The Palm Sunday gospel: Mark 11: 1-11

The Palm Sunday gospel: Mark 11: 1-11

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes 

in the name of the Lord! 

Blessed is the coming kingdom 

of our father David! 

Hosanna in the highest!”

Silence

Opening Prayer (Together)

Beginner of all Journeys, begin in us again:

take these tired bones and rouse them 

to dance your joy from sun-break to sundown.

Help us, O Blessed End,

to shake off our weariness 

that we may know New Life in you 

and offer it to one another.  Amen.

The Lord's prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it \is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: Hosanna, loud hosanna

VU 123

1

Hosanna, loud hosanna

the happy children sang;

through pillared court and temple 

the joyful anthem rang;

to Jesus, who had blessed them

close folded to his breast,

the children sang their praises,

the simplest and the best.

2

From Olivet they followed

'mid an exultant crowd,

the victory palm branch waving,

and singing clear and loud;

the Lord of earth and heaven

rode on in lowly state,

content that little children

should on his bidding wait.

3

'Hosanna in the highest!'

That ancient song we sing,

for Christ is our Redeemer;

earth, let your anthems ring.

O may we ever praise him

with heart and life and voice,

and in his humble presence 

eternally rejoice!

Greeting Christ in all of us - passing the peace

Welcome and land acknowledgements

Birthdays, anniversaries, concerns & celebrations

Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Anniversary to you!

May God bless you & keep you the coming year through

The ministry of music

Hymn: Jesus you have come to the lakeshore

 VU 563

1

Jesus, you have come to the lakeshore

looking neither for wealthy nor wise ones;

you only asked me to follow humbly.

Refrain:

O Jesus, with your eyes you have searched me,

and while smiling, have spoken my name;

now my boat's left on the shoreline behind me;

by your side I will seek other seas.

2

You know so well my possessions;

my boat carries no gold and no weapons;

- you will find there my nets and labour. 

3

You need my hands, full of caring

through my labours to give others rest,

and constant love that keeps on loving. 

4

You, who have fished other oceans,

ever longed for by souls who are waiting,

my loving friend, as thus you call me. 

A time for all God's children

Offering and annoucements

The Offering  “We Give Thee But Thine Own”

VU 543

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gifts may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee. 

Prayer of thanksgiving

Announcements

Pastoral prayer

Today's scripture: Luke 5: 1-11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

May God Bless to us this reading of Holy Scripture

Amen

Sermon: Moratoriums and manure

Hymn: God on the mountain

by Linda Randle

1.

Life is easy when you’re up on the mountain

And you’ve got peace of mind 

like you’ve never known

But then things change and 

you’re down in the valley

Don’t lose faith for you’re never alone

For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley

When things go wrong, He’ll make them right

And the God of the good times 

is still God in the bad times

The God of the day is still God in the night

2.

You talk of faith when 

you’re up on the mountain

But talk comes easy 

when life’s at its best

But it’s down in the valley 

of trials and temptation

That’s when faith is really put to the test

Call to worship

Based upon A Song of Faith:  

A Statement of Faith of The United Church of Canada, 2006

God is Holy Mystery,

beyond complete knowledge above perfect description. 

Yet, in love, the one eternal God seeks relationship. 

So God creates the universe and with it the possibility of being and relating. 

God tends the universe,

mending the broken and reconciling the estranged. 

God enlivens the universe, 

guiding all things toward harmony with their Source. 

Grateful for God’s loving action,

We cannot keep from singing.

We sing of God the Spirit, faithful and untameable,

who is creatively and redemptively active in the world. 

The Spirit challenges us to celebrate the holy

not only in what is familiar,

but also in that which seems foreign. 

We sing of the Spirit, who speaks our prayers of deepest longing

and enfolds our concerns and confessions,

transforming us and the world. 

We offer worship as an outpouring of gratitude 

and awe and a practice of opening ourselves

to God’s still, small voice of comfort,

to God’s rushing whirlwind of challenge. 

Through word, music, art, and sacrament, in community and in solitude,

God changes our lives, our relationships, and our world. 

We sing Hallelujah. How can we keep from Singing? 

How Can we Keep from Singing?

Hymn: My life flows on in endless song

VU 716

1

My life flows on in endless song,

above earth's lamentation.

I hear the sweet, though far off hymn

that hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife,

I hear the music ringing:

It finds an echo in my soul -

how can I keep from singing?

2

What though my joys and comforts die?

My Saviour still is living.

What though the shadows gather 'round?

A new song Christ is giving.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,

while to that Rock I'm clinging:

since Love commands both heaven and earth,

how can I keep from singing?

3

When tyrants tremble, sick with fear,

and hear their death knells ringing:

when friends rejoice both far and near,

how can I keep from singing?

In prison cell and dungeon vile

our thoughts to them are winging:

when friends by shame are undefiled,

how can I keep from singing?

4

I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;

I see the blue above it;

and day by day this pathway smooths,

since first I learned to love it.

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,

a fountain ever springing:

all things are mine since I am Christ's -

how can I keep from singing?

Welcome and land acknowledgement

Birthdays, anniversaries, concerns & celebrations

Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Anniversary to you!

May God bless you & keep you the coming year through

Opening prayer and confession

Holy One: Creator, Loving Son, Guiding Spirit,…

(The minister continues with prayer)

In a time of silence, let us collect our thoughts, our prayers

and prepare ourselves to lay bare our hearts to God

Silence

Jesus, our friend and Saviour, As we ponder your sacrifice, we recognize the self-centred ways in which we lead our lives. You entrust us with the task of sharing your love in this world, yet we often we fall short. We get lost in our own plans and worries and neglect to show love, even to those right beside us. We find some people too difficult to care for. We think some people unworthy of your love and ours. Our own needs seem insurmountable and we cannot reach out to someone else. Forgive us, Lord Jesus. Renew a right spirit within us, so that we find the courage to go on and the compassion to reach out in your name. Amen.

Assurance of pardon and The Lord's prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Greeting Christ in All of Us - Passing the Peace

The ministry of music

Children's hymn: Jesus saw them fishing

MV 113

1.

Jesus saw them fishing by the shore of Galilee,

casting out their nets into the sea.

Simon Peter, Andrew and the sons of Zebedee,

waiting in their boats so patiently.

Refrain:

And Jesus said, “Oh, come and follow me.

Oh, leave behind your nets, I call you.

Oh, come and fish with me,

and your life will never be the same again.”

2.

A rich young person came to Jesus looking for advice.

“How can I obtain eternal life?”

Jesus told him, “Honour the commandments of the Lord

Then sell off all your riches for the poor.”

3.

“If you want to follow me, deny your very self.

Take up your cross and walk the walk with me.

This might seem a hardship, an impossibility,

but nothing is impossible with God.”

A time for all God's children

The offering

The Offering  “We Give Thee But Thine Own”

VU 543

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gifts may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Announcements

Pastoral Prayer

Today's scripture: Luke 5: 1-11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

May God Bless to us this reading of Holy Scripture

Amen

Hymn: Come and find the quite centre

1

Come and find the quiet centre

in the crowded life we lead,

find the room for hope to enter,

find the frame where we are freed:

clear the chaos and the clutter,

clear our eyes, that we can see 

all the things that really matter,

be at peace, and simply be.

2

Silence is a friend who claims us,

cools the heat and slows the pace,

God it is who speaks and names us,

knows our being, face to face,

making space within our thinking,

lifting shades to show the sun,

raising courage when we're shrinking,

finding scope for faith begun.

3

In the Spirit let us travel,

open to each other's pain,

let our loves and fears unravel,

celebrate the space we gain:

there's a place for deepest dreaming,

there's a time for heart to care,

in the Spirit's lively scheming

there is always room to spare!

Sermon: Moratoriums and manure

Hymn: God on the mountain

 by Linda Randle

1.

Life is easy when you’re up on the mountain

And you’ve got peace of mind 

like you’ve never known

But then things change and 

you’re down in the valley

Don’t lose faith, for you’re never alone

For the God on the mountain 

is still God in the valley

When things go wrong, 

He’ll make them right

And the God of the good times 

is still God in the bad times

The God of the day is still God in the night

2.

You talk of faith when 

you’re up on the mountain

But talk comes easy 

when life’s at its best

But it’s down in the valley 

of trials and temptation

That’s when faith is really put to the test

Call to worship

The 10 Commandments & reflection

God commands us to not have any other gods. 

We should not value anything, not money or popularity or success, above God.

We will love and trust God above all else.

God commands that we should not make idols. 

We should not give more value to anything that people make than to God.

We will worship only the holy God 

whom we learn about in the Bible.

God commands us not to take his name in vain. 

We should not curse, swear, or use bad language.

We will only use the name of God with respect.

God commands us to keep the Sabbath day holy. 

We should not treat the Lord’s Day like every other day.

We will have special times of rest 

and praise God with his people.

God commands that we honour our father and mother. We should not be mean or try to make those in authority, including our parents, angry.

