Sunday, November 30, 2014 - First Sunday of Advent (Year B)

News and Announcements:

 

Coming Together:

 

We come together today to celebrate changes.

A change of in the weather, a change of seasons.

From fall to winter, from Advent to Christmas.

In the middle of the busyness of this Christmas

season- the planning, the shopping, the baking, the visiting-

help us remember to stop and listen, look and see and find

our faith in the old story of new parents, a little baby,

and a long journey.

Journey with us, Lord, through this season. Amen

 

Written by Cheryl McMurray, New Hope UC, Port Hope, ON.

Gathering, Advent/Christmas, Epiphany 2014-2015, page 27.Used with permission.

 

Lighting of Advent Candle: #7VU

Hope is a star that shines in the night,

leading us on till the morning is bright.

When God is a child there's joy in our song.

The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,

and none shall be afraid.

 

Prayer:

Let us pray...

God of Hope, light our path with the belief that you are with us.  We move toward Bethlehem with the deep desire to know you.  Amen.

 

Singing:  “A Candle is Burning” VU#6

 

Sharing the Peace of Christ:

In a spirit of community and thanksgiving, reach out to those around you and

share with each other the Peace of Christ, perhaps with the words

 "Peace be with you!, responding "And also with you!"

 

Junior Choir:    (tba)

 

Singing:  “Jesus Came Bringing Us Hope” MV#33

(all four verses, repeating verse one at the end)

 

Storytelling: “Hope Is An Open Heart”

 

 

 

 

Music for Movement:  #10VU

(Sunday School participants leave for their learning circle)

Prepare the way of the Lord!

Prepare the way of the Lord!

Make a straight path for him,

make a straight path;

prepare the way of the Lord!

 

Readings from Scripture:

1 Corinthians 1: 3-9

Mark 13:24-37

 

In ages past, disciples, prophets, priests and historians wrote down their faith.  This is a faithful witness of our ancestors.  Word of God for us today.

Thanks be to God.

 

Message: “The Gift of Hope”

 

Singing: “All earth is waiting” VU#5

 

Giving Our Offerings:

Senior Choir:  “One Candle”

Offering Song (#20VU-v5) and Prayer:

All praise to you, eternal Son,

whose advent has our freedom won;

and praise to God whom we adore,

with Holy Spirit evermore.

 

Let us pray...

Gracious God, we share from what we have as an offering of Hope.  We bring tributes of time, of prayer and money.  May they bind to bring the wonder of the Christ-Child into the world again.  Amen.

 

Prayers of the People and Our Lord’s Prayer (spoken - #921VU):

 

Singing: “Lo, he comes with clouds descending” VU#25

 

Sending Out

Sung Response:  #967VU

“Amen.  Amen.  A--men!”