This morning we especially welcome Christine and Andrew Cox,
Clare and Paul Dolheguy, Brenda Lorimer and Lecia McCallum,
members of the Richmond Handbell Choir.
GATHERING: From the rear of the church
In the wild beauty of the wilderness, in the rush hour wildness of the city streets; in the fierce coldness of wind-swept mornings
in the heavy heat of summer afternoons:
We are called to be people of promise.
When our way seems clear and the steps even, when our path
is winding and each step an effort; when all crowd around
to hear your Word, when no one notices that you walk among us:
We are called to be people of promise.
Gracious God, help us to prepare the way
for Jesus’ Good News to be found in us.
Make us an Advent people of hope and anticipation,
of peace and forgiveness,
answering the challenge of the Spirit. Amen
ADVENT CAROL: Look Toward Christmas
Look toward Christmas!
Advent is here:
welcome December,
changing the year.
Whistle up, shepherds!
Saddle up, kings!
Chorus up, angels,
flexing your wings.
Sing, sing alleluia!
Sing, sing alleluia!
Sing, sing out the story,
sing about hope and peace.
Set the world singing, Mary and Joseph,
make the world glad; soon is the day:
now is good reason ready the donkey,
not to feel sad! start on your way.
Hear John the Baptist You are the chosen,
shout to prepare: willing to trust,
Good News is coming, joyful your burden,
earth be aware. carrying Christ.
Sing, sing alleluia … Sing, sing alleluia …
? Shirley Murray (CoC)
WELCOME AND NOTICES
ADVENT CANDLE – LIGHTING
SUNG RESPONSE: A Candle is Burning (Tune: Away in a Manger)
A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright,
a candle of hope in December’s dark night.
While angels sing blessings from heaven’s starry sky,
our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh.
A candle is burning, a candle of peace,
a candle to signal that conflict must cease:
for Jesus is coming to show us the way;
a message of peace humbly laid in the hay. © Sandra Dean (VU)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
INTRODUCTION BY THE RICHMOND HANDBELL CHOIR.
ITEM BY THE BELL-RINGERS
BELLS, OUR ADVENT THEME
CAROL: O Christmas Bells, O Christmas Bells (Tune: Tannenbaum)
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
we hear your tones a-ringing. (repeat first 2 lines)
They tell us of God’s gift for all
a baby in a manger stall;
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
we hear your tones a-ringing.
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
your music lightens heavy hearts. (repeat first 2 lines)
It calls us forth to show God’s love
that came to earth from heaven above.
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
your music lightens heavy hearts.
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
you’ll ring our through this land of ours. (repeat first 2 lines)
We’ll follow Jesus in God’s way
and share his gifts of grace each day.
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
you’ll ring out through this land of ours.
READINGS: Isaiah 11:1-4, 6, 9 God’s Chosen One Catherine Fitchett
Luke 1: 68-79 The Song of Zechariah Marilyn Tait
(father of John the Baptist)
REFLECTION
THE OFFERING
CAROL: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas day
their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on earth, good will to all.
And thought how, as the day had come,
the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along the unbroken song
of peace on earth, good will to all.
Till ringing, singing on its way
the world revolved from night to day,
a voice, a chime, a chant sublime
of peace on earth, good will to all.
And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
of peace on earth, good will to all.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
the wrong shall fail, the right prevail
with peace on earth, good will to all.”
WE GREET ONE ANOTHER
ITEM BY THE BELL-RINGERS
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
CAROL: 224 Joy to the World
THE BLESSING
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 30th November ~ Sydenham rejuvenation: Meet 9.30am cnr Elgin & Colombo Streets. Coffee at Just Desserts. June 332 8874.
CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in!
CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. All are welcome. For details, please contact Beverley 942 7821.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Thursday 15th December – please book through the Parish Office 332 6192.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS for Waltham Community Cottage: Gifts for men, women, teenagers, boys and girls are required and can be brought to Church and placed under the Tree today, and next Sunday. Thank you for your support.
READERS are required for the Carol Service & Blue Christmas Service. Please sign the list in the foyer if you are available.
Extra copies of the December & January Services brochure are available in the foyer for you to give away to friends and neighbours.
UPDATED PARISH PHONE LISTS are now available. Please contact the Office if you would like a copy.
BIRTHDAYS this week: Tue 6th Catherine; Wed 7th Florence; Thu 8th Eleanor.