Mary pondering all these things in her heart. Mary, there she is, in stained glass glory and here, more humbly, carved in -12- olivewood from Palestine, here in the stable watching over her newborn baby. Now, the Greek Orthodox have a special term for Mary: Theotokos. Theo, of course, meaning God, and tokos, meaning, well, giving birth, or bringing forth, bearing, carrying, as if Mary were the one who, through her flesh, brings forth God into the world. There is an ancient hymn of praise for Mary that claims that she offered space for the uncontained God. I wonder if Mary is the invitation for each one of us to bring forth new life, to be open to the Spirit, to become pregnant well, with God, ourselves. I recall the words of a German mystic from the 14th century, Meister Eckhart, who said, “Of what use is it if Mary gave birth to the Son of God fourteen hundred years ago if I am not also giving birth to God in my time, in my place. We are all Mothers of God, for God is always needing to be born.” Now, that’s a thought worth pondering. I mean, what would it mean to give birth to God? Maybe that’s the deep meaning of incarnation—not only God in Jesus, but the uncontained Holy One asking for space in the lives of each one of us. The moment when God is waiting for our yes to the movement of the Holy Spirit so that it might find root room in our heart, so that we might become pregnant with hope and faith; where we might be ready for the long, slow, steady growth of possibility in the womb; ready for hard labour and bringing forth, giving birth to compassion and love, to peace and justice; where our hands and feet, our hearts and minds will become channels of God’s love in the world. Though, that may come in unexpected ways, like a Saviour who arrives as a little baby in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Let me finish with just a few words from another German mystic, Angelus Silesius, who says, “If in our hearts we make a manger for his birth, then God will once again become a child on earth”. That’s worth repeating. If in our hearts we make a manger for His birth, then once again God will become a child on earth. So, this Christmas, think about what it might mean for you to become pregnant with hope and love, and maybe give birth so that you, and all of the world, will know the deep meaning of Merry Christmas. Gary Paterson -13- Readings for the Week “Physical exercise is of limited value, but Godliness is very dear, a pledge of life, both there and here.” (1 Tim. 4:8) December 7 - 13, 2014 Sunday Daniel 5 - 7; 2 John Monday Daniel 8 - 10; 3 John Tuesday Daniel 11 - 12; Jude Wednesday Hosea 1 - 4; Revelation 1 Thursday Hosea 5 - 8; Revelation 2 Friday Hosea 9 - 11; Revelation 3 Saturday Hosea 12 - 14; Revelation 4 SERMON NOTES Scripture: …………………………………………………………………………………………. Sermon Title: ………………..……………………….............................................................. Supporting Scriptures: ………………………………………………………………………….. Main Sermon Points: 1. …………………………………………………………………………………………… 2. ………………………………………..………………………………………………….. 3. ………………………………………………………………………………….. What is God specifically saying to me in this sermon? ……………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………….…………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………….…………………………………………………………… What action needs to be taken in my life? ………………………………………….…………………………………………………………… ………………………………………….……………………...................................................... ……………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………….……………………………………………………………
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 04:56:11 +0000