CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: A letter from a saint. (based on 1 Corinthians 1:3–9)
My sisters and brothers in Christ… to unfold in your lives.
Voice 1: We wait?
Voice 2: Yes, we wait.
Voice 1: What are we waiting for?
All: We wait for a world filled with God’s love.
Voice 2: We are longing.
Voice 1: Longing?
Voice 2: Yes, longing.
All: Hoping with trust in God that Love will reign in the world…
HYMN: 200 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
WELCOME & NOTICES
ADVENT CANDLE-LIGHTING:
Leader: Advent is a season of waiting… the candle of hope.
Voice 2: We wait… to bring the change for which we long.
First Advent Candle lit
Voice 1: As we light the candle of hope… born, anew, in us.
SUNG RESPONSE: A Candle is Burning (Tune: Away in a Manger)
A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright,
a candle of hope in December’s dark night.
While angels sing blessings from heaven’s starry sky,
our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh. © Sandra Dean (VU)
CONFESSION AND WORDS OF ASSURANCE
CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICE
HYMN: 669 I Am the Light of the World
READINGS: Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19 Joan
Isaiah 64:1–9¬ John
The story of Isaiah 64:1–9¬ invites the listener to imagine a potter holding, moulding, and shaping clay.
REFLECTION: High Hopes
A TIME OF QUIET
AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God the Creator who created and is creating;
who goes on bringing to birth new things beyond our imagining.
We believe in Jesus Christ who entered our journey
as a fragile babe, who experienced all our living
and gave his life for us; who can still be discovered in our midst.
We believe in the Holy Spirit who calls us on into all truth
in light beyond our seeing,
who stirs within our being new possibilities,
who draws us onward into the very life of God.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
During the prayer candles will be lit. After each candle is lit,
you are invited to join in the response:
We wait, watching for a way we can shine the light
of your hope in the world.
OFFERING:
In this season of waiting and lighting candles, loving God,
we offer these gifts of money, of creation, of wondering,
and we offer ourselves as bearers of the light of your hope
in the world. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE
HYMN: Where is the Room
Where is the room,
where is the house of Christmas?
Where shall we welcome Jesus,
where are the signs of home?
Where are the signs of home?
Let Christ have space,
place at the heart of living,
centre for birth’s new breathing,
cradle for hope and peace,
cradle for hope and peace.
Let there be room,
room for the friend and stranger,
room without hurt or anger,
room for whoever come,
room for whoever come.
Let love be here,
love from the Christmas stable,
love at our open table,
love to be shared all year,
love to be shared all year.
A GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR ADVENT
May God be with you and also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
We praise you, Eternal God… your people down through the ages; saying: Holy, holy, holy God of power and might;
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the Highest.
Blessed is he who comes in your name.
Hosanna in the highest. [pause]
Holy are you; blessed is your Son, Jesus Christ
who, long ago came in the humble birth of a child,
a child of your amazing love, a child of Mary’s ‘yes’ to you,
a child of Joseph’s acceptance.
The child of our salvation…
COMMUNION & PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION
HYMN: 109 Tell Out My Soul
THE BLESSING
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service. There will also be a Christmas Cake stall run by the Fireside Group.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 30th November ~ Richmond: Meet 9.30am in London St just off Stanmore Rd. Coffee at Ma & Pa’s. June 332 8874.
NEWSLETTER: It’s been some time coming, but the Christmas Newsletter will be distributed by your Elders after the service on Dec 4. If your Elder isn’t at Church that day, please ask Lyn or Madg. Remaining newsletters will be delivered.
ROSTERS FOR 2012: We are still looking for more names to add to our rosters for 2012. This is for serving morning tea after worship, church cleaning and flowers. If you can help, please contact Joan 338 8700 or Allison 332 0554.
CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in!
CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. All are welcome. For details, please contact Beverley 942 7821.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Thursday 15th December – please book through the Parish Office 332 6192.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS for Waltham Community Cottage: Once again, we will be collecting gifts for the Cottage. Gifts for men, women, teenagers, boys and girls are required and can be brought to Church and placed under the Tree today, and the 4th & 11th of December. Thank you for your support.
Marmalade for Missions: please support this fundraiser.
Extra copies of the December & January Services brochure are available in the foyer for you to give away to friends and neighbours.
UPDATED PARISH PHONE LISTS are now available. Please contact the Office if you would like a copy.
BIRTHDAYS this week: Sun 27th Tony; Mon 28th Martin; Wed 30th Judith.