Service Sunday December 29, 2024

Worship Leader: Rev. Max Ward, B.A., M. Div.

Music Director: Melissa Stephens, B. Mus., B. Ed., A. Mus.

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All are Welcome!

Watch a video recording of the whole service below using YouTube.

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE:

One: Light of the world be our guide. Reveal to us the radiant glory of hope and peace in our world too often overshadowed by injustice. Illumine the way of kindness, compassion and harmony. Let it begin with each one of us. We pray in the name of the glorious Christ. Amen

Written by Laura J. Turnbull, Penticton, B.C.

Gathering, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany 2021-2022, p.36. Used with permission.

The Gathering

Welcome and Announcements.
Focusing Moment.

Acknowledgement of Land

I would like to acknowledge that we are worshipping on the Traditional lands of Anishinaabe nation. May we glean ancestral wisdom from the Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders, whose footsteps from generation to generation walked gently on Turtle Island when it was all unceded land.

May we all travel together as Treaty peoples of Canada, on a good path with harmony and respect as we move toward a healthy, peaceful future together.

Written by Lori Van Santvoort-Jansekovich, Broadway U.C., Thunder Bay, Ont.

Gathering, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany 2021-2022, p.43. Used with permission.

THE APPROACH

CALL TO WORSHIP:

One: As we reflect back on the past year, we realize that we have journeyed far…through joys and sorrows, worries and fear, celebration and exhaustion triumphs and tragedies.

ALL: By a miracle, a tiny baby in a manger has once again brought us together in wonder and in hope.

One: We may not arrive with gold or frankincense or myrrh.

ALL: We may be carrying much in our hearts and minds.

One: But we are here, with open hearts and minds, ready to worship.

Written by Mary Parsons, Munn’s U.C., Oakville, Ont.

Gathering, Advent 2024, p.41. Used with permission.

HYMN: “Angels, from the Realms of Glory” VU #36

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: Refrain

3 Sages, leave your contemplations;

brighter visions beam afar;

seek the great desire of nations;

we have seen his natal star: Refrain

4 Saints before the altar bending,

watching long in hope and fear,

suddenly the Lord, descending,

in his temple shall appear: Refrain

HYMN: “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” VU #48

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! Refrain

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. Refrain

OPENING PRAYER

Caring God, as we journey through lives filled with both blessings and adversity, guide us to choose the life you would have us lead. Strengthen us to follow you with courage, so that our choices bring us closer to you and turn us away from thoughts and actions of selfishness and greed. Encourage us to follow you with commitment, that through each day, we might live your teachings and deepen our faith. Nurture us to follow you with compassion, experiencing the world around us as you experience it and loving others as you love and support us. Amen

Written by Gill Le Fevre, Walton Memorial U.C., Oakville, Ont.

Gathering, Advent 2024, p.41. Used with permission.

MINISTRY OF MUSIC:

LEARNING TOGETHER:

HYMN: “Away in a Manger” VU #69

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.

THE WORD

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

Leader: Hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

MESSAGE

“Singing Carols after Christmas”

Listen to an audio recording of the Message below or read it at the bottom of this page.

OUR RESPONSE

**PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER: (spoken VU #921**)

HYMN: “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” VU #43

Refrain 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. Refrain

2 The shepherds feared and trembled

when lo, above the earth

rang out the angel chorus

that hailed our Saviour's birth! Refrain

3 Down in a lonely manger

the humble Christ was born,

and God sent our salvation

that blessed Christmas morn. Refrain

PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY PRAYER:

Holy God, on this day of many gifts when the wondrous gift is given, receive what we have offered here. Bless all those whose lives will be touched through our gifts, which originate in you. In the name of the Christ child, we pray and serve. Amen. Written by Gord Dunbar, Kincardine P.C., Kincardine, Ont.

Gathering, Advent 2024, page 40. Used with permission.

SUNG BLESSING: (MV #220)

Love shines as the solitary star.

Faith is the inner light.

You and I together mirror the Light of Lights,

Sending Forth:

One: Go gently on from here today, passing softly through the week and into the new year. Breathing in God’s love. Resting in the moment. Encountering the peace of God. God with us. Still, always.

ALL: Amen!