We will respect and obey those 

whom God puts in charge of us.

God commands that we not kill. We should not try to hurt other people.

We will help others in need.

God commands us not to commit adultery. 

We should not think disrespectful thoughts about others.

We will keep loving relationships pure.

God commands us not to steal. We should not take what does not belong to us.

We will be honest.

God commands us not to lie.

We should not say untrue or even hurtful things about others.

We will build others up with our words.

God commands us not to covet. We should not want what others have.

We will be thankful and content with what we have. We do our best to obey God because we are thankful to God for his many gifts to us.

Welcome and Land Acknowledgment

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Concerns & Celebrations

Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Anniversary to you!

May God bless you & keep you the coming year through

Hymn: Jesus, I come to thee

1.

Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night, 

Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;

Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,

Jesus, I come to Thee;

Out of my sickness, into Thy health,

Out of my want and into Thy wealth,

Out of my sin and into Thyself, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

2.

Out of my shameful failure and loss,

Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;

Into the glorious gain of Thy cross, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,

Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,

Out of distress to jubilant psalm, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

3.

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,

Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;

Into Thy blessèd will to abide, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,

Out of despair into raptures above,

Upward for aye on wings like a dove, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

4.

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,

Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;

Into the joy and light of Thy throne, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of the depths of ruin untold,

Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,

Ever Thy glorious face to behold, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

Prayer of Confession

(Church of Scotland - Book of Common Order)

Count us not as nothing, O God,

Count us not at nothing, O Christ,

count us not as nothing, O kind Spirit,

nor abandon us to eternal loss.

We confess our sins to you, 

Father, Son, and Spirit 

Holy.Compassionate God of life, 

your kindly pardon give:

for our careless talk, our broken oath, 

our empty speech;

for all that we have left undone,

for all that we have done amiss.

Jesus, only-begotten Son and Lamb of God the Father

you gave the blood of your body to save us from the grave.

As we receive the Word 

and knowledge of your forgiveness,

Enshield us, encircle us, each day, 

each night, each dark, each light.

Uphold us, be our treasure, 

our triumph everlasting;

strong Son of God most high. Amen

The blessing of forgivness

 (Kate McIlhagga from Patterns of our Days)

As winter trees Stretch out bare arms to a dark sky 

We stretch out in the darkness 

to find the touch of love. 

As dandelions turn their yellow faces to the sun 

We long to find in that warmth 

the promise of peace. 

As the fire breaks the shell of the seed 

so may our pain break the shell of isolation 

that protects us from ourselves. 

In the security of darkness, the warmth of sunshine, and the promise of fire 

may we blossom anew 

in the miracle of your saving love, O God

The ministry of music

A time for all God's children

Children’s Hymn:  I found this love

Invitation to the offering

The Offering  “We Give Thee But Thine Own”

VU 543

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gifts may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Announcements

Old testament story: Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous." Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you."

God said to Abraham, "As for Sarah your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." 

May God bless to our understanding this reading of His Holy Word. Amen

Sermon: Cross my heart

The Lord's supper

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (VU 333)

1.

May the Lord our God be with you.

May God also be with you.

Let us lift our hearts and voices.

Yes! We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give our thanks and praise to 

God almighty, Lord of Love.

On-ly b-y the Wo-rd that c-a-lls us

is our deepest hunger stilled 

2.

We give thanks to you Creator, 

maker of the heavens and earth.

You have formed us in your image, 

breathed in to us holy breath.

With your people on the earth and 

all the company of heaven.

Now we lift your holy name 

and join in their unending hymn:

3.

Holy, Holy God of power, 

heaven and earth are full of thee

Bless-ed is the one you sent us.

Hosannah in the highest praise!

Holy are you, and most blessed

Is your Son, Lord Jesus Christ.

Through your Spirit you anointed

Him to be our saving grace.

Spoken Prayer of Consecration (Minister):

On the same night that he was betrayed, Jesus took bread;

and when he had given thanks, he broke it 

and gave it to his disciples saying:

"Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me."

Likewise after supper he took the cup;

and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying:

"Drink this; for this is my blood of the New Testament, 

which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins.

Do this, as often as you shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

4.

In remembrance of these acts,

We give ourselves in thanks and praise.

Holy living sacrifices, 

we proclaim faith’s mysteries: 

“Christ has died and Christ is risen,

Christ will come again one day.”

Pour your Holy Spirit on us, 

Gathered in this place today.

5.

Through your Son, our Saviour Jesus,

With the Holy Spirit’s power,

May the Church that you created

Honour you in every hour.

Yours the glory, yours the kingdom,

All who live in love are thine,

Teach us how to love each other,

Lift us to the joy divine.

Communion

Prayer after Communion (

Benediction and three-fold amen

Call to worship

The 10 Commandments & reflection

God commands us to not have any other gods. 

We should not value anything, not money or popularity or success, above God.

We will love and trust God above all else.

God commands that we should not make idols. 

We should not give more value to anything that people make than to God.

We will worship only the holy God 

whom we learn about in the Bible.

God commands us not to take his name in vain. 

We should not curse, swear, or use bad language.

We will only use the name of God with respect.

God commands us to keep the Sabbath day holy. 

We should not treat the Lord’s Day like every other day.

We will have special times of rest 

and praise God with his people.

God commands that we honour our father and mother. We should not be mean or try to make those in authority, including our parents, angry.

We will respect and obey those 

whom God puts in charge of us.

God commands that we not kill. We should not try to hurt other people.

We will help others in need.

God commands us not to commit adultery. 

We should not think disrespectful thoughts about others.

We will keep loving relationships pure.

God commands us not to steal. We should not take what does not belong to us.

We will be honest.

God commands us not to lie.

We should not say untrue or even hurtful things about others.

We will build others up with our words.

God commands us not to covet. We should not want what others have.

We will be thankful and content with what we have. We do our best to obey God because we are thankful to God for his many gifts to us.

Welcome and Land Acknowledgment

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Concerns & Celebrations

Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Anniversary to you!

May God bless you & keep you the coming year through

Hymn: Jesus, I come to thee

1.

Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night, 

Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;

Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,

Jesus, I come to Thee;

Out of my sickness, into Thy health,

Out of my want and into Thy wealth,

Out of my sin and into Thyself, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

2.

Out of my shameful failure and loss,

Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;

Into the glorious gain of Thy cross, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,

Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,

Out of distress to jubilant psalm, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

3.

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,

Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;

Into Thy blessèd will to abide, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,

Out of despair into raptures above,

Upward for aye on wings like a dove, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

4.

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,

Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;

Into the joy and light of Thy throne, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of the depths of ruin untold,

Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,

Ever Thy glorious face to behold, 

Jesus, I come to Thee.

Prayer of Confession

(Church of Scotland - Book of Common Order)

Count us not as nothing, O God,

Count us not at nothing, O Christ,

count us not as nothing, O kind Spirit,

nor abandon us to eternal loss.

We confess our sins to you, 

Father, Son, and Spirit 

Holy.Compassionate God of life, 

your kindly pardon give:

for our careless talk, our broken oath, 

our empty speech;

for all that we have left undone,

for all that we have done amiss.

Jesus, only-begotten Son and Lamb of God the Father

you gave the blood of your body to save us from the grave.

As we receive the Word 

and knowledge of your forgiveness,

Enshield us, encircle us, each day, 

each night, each dark, each light.

Uphold us, be our treasure, 

our triumph everlasting;

strong Son of God most high. Amen

The blessing of forgivness

 (Kate McIlhagga from Patterns of our Days)

As winter trees Stretch out bare arms to a dark sky 

We stretch out in the darkness 

to find the touch of love. 

As dandelions turn their yellow faces to the sun 

We long to find in that warmth 

the promise of peace. 

As the fire breaks the shell of the seed 

so may our pain break the shell of isolation 

that protects us from ourselves. 

In the security of darkness, the warmth of sunshine, and the promise of fire 

may we blossom anew 

in the miracle of your saving love, O God

The ministry of music

A time for all God's children

Children’s Hymn:  I found this love

Invitation to the offering

The Offering  “We Give Thee But Thine Own”

VU 543

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gifts may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Announcements

Old testament story: Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous." Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you."

God said to Abraham, "As for Sarah your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." 

May God bless to our understanding this reading of His Holy Word. Amen

Sermon: Cross my heart

The Lord's supper

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (VU 333)

1.

May the Lord our God be with you.

May God also be with you.

Let us lift our hearts and voices.

Yes! We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give our thanks and praise to 

God almighty, Lord of Love.

On-ly b-y the Wo-rd that c-a-lls us

is our deepest hunger stilled 

2.

We give thanks to you Creator, 

maker of the heavens and earth.

You have formed us in your image, 

breathed in to us holy breath.

With your people on the earth and 

all the company of heaven.

Now we lift your holy name 

and join in their unending hymn:

3.

Holy, Holy God of power, 

heaven and earth are full of thee

Bless-ed is the one you sent us.

