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: Handbell Choir, directed by Douglas Nevin

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sunday Worship - December 18, 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

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND WORK

* PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST

The peace of Christ be with you all....

AND ALSO WITH YOU.ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING

Joy to the world!

This, then, is the culmination of our years of waiting.

We have lit . . . deep and quiet joy.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns.

Let us our songs employ.

Let us sing to the glory of God;

Let us sing . . . prison of despair,

Peace in the chaos of life,

God's love - graciously, silently, vulnerably offered.

And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Lighting of the Advent candles of Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.

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.

A candle is burning, a candle of joy,

a candle to welcome brave Mary's new boy.

Our hearts fill with wonder, and eyes light and glow

as joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow.

PRAYER OF APPROACH (in unison):

Everloving God,

wherever there is love, there you are found.

Wherever joy is found, it is your gift.

Wherever there is peace we see your face.

Wherever there is hope, it is your voice that calls to us.

Help us to hear and be inspired by your voice in our worship. Amen.

* HYMN: See Amid The Winter's Snow #76

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

For all we might have offered and chose not to:

Loving God, we ask forgiveness.

For all we might have risked and were afraid to:

Loving God, we ask forgiveness.

For all we might have loved and held back from:

Loving God, we ask forgiveness.

For all we might have nurtured and withdrew from:

Loving God, we ask forgiveness.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Our God is a God of steadfast love and compassion.

In Christ we are set free to begin again.

We are free to receive the fruits of the Spirit.

The Spirit will guide us into love and peace. Amen.

SERVICE OF THE WORD

PSALM 89, (VU p.804 - sung))

I will sing of God's steadfast love

MINISTRY OF MUSIC Mary's Boy Child

GOSPEL READING: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel visits Mary.

RESPONSIVE READING: Luke 1:47-55 (VU pg. 898)

Song of Mary

*HYMN: To A Maid Whose Name Was Mary #14

REFLECTION

RESPONSE TO THE WORD

OFFERTORY INVITATION

OFFERTORY MINISTRY OF MUSIC

'Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime

PRESENTATION OF OFFERING

*DOXOLOGY: (VU #540)

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):

Accept our gifts as part of preparing our hearts and lives for your coming once again. May they be used to prepare the way for your coming into our world. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD'S PRAYER

WE GO FORTH IN PEACE

*HYMN: I See A New Heaven #701

* COMMISSIONING

* BENEDICTION

* MUSICAL POSTLUDE

RESOURCES USED IN THIS SERVICE:

Gathering, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany; Voices United

THIS WEEK IN PRAYER

That the spirit of hope, peace, love and joy pervades our hearts, homes and society this blessed season!

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND WORK

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.

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS

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 Service

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.

Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve

Gander 2:00 p.m. J.P.M. H. Chapel Service of Hope and Remembrance (for those who are finding the Christmas Season difficult because of loss, or for whatever reason)

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.
•All children should come to the Christmas Eve Family Service , December 24 at 7:00 p.m., dressed as a character in the Nativity Scene (shepherds, angles, magi, or even one of the stable animals to help tell and live the story of Jesus' birth.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Mon. 19^th., 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., 20^th, A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church basement (choir room)

Thurs., 22^nd TOPS, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Parlour

Fri . 23^rd., A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement (Choir Room)

WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE a donation towards sanctuary chandeliers - in loving memory of PARENTS, by Clarence & Betty; donations of bulletins in loving memory of husband & father - ERIC J. CREWE, by Mary, son Melvin & family; a donation for the Kid's Sign Choir, in loving memory of E. SHIRLEY CREWE, by Mom; a donation in memory of DON SKIFFINGTON, by wife Nellie.

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 24^th, 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., Wed., December 21^st.

FOR YOUR INFO

•Transportation to and from church services is available. Please call 256-3610.
•Tapes of all church services (funerals) are available to anyone who would like a borrow, or have a copy.

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 for 2006 you can make arrangements by calling 256-3000.

GUATEMALA MISSION TEAM 2006 General donations in support of the Guatemala Mission Team 2006 will be gratefully accepted. Income tax receipts will be issued. Thank you to those who have already contributed.

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.

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

Christmas Day

Isaiah 52:7-10

Psalm 98 (VU pg. 818)

Gospel: John 1:1-14