We welcome everyone to our In-Person and Virtual Worship Service, the Advent Service of LOVE with Communion.
If you know anyone who wants to register for the virtual services, they can signup at https://portwallisunitedchurch.ca/virtual as everyone logging in needs their own registration. ALL are welcome!
Masks/vaccinations are highly encouraged for in-person services
Service Documents to view/print at home.
View the entire list of Advent Services here.
Bulletin | Announcements | Communion Liturgy
Advent 4 18 December 2022
Port Wallis United Church
is an open Congregation that affirms you as a child of God,
made in God’s Image, and loved by God.
WELCOME / BIENVENUE / FAILTE / PJILA’DIK
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LAND
HYMN (tune – St. Thomas at 715 in Voices United)
The Advent of our God, with eager prayers we greet,
and singing haste upon the road Christ’s coming reign to greet.
The Day of God draws near, O Saints in glory sing
Arise and greet the Son of God to Christ your praises bring.
LIGHTING OF THE TABLE CANDLES
God of Radiant Light, may these candles remind us of your Light
shining in the darkness, leading us to Christ,
the Light of the World, in whose Name we gather, Amen.
GATHERING MUSIC (# 37 in Voices United)
Gloria! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria! Gloria! Alleluia! Alleluia!
LIGHTING OF THE FOURTH ADVENT CANDLE – LOVE
We re-light the first Candle of Advent – the Candle of HOPE, reminding us of the hope-filled vision God has given us of a future planned out by God.
A vison that we perceive but is not here yet.
We re-light the second Candle of Advent – the Candle of PEACE. Everytime we see a candle in any window, we are reminded of God’s Peaceful Presence and we pause to be in God.
We pause in a peace that the world cannot give.
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We re-light the third candle of Advent – the candle of JOY.
And we remember that the child of God within us laughs, and dances and springs to life with the joy of our salvation.
Now we gather to light the Candle of LOVE for love is the greatest commandment of all.
To love God, to love our neighbour, and to love each other – this is the commandment of Christ.
Christ calls us to be a distinct society in this world. Presenting and living out a different path – becoming the WAY to a new heaven and a new earth.
And so we will love with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our minds.
We have received love incarnated in Jesus Christ,
now we incarnate love as the living Body of Christ,
and we become love incarnated for all of God’s Children.
We light this Candle – the Candle of Love – reminding us that God loved us before we loved God.
May the love of God, that passes all human understanding,
keep us in the knowledge of love that will not let us go.
Amen.
INTROIT (tune # 7 In Voices United)
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child, there’s hope in our song,
the last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid!
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth
giving a promise of safety ad worth.
When God is a child, there’s peace in our song,
the last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid!
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn
telling the world that the Saviour is born!
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!
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Love is a flame that burns in our heart,
Jesus has come and will never depart!
When God is a child, there’s Love in our song,
the last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid!
PRAYER OF APPROACH
God of the unfolding drama of deliverance, we gather in hope, seek peace, laugh with joy, and come in love to be with You. Open our eyes to the fact that You are born in our midst through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
First Testament: Isaiah 7: 10 – 16
Responsive Lesson: Psalm 80: 1 – 3
Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel,
O come, O come Emmanuel!
Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel!
You who sits on the Throne!
surrounded by the Cherubim,
and the praises of the Seraphim,
listen to our prayer.
Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel,
O come, O come Emmanuel!
Arise with might, arise with power
– come and save us, your people.
Let your glory break forth again
– and say to your people – fear not!
Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel,
O come, O come Emmanuel!
Redeem your people, O God; let us behold your face,
your shining face, your radiant face, your smiling face,
Let us behold You face to face –
that we may be saved and know you are with us.
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Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel,
O come, O come Emmanuel!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end, Amen.
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 1: 18-25
LEARNING TIME and PRAYER
In peace, dear God, I come to You through Jesus Christ who makes me new
And while I run or play or rest, be with those whom I love best,
Guide me in your Holy Way, as You walk with me each day, Amen.
HYMN # 134 (MV) THERE WAS A CHILD IN GALILEE
REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
HYMN # 71 (VU) ‘TWAS IN THE MOON OF WINTERTIME
Our offerings will be received as we sing this hymn
SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION (as per insert)
HYMN # 36 (VU) ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY
COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTION
EXTINGUISHING OF THE TABLE CANDLES
Mention someone’s name and hold them in your heart.
CHORAL PARTING PRAYER (MV # 214)
May God’s sheltering wings, Her gathering wings protect you,
May God’s nurturing arms, His cradling arms, sustain you,
And hold you in Their love! And hold you in God’s love.
May God’s Sheltering Wings. Words and Music: Judith Snowdon Words and music copyright © Judith Snowdon 2004 All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission under License # A-734202. All rights reserved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE CHURCH COMMUNITY
MUSICAL POSTLUDE
Worship continues this evening with Celtic Christmas.