Hosannah in the highest praise!

Holy are you, and most blessed

Is your Son, Lord Jesus Christ.

Through your Spirit you anointed

Him to be our saving grace.

Spoken Prayer of Consecration (Minister):

On the same night that he was betrayed, Jesus took bread;

and when he had given thanks, he broke it 

and gave it to his disciples saying:

"Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me."

Likewise after supper he took the cup;

and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying:

"Drink this; for this is my blood of the New Testament, 

which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins.

Do this, as often as you shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

4.

In remembrance of these acts,

We give ourselves in thanks and praise.

Holy living sacrifices, 

we proclaim faith’s mysteries: 

“Christ has died and Christ is risen,

Christ will come again one day.”

Pour your Holy Spirit on us, 

Gathered in this place today.

5.

Through your Son, our Saviour Jesus,

With the Holy Spirit’s power,

May the Church that you created

Honour you in every hour.

Yours the glory, yours the kingdom,

All who live in love are thine,

Teach us how to love each other,

Lift us to the joy divine.

Communion

Prayer after Communion (

Benediction and three-fold amen

Musical prelude

* I Know Who Holds Tomorrow  

* Redeeming Love

* I Stand Amazed

* Near the Cross

* I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary

Call to worship

(MV 8)

And on this path – 

The gates of holiness are open wide….

You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide path for my steps under me, and my feet[did not slip; 

2 Samuel 22:36-37

And on this path – 

Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”    Joshua 4: 21-24

And on this path – 

How I love your Temple, Lord Almighty! How I want to be there! I long to be in the Lord's Temple. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrows have built a nest, and the swallows have their own home; they keep their young near your altars, Lord Almighty, my king and my God. How happy are those who live in your Temple, always singing praise to you.                    Ps 84: 1-4

And on this path – 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble  Be Still, and Know that I am God.         Psalm 46: .1-3, 10

So enter in — 

Welcome and land acknowledgement

 * Celebrations & Concerns

 * Birthdays & Anniversaries

Opening prayer

(written by the late Rev. Mary Lou Shorthill)

To each is given the power of the Spirit for the good of others.

We lift up the gift of wisdom 

from our elders and the gift of vision 

from our young people.

We celebrate the ministry of farmers, teachers, medical professionals, musicians, hairdressers,  full-time homemakers and volunteers 

Children, retired people, business people

politicians – and all others unnamed.          

We bring together the wholeness of our church,

of St. Andrews United Church, Heckston our past, our present, our future

God is with us in our ministry. Christ’s light 

leads us with hope and the Holy Spirit 

gives us the confidence. Let us worship 

with prayer, with music and The Word of God

Amen and Amen!

Hymn: Guide me o thou great Jehovah

VU 651

1

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,

pilgrim through this barren land.

I am weak, but thou art mighty,

hold me with thy powerful hand.

Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,

feed me till I want no more,

feed me till I want no more.

2

Open now the crystal fountain,

whence the healing stream doth flow;

let the fire and cloudy pillar

lead me all my journey through.

Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,

be thou still my strength and shield,

be thou still my strength and shield.

3

When I tread the verge of Jordan,

bid my anxious fears subside;

death of death, and hell's destruction,

land me safe on Canaan's side:

songs of praises, songs of praises

I will ever give to thee,

I will ever give to thee.

Greeting Christ in All of Us - Passing the Peace

The ministry of music

 * My Wonderful Lord

 * Lead Me to Calvary

 * Trust and Obey

Children's hymn: When he cometh

1.

When He cometh, when He cometh

to make up his jewels,

all his jewels, precious jewels,

his loved and his own

Refrain:

Like the stars of the morning,

His bright crown adorning,

They shall shine in their beauty,

Bright gems for his crown.

2.

He will gather, He will gather

the gems for His kingdom,

All the pure ones, all the bright ones,

His loved and his own.

3.

Little children, little children

who love their Redeemer,

Are the jewels, precious jewels,

His loved and His own.

A time for all God's children

The offering

The Offering  “We Give Thee But Thine Own”

VU 543

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gifts may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Announcements

Pastoral Prayer  

Psalm 23 (King James Version)

Today's scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sixers, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift of the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action as to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 

Sermon: You don't look a day past 196

Hymn: How firm a foundation

 VU 660

1

How firm a foundation, you servants of God,

is laid for your faith in God's excellent word!

What more can be said than to you has been said,

to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

2

'Fear not, I am with you; O be not dismayed!

For I am your God and will still give you aid;

I'll strengthen and help you, and cause you to stand,

upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand.

3

'When through the deep waters I call you to go,

the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

for I will be with you, your troubles to bless,

and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

4

'When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,

my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply:

the flame shall not hurt you; I only design

your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.

5

'The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose

I will not - I will not desert to his foes;

that soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,

I'll never - no, never - no, never forsake!'

Benediction

Go now in peace, 

never be afraid.

God will go with you, 

each hour of every day.

Go now in faith: steadfast, strong and true.

Know He will guide you in all you do.

Go now in love, and show you believe.

Reach out to others, 

so all the world can see – 

God will be there, watching from above.

Go now in peace, in faith, and in love.

 A—men.     A – men.      A - - - men,

Music postlude

   * In the Garden

   * Just a Closer Walk with Thee

Call to worship

Sometimes it is hard to believe what it is we are called to believe. That’s why it’s called “faith” and not certainty. During the Season of Lent we will be opening our worship with the “Apostle’s Creed”: going on by faith, and not by certainty.

Video - “The Apostle’s Creed”

I believe in God, the Father Almighty 

Creator of Heaven and earth

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again

to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Welcome and Land Acknowledgment

Birthdays, anniversaries, concerns & celebrations

Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Anniversary to you!

May God bless you & keep you the coming year through

Opening prayer and The Lord's prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: Grace greater than all our sin (marvelous grace)

1.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!

Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,

there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:

Grace, grace, God's grace,

grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

grace, grace, God's grace,

grace that is greater than all our sin!

2.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,

threaten the soul with infinite loss;

grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,

points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

4.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,

freely bestowed on all who believe!

You that are longing to see his face,

will you this moment his grace receive?

Greeting Christ in all of us - passing the peace

The ministry of music

Children's hymn: I have decided to follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus 3x

No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow

No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me

No turning back, no turning back.

Now May God’s love be our only message 3 x

No turning back, no turning back.

A time for all God's children

The offering

VU 543

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gifts may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee. 

Prayer of thanksgiving and Pastoral prayer

Old testament story: Genesis 3:1-8

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,  but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

May God Bless to us this reading of Holy Scripture

Amen

Sermon: God's

Hymn: In the garden

1.

I Come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

Refrain:

And He walks with me, 

and He talks with me.

And He tells me I am his own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known.

2.

He speaks and the sound of his voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

3.

I’d stay in the garden with Him

Though the night around me be falling;

But he bids me go – through the voice of woe,

His voice to me is calling.

Call to worship

Sometimes it is hard to believe what it is we are called to believe. That’s why it’s called “faith” and not certainty. During the Season of Lent we will be opening our worship with the “Apostle’s Creed”: going on by faith, and not by certainty.

Video - “The Apostle’s Creed”

I believe in God, the Father Almighty 

Creator of Heaven and earth

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again

to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Welcome and Land Acknowledgment

Birthdays, anniversaries, concerns & celebrations

Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Anniversary to you!

May God bless you & keep you the coming year through

Opening prayer and The Lord's prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: Grace greater than all our sin (marvelous grace)

1.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!

Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,

there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:

Grace, grace, God's grace,

grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

grace, grace, God's grace,

grace that is greater than all our sin!

2.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,

threaten the soul with infinite loss;

grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,

points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

4.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,

freely bestowed on all who believe!

You that are longing to see his face,

will you this moment his grace receive?

Greeting Christ in all of us - passing the peace

The ministry of music

Children's hymn: I have decided to follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus 3x

No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow

No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me

No turning back, no turning back.

Now May God’s love be our only message 3 x

No turning back, no turning back.

A time for all God's children

The offering

VU 543

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gifts may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee. 

Prayer of thanksgiving and Pastoral prayer

Old testament story: Genesis 3:1-8

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,  but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

May God Bless to us this reading of Holy Scripture

Amen

Sermon: God's

Hymn: In the garden

1.

I Come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

Refrain:

And He walks with me, 

and He talks with me.

And He tells me I am his own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known.

2.

He speaks and the sound of his voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

3.

I’d stay in the garden with Him

Though the night around me be falling;

But he bids me go – through the voice of woe,

His voice to me is calling.

Call to worship

(inspired by Matthew 5:3-12, Luke 6:20-22)

Minister Happy are we

All when our treasures cannot be quantified.

Minister Happy are we

All when our knowledge is tempered by mystery.

Minister Happy are we

All when our pain is held in the balm of love.

Minister Happy are we

All when our delight comes from beyond ourselves

Minister Family of God, from whom does our help come?

