December 10 , 2023 – Advent 2 – Watching for Peace
Order of Worship - Grace United Church
Worship led by Grace Choir, Grace Trio, Rev. Cathy Kinsman, Grace Ringers, Lois Sonnega and Garnet Weaver
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING
INTROIT “We Wait for God” (vs. 2) Grace Trio
Words & Music: William S. Kervin, Deborah Parks & Tom Reynolds
WELCOME
SPECIAL MUSIC “Cantata Preview: Love”
Words and Music: Joel Rainey
*HYMN “Come and Find the Quiet Centre” VU #374
Words & Music: James K Manley
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home”
Words & Music: Gladys Jack
CENTERING PRAYER
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING – Led by the representatives of Grace United Church Trustees)
On the second Sunday of Advent,
we re-light the first candle of the Advent wreath - the candle of hope.
(The first blue candle is lit).
We also light the second candle symbolizing peace;
the message that God calls us to live peacefully in understanding.
(The second blue candle is lit)
Noticing the tiny blue flame, we wonder when the next puff of air will blow it out.
We wonder that, if this candle were outside, it would quickly be extinguished.
Still the flame flickers and flourishes – a symbol of the Prince of Peace living within us;
a powerful image of strength despite perceived weakness.
*HYMN “A Candle Is Burning” (vs. 1 and 2 only ) VU #6
Music: Sandra Dean Words: James R. Murray
We come to affirm that divine peace thrives within us,
a seed of inspiration strengthened by Spirit breath.
We come to seek wisdom and daring to live lives of peace,
transforming into a community of faith that builds bridges.
Inspire us to perceive the Way of Jesus as the path of wholeness.
Unite us to become a community of faith woven as one by the Spirit.
Teach us how to live by loving kindness,
becoming catalysts for peace in the hearts of those we encounter. Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME “White Gift Presentation and Blessing”
*SONG “I Am Walking the Path of Peace” (vs. 1 only) MV #221
Words & Music: Janeet Bauman Tissandier
PRAYER OF HEALING
Healing One, sometimes we don’t want to hear your restorative words to us.
Sometimes we have done things we don’t think deserve your mercy.
There are people we have mis-treated that will never really forget.
There are people who have hurt us, left us feeling broken or unwell.
We do not want to offer a new beginning, a second chance.
How long will we hold ourselves and others captive for the hurts?
Hear our hurting hearts as we open them to You, in search of healing for all.
(Silent prayer/reflection)
*SUNG WORDS OF GRACE & COMFORT “O Come and Let Us Sing” MV #9
Words & Music: Taize Community
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
OLD TESTAMENT – Isaiah 40:1-11 – Comfort, O Comfort my people.
THE GOSPEL OF MARK 1:1-8 – The preaching of John the baptizer.
In this is God’s hope for the world. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
SPECIAL MUSIC “Christmas Grace” Grace Choir
Words & Music: : Ruth Elaine Schram
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
SUNG RESPONSE “What Child Is This” (vs. 3 only) VU #74
Music: English melody, John Stainer Words: William Chattertorn Dix
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
*HYMN “He Came Singing Hope/Peace” (vs. 3,4 only) VU #359
Music: Argentine folk melody Words: Fred Kaan
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
CHORAL BENEDICTION “Take Up His Song of Peace” (one verse) MV #213
Words & Music: Laura A. Herman
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
What’s Happening This Week
Dec 11
10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Darby UCW Christmas
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm - Lake/Davidson UCW
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Playschool Christmas Prep
Dec 12
9:30 am 1:00 pm - Hub of Healing
3:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Playschool Dinner
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm - Homework Club
Dec 13
3:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Playschool Dinner
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Kidz Praize
5:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Groovin with Grace
Dec 14
9:00 am - M & P Meeting
9:00 am - Worship Meeting
9:30 am - Book Club
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Outreach Cupboard
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Community Coffee
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Youth Nite
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Choir
Dec 15
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Cantata Rehearsal
Dec 16
11:00 am - 1:00 pm - Rollheiser Recital
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Sargent Recital
Dec 17
10:00 am- Worship – Advent 3
7:00 pm - Cantata
Outreach Shopping List
o Canned fruit
o Canned vegetables
o Granola Bars
o Cereal
o Juice boxes
o Larger canned protein (Ham, chicken, tuna)
**We are in dire need of canned fruit and veggies.
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
There cannot be justice without generosity.
