THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
GANDER PASTORAL CHARGE
Benton Gander Glenwood-Appleton
Ministers: The People of the Congregation
The Rev. Stephanie McClellan
The Rev. Steve Atkinson
Organist: Heather Jones
Choir: Handbell, directed by Douglas Nevin
Fraser Road United Church
Sunday Worship - December 3, 2006
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
We Gather to Praise God
Musical Prelude
Procession of Light and Word
Greeting & Passing the Peace of Christ
May the Peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Congregational Life and Work
Theme Conversation - Agent Advent Visits
*Call To Worship
A child's eyes light up as she imagines a dancing, laughing time, far into the future.
An old person dreams of a day when infirmity and anxiety will cease.
A wise person reflects on the untapped potential within humanity - the potential to build a world where hope and sharing prevail.
And we, gathered in the name of Christ, catch a glimpse of Advent hope.
*Opening Prayer
Your presence is revealed in the light of hope, O God. The light of hope that shines brightly.
Joyfully we worship, for your grateful gift of Jesus is at hand.
The light of hope overcomes the darkness.
Joyfully we know that the powerful ones, and the terror-bringers, will not have their own way.
The light of hope reveals the needs of home and community.
Your presence is revealed in the light of hope, O God.
The light of hope will go before us on our Advent journey.
*Opening Hymn: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" VU1
Dedication of Memorial Gift
Prayer of Dedication
Presentation of Gift
Words of Dedication
In the name of the holy and triune God: Creator, Christ and Spirit,
we dedicate this gift to the glory of God.
With gratitude and reverence,
we dedicate this gift to the glory of God.
For the beauty of this holy place, and for the sake of all God's people,
we dedicate this gift to the glory of God.
In remembrance of Rev. Wilfred and Mrs. Gerty Vardy,
we dedicate this gift to the glory of God.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Advent Wreath Liturgy - Lighting of the Candle of Hope Advent is a time of waiting.
With anticipation, we await the coming birth.
With expectation, we await a coming fulfillment of justice and compassion.
With hope, we await the coming of Emmanuel, God with us.
Advent is a time of preparation.
With anticipation, we prepare ourselves for rebirth and renewal.
With expectation, we prepare for the promise of peace on earth.
With hope, we prepare to be God's incarnate love for the world.
During this cold time of year, the daylight grows shorter.
We light this candle as a sign of hope. The sun will return.
During this festive time of year, we are aware that many, in this season, are lost and lonely.
We light this candle as a sign of hope. Despair is not the final word.
During this joyous time of year, we are aware that much in our world is broken.
We light this candle as a sign of hope. The promise of Christmas will not be broken.
(Lighting of the first Advent candle)
We Listen for God's Word
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-7 (Ross Williams)
Ministry of Music Handel's Allegro, G.F. HANDELL,
arr. by Michael R. Keller
Reflection: "So This Is Christmas"
We Respond to God's Word
Invitation to Offering
Presentation of Offering
Offertory Ministry of Music Regent Square
*Doxology : "Grant Us, God the Grace…."VU540
Grant us, God, the grace of giving,
with a spirit large and free,
that ourselves and all our living
we may offer faithfully.
*Offertory Prayer
We offer these gifts for your use, O God.
We offer them for careful use among the suffering;
we offer them for gentle use among the hurting;
we offer them for encouraging use among the dispirited;
we offer them for use worldwide, in faith communities'
we offer them for worship, teaching and in service within this faith community;
we offer ourselves, our time, and our talent, for use with our gifts.
God will bless your hopeful offering!
Thanks be to our Gracious God! Amen!
Reverse Offering
The Celebration of Holy Communion
*Communion Hymn: "One Bread, One Body" VU467
The Great Thanksgiving
(Congregational Responses in bold)
Call to Give Thanks
May the peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Let us open our hearts to God.
We open them to God and to one another.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
Thanksgiving
Blessed are you, gracious God,
Creator of light, Giver of all life, Source of love.
Your song of wisdom rang out before the world began;
your ancient love still touches us and stirs within us.
Even when we turn away from you, you keep faith with us.
You send messengers to prepare the way through the wilderness of our living, to guide us in the path of wholeness, to call us to repent.
In Mary, woman of your promise,
you showed us courage and faith.
In the fullness of time, you sent us your greatest gift, Jesus the Christ, our prince of peace and herald of hope.
So it is that we join in the Advent Prayer of all your people, "O Come Emmanuel."
And as we wait and watch for your coming,
We proclaim your goodness.
Sanctus-Benedictus (sung)
O, Holy, holy, holy Lord,
O God of power and might,
all earth and sea and sky above
sing "Glory be to God!"
Hosanna in the highest Heav'n!
Creation sing your praise!
Blessed is the One who comes from God!
Hosanna and amen!
Remembering Jesus at the Table
Let us remember together that vision of God's reign shown to us in Jesus at the table;
he shared food with followers and friends,
with saints and sinners,
with crowds of thousands on the hillside,
and a few friends in an upper room.
On the night before he died, he had supper with his companions.
He took a loaf of bread, and after giving thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying:
"Take, eat. Do this in remembrance of me."
Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he passed it among them saying:
"Drink this. Do this in remembrance of me."
Through this loaf and cup. Jesus lives within us.
In word and deed, Jesus lives among us.
Prayer of Self-Giving
Eternal God, we unite in this covenant of faith, as we break bread and share the cup, giving thanks for your love in Jesus, the Christ. We spread your table with these gifts of the earth and of our labor. We present to you our very lives, committed to your service on behalf of all people.