All Our help comes from the Lord,

the maker of Heaven and Earth   (Psalm 124:8)

Minister Let us worship God in the beauty of holiness

Introit: On eagle's wings

And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings, 

Bear you on the breath of dawn, 

Make you to shine like the sun, 

And hold you in the palm of my hand.

Welcome and land acknowledgement

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Concerns & Celebrations

Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Anniversary to you!

May God bless you & keep you the coming year through

Opening prayer and the Lord's prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: The beatitudes

(Tune: VU 559)

1.

Blessed are the poor in spirit; Download the Order of Service

all God's realm is surely theirs.

Those in mourning will find comfort 

as an answer to their prayers.

Meek ones whom this world despises 

will inherit everything.

God, your kingdom still surprises;

may we seek the reign you bring.

2.

Blessed, too, are those who hunger 

and who thirst for what is right.

They will not be prone to wander, 

for your will is their delight.

Those who show God's care and mercy 

will receive that mercy too.

God, in Christ you show us clearly 

of the joy we have in you.

3.

Those who share the peace God gives them 

will find blessings as God's own.

Those oppressed for faithful living 

will call heaven's kingdom Home.

When the world's ways seem distressing 

and we feel life's painful sting,

God, reminds us of the blessings 

of the wondrous life you bring.

Greeting Christ in All of Us - Passing the Peace

The ministry of music

The ministry of music

VU 672

1

Take time to be holy, speak oft with your Lord;

abide in him always, and feed on his word.

Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak,

forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.

2

Take time to be holy, let him be your guide,

and run not before him, whatever betide.

In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,

and, looking to Jesus, still trust in his word.

3

Take time to be holy, be calm in your soul,

each thought and each motive beneath his control.

Thus led by his spirit to fountains of love,

you soon shall be fitted for service above.

A time for all God's children

Invitation to the offering

The Offering  “We Give Thee But Thine Own”

VU 543

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gifts may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Announcements

Pastoral Prayer

Today's scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

May God bless to our understanding this reading of Holy Scripture.

Amen

Sermon: Don't worry, be blessed

When you worry, call me, I make you happy…

It will soon pass, whatever it is

Don't worry, be happy

- Bobby McFerrin

Benediction 

Hymn: Blessed are the Poor (thune: Mairo-Search me o God

1.

Blest are the poor, whose spirits know their need;
God’s heav’nly kingdom will be theirs indeed.
Blest those who mourn; God’s comfort will be known.

Blest are the meek; the world will be their own.

2.

Blest, those who seek God’s righteousness each day;
They will be filled and never turned away.
Blest are the kind, for mercy will be giv’n.
Blest are the pure in heart; they’ll see God in heav’n.

3.

Blest, men of peace; they will God’s sons be named.
Blest, those who suffer slander and much shame.
Blest, faithful ones, enduring for your Lord.
Rejoice, be glad, for great is your reward.

4.

I see my need and humbly seek Your face.
Show me Your mercy; all my cares erase.
Keep my heart pure; I long for righteousness.
I know that as Your child I’m fully blest.

Call to worship

In the beginning was the Word: Spoken, and Creating the world.

Jesus; you are the Word of God.

The Word gives life. That life is light.

Jesus; the darkness cannot put out your light.

At the beginning of our time: Speak. Shake our worlds.

Jesus; we're hungry for your words of life.

We cannot live by food alone,

We wait on the words 

that come from the mouth of God.

The Word became flesh and blood

and moved into our neighbourhood.

It's time for us to put flesh on your word

That we might be your hands & feet & Heart, 

in our homes, jobs and streets.

We will worship the Lord and serve him only.

We will let our light shine in the darkness:

That the world might see, and be transformed

And praise our Father in heaven.

Introit to Epiphany

I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin

I wouldn’t let my dear Saviour in.

Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night

Praise the Lord! I saw the light!

I saw the light. I saw the light

No more darkness, no more night

Now I’m so happy, no sorrow in sight

Praise the Lord! I saw the light.

Welcome and land acknowledgement

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Concerns & Celebrations

Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Anniversary to you!

May God bless you & keep you the coming year through

Opening prayer and the Lord's prayer

Loving God, when we come to you hungry, 

Perhaps it's because we haven't fed properly from your word. 

Word of God, feed me. 

There are times when we lose our way and we feel like 

we’re going round in circles, unsure of our next steps:

Word of God, lead me. 

When we’re stuck in repetitive habits, we know 

that you have more for us outside of this mediocrity. 

Word of God, shake me. 

Part of our hearts are cold towards the world you love. 

Fill us with your compassion. 

Word of God, break me. 

“The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword.”

Feed me with your wisdom, 

lead me with your love, 

shake me with your reality, 

break me with your perspective 

and rebuild me with your Holy Spirit's power. 

Amen

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: Immortal, invisible God only wise

VU 264

1

Immortal, invisible, God only wise;

in light inaccessible hid from our eyes;

most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,

almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

2

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,

nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;

thy justice like mountains high soaring above

thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

3

To all, life thou givest, to both great and small;

in all life thou livest, the true life of all;

we blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,

then wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.

4

Thou reignest in glory, thou rulest in light;

thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;

all praise we would render, O help us to see

'tis only the splendour of light hideth thee!

Greeting Christ in All of Us - Passing the Peace

The ministry of music

Children's hymn: Spirit open my heart

MV 79

Refrain:

Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living.

As you love my I love, in receiving and in giving,

Spirit, open my heart.

1.

God, replace my stony heart

with a heart that’s kind and tender.

All my coldness and fear

to your grace I now surrender.

2.

Write your love upon my heart

as my law, my goal, my story.

In each thought, word, and deed,

may my living bring you glory.

3.

May I weep with those who weep,

share the joy of sister, brother.

In the welcome of Christ,

may we welcome one another.

A time for all God's children

The offering

The Offering  “We give thee but thine own”

VU 543

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gifts may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee. 

Prayer of thanksgiving and Pastoral prayer

Today's scripture: Psalm 139:1-14 & St. John 1: 1-5,14

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down,  and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;  it is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night’, even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

May God bless to our understanding this reading of Holy Scripture.

Amen

Sermon: Blankety-Blank Poetry

Vizzini:  “No more rhymes now! I mean it!”

Fezzik:  “Anybody want a peanut?”

- From the movie “The Princess Bride”

Hymn: Love divine, all love's excelling

VU 333

1

Love divine, all loves excelling,

joy of heaven to earth come down,

fix in us thy humble dwelling,

all thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, thou art all compassion,

pure, unbounded love thou art;

visit us with thy salvation,

enter every trembling heart.

2

Come, almighty to deliver;

let us all thy grace receive;

suddenly return, and never,

nevermore thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing,

serve thee as thy hosts above,

pray, and praise thee, without ceasing,

glory in thy perfect love.

3

Finish, then, thy new creation;

pure and spotless let us be;

let us see thy great salvation

perfectly restored in thee,

changed from glory into glory,

till in heaven we take our place,

till we cast our crowns before thee,

lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Introit to Epiphany: I saw the light

(Verse 1 and Chorus)

I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin

I wouldn’t let my dear Saviour in.

Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night

Praise the Lord! I saw the light!

I saw the light. I saw the light

No more darkness, no more night

Now I’m so happy, no sorrow in sight

Praise the Lord! I saw the light.

Welcome and Land acknowledgement

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Concerns & Celebrations

Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Anniversary to you!

May God bless you & keep you the coming year through

Opening prayer and The Lord's prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: As with gladness of men of old

 VU 81

1

As with gladness men of old 

did the guiding star behold,

as with joy they hailed its light,

leading onward, beaming bright,

so, most gracious Lord, may we

evermore your splendour see.

2

As with joyful steps they sped,

to that lowly manger bed,

there to bend the knee before

Christ, whom heaven and earth adore;

so may we with eager pace

ever seek your throne of grace.

3

As they offered gifts most rare

at that manger crude and bare,

so may we with holy joy,

pure and free from sin's alloy,

all our costliest treasures bring,

Christ, to you, our heavenly King.

4

Holy Jesus, every day

keep us in the narrow way;

and, when earthly things are past,

bring our ransomed souls at last

where they need no star to guide,

where no clouds your glory hide.

5

In the heavenly country bright

none shall need created light;

you its light, its joy, its crown,

you its sun which goes not down;

there for ever may we sing

hallelujah to our King.

Greeting Christ in all of us - passing the peace

The ministry of music

Children's hymn: The seven joys of Mary

1.

The first good joy that Mary had

It was the joy of One

To see her own son Jesus Christ

When He was first her Son

When He was first her Son, good man

And Blessed may he be

O Father, Son and Holy Ghost for all eternity

O Father, Son and Holy Ghost for all eternity

2.

When he was sent to school

3.

To make the blind to see

4.

To read the bible o’er

5.

To bring the dead alive

6.

Upon the crucifix

7.

