THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
GANDER PASTORAL CHARGE
Benton Gander Glenwood-Appleton
Ministers: The People of the Congregation
The Rev. Stephanie McClellan
Ms. Sharon Earle-Marshall
Organist: Karen Nevin
Choir: Mixed Choirs
Third Sunday of Advent
Sunday Worship - December 11, 2005
At the call of Jesus Christ, we, the people
of Fraser Road United Church, seek to:
Welcome all;
Strengthen one another;
Nurture each other in faith
Prepare and direct our people into God's world for service.
* Please stand as you are able.
MUSICAL PRELUDE
* PROCESSION OF THE LIGHT AND WORD
* GREETING
CALL TO WORSHIP
If Christmas means sharing,
then let us share together our hope for tomorrow.
If Christmas means giving,
let us give one another acceptance, encouragement, strength, and faith.
If Christmas means love,
then let us love one another with the simplicity of children and in the spirit of peace.
* PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST
The peace of Christ be with you all....
AND ALSO WITH YOU.
INTROIT: O Come All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem:
come and behold him, born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING
God is making . . . our leader of love.
We wait, we prepare, we make straight the way.
We celebrate the . . . Advent candles.
We are a people of hope, a people of peace, a people of love.
At first there was . . . of despair and sin,
Then there was the candle of peace, the gentle and persistent fire, the one that calls out the violent forces and lets in God's deep and tranquil Spirit.
Today we light . . . know of our God.
For God so loved the word . . .
For God so loved . . . Love was allowed to live on . . .
We gather, then, in Christian Love;
We give thanks . . . this Christmas season. Amen.
Lighting the candles of Hope, Peace, and Love
A Candle Is Burning {#6VU}
1 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.
A candle is burning, a candle of love,
a candle to point us to heaven above.
A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth,
for Jesus is bringing God's love to our earth.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison):
God, we look at our future and we worry. We think about the state of the world and we panic. Our Days are filled with anxiety about things over which we have no control. Pour into our hearts, minds, and bodies your relaxing peace. Let your control through the Holy Spirit guide our lives. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
SERVICE OF THE WORD
* HYMN: Hope Is A Star #7
FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.
RESPONSIVE READING: Psalm 126, (VU p.850)
Sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC Away In A Manger
GOSPEL READING: John 1:6-8. 19-28
John testified to the Light.
REFLECTION
*HYMN: Tomorrow Christ Is Coming #27
OFFERTORY INVITATION
OFFERTORY MINISTRY OF MUSIC
To A Maid Whose Name Was Mary
PRESENTATION OF OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY: #540VU
Grant us, God, the grace of giving,
with a spirit large and free,
that ourselves and all our living
we may offer faithfully.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION OF GIFTS AND SELF (in unison):
Waiting, watching God, we have heard your call to give ourselves in love. We answer that call with these, the fruits of our labors, and the gift of our lives. Accept and bless our gifts we pray. Amen.
WE GO FORTH IN PEACE
*HYMN: All Earth Is Waiting # 5
COMMISSIONING
BENEDICTION
Living God, the source of all life,
prompt us into new beginnings.
Ever present God, travelling alongside us
guide us to walk in your way.
Ever loving God, surrounding us with care,
help us to detect your presence.
MUSICAL POSTLUDE
RESOURCES USED IN THIS SERVICE:
Gathering, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany; 600 Blessings; Voices United
THIS WEEK IN PRAYER
For families who will gather to celebrate the Christmas Season. For those who are lonely; whose families no longer gather; whose circumstances leave them feeling isolated instead of happy. God be their guest.
Welcome to all of you, members and visitors, who have gathered to worship this day. May this holy time bring you fellowship with God and neighbour, and many blessings. We invite visitors to sign our guest register, and please, do come and worship with us again when you are in our area.
WORSHIP TODAY - DECEMBER 11th- ADVENT 3
Gander 11:00 a.m.
7:00 p.m. Choir Christmas Music
Benton 4:30 p.m.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12
Gander Ministerial Association Ecumenical Christmas Service, 7:00 p.m., at Fraser Road. Come, let's celebrate together!
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS
NEXT SUNDAY - December 18 - Advent 4
Gander 11:00 a.m.
Lakeside 4:00 p.m. Chapel
SS Christmas Concert 2:00 p.m.
U.C.W. Vesper Service 7:00 p.m.
Glenwood 7:00 p.m. Choir Christmas Music
Friday, December 23
Kid's Christmas Party 1 to 4 p.m.
Kid's to Nightingale following party for service there
Benton 7:00 p.m. Communion
Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve
Gander 2:00 p.m. Service of Hope and Remembrance, J.P.M.H. Chapel
7:00 p.m. Family Service
11:00 p.m. Communion Candlelight
Glenwood 7:00 p.m.
December 25 - Christmas Day
Gander 11:00 a.m. Baptism
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Regular classes. Nursery facilities in church basement.
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
Sun., 11th., Coffee Hour at the church hall following worship.
All are welcome!
Mon. 12th., Parents 'n Tots, 10:00 - 11:45 a.m., C.Hall Aud.
Women's Time Out, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Beavers, 6-7:15 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Cubs, 7:15 - 8:30 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Al-anon, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m., C. Bsmt.
Tues., 13th, Kid's Sign Choir, 3:30-4:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Coffee With The Minister, 4:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Session, 7:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Adult Sign Choir, 6:30-7:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Handbell Choir, 6:30 p.m. C. Sanctuary
A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church basement (choir room)
Wed. 14th., Men's Fellowship, noon to 1:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour.
Labyrinth available, 10:00 - 7:00 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Mens' Choir Practice, 7:00 p.m., C. Sanct.
Senior Choir Practice, 8:00 p.m.., C. Sanct.
