Join us in person or live-streamed at 10AM or find our recorded service at your convenience. Details on our Worship page. Service words are below.
Prelude: There Was a Child in Galilee
There was a child in Galilee who wandered wild along the sea.
A holy child, alone was she, and they called her Dreaming Mary.
And she dreamed, rejoicing in her saviour; she dreamed of justice for the poor.
She dreamed that kings oppressed no more when she dreamed, that Dreaming Mary.
One holy day an angel came with voice of wind and eyes of flame.
He promised blessed would be her name when he spoke to Dreaming Mary.
Then she spoke, rejoicing in her saviour. She spoke of justice for the poor.
She spoke that kings oppressed no more when she spoke, that Dreaming Mary.
And did she dream about a son? And did he speak, the angel one?
We only know God’s will was done, in the son of Dreaming Mary.
Then she prayed, rejoicing in her saviour. She taught him justice for the poor.
She taught that kings oppressed no more when she taught, that Dreaming Mary.
Then Jesus grew in Galilee, they wandered wild along the sea.
Now he calls to you and me to dream with Dreaming Mary.
And we dream, rejoicing in our saviour. We dream of justice for the poor.
We dream that kings oppress no more as we dream with Dreaming Mary.
Acknowledgement
Welcome
Gathering Song: 113 Come, O Lord, and Set Us Free
Come, O Lord, and set us free. Maranatha.
Desert and dry land will grow green in praise;
clay will rejoice with full bloom:
showers of flowers given birth in dead earth;
in colours they echo Love’s song.
Come, O Lord, and set us free. Maranatha.
Strengthen the hearts of the fearful and weak;
be strong; fear not, God is near,
coming in power and loosing our bonds,
setting the captives free.
Come, O Lord, and set us free. Maranatha.
We have been waiting and longing for light,
watching for signs of the Lord.
“Promised of ages,” “Messiah to come,”
hear us, we beg you: “Come save!”
Come, O Lord, and set us free. Maranatha.
Give us a star in the sky day and night,
sign of your promise to save.
Over the mountains we follow its light,
hoping for sign of your life.
Come, O Lord, and set us free. Maranatha.
Gathering Sentences (Prayers to Share)
When God’s Anointed one comes
the desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wasteland
When God’s Anointed one comes
tired hands will receive new strength and fearful ones will find fresh courage
When God’s Anointed one comes
the lame will leap and dance, the blind will see
When God’s Anointed one comes
the grieving and sorrowing will be forever free
Opening Prayer
Your presence is revealed in the light of hope, O God. The light of hope shines brightly
Joyfully we worship, for your graceful gift of Jesus is at hand.
The light of hope overcomes the darkness
Joyfully we accept that the powerful ones and evil rulers will not have their own way
The light of hope reveals the needs of home and community.
Joyfully we will work to support the downhearted and show friendship to those who are alone
Your presence is revealed in the light of hope, O God.
The light of hope will shine out as we go on our Advent journey. Amen
Collect of the Day
God of power and mercy, you call us once again to celebrate the coming of your Son. Remove those things which hinder love of you, that when he comes, he may find us waiting in awe and wonder for him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Candle lighting liturgy
Worship Leader: “What brings you joy?” From the voices of different generations, hear their answers:
Karen: A clean kitchen.
Carole: Sand between my toes.
Joshua: Being outside.
Harper: Sleeping in my own bed after a night away.
Karen: Having a camera in my hands.
Carole: My partner’s laugh.
Harper: Mountain air.
Joshua: When my parents pick me up.
Karen: The end of my to-do list.
Carole: Hugs from my niece and nephew.
Harper: Baby giggles.
Joshua: My cat.
Karen: Putting my hands in the garden.
Carole: A chord resolved.
Harper: Stargazing.
Joshua: Bedtime books.
Karen: A warm cup of coffee with friends.
Carole: My new granddaughter.
Harper: Lingering at the table after dinner.
Joshua: Time with family.
Carole: Today we light the candle of joy. May its light remind us of all the good news this season brings. May its light remind us of the many sources of joy in our lives, and may that joy not only draw us closer to one another, but closer to God. light the candle.
Carole: Family of faith, what brings you joy? Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
A reading from the prophet Isaiah 35:1-10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you." Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveller, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Listen to the leading of the Spirit. Thanks be to God.
Psalm: Mary’s Song/Magnificat
My soul, my soul, it glorifies Thee. Humble, yet are You mindful of me.
So, sing out my soul! Sing out in joy to the Lord! So, sing out my soul! Sing out in joy to the Lord!