The last good joy…

To wear the crown of heaven

A time for all God's children

The offering

The offering:  “We give thee but thine own”

VU 543

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gifts may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee.

Prayer of thanksgiving and Pastoral prayer

Today's bible story: Vistors from the East, Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appearedHay. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

May God bless to our understanding this reading of Holy Scripture.

Amen

Sermon: Keep Herod in Christmas

Hymn: When Heaven's bright with mystery

VU 93

1

When heaven's bright with mystery

and science searches nature's art,

when all creation yearns for peace

and hope sinks deep in human hearts,

appear to us, O Holy Light;

lift from our eyes the shades of night.

2

When Herod barters power and lives

and Rachel's weeping fills the night,

when suffering's mask marks every face,

and Love's a refugee in flight,

reveal to us your word of grace

and make us witness to your peace.

3

When fragile faith, like desert wind,

blows dry and empty, hope erased,

when withered grass and fading flower

proclaim again our day's brief space,

breathe on the clay of our despair

and work a new creation there.

4

When heaven's bright with mystery

and stars still lead an unknown way,

when love still lights a gentle path

where courts of power can hold no sway,

there with the Magi, let us kneel,

our gifts to share, God's world to heal.

Introit to Epiphany: I saw the light

(Verse 1 and Chorus)

I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin

I wouldn’t let my dear Saviour in.

Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night

Praise the Lord! I saw the light!

I saw the light. I saw the light

No more darkness, no more night

Now I’m so happy, no sorrow in sight

Praise the Lord! I saw the light.

Welcome and Land acknowledgement

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Concerns & Celebrations

Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Anniversary to you!

May God bless you & keep you the coming year through

Opening prayer and The Lord's prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: As with gladness of men of old

 VU 81

1

As with gladness men of old 

did the guiding star behold,

as with joy they hailed its light,

leading onward, beaming bright,

so, most gracious Lord, may we

evermore your splendour see.

2

As with joyful steps they sped,

to that lowly manger bed,

there to bend the knee before

Christ, whom heaven and earth adore;

so may we with eager pace

ever seek your throne of grace.

3

As they offered gifts most rare

at that manger crude and bare,

so may we with holy joy,

pure and free from sin's alloy,

all our costliest treasures bring,

Christ, to you, our heavenly King.

4

Holy Jesus, every day

keep us in the narrow way;

and, when earthly things are past,

bring our ransomed souls at last

where they need no star to guide,

where no clouds your glory hide.

5

In the heavenly country bright

none shall need created light;

you its light, its joy, its crown,

you its sun which goes not down;

there for ever may we sing

hallelujah to our King.

Greeting Christ in all of us - passing the peace

The ministry of music

Children's hymn: The seven joys of Mary

1.

The first good joy that Mary had

It was the joy of One

To see her own son Jesus Christ

When He was first her Son

When He was first her Son, good man

And Blessed may he be

O Father, Son and Holy Ghost for all eternity

O Father, Son and Holy Ghost for all eternity

2.

When he was sent to school

3.

To make the blind to see

4.

To read the bible o’er

5.

To bring the dead alive

6.

Upon the crucifix

7.

The last good joy…

To wear the crown of heaven

A time for all God's children

The offering

The offering:  “We give thee but thine own”

VU 543

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gifts may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee.

Prayer of thanksgiving and Pastoral prayer

Today's bible story: Vistors from the East, Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appearedHay. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

May God bless to our understanding this reading of Holy Scripture.

Amen

Sermon: Keep Herod in Christmas

Hymn: When Heaven's bright with mystery

VU 93

1

When heaven's bright with mystery

and science searches nature's art,

when all creation yearns for peace

and hope sinks deep in human hearts,

appear to us, O Holy Light;

lift from our eyes the shades of night.

2

When Herod barters power and lives

and Rachel's weeping fills the night,

when suffering's mask marks every face,

and Love's a refugee in flight,

reveal to us your word of grace

and make us witness to your peace.

3

When fragile faith, like desert wind,

blows dry and empty, hope erased,

when withered grass and fading flower

proclaim again our day's brief space,

breathe on the clay of our despair

and work a new creation there.

4

When heaven's bright with mystery

and stars still lead an unknown way,

when love still lights a gentle path

where courts of power can hold no sway,

there with the Magi, let us kneel,

our gifts to share, God's world to heal.

Hope is a star

1

Hope is a star that shines in the night,

leading us on till the morning is bright.

Refrain:

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.

2

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,

giving a promise of safety and worth. R

3

Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,

telling the world that the Saviour is born. R

4

Love is a flame that burns in our heart,

Jesus has come and will never depart. R

Joy to the world

1

Joy to the world! the Lord is come:

let earth receive her King!

Let every heart prepare him room,

and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

2

Joy to the earth! the Saviour reigns:

let all their songs employ,

while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy,

repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

3

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

nor thorns infest the ground:

he comes to make his blessings flow

far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found,

far as, far as the curse is found.

4

He rules the earth with truth and grace,

and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness

and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love,

and wonders, wonders of his love.

It came upon a midnight clear

1

It came upon the midnight clear, 

that glorious song of old,

from angels bending near the earth

to touch their harps of gold,

'Peace on the earth, good will to all,

from heaven's all-gracious King!'

The world in solemn stillness lay

to hear the angels sing.

2

Still through the cloven skies they come

with peaceful wings unfurled;

and still their heavenly music floats 

o'er all the weary world;

above its sad and lowly plains

they bend on hovering wing,

and ever o'er its Babel sounds

the blessed angels sing.

3

Yet with the woes of sin and strife

the world has suffered long;

beneath the angel strain have rolled

two thousand years of wrong;

and warring humankind hears not

the love song which they bring.

O hush the noise, and cease your strife,

to hear the angels sing.

4

For, lo! the days are hastening on,

by prophets seen of old,

when with the ever-circling years

shall come the time foretold,

when peace shall over all the earth

its ancient splendours fling,

and the whole world send back the song

which now the angels sing.

Angels we have heard on high

1

Angels we have heard on high

sweetly singing o'er the plains,

and the mountains in reply,

echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain:

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

2

Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be

which inspire your heavenly song? R

3

Come to Bethlehem and see

Christ whose birth the angels sing;

come, adore on bended knee

Christ, the Lord, the newborn King. R

4

See him in a manger laid,

whom the choirs of angels praise;

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,

while our hearts in love we raise. R

One in royal David's city

1

Once in royal David's city

stood a lowly cattleshed,

where a mother laid her baby

in a manger for his bed.

Mary was that mother mild,

Jesus Christ her little child.

2

He came down to earth from heaven

who, with God, is over all,

and his shelter was a stable,

and his cradle was a stall.

There among the poor and lowly

lived on earth our Saviour holy.

3

For he is our lifelong pattern;

daily, when on earth he grew,

he was tempted, scorned, rejected,

tears and smiles like us he knew.

Thus he feels for all our sadness,

and he shares in all our gladness.

4

And our eyes at last shall see him,

through his own redeeming love;

for that child who seemed so helpless

is our Lord in heaven above;

and he leads his children on

to the place where he is gone.

O little town of Bethlehem

1 

O little town of Bethlehem,

how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

the silent stars go by;

yet in thy dark streets shineth

the everlasting light;

the hopes and fears of all the years

are met in thee tonight.

2

For Christ is born of Mary;

and gathered all above,

while mortals sleep, the angels keep

their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars, together

proclaim the holy birth,

and praises sing to God the King,

and peace to all on earth.

3

How silently, how silently

the wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts

the blessed gift of heaven.

No ear may hear his coming;

but in this world of sin,

where meek souls will receive him, still

the dear Christ enters in.

4

O holy child of Bethlehem,

descend to us, we pray;

cast out our sin, and enter in;

be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels

the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us,

our Lord Emmanuel.

Hark the herald angel's sing

1

Hark! the herald angels sing,

'Glory to the newborn King,

peace on earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!'

Joyful, all ye nations, rise,

join the triumph of the skies;

with the angelic host proclaim,

'Christ is born in Bethlehem!'

Refrain:

Hark! the herald angels sing,

'Glory to the newborn King!'

2

Christ, by highest heaven adored,

Christ, the everlasting Lord,

late in time behold him come,

offspring of a virgin's womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;

hail, the incarnate deity,

pleased with us in flesh to dwell,

Jesus, our Emmanuel! R

3

Hail, the heavenborn Prince of Peace!

Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings,

risen with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays his glory by,

born that we no more may die,

born to raise us from the earth,

born to give us second birth. R

Away in a Manger

1

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,

the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

2

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,

but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.

I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky,

and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

3

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay

close by me for ever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in your tender care,

and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.

Silent Night

1

Silent night! Holy night!

All is calm, all is bright

round yon virgin mother and child.

Holy infant so tender and mild,

sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

2

Silent night! Holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight:

glories stream from heaven afar,

heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah,

Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.

3

Silent night! Holy night!