Youth Group, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Thurs., 15th Scouts, to Gander Collegiate, 7-9 p.m.
Guitar Group, 7:30 p.m., Church Basement
TOPS, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Fri . 16th., A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement (Choir Room)
Sat. 17th., GMT Child Care, Noon to 5p.m.
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE a donation in loving memory of WILLIAM CHEEKS by wife Brigid, and family; bulletin donations in loving memory of CLARENCE WINSOR, by the family; and in loving memory of LOVED ONES, by Lenora & family.
LABYRINTH LESSONS - Need guidance on this ancient prayer and meditation tool? A leader will be available on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 PM at the Gander Church Hall. Come and find your quiet centre!
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION WITH THE MINISTER - In the Gander Church Parlour Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 PM. Have cares and concerns about the direction of the church that need to be heard? Wondering how to get a hold of a minister just for a chat? Want to celebrate the joys and excitement of the faith? Join us Tuesdays.
STARTING IN THE NEW YEAR January 2006 - An Emerging Spirit - The second Saturday of every month 7-9:30 PM - College and Career Crowd. Join for fun and fellowship. If child care is necessary, let us know!! Call Rev. Steph for more information 256-3000! Invite Friends!
The Annual Christmas Service of Crossroads Preceptory #80 (Masonic) will be held at Freemasons Hall, Gander on Sunday, December 11, 2005, at 2:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Stephanie McClellan accompanied by the Fraser Road United Church Choir. All are welcome.
KID'S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Friday, December 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Fraser Road United Church Hall. There will be an afternoon of fun, games, crafts, and treats. For children 3 years and up. Supper included - the cost is $2 per child or $5 per family. From here the children will go to Nightigale Manor to be part of a service there.
SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICE An ecumenical service of Hope and Remembrance for those who find Christmas a difficult season that is not always merry. Offering hope, peace and comfort in the midst of grief, loss and sadness. December 24th, 2-3 p.m. at the James Paton Memorial Hospital Chapel.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION The congregation is reminded that to be eligible for a tax credit for the current year, contributions MUST be received and recorded not later than December 31, 2005.
CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS The church office is accepting Christmas memorials. If you would like to remember a loved one in memoriam this year, please have the information in by NO LATER THAN 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 21st.
A FUN TIME was had by all who stayed to the "What Child Is This?" lunch and fellowship! What Fun! Thank to all who made soup, set-up, hosted and cleaned up!
NUT ALLERGIES
Did you know? - that several children in our Sunday School have severe nut allergies?
- that several children in our Parents'n Tots, Scouting groups, etc. also have severe nut allergies?
- that several adults in our congregation have severe nut allergies?
If any of these people come into contact with nuts, or items contaminated with nuts, it could be fatal.
What can we do to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction on our church property?
We would like to make our Church and Hall nut-free. Nut-free means free of nut extracts as well.
Please consider the danger you create when you bring food items containing nuts or nut products to church functions.
Planning a recipe with Graham Wafers? The Co-op brand is guaranteed nut-free, while other brands are labeled, "May have come in contact with nuts."
Need Chocolate? Aero, Kit Kit, Coffee Crisp and Smarties are Share Safe. M&M's and others are not.
AGENT ADVENT FINDS JESUS At Lakeside Homes!!
Thanks to all the families who came out to Lakeside on Sunday to share God's love and show Jesus to the residents there. Their faces and hearts lit up because you
cared. They showed us the joy of Jesus as we greeted them in love. So, The first official meeting of the Kid's Caring and Sharing Club has been accomplished. Way
to Go! Another meeting will be held on December 18th at 4 PM. I realize this is the day of the Sunday School Concert, but after the concert, it would be wonderful
if some children accompanied me to Lakeside Homes to re-enact the Christmas Nativity there. Please let me know if you can come. Rev. Steph 256-3000.
Voting Privileges and Confirmation - the congregation of Fraser Road United will be voting on two important issues before Spring 2006 - the issues are Same-Sex Marriages and the calling of a new Minister. Our National Church requires that only confirmed members can vote on either of these matters. At a meeting on Oct. 17, our Church Council agreed that we would proceed on that basis. It was decided we would make it possible for adherents (non-members) to participate in these votes by presenting the opportunity for them to become members of or have their membership transferred to Fraser Road United Church. Beginning on Sunday, January 8, 2006, and for the following three Sundays, Confirmation Classes will be held in the Church Sanctuary from 2 - 4 p.m. with Confirmation taking place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2006.
This will be the only set of Confirmation classes offered for the Pastoral Charge this year. Confirmation age begins with Grade 8 students.
These important votes will take place sometime after Jan. 29, 2006 with only confirmed members of the congregation being permitted to vote.
CHURCH ENVELOPES If you would like to receive church envelopes you can make arrangements by calling 256-3000.
ADVENT CARDS have been placed at the back of the church. You are encouraged to take one and use it over Advent, OR if you choose to, use your regular church envelope "other section" to forward your Advent gift.
GUATEMALA MISSION TEAM FUND-RAISERS
COMMENTARY ON TODAY'S BIBLE READINGS are printed and available at the back of the Church. Be sure to pick up your copy each week.
SUGGESTED MEMORIALS From time to time people inquire as to what memorials are available to them. The following are suggested memorials you may use to remember a loved one with monetary donations: Hall/Chancel Fund; Choir Music; Handbell Choir; Church Bulletins; Sunday School, Sanctuary Chandeliers, or Mission Teams.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR LETTING US KNOW
WHEN A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY OR A FRIEND
IS ILL AT HOME OR IN THE HOSPITAL
Next Week's Readings
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Luke 1:47-55 (VU p. 898-899
Psalm 89 (VU pg. 804)