WELCOME AND NOTICES

SONG: Come and Join the Celebration
Come and join the celebration, it’s a very special day;
come and share our jubilation,
there’s a new King born today!
See the shepherds
hurry down to Bethlehem,
gaze in wonder
at the Son of God who lay before them. Come and join…

`God is with us’,
round the world the message sing;
he is with us,
`Welcome!’ all the bells on earth are pealing. Come and join …

Wise men journey,
led to worship by a star,
kneel in homage,
bringing precious gifts from lands afar, So, Come and join …
© High-Fye Music Ltd (CH4)
OPENING PRAYER

ADVENT CANDLE-LIGHTING
Leader: Advent is a season of waiting: waiting for the hope,
peace, joy, and love of God to break into our lives anew through the story of the birth of Jesus, and through acts of hope, peace, joy, and love.
It reminds us to look for where God’s way of love is present in our world today. Today we light the third candle, the candle of joy.
We wait – not because we do not know the story of Jesus, and not because God is not already and always here.
We wait because to wait is to expect something more.
To wait is to expect that the story might enter our hearts and
our world in new ways, to bring the change for which we long.

(A candle-lighter lights three purple Advent candles.).

PRESENTATION BY THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

CAROL: Little Donkey
Little donkey, little donkey, on the dusty road.
Got to keep on plodding onwards, with your precious load.
Been a long time, little donkey, thro’ the winter’s night.
Don’t give up now, little donkey, Bethlehem’s in sight.

Ring out those bells tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem.
Follow that star tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem.
Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day.
Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way.

Little donkey, little donkey, journey’s end is near.
There are wise men, waiting for a sign to bring them hear.
Do not falter, little donkey, there’s a star a head.
It will guide you, little donkey, to a cattle shed.

Ring out those bells tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem.
Follow that star tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem.
Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day.
Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way.
Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way. © Eric Boswell

CAROL: 242 Away in a Manger

CAROL: Songbook 67 We Three Kings of Orient are

CAROL: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing,
Hark! the herald angels sing
“Glory to the new born 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!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new born King!”

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.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new born King!”

Hail the heaven-born 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.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new born King!” C/A

PRESENTATIONS

THE OFFERING & PRAYER

PRAYERS FOR OTHERS

CAROL: See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw
See him lying on a bed of straw
Draughty stable with an open door
Mary cradling the babe she bore
The Prince of glory is his name.
Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem
To see the Lord appear to men
Just as poor as was the stable then
The prince of glory when he came.

Star of silver sweeps across the skies
Show where Jesus in the manger lies
Shepherds swiftly from your stupor rise
To see the Saviour of the world. Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem…

Mine are riches from thy poverty
From thine innocence, eternity
Mine, forgiveness by thy death for me
Child of sorrow, for my joy.
Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem…

Angels, sing again the song you sang
Bring God’s glory to the heart of man
Sing, “Bethlehem’s little baby can
Be salvation to the soul.”
Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem…

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.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS for Waltham Community Cottage: Today is your final opportunity to place gifts under the Tree. Thank you for your support.

Carol Service readers: please sign the list in the foyer and take a copy of the reading. A balance of men and women would be appreciated!

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 14th Dec: Meet 10am at The Colombo. See noticeboard for details. End of Year brunch at Oderings 11.30am. June 332 8874.

CUPPA & CHAT Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in!
CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12 noon. All welcome.
FOOTCARE CLINIC on Thursday 15th December is fully booked.

Thank you to those who filled out the recent Church Life Survey. Results will be available in the New Year.

New Readers’ Roster is available – please collect your copy today.

Sunday 18th December 2.30 – 4.30pm Open House at the Manse. Come and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

UPCOMING SERVICES
Tuesday 20th Dec 7.30pm A Blue Christmas Service
Saturday 24th Dec 7.30pm Christmas Eve Service
Sunday 25th Dec 9.00am Christmas Day Family Service

This morning we especially welcome Christine and Andrew Cox,
Clare and Paul Dolheguy, Brenda Lorimer and Lecia McCallum,
members of the Richmond Handbell Choir.

GATHERING: From the rear of the church
In the wild beauty of the wilderness, in the rush hour wildness of the city streets; in the fierce coldness of wind-swept mornings
in the heavy heat of summer afternoons:
We are called to be people of promise.
When our way seems clear and the steps even, when our path
is winding and each step an effort; when all crowd around
to hear your Word, when no one notices that you walk among us:
We are called to be people of promise.

Gracious God, help us to prepare the way
for Jesus’ Good News to be found in us.
Make us an Advent people of hope and anticipation,
of peace and forgiveness,
answering the challenge of the Spirit. Amen

ADVENT CAROL: Look Toward Christmas
Look toward Christmas!
Advent is here:
welcome December,
changing the year.
Whistle up, shepherds!
Saddle up, kings!
Chorus up, angels,
flexing your wings.
Sing, sing alleluia!
Sing, sing alleluia!
Sing, sing out the story,
sing about hope and peace.

Set the world singing, Mary and Joseph,
make the world glad; soon is the day:
now is good reason ready the donkey,
not to feel sad! start on your way.
Hear John the Baptist You are the chosen,
shout to prepare: willing to trust,
Good News is coming, joyful your burden,
earth be aware. carrying Christ.
Sing, sing alleluia … Sing, sing alleluia …
? Shirley Murray (CoC)

WELCOME AND NOTICES

ADVENT CANDLE – LIGHTING

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.

A candle is burning, a candle of peace,
a candle to signal that conflict must cease:
for Jesus is coming to show us the way;
a message of peace humbly laid in the hay. © Sandra Dean (VU)

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

INTRODUCTION BY THE RICHMOND HANDBELL CHOIR.

ITEM BY THE BELL-RINGERS

BELLS, OUR ADVENT THEME

CAROL: O Christmas Bells, O Christmas Bells (Tune: Tannenbaum)
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
we hear your tones a-ringing. (repeat first 2 lines)
They tell us of God’s gift for all
a baby in a manger stall;
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
we hear your tones a-ringing.

O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
your music lightens heavy hearts. (repeat first 2 lines)
It calls us forth to show God’s love
that came to earth from heaven above.
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
your music lightens heavy hearts.

O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
you’ll ring our through this land of ours. (repeat first 2 lines)
We’ll follow Jesus in God’s way
and share his gifts of grace each day.
O Christmas bells, O Christmas bells
you’ll ring out through this land of ours.

READINGS: Isaiah 11:1-4, 6, 9 God’s Chosen One Catherine Fitchett
Luke 1: 68-79 The Song of Zechariah Marilyn Tait
(father of John the Baptist)
REFLECTION

THE OFFERING

CAROL: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas day
their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on earth, good will to all.

And thought how, as the day had come,
the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along the unbroken song
of peace on earth, good will to all.

Till ringing, singing on its way
the world revolved from night to day,
a voice, a chime, a chant sublime
of peace on earth, good will to all.

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
of peace on earth, good will to all.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
the wrong shall fail, the right prevail
with peace on earth, good will to all.”

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

ITEM BY THE BELL-RINGERS

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

CAROL: 224 Joy to the World

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.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 30th November ~ Sydenham rejuvenation: Meet 9.30am cnr Elgin & Colombo Streets. Coffee at Just Desserts. June 332 8874.

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: Gifts for men, women, teenagers, boys and girls are required and can be brought to Church and placed under the Tree today, and next Sunday. Thank you for your support.

READERS are required for the Carol Service & Blue Christmas Service. Please sign the list in the foyer if you are available.
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: Tue 6th Catherine; Wed 7th Florence; Thu 8th Eleanor.

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.