OFFICE HOURS|DEC 23 – JAN 2
The office will close at 3:00pm on December 22nd, for the remainder of the holiday season the office hours are as follows:
Dec. 25 & 26 closed
Dec. 27, 28, 29 – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Jan 2 – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join our webinar, "Works in Action: Towards Food Security,"
December 14, 2023, at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT, presented by the United Church of Canada Foundation.
This one-hour webinar will highlight initiatives championed by dedicated United Church people actively working towards food security.
The event will feature a panel of previous grant recipients discussing how they are addressing food insecurity with the support of the Foundation.
Gain valuable insight from our panellists as they share inspiring projects that support and strengthen their communities.
This panel will be moderated by Foundation Board Member Mary Royal-Duczek and will include stories and reflections from:
Lisa Harrison, Brunswick Street Mission (Halifax, NS)
Emilie Jacques, Maison Saint Columba House (Montreal, QC)
Caroline Gallop and Beth Martin, Knox United Church (Lower Sackville, NS)
Registration for this virtual event is entirely free!
INTERESTED IN RINGING BELLS
The Salvation Army needs our help. If you are interested in ringing the bells for the Salvation Army at various locations, please contact Bond Jennings at 780-870-5757.
UPCOMING WEEKS IN WORSHIP
December 17 Advent 3 – Children’s Story & song – Joy in our work & ministry
December 24 Advent 4 – Christmas Eve Morning – 10:00 AM
Christmas Eve Evening – 7:00 PM
(Candles, carols, and communion)
December 31 First Sunday after Christmas – Tune into Facebook Page for the recording of the Grace Night of Music
January 7 Epiphany
January 14 Baptism of the Lord
POINSETTIA PROJECT
The Pastoral Care committee is once again planning to deliver a poinsettia to those who have suffered a bereavement or a long-term illness this past year. If you care to support this project monetary donations will be accepted at the office. We require 10-12 drivers for delivery. Delivery will take place Monday, December 18th. If you can assist with deliveries, please call Joan Ellis at 780-871-3521. Thank you. Help us to brighten someone’s Christmas.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Thank you to all you supported the Mission & Service Cookie Day. The final donation total was $481.15!!
Thank you to the General UCW of Grace United Church for the donation of $3,500.00 in the spring to Mission & Service.
As beloved children of God, all are included in the life and ministry of
the Grace Family where diversity is celebrated.
Grace remembers, as we celebrate God’s presence in worship,
that Grace United Church gathers on Treaty 6 land,
the traditional territory of the Plains, Wood Cree, Assiniboine and Métis peoples.
As Treaty people,
we seek to live with respect on this land and live in peace and friendship with all our relations.
Minister - Rev. Cathy Kinsman 1-204-294-2142 gucminister@graceunitedchurch.ca
Affirming Support Worker - Jenson Brown 780-875-8959 gucjensonbrown@gmail.com
Choir Director- Karen Fawcett 780-875-4642 karenfawcett@hotmail.com
Playschool Coordinator - Lori Haygarth 780-808-0959 gucplayschool@graceunitedchurch.ca
Treasurer - Lynda Campbell 306-821-2575 guctreasurer@graceunitedchurch.ca
Executive Director - Bev Thurlow 780-875-8959 gucexecdirector@graceunitedchurch.ca
Board Chair - Darrel Howell 780-870-1671 dhhowell@telus.net