This morning a Christian World Service Christmas Appeal
power point will run prior to the service.
CALL TO WORSHIP – From the back of the church
Advent begins, but… do angels still sing?
Do shepherds still journey? Do wise men watch stars?
After all this time could there still be songs left unsung ~
strength unspent ~ gifts to give.
Every year, every day the mystery still unfolds anew.
Still in the Word ~ Still in the Church ~ Still in this weary
world God whispers, See what my love can do?
See what my love can do.
HYMN: 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,
make the world glad;
now is good reason not to feel sad!
Hear John the Baptist
shout to prepare:
Good News is coming, earth be aware…
Mary and Joseph,
soon is the day:
ready the donkey, start on your way.
You are the chosen,
willing to trust,
joyful your burden, carrying Christ… © Shirley Murray (CoC)
ADVENT CANDLE-LIGHTING
One candle to honour the prophets, who believed in God during dark days, and looked forward with hope to the coming Messiah.
A candle to remind us of John the Baptist, who called people to change their way of living, to prepare for the coming of the Christ.
PRAYER
SUNG RESPONSE: (Tune: Silent Night WOV 236)
Candle light, sacred light, mystery flames, burning bright, we are waiting for Jesus’ new birth. Shine his hope over all of the earth. Thanks for the gift of hope, thanks for the gift of hope.
© 2006 Catherine MacDonald, Gathering
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
READINGS: Isaiah 2: 1-5
Mark 1: 1-7a
REFLECTION: The Advent of a New World
AN ADVENT CREED
I believe in the promise of Christmas, in the God
at the centre of Christmas, whose hope for the world was proclaimed by the prophets. I believe in Mary, who sang of turning the world upside down who allowed her life to be disrupted by God. I believe in Joseph, whose broken heart broke the rules to do the right thing. I believe in the smell of the stable – for there is no place
God will not go. I believe in the shepherds, those simple ones open to hear
the angels’ song. I believe in the Magi, the ones outside the faith, outside the community, who searched out the Holy.
I believe in Jesus, born in poverty, soon a refugee, raised in a faith, lived seeking justice, died speaking forgiveness, rose with a love that could not be stopped. I open myself to an Advent journey that will change my life;
a journey of joy and of challenge.
Inspired by “I believe in Jesus Christ” by Walter Russell Bowie
THE OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
COMMUNION HYMN: Lord Jesus Christ (WOV 451)
Lord Jesus Christ,
you have come to us,
you are one with us,
Mary’s son;
cleansing our souls from all their sin,
pouring your love and goodness in,
Jesus, our love for you we sing,
living Lord.
Lord Jesus Christ,
now and every day
teach us how to pray,
Son of God.
You have commanded us to do
this, in remembrance, Lord, of you:
into our lives your power breaks through
living Lord.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you have come to us,
born as one of us,
Mary’s son;
led out to die on Calvary,
risen from death to set us free,
living Lord Jesus, help us see
you are Lord.
Lord Jesus Christ,
I would come to you,
live my life for you,
Son of God.
All your commands I know are true,
your many gifts will make me new,
into my life your power breaks through,
living Lord. © Josef Weinberger Ltd, London (WOV)
A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Come with thanksgiving and hope …
of those who trust in Jesus Christ.
Gracious God, our hearts rejoice, for you have come to us
as you promised long ago, but not as your people predicted.
We thank you for entering our life completely.
We thank you for coming as a child, reminding us that each human life is precious, that we depend totally on your goodness, that we rely on each other to live and survive,
We thank you for choosing Bethlehem …
the place of travellers and seekers.
We thank you that the Advent and Christmas Seasons
give opportunity to prepare, and to retell the story,
time for worship and song, for giving and receiving,
for hope and renewal…
COMMUNION
PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION
HYMN: Tell Out My Soul
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings, give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his word;
in God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his Name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
His mercy sure, from age to age the same;
His holy Name – the Lord, the Mighty One.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
The hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
To children’s children and for evermore! © Hope Publishing (HFTC)
BLESSING
Hub Activities for the week 1st – 8th December
St James’ Presbyterian Church
Sun 1 Dec 7pm Ecumenical Advent Service at St Martins, Lincoln Rd.
Tues 3 Dec 9.30am Little Kidz Music in Hall Lounge
Fri 6 Dec 4.30pm Friday Kidz meet in Kidz Live room
Sun 8 Dec 10am 50th anniversary Celebration Communion & Lunch.
St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
NB: all events at Beckenham Methodist, Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise specified.
Sun 1 Dec 9.00am Advent Communion Service and Christmas Market Stall
Wed 4 Dec 9.30am Walking Group: Malvern Park & Meshino’s. Judith 332 1577
2.00pm Caring & Sharing Christmas Concert at St Anne’s
Thu 5 Dec 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. $3 per session. New faces always
welcome. Beverley 332 7786
Sun 8 Dec 9.00am Morning Worship and Congregational Meeting
Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mon 2 Dec 9.30am & 10.40am Tai Chi for seniors in lounge. Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Tues 3 Dec 10.00am Mainly Music. Eleanor 960 4824
Wed 4 Dec 9.30 am U3A in lounge. Pauline 332 0453
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thurs 5 Dec 9.30am & 10.40am Tai Chi for seniors in lounge. Brian 338 6228 7.00 pm Beading Guild. Gayle 322 6073
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fri 6 Dec 5.00 pm Messy Church. Contact Office 338 8901 for details.
7.00pm Lift Youth Group. Matt 027 3890000
Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Mon 2 Dec 9.30am Pre-School Music. Anna 331 6252
1.45pm Cashmere Garden Club
Thurs 5 Dec 10.30am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive
7.30pm Choir Practice
Sun 8 Dec 10.00am Family Christmas Service, followed by BBQ