December 17, 2023 – Advent 3– Working in Joyful Ministry Together
Order of Worship - Grace United Church
Worship led by Grace Choir, Grace Trio, Rev. Cathy Kinsman, Lois Sonnega and Garnet Weaver
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING
INTROIT “We Wait/Watch/Work for God” (vs.1-3) Grace Trio
Words & Music: William S. Kervin, Deborah Parks & Tom Reynolds
WELCOME
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 U.C.W – United Church Women)
On the third Sunday of Advent,
we re-light the first candle of hope and the second candle of peace in the Advent wreath.
(Two blue candles are lit).
We also light the third candle, the pink candle, symbolizing joy;
acknowledging the reality that joy often bursts out of pain, hardship, and failure.
(The pink candle is lit).
Joy often comes to us unexpectantly, especially when we feel we want to give up on life.
Joy reminds us that nothing is impossible – even in weakness.
In our joy, we are powerfully reminded that God is always near.
So let us rejoice!
Let’s sing as we prepare to celebrate the good news in this divine newborn babe.
*HYMN “A Candle Is Burning” (vs. 3 only) VU #6
Music: Sandra Dean Words: James R. Murray
Rejoice! And again, I say, rejoice!
Our joy bubbles over, as we are set free, that we may help free others.
Bind up the broken hearted and comfort all who grieve.
Fill us with the warmth of a joyful Spirit, as we hear one again, the story of faith.
CHILDREN’S PRESENTATION “A Sung Nativity Drama” Sunday School
*SONG “Hark the Glad Sound” (vs. 1,3,4) VU #29
Words & Music: Janeet Bauman Tissandier
PRAYER OF HEALING
God of the Prophets, we cry out with You at the injustice in this world.
We cry out because people are killed by guns and bullets.
We cry out because people continue to choose violence and claim it in Your name.
We cry out for healing because illness and pain have touched our loved ones,
and our lives.
We cry out because families can’t make ends meet and end up sleeping in cars and on the street.
We want to sing Mary’s song, to be proud and to rejoice.
All that escapes our lips is a whimper, a sigh too deep for words,
a roaring rage of tears.
We know You are listening, we know You know our pain.
Help us to hold fast to what is good and bring the rest to You in prayer.
We ask Your comfort now, as we share what hurts our hearts in these moments of prayer.
(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 61:1-4, 8-11 – The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.
RESPONSIVE SONG OF MARY #VU #898
PAUL’S LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS 5:16-24 – Rejoice always; pray without ceasing.
In this is God’s message of joy for the world. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
SPECIAL MUSIC “Comfort and Joy” 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 “Joy to the World VU #59
Words: Isaac Watts Music: Lowell Mason
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
CHORAL BENEDICTION “Take Up His Song of Joy” (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 18
1:00 PM - Minish Funeral
6:00 - 8:00 PM - Davidson Recital
Dec 20
10:30 am - 12:30 PM - Senior Luncheon
5:30 - 8:30 PM - Fawcett Recital
Dec 21
1:00 - 2:00 PM - Outreach Cupboard
7:00 - 9:00 PM - Affirming Hours
Dec 24
10:00 am - Worship – Advent 4
7:00 PM - Christmas Eve Service
Dec 25
Office Closed
Dec 26
Office Closed
Dec 27-29
Office Open from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
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.
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
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
Give thanks in all circumstances: because giving thanks is the first step to being generous, and generosity is a mark of following Jesus.
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 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
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.
Board Chair - Darrel Howell 780-870-1671 dhhowell@telus.net
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