Son of God, love's pure light

radiant beams from thy holy face,

with the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

Go tell it on the mountain

Rerain:

Go, tell it on the mountain,

over the hills and everywhere.

Go, tell it on the mountain

that Jesus Christ is born.

1

While shepherds kept their watching

o'er silent flocks by night,

behold, throughout the heavens

there shone a holy light. R

2

The shepherds feared and trembled

when lo, above the earth

rang out the angel chorus

that hailed our Saviour's birth! R

3

Down in a lonely manger

the humble Christ was born,

and God sent our salvation

that blessed Christmas morn. R

Hymn: There is a star in the east

 VU 70

1

There's a star in the East on Christmas morn,

rise up, shepherd, and follow;

it will lead to the place where the Christ was born;

rise up, shepherd, and follow.

Refrain:

Follow, follow, rise up, shepherd, and follow,

follow the Star of Bethlehem,

rise up, shepherd, and follow.

2

If you take good heed to the angel's words,

rise up, shepherd, and follow,

you'll forget your flocks, you'll forget your herds;

rise up, shepherd, and follow. R

An advent call to worship

M: Seasons come and seasons go,

All: but our God endures forever.

M: Our faith exhibits ebb and flow,

All: but our God endures forever.

M: Our lives may freeze up or may grow,

All: but our God endures forever.

M: So, let our souls magnify the Lord our God this day, remembering...

All: HE is the Reason for the Season

Lighting of the advent candle

MV 11 - Come, Come Emmanuel (2 times)

Come, come Emmanuel. Come, Emmanuel.

Come, come Emmanuel. Come, Emmanuel.

Reader 1: And so here, in a “deep and dark December,” 

the light and the dark continue to dance. 

Sometimes it is lighter, sometimes it is darker. 

Reader 2 We see it here in church. Many of our hymns

turn to images of light. 

Reader 1 And, the darker it gets, the more candles we light 

on the Advent wreath.

Reader 2 In the darkest days of December, our Advent wreath 

is at its brightest. As Scripture says,

All The light shines in the darkness 

and the darkness has not overcome it 

Three Candles are lit

Men We wait for light, and lo! there is darkness; 

and for brightness, but we walk in gloom.

Women Arise, shine; for your light has come, 

and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

Men For darkness shall cover the earth, 

and thick darkness the peoples.

Women But the LORD will arise upon you, 

and nations shall come to your light

Men The sun shall no longer be your light by day 

nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night

All  For the LORD will be our everlasting light, 

and our God will be our glory.

The Fourth candle is lit

VU 7: Hope is a Star

1 Hope is a star that shines in the night,

leading us on till the morning is bright.

2 Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,

Giving a promise of safety and worth

3 Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,
telling the world that the Saviour is born.

4 Love is a flame that burns in our heart,

Jesus has come and will never depart. R

    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.

Ministry of Music

Lord's prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive thosewho trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, or ever and ever. Amen

Children's hymn: Jesus loves me

(verses 1&2)VU 365

1

Jesus loves me, this I know,

for the Bible tells me so;

little ones to him belong,

in his love we shall be strong.

Refrain:

Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

2

Jesus loves me, this I know,

as he loved so long ago,

taking children on his knee,

saying, 'Let them come to me.' R

Children present: A very mixed up Christmas Pagent

The advent wreath

Based on Isaiah 9 and 11

MV 11 - Come, Come Emmanuel (2 times)

Come, come Emmanuel. Come, Emmanuel.

Come, come Emmanuel. Come, Emmanuel.

Reader 1: The following quote from Adele Halliday, who was the Anti-

racism and Equity Officer for the United Church in 2008

Reader 2 “Our ingrained – and at times binary – notions of black/white and darkness/light as inherently good and evil can guide how

we treat each other…

Reader 1 Surely we can expand our vocabulary so that darkness does 

not always equate evil, and light does not always equate good. 

Reader 2 After all, in reality, such a simplistic dichotomy does not exist.

Reader 1: In reality, darkness can be seen as comfort as a refugee is 

fleeing a time of war and unrest; Light in this circumstance, 

could lead to death.

Reader 2 Darkness could be seen as a wonder to explore, full of Holy 

Mystery; light, could be seen as a harsh reality, revealing 

a blinding light.

Reader 1: It is my prayer that we can move beyond simple definitions 

Reader 2 of darkness as bad and light as good.

All Let us search for those scriptures that speak 

of darkness as goodness and as a comfort.”

Two Candles are lit

Women The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Men Those who lived in a land of deep darkness—

on them has light shined.

Women A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, 

and a branch shall grow out of his roots.

Men And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest on him

All  His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.

The Third candle is lit

VU 7: Hope is a Star verses 1, 2 & 3

1

Hope is a star that shines in the night,

leading us on till the morning is bright.

2

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,

Giving a promise of safety and worth

3.

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.

Opening prayer and the Lord's prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 

Thy kingdom come, thy will be don36e on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not 

into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, 

the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Carol: Angels from the realms of glory

1

Angels, from the realms of glory,

wing your flight o'er all the earth;

ye who sang creation's story,

now proclaim Messiah's birth:

Refrain:

come and worship, come and worship,

worship Christ, the newborn King.

2

Shepherds in the field abiding,

watching o'er your flocks by night,

God with us is now residing,

yonder shines the infant Light: R

3

Sages, leave your contemplations;

brighter visions beam afar;

seek the great desire of nations;

ye have seen his natal star: R

4

Saints before the altar bending,

watching long in hope and fear,

suddenly the Lord, descending,

in his temple shall appear: R

Welcoming Christ - Passing the Peace

The ministry of music

Children's hymn: Ding dong! Merrily on high

1

Ding dong merrily on high,

In heav'n the bells are ringing:

Ding dong! verily the sky

Is riv'n with angel singing

Gloria Hosanna in excelsis!

2

E'en so here below, below,

Let steeple bells be swungen,

And "Io, io, io!"

By priest and people sungen

Gloria Hosanna in excelsis! 

3

Pray you, dutifully prime

Your matin chime, ye ringers,

May you beautifully rhyme

Your eve'time song, ye singers

Gloria Hosanna in excelsis!

A time for all God's children

The Offertory: In gratitude and humble trust

(tune: VU 75)

In gratitude and humble trust we bring our best today

to serve your cause and share your love

with all along life's way.

O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ, your Son,

teach us to give ourselves each day 

until life's work is done.

Prayer of thanksgiving and pastoral prayer

Reading of the day: Isaiah 35:1-10

(New Living Translation)

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.

The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.

Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory, the splendour of our God.

With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,

and encourage those who have weak knees.

Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.”

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind
and unplug the ears of the deaf.

The lame will leap like a deer,
and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!
Springs will gush forth in the wilderness,
and streams will water the wasteland.

The parched ground will become a pool,
and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.
Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish
where desert jackals once lived.

And a great road will go through that once deserted land.
It will be named the Highway of Holiness.
Evil-minded people will never travel on it.
It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways;
fools will never walk there.

Lions will not lurk along its course,
nor any other ferocious beasts.
There will be no other dangers.
Only the redeemed will walk on it.

Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.
They will enter Jerusalem singing,
crowned with everlasting joy.
Sorrow and mourning will disappear,
and they will be filled with joy and gladness.

May God bless to our understanding this reading of Holy Scripture

Amen

Hymn: When the King shall come again

(Tune: Good King)   VU 881

1

When the king shall come again,

all his power revealing,

splendour shall announce his reign,

life and joy and healing;

earth no longer in decay,

hope no more frustrated;

this is God's redemption day

longingly awaited.

2

In the desert trees take root,

fresh from God's creation;

plants and flowers and sweetest fruit

join the celebration;

rivers spring up from the earth,

barren lands adorning;

valleys, this is your new birth;

mountains, greet the morning.

3

Strengthen feeble hands and knees;

fainting hearts be cheerful!

God, who comes for such as these,

seeks and saves the fearful;

deaf ears, hear the silent tongues

sing away their weeping;

blind eyes, see the lifeless ones

walking, running, leaping.

4

There God's highway shall be seen

where no roaring lion,

nothing evil or unclean,

walks the road to Zion;

ransomed people homeward bound,

all your praises voicing,

see your Lord with glory crowned,

share in his rejoicing!

Sermon: Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight

Carol: See amid the winter snow

 VU 76

1

See amid the winter's snow,

born for us on earth below,

see, the tender Lamb appears,

promised from eternal years.

Refrain: 

Hail, thou ever-blessed morn;

hail, redemption's happy dawn;

sing through all Jerusalem,

Christ is born in Bethlehem.

2

Lo, within a manger lies

God who built the starry skies,

who enthroned in height sublime

sits amid the cherubim. R

3

Say, ye holy shepherds, say

what your joyful news today;

wherefore have ye left your sheep

on the lonely mountain steep? R

4

'As we watched at dead of night,

lo, we saw a wondrous light;

angels singing 'Peace on earth'

told us of the Saviour's birth.' R

5

Sacred infant, all divine,

what a mighty love was thine,

thus to come from highest bliss

down to such a world as this! R

Benediction and Sung  blessing

MV 220

Joy shines as the solitary star,

Faith is the inner light.