So blessed. Blessed by the things that You do. Humble, Yet has my Lord favoured me.
You lift up the poor. To those in need, You are near. Our hunger is filled. Your Word is true through the years!
My soul, my soul, it glorifies Thee.
Mighty. Yet so much mercy in You!
So, sing out my soul! Sing out in joy to the Lord! So, sing out my soul! Sing out in joy to the Lord!
A reading from the letter of James 5:7-10
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Listen to the leading of the Spirit. Thanks be to God
Gradual Hymn: 100 CP Comfort, Comfort Ye My People
Comfort, comfort ye my people; speak ye peace: thus says your God. Comfort those who sit in darkness bowed beneath oppression’s load;
speak ye to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them: tell her that her sins I cover, and her warfare now is over.
Hark! The herald’s voice is calling in the desert far and near,
calling is to new repentance since the reign of God is here.
Oh, the warning call obey! Now prepare for Christ a way;
Let the valleys rise to meet him and the hills bow down to greet him.
Make ye straight what long was crooked; make the rougher places plain.
Let your hearts be true and humble as befits Messiah’s reign.
For the glory of the Lord now o’er earth is shed abroad,
and all flesh shall see the token that God’s Word is never broken.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew 11:2-11
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me." As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at?
A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
The Gospel of Christ. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily
Affirmation of Faith (Sarah Speed, A Sanctified Art)
We believe in a God
who promised to Abraham,
who wrestled with Jacob,
who walked with Ruth,
who spoke with Moses,
who grieved with Bathsheba,
who danced with David,
who dreamed with Joseph,
and who hoped like Mary.
We believe in a God who has been loving,
inviting, transforming, and challenging us
from generation to generation.
And we believe that same God is here with us now, saying,
“Come on in; there’s room for you here.” Amen.
Prayers of the People (prayer for illumination)
Holy God, scripture tells us that you came to Joseph through an angel— loud and clear, impossible to miss. Scripture also tells us that Joseph listened.
He rearranged his life to follow your invitation.
God, we long for that— all of that. We long to hear your voice—loud and clear, impossible to miss.
We long for invitations to something more, something deeper.
And we long to be like Joseph and find the courage to follow.
So clean out our ears. Brush the dust off our hearts.
Trace us back to our roots—back to Joseph—who heard and followed. With gratitude we listen and pray
God of step-fathers and adopted parents, God of angel messengers and newborn kings, we bow our heads today with praise on our lips.
For who else but you would pick two ordinary folks to be God’s parents?
And who else but you would be patient enough to lead Mary and Joseph back to one another?
And who else but you would assume the best of fragile human hearts?
The answer is no one, for you alone are our God, and in your grace and in your devotion, you open the door for us to see a new day. So today we pray: help us to be like Joseph, who reminds us that grace is within reach.
In a world full of competition, help us choose celebration.
In a world full of scarcity, help us choose abundance.
In a world of war and violence, help us choose peace and grace.
In a world of divided lines, help us choose connection and relationship.
In a world of quick assumptions and stereotypes, help us choose curiosity and compassion.
We pause for a moment to lift our cares and concerns, remembering in prayer those we have been asked to pray for today….
And in our striving to choose a better way, God, may we be transformed.
May this story of Joseph rattle something loose in us.
May this story of Joseph help us drop the need to be right, or to be the best, or to have it all figured out, and instead may it draw us closer to authenticity and you.
May this story of imperfection sew grace into our bones.
May we catch glimpses of your love in our world.
May we shake off the dust of our old selves and live into something new.
And may we be a little more like Joseph, but mainly, may we be a little more like you.
With hope in our hearts we pray. Amen
Call to Confession
In God’s house, everyone is welcome— those who seem like they have it all together, and those who feel like their world is falling apart. No matter who we are, there’s room for us here. With that confidence, we turn to God in prayer, speaking the truth of our lives. Let us pray:
Prayer of Confession
God of today and God of tomorrow, you say, “Bring your full self. There’s room for you here.”
But we say, “Our lives are too messy.”
You say, “Bring your hopes and your dreams. There’s room for you here.”
But we say, “It’s too risky to hope.”
You say, “Bring your grief and your prayers. There’s room for you here.”
But we say, “Some things are easier to forget.”
God of today and God of tomorrow, we know in our hearts that there’s room for us here.
Forgive us for withholding our full selves from you. Forgive us for giving only our Sunday best.
Help us remember, today and tomorrow,
There’s room for every story. Amen.
