3rd Sunday of Advent
White Gift Sunday**
Worship Leader: Rev. Jeannine Cline, B.A., M.Div.
Let us worship together as we read! You can follow along with the service which will be livestreamed on Facebook at 10AM Sunday morning. https://www.facebook.com/kerrobertunited
For those who are not on Facebook, we will be posting the video onto our YouTube channel early in the week.
MUSICAL PRELUDE
MINUTE FOR MISSION
MEDITATION
CALL TO WORSHIP: (based on Psalm 126)
We are a people who dream, who long for joy. We are thankful for the gracious gifts of God. We know that God does great things in our midst. We are thankful for the gracious gifts of God. God has given us neighbours, near and far, to love. We are thankful for the gracious gifts of God. As we gather and grow, give and receive… We give in thanks for God’s unfailing love. Amen**
ADVENT READING & CANDLE LIGHTING: Joy
ADVENT HYMN:
Voices United #7 “Hope is a Star” verses 1, 2 & 3
AN ADVENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION & HEALING:
Even as we have lived with isolation and fear this year,
we have also made space for hope in our lives.
With broken hearts, faltering steps, and a desire for healing with those who have been silenced, diminished, and objectified,
we seek peace with each and all,
and commit to justice with our lives.
As we greet strangers, neighbours and friends,
we make a place for joy in the chaos of our concern.
Awaiting a future announced and promised by the Living God,
we make room for love in our habits, hearts, and homes.
Holy One, you make the crooked ways straight and mend the broken soul. You assure the lost and lonely of your love; you bring joy to the suffering.
On this day, as we offer simple gifts in the face of profound need, remind us how your grace grows in our giving and receiving. Inspire the rebirth of love―in our world and in our lives―as we dedicate ourselves to your justice and mercy. Amen. **
PASSING THE PEACE:
(We’re passing the peace today to reinforce the practice of greeting “strangers, neighbours, & friends,” in the presence of community. The Peace is being offered by folding our arms over our chest to indicate a hug, by folding hands in prayer to indicate a blessing to another, or by bowing in mutual respect.)
The peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
HYMN:
Voices United #62 “Once in Royal David’s City”
MEANING OF WHITE GIFT
INVITATION TO OFFERING:
Let us give as we have received.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
All things come from you, Creating God, & with joy we offer our gifts in return. Bless us, & what we do here, that we & all your people might experience the renewal of life you reveal in Christ Jesus.
Open our hearts & minds to receive your continual gift of transformation this day, and always. Amen.**
SCRIPTURES:
Isaiah 6:1–9 The spirit of the Lord is upon me.
John 1: 6-8, 19-28 John testified to the light.
Luke 1:47-55 Song of Mary (Magnificat) VU 898
MESSAGE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER:
God of Hope, you hear our silent prayers and urgent cries. Hear us now as we pray for your world and its people.
God of Hope, hear our prayer.
God of Peace, on this day we pray for the people of Bethlehem, of Israel and Palestine;
for (other places suffering conflict); for refugees who have nowhere to lay their heads;
and for those who feel alone, lost, tired and frightened.
We pray for those who suffer at the hands of systemic racism, bigotry and misogyny.
Restore us in right relationship, we who are created in your image, which is plural and good.
We pray for those who live your peace with justice and who, by example and at risk to themselves,
shine a light on the chasms that divide us. Grant your people strength and patience as, together, we seek your promise of life renewed. God of the morning star, guide us in the ways of mercy and justice.
God of Peace, hear our prayer.
God of Joy, on this day we pray for those who will spend this day alone; for those whose tables will have an empty place this year; for those in care home and hospital; and for our loved ones who live now in your eternal joy. We pray also for those working in hospitals & research facilities who, daily, work to keep us safe in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Grant your people courage and wisdom, as we seek your promise of wholeness.
God of heaven and earth, of anticipation and promise, be with us and heal us.
God of Joy, hear our prayer.
God of Love, open our hearts, that we might receive you and hear your voice. Open us to the possibility of true change, in us and in others. Remind us of your promise, made again to every generation, of your enduring love.
May things on earth be as they are in heaven.
God of Love, hear our prayer.**
As children turn to a mother who watches over them, Let us turn to God saying,
Our Father who art in heaven…. Amen.
HYMN
Voices United #36 “Angels from the Realms of Glory”
BENEDICTION:
God’s Joy is surprising, arriving as a messenger.
God’s Joy is deep and abiding, gathering us across divides.
Let us seek God’s Joy in all whom we meet.
May God who is Giver, Gift, and Grace-Among-Us,
be with you today and always. Amen.**
**www.united-church.ca/worship-theme/advent-unwrapped
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