You and I together mirror the Light of Lights,

And Illumine the pathway home.

The advent wreath

MV 11 - Come, Come Emmanuel (2 times) 

Come, come Emmanuel. Come, Emmanuel. 

Come, come Emmanuel. Come, Emmanuel. 

Advent 2 Based on Psalm 27 

Reader 1: In the rich dark of winter, God makes an astounding promise: 

Reader 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,  

on them has light shone. (Isaiah 9:2) 

Reader 1 As we, in the North, experience the light  

fading throughout the day 

Reader 2 Those in the Global South, begin to see,  

in this Advent season, the coming of the light.  

All It is truly a dance between the dark & the light. The first candle is lit 

Men The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? 

Women The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

 Men I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD  in the land of the living 

Women Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage 

All Wait for the LORD! 

The Second candle is lit 

VU 7: Hope is a Star verses 1 & 2 

1 

Hope is a star that shines in the night,

leading us on till the morning is bright. 

2

 Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,

Giving a promise of safety and worth 

 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.

Welcome and announcements

Welcome & Land Acknowledgment

Birthdays & Celebrations

Welcoming of new members

Kingsley Raistrick by Profession of Faith Makenna Raistrick by Profession of Faith Doreen Henderson by Transfer of Membership Luella Smail by Transfer of Membership

Sacrament of holy communion

Preces (Tune:  “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”)

One May the Lord be with you one and all,

All And also with your spirit.

One Lift up your hearts to our God.

All We lift our hearts up to our gracious God!

One Let us give thanks 

All It is right to give our thanks and praise to God!

Prayer of great thanksgiving

(Tune:  “Good King Wenceslas”)

One Blessing, honour, glory, power unto God Almighty!

Praise to You, eternal Lord, Father of all mercy.

All Long ago You made us Lord, 

made us in Your image,

But through sin we broke the form, 

of our Lord within us.

Still Your love came shining through, 

from heaven You did send us - 

Christ to take on human flesh, here to live among us.

He did suffer for our sin, died a death most cruel.

Now He lives and reigns in heaven, 

as its brightest jewel.

We the church on earth do sing 

with the hosts of heaven:

Glory to the One who died, for He has arisen.

The baby born at Bethlehem is the King of heaven.

And we praise Your blessed name 

with the song unending. 

The song of praise

(Tune:  “Angels We Have Heard on High”)

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts, all praise be given!

All Your glory fills the earth; 

all Your power fills the heavens!

Glo-ria in excelsis Deo!  Glo-ria in excelsis Deo!

Blessed is the King who came, bringing love and light divine.

Blessed is the King who comes, in the Bread and in the Wine.

Glo-ria in excelsis Deo!  Glo-ria in excelsis Deo!

Words of institution

(Tune:  “Good Christian Friends Rejoice”)

One Good Christian friends rejoice with heart and soul and voice.

All On the night He was betrayed, 

Jesus to the Father prayed:

One “Bless this bread we are to eat, let it bring forgiveness sweet.

All My body dwells therein; my body dwells therein.”

One Good Christian friends rejoice with heart & soul & voice.

All Next he took the blessed cup, 

praying as He raised it up;

One “In the wine forever more is the way to Heavens door.

All My blood poured out for you (2x)

One Good Christian friends rejoice with heart & soul & voice.

All Eat this Bread and drink this cup, 

share the peace that’s from above.

One Angels sing of heaven’s bliss, as we share this Eucharist.

All Christ was born for this; Christ was born for this.

The Lord's prayer

(Tune:  “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”)

God our Father, God of fame, hallowed be Your saving name;

Everywhere Your kingdom come, far away from here at home;

May we to Your will comply as the angels do on high;

Grant that we, our sin’s forgiv’n follow in the way of heav’n

Grant that we, our sin’s forgiv’n follow in the way of heav’n

May we, even at our worst, show forgiveness shown us first.

Guard us from the tempting devil, & deliver us from evil.

Yours the kingdom so sing we, pow’r and glory ever be.

Unto You while ages run. Yea AMEN! So be it done!

Unto You while ages run. Yea, AMEN! So be it done!

Communion

Prayer after communion

(Tune:  “O Little Town of Bethlehem”)

O Lamb of God from Bethlehem, 

where Mary gave You birth,

Grant us Your grace and mercy, 

Redeemer of the earth.

O Lamb of God forgive us, 

for we still live in sin.

Enter our hearts and guide our lives, 

give us Your peace within.

The offering: In gratitude and humble trust

(tune: VU 75)

In gratitude and humble trust we bring our best today

to serve your cause and share your love

with all along life's way.

O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ, your Son,

teach us to give ourselves each day 

until life's work is done.

Offertory Prayer

Special presentation to retired choir members

The ministry of music-Our choir shines

Reading of the day: Isaiah 11:1-10

The Peaceful Kingdom

A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.

The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of counsel and might,

the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
 or decide by what his ears hear;

but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
 and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
 and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall graze,
 their young shall lie down together;
 and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
 and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.

They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Sermon: Stubborn as a donkey

Benediction and the Sung blessing

Sung Blessing : Hope shines                   

MV 220

Hope shines as the solitary star,

Faith is the inner light.

You and I together mirror the Light of Lights,

And Illumine the pathway home.

The advent wreath

MV 11 - Come, Come Emmanuel

Come, come Emmanuel. Come, Emmanuel.

Come, come Emmanuel. Come, Emmanuel.

Reader One: Advent is a season of anticipation.It’s a season of 

remembering that light came into the darkness: 

Reader Two It’s also a time when we have to deal with the darkness 

that we experience in our lives and in the real world. 

Reader One Advent gives us space to grow and even to groan

as we anticipate the light to shine brighter still: 

All Jesus is Coming

Reader Two This Advent, we will be exploring ideas about light 

and darkness and how both are the creations of God. 

and God said it is Good!

All Come, Lord Jesus. Shine brighter still!  

The first candle is lit

Women In the beginning when God created the heavens 

and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness

covered the face of the deep.

Men A wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 

Then God said, "Let there be light."And there was light. 

And God saw that the light was good. 

Women God separated the light from the darkness. 

God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night.

All  And there was evening and there was morning,

the first day.

VU 6: Hope is a Star, verse 1

1

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.

Welcome and announcements

Welcome & Land Acknowledgment

Birthdays & Celebrations

Service of confirmation

Denver Holmes

Amelia Milne-Servage

Explanation of Confirmation

Introducing the Confirmands

Professions of Faith

Laying on of Hands

Presentation of Certificates & Bibles

Sacrament of holy communion

Preces (Tune:  “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”)

One May the Lord be with you one and all,

All And also with your spirit.

One Lift up your hearts to our God.

All We lift our hearts up to our gracious God!

One Let us give thanks 

All It is right to give our thanks and praise to God!

Prayer of great thanksgiving

(Tune:  “Good King Wenceslas”)

One Blessing, honour, glory, power unto God Almighty!

Praise to You, eternal Lord, Father of all mercy.

All Long ago You made us Lord, 

made us in Your image,

But through sin we broke the form, 

of our Lord within us.

Still Your love came shining through, 

from heaven You did send us - 

Christ to take on human flesh, here to live among us.

He did suffer for our sin, died a death most cruel.

Now He lives and reigns in heaven, 

as its brightest jewel.

We the church on earth do sing 

with the hosts of heaven:

Glory to the One who died, for He has arisen.

The baby born at Bethlehem is the King of heaven.

And we praise Your blessed name 

with the song unending. 

The song of praise

(Tune:  “Angels We Have Heard on High”)

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts, all praise be given!

All Your glory fills the earth; 

all Your power fills the heavens!

Glo-ria in excelsis Deo!  Glo-ria in excelsis Deo!

Blessed is the King who came, bringing love and light divine.

Blessed is the King who comes, in the Bread and in the Wine.

Glo-ria in excelsis Deo!  Glo-ria in excelsis Deo!

Words of institution

(Tune:  “Good Christian Friends Rejoice”)

One Good Christian friends rejoice with heart and soul and voice.

All On the night He was betrayed, 

Jesus to the Father prayed:

One “Bless this bread we are to eat, let it bring forgiveness sweet.

All My body dwells therein; my body dwells therein.”

One Good Christian friends rejoice with heart & soul & voice.

All Next he took the blessed cup, 

praying as He raised it up;

One “In the wine forever more is the way to Heavens door.

All My blood poured out for you (2x)

One Good Christian friends rejoice with heart & soul & voice.

All Eat this Bread and drink this cup, 

share the peace that’s from above.

One Angels sing of heaven’s bliss, as we share this Eucharist.

All Christ was born for this; Christ was born for this.