Words of Forgiveness
Family of faith, we who feel scattered are held together. We who have lost our way are forgiven and
found. And we who are lonely are brought into the fold and are told, “There’s room for you here.” From
generation to generation, this is the good news of the gospel. In Jesus Christ we are held, forgiven,
found, and welcomed. Thanks be to God! Amen.
The Peace
The Peace of the Lord be always with you
And also with you
The Offertory Hymn: 106 There’s A Voice in the Wilderness
There's a voice in the wilderness crying, a call from the ways untrod: prepare in the desert a highway, a highway for our God! The valleys shall be exalted, the lofty hills brought low; make straight all the crooked places where the Lord our God may go! O Zion, give voice to good tidings, ascend to the heights and sing! Proclaim to a desolate people the coming of their King. The works of pride all perish, like flowers they shall decay; the power and pomp of nations shall pass like a dream away. But the word, O God, is faithful, your arm, O Lord, is strong; you stand in the midst of nations, and you will right the wrong. You will feed your flock like a shepherd, and fold the lambs to your breast; in pastures of peace you’ll lead them, and give to the weary rest.
There’s a voice in wilderness crying, a call from the ways untrod:
prepare in the desert a highway, a highway of our God!
The valleys shall be exalted, the lofty hills brought low;
make straight all crooked places where the Lord our God may go!
Prayer over the Gifts
God of love and power, your word stirs within us the expectation of the coming of your Son. Accept all
we offer you this day, and sustain us with your promise of eternal life. We ask this in the name of Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen
Eucharistic Prayer 3
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the fullness of time came among us in our flesh, and opened to us the way of salvation. Now we watch for the day when he will come again in power and great triumph to judge this world, that we, without shame or fear, may rejoice to behold his appearing. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your name
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might Heaven and Earth of your glory are full Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest. Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord
Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might Heaven and Earth of your glory are full Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest.
We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, Father, according to his command,
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts,
that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer (sung: Cameron)
Breaking of the Bread
God of promise, you prepare a banquet for us in your kingdom.
Happy are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb.
These are the gifts of God for the people of God
Thanks be to God
The Communion
Hymns during distribution:
104 CP Joy Shall Come
Joy shall come even to the wilderness, and the parched land shall then know great gladness; as the rose, as the rose shall deserts blossom, deserts like a garden blossom. For living springs shall give cool water, in the desert streams shall flow; for living springs shall give cool water, in the desert streams shall flow.
Joy shall come even to the wilderness, and the parched land shall then know great gladness; as the rose, as the rose shall deserts blossom, deserts like a garden blossom. For living springs shall give cool water, in the desert streams shall flow; for living springs shall give cool water, in the desert streams shall flow.
in the desert streams shall flow.
Comfort My People
Do you know, have you not heard
Has it been told you from the first
Have you not understood from the forming of the earth
He sits enthroned above the world
and spreads the heavens like a tent
A place for us to live in, a place for all to live.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand
Do you know
Who has marked off the heavens with the breath of his word
Do you know
Comfort my people, comfort my people says the Lord
He brought out the starry host
One by one he called them by name
Why do you still complain that he doesn’t know your ways
Lift your eyes and look to see who created all of these
and never more complain that he doesn’t know your ways
Who has measured the waters in The hollow of his hand
Do you know
Who has marked off the heavens With the breath of his word
Do you know
Comfort my people, comfort my people, comfort my people says the Lord
Prayer after Communion
God for whom we wait, you have fed us with the bread of eternal life. Keep us ever watchful, that we
may be ready to stand before the Son of man. We ask this in the name of Christ the Lord. Amen
The Doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
An Advent Benediction (A Sanctified Art)
As you leave this place, may you go knowing that from generation to generation,
we have been claimed and loved.
From generation to generation, God has been by our side.
From generation to generation, we are not alone.
The God of yesterday and the God of tomorrow knows you by name, loves you, and calls you forth,
saying, “Go be the person you are called to be, love wildly, do justice, and come back soon.”
May it be so. Amen.
Announcements
Closing Hymn: Every Valley
Chorus: Ev’ry valley shall be exalted and ev’ry hill made low.
And all God’s people shall see together the glory of the Lord.
A voice cries out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway, a highway for our God.” Chorus
Comfort all my people. The time for war is gone. The blind shall see, the deaf shall hear, the lame shall leap for joy. Chorus Stand up on the mountaintop. Lift up your voice to the world. Sing joyfully, Jerusalem: “Behold, behold your God.” Chorus
Dismissal
Go forth in the world rejoicing in the power of the Spirit
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!!
Postlude: Instrumental
Comments