The Lord's prayer

(Tune:  “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”)

God our Father, God of fame, hallowed be Your saving name;

Everywhere Your kingdom come, far away from here at home;

May we to Your will comply as the angels do on high;

Grant that we, our sin’s forgiv’n follow in the way of heav’n

Grant that we, our sin’s forgiv’n follow in the way of heav’n

May we, even at our worst, show forgiveness shown us first.

Guard us from the tempting devil, & deliver us from evil.

Yours the kingdom so sing we, pow’r and glory ever be.

Unto You while ages run. Yea AMEN! So be it done!

Unto You while ages run. Yea, AMEN! So be it done!

Communion

Prayer after communion

(Tune:  “O Little Town of Bethlehem”)

O Lamb of God from Bethlehem, 

where Mary gave You birth,

Grant us Your grace and mercy, 

Redeemer of the earth.

O Lamb of God forgive us, 

for we still live in sin.

Enter our hearts and guide our lives, 

give us Your peace within.

The offering: In gratitude and humble trust

(tune: VU 75)

In gratitude and humble trust we bring our best today

to serve your cause and share your love

with all along life's way.

O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ, your Son,

teach us to give ourselves each day 

until life's work is done.

Offertory Prayer

Special presentation to retired choir members

The ministry of music-Our choir shines

Reading of the day: Isaiah 11:1-10

The Peaceful Kingdom

A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.

The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of counsel and might,

the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
 or decide by what his ears hear;

but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
 and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
 and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall graze,
 their young shall lie down together;
 and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
 and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.

They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Sermon: Stubborn as a donkey

Benediction and the Sung blessing

Sung Blessing : Hope shines                   

MV 220

Hope shines as the solitary star,

Faith is the inner light.

You and I together mirror the Light of Lights,

And Illumine the pathway home.

Welcome and announcements

Candle-Lighting

Land acknowledgment

Call to worship

Minister Wonder-making God by your Word you created all that is.

People By your living Word, Jesus, 

you bring us to salvation.

Minister By your Spirit, source of your written Word, 

through prophets and apostles, You guide and renew us.

People As we gather today to worship and pray, 

share testimony and learn.

Minister Help us to receive yourWord and catch your vision.

People Help us to believe your Word 

and hold to it even when our faith is tested.

Minister Help us to release your Word into a world 

gasping for its holy breath of life.

People Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet 

and a light unto my path     (Psalm 119: 105)

Minister Family of God, from whom does our help come?

People Our help comes from the Lord, 

the maker of heaven and earth              Psalm 124:8

Minister Let us Worship God.

Doxology

(VU 315)

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee

Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty!

God in three persons: Blessed Trinity!

Opening prayer and the Lord's prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not 

into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, 

the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: In Christ alone

1.

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

2.

In Christ alone! - who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The Love of God was magnified -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

3.

There in the ground His body lay, 

Light of the world by darkness slain:

Then bursting forth in glorious day 

Up from the grave He rose again! 

And as He stands in victory 

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,

For I am His and He is mine - 

Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

4.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand:
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Passing the Peace - Meeting Jesus in each other

The ministry of music

Children's hymn: Down in my heart

’ve got the Joy, Joy Joy Joy down in my heart….

Down in my heart to stay

And I’m so happy, so very happy

I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart (2x)

2 I’ve got the love of Jesus

3 I’ve got peace the passes understanding

4 I’ve got the wonderful love of the blessed redeemer

deep down in the depths of my heart.

5 And if the devil doesn’t like it he can sit on a tack

A time for all God's children

The offering: We plough trough the fields

verse 3 & Chorus            

VU 520

Refrain:

and soft refreshing rain.

All good gifts around us

are sent from heaven above;

we thank you, God, O holy God,

for all your love.

3

We thank you then, O Maker,

for all things bright and good,

the seed-time and the harvest,

our life, our health, our food;

accept the gifts we offer

for all your love imparts,

and, what from us you long for,

our humble, thankful hearts. R

Offertory prayer and The minute for mission

We thank you then, O Maker, for all things bright and good, 

The seed-time and the harvest, our life, our health, our food; accept the gifts we offer for all your love imparts, and, what from us you long for, our humble, thankful hearts. All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above; we thank you, God, O holy God, for all your love. 

Pastoral prayer

Today's scripture: Hebrews 12: 1-3 NLT

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

2 Timothy 4: 6-8 (New Living Translation)

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Gospel hymn: When we all get to heaven

1

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,

Sing His mercy and His grace;

In the mansions bright and blessed

He'll prepare for us a place.

Refrain:

When we all get to heaven,

what a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,

we'll sing and shout the victory!

2

While we walk the pilgrim pathway

Clouds will overspread the sky;

But when trav'ling days are over

Not a shadow, not a sigh.

4

Onward to the prize before us!

Soon His beauty we'll behold;

Soon the pearly gates will open–

We shall tread the streets of gold.

Sermon: Participation prizes all around

Hymn: THe ninety and nine

Welcome and announcements

* Land Acknowledgement

* Celebrations & Concerns

 * Birthdays & Anniversaries

Invitation & dedication of the offering

Call to worship

Minister Lord, you have been our dwelling place 

throughout all the generations. (Psalm 90:1)

All You, O Lord, have been a dwelling place 

for us and our children.

Minister Before the mountains were born 

or you brought forth the earth and the world, 

from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:2)

All You, O Lord, have been with us 

for these one hundred and fifty-nine years!

Minister God is our refuge and strength, 

an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

All You, O Lord, have been our refuge 

and our strength!

Minister The Lord Almighty is with us; 

the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46:7, 11)

All You, O Lord, are the eternal One 

and we have trusted you.

Minister Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, f

or his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; 

great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22, 23)

All You, O Lord, have been our faithful One!

Minister Jesus said, "I will build my church 

and the gates of hell will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:18)

All You, O Lord, have built your church in this place

and we have been blessed.

Minister Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet 

All and a light unto my path (Psalm 119: 105)

Minister Family of God, from whom does our help come?

People Our help comes from the Lord, 

the maker of heaven and earth              Psalm 124:8

Hymn: Come in, come in and sit down

VU395

Refrain:

Come in, come in and sit down,

you are a part of the family.

We are lost and we are found,

and we are a part of the family.

1

You know the reason why you came,

yet no reason can explain;

so share in the laughter and cry in the pain,

for we are a part of the family. R

2

God is with us in this place,

like a mother's warm embrace.

We're all forgiven by God's grace,

for we are a part of the family. R

3

There's life to be shared in the bread and the wine;

we are the branches, Christ is the vine.

This is God's temple, it's not yours or mine,

but we are a part of the family. R

4

There's rest for the weary and health for us all;

there's a yoke that is easy, and a burden that's small.

So come in and worship and answer the call,

for we are a part of the family. R

Prayer and confession

Almighty God…(Minister continues with Prayer)

God of mercy,

In recalling all that you are and all you have done,

For us in our individual lives and as the 

Mountain-South Mountain Congregation

We remember who we are and what we have done.

We admit that at times

we pull away from being generous.

We are hesitant to share our gifts.

We are unsure about the path ahead.

Guide us and give us courage,

we pray in Jesus’s name, the Lord of love and life,

Amen.

Assurance of pardon and The Lord's prayer

The Lord’s prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The ministry of music

Hymn: All the way my saviour leads me

VU 635

1

All the way my Saviour leads me;

what have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt his tender mercy

who through life has been my guide?

Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,

here by faith in him to dwell,

for I know, whate'er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

2

All the way my Saviour leads me,

cheers each winding path I tread,

gives me grace for every trial,

feeds me with the living bread.

Though my weary steps may falter,

and my soul athirst may be,

gushing from the rock before me,

lo, a spring of joy I see!

3

All the way my Saviour leads me;

O the fullness of his love!

Perfect rest to me is promised

in my Father's house above.

When my spirit, clothed, immortal,

wings its flight to realms of day,

this my song through endless ages,

'Jesus led me all the way!'

A time for all God's children

Scripture: Micah 5:2-5

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,

who are one of the little clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

one who is to rule in Israel,

whose origin is from of old,

from ancient days.

Therefore he shall give them up until the time

when she who is in labour has brought forth;

then the rest of his kindred shall return

to the people of Israel.

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great

to the ends of the earth;

and he shall be the one of peace.

Hymn: Take my life and let it be

1

Take my life, and let it be

consecrated, all for thee;

take my moments and my days;

let them flow in ceaseless praise.

2

Take my hands, and let them move

at the impulse of thy love;

take my feet, and let them be

swift and purposeful for thee.

3

Take my lips, and let them be

filled with messages from thee;

take my intellect, and use

every power as thou shalt choose.

4

Take my will, and make it thine;

it shall be no longer mine;

take my heart, it is thine own;

it shall be thy royal throne.

5

Take my love: and I will pour

at thy feet its treasure store;

take myself, and I will be

ever, only, all for thee.

Anniversary message, Lynn Boyd