Memorial Acclamation (sung)
O, Christ has died!
And Christ is ris~en!
Christ will come again!
Prayer for Transformation
Send, O God, your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who share in this bread and cup may be the body of Christ: light, life and love in the world.
Remembering the Community
The Lord's Prayer
Breaking the Bread and Filling the Cup
The bread which we break
is our communion in the Body of Christ.
The cup of blessing which we bless
is our communion in the blood of Christ.
Sharing the Bread and the Cup
The table is set with the gifts of God for the people of God.
Prayer after Communion
A voice cries in the wilderness:
"Prepare the way of the Lord!"
God, we pray that in our hearts your way may be prepared, that the path among us, by which your Spirit comes, may be made straight. During this Advent, prepare and grant among us the hope, peace, joy and love that comes in following your ways, in opening our lives to you, and sharing our gifts for your sake. Amen.
*Closing Hymn: "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" VU2
*Commissioning
In the darkened sky that hangs over humanity, hope seems a futile dream.
But we have hope as we leave this church.
Hope stirs in the resolution to celebrate the joys of each day.
Hope stirs as we assert our confidence in the Christian community.
Hope comes clear when we pass through the testing times, battered but unbroken.
Our hope finds a focus in the journey of a young couple to Bethlehem almost 2000 years ago - a journey in which we join.
*Benediction
*Choral Amen
Today in Prayer
We pray for couples...that they may respect each other, and work together in love in their relationship.
Stewardship Seconds
The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give. ~ Walt Whitman (1819-1892), American poet
ON YOUR BEHALF
Toronto: The United Church of Canada is calling on the Canadian government to withdraw legislation to amend Canada's Criminal Code because, says the church, "Bill C-9 plays only to people's fears."
"The proposed legislation to curtail conditional sentencing will hurt real people and real communities," says the United Church's Moderator, the Right Rev. David Giuliano. "We are committed to justice that serves the community and concerned about the reactionary and simplistic premise of Bill C-9, a bill that effectively handcuffs judges."
In a letter sent to all members of the House of Commons and the Senate, Giuliano writes, "We believe that Bill C-9- which denies access to conditional sentencing for the 160 offences that carry a maximum of 10 years- is poorly designed. It plays to the sound and fury audience but signifies next to nothing. It does not contribute to safer communities, allow for rehabilitation of the offender, or redress the victim."
For further info, please contact:
Mary-Frances Denis
Communications Officer
The United Church of Canada
416-231-7680 ext 2016 (office)
or see the United Church Web-site: www.united-church.ca/
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 3 - Advent 1
Gander 11 a.m. Communion
Glenwood 7 p.m. Communion
Golden Legion Manor 7 p.m. Communion
Worship next Sunday - December 10 - Advent 2
Gander 11 a.m. White Gift Service, followed by
What Child Is This Soup Lunch?
7 p.m. Choirs Special Music
Glenwood 7 p.m. Choir Service
Benton 2 p.m.
Monday, December 11
ECUMENICAL MINISTERIAL CHRISTMAS CAROL SING, St. Joseph's R.C. Church, at 7:30 p.m. Musical presentations from individual church choirs, etc!!
December 17 - Advent 3
Gander 11 a.m.
Glenwood 11 a.m. Regular worship
Lakeside Homes Chapel 4 p.m. Communion
Sunday School Concert 2 p.m.
UCW Vesper Service 7 p.m. (Youth Group host a get together following service)
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve
Gander 11 a.m. All Ages
7 p.m. Family Service
JPMH Chapel 2 p.m. Service of Hope and Remembrance (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.)
11 p.m. Communion
Glenwood 7 p.m. Communion/Memorial Candle Service
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
Sun. 3rd., A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement (Choir Room)
Mon. 4th., Parent's 'n Tots, 10-11:30 a.m., C. H. Aud.
Women's Time Out, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., C.H. Aud.
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., 5th, Kid's Sign Language, 3:30-4:30 p.m., C. H. Parlour
Adult Sign Language, 6:30-7:30 p.m., C. H. Parlour
Handbell Choir Practice, 6:30 p.m., C. Sanctuary
UCW Genesis, 8:30 p.m. C.Hall Parlour
A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church basement (choir room)
Wed. 6th, Mens' Choir Practice, 7:00 p.m.
Senior Choir Practice, 8:00 p.m.
Church Sanctuary
Men's Fellowship Group, Noon-2 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Youth Group, 7:30-9 p.m., to Nightingale Manor
Labyrinth available, 10:00 - 4:00 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Thurs., 7th Pre-teen Dance, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Guitar Group, 7:00 p.m., Church basement
TOPS, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Parlour
GUATEMALA MISSION TEAM, 8:30 p.m., C. Sanct.
Fri . 8th, A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement
Sat. 9th., Saturdays for the Soul, 10 a.m. to noon, Hall/Parlour
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE the donation of an Advent Candle Stand, donated in loving memory of Rev. Wilfred & Mrs. Gertie Vardy, by family & friends.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION Christmas memorials are now being accepted at the church office.
OUTREACH REVERSE OFFERING "Today! Reverse Offering for the Food Bank Christmas Food Hamper Program. Take your slip of paper today, with a food item written on it, and next week, December 10th, bring your food item wrapped in white paper for the children to collect as we make our White Gift
SATURDAY'S FOR THE SOUL - Because life is just too busy! What! a new program starting in December!? What better time to give yourself the gift of sacred time, inner peace? Starting December 2nd, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Feel free to drop in any time throughout and leave at your own pace. The sanctuary will be open for quiet meditation and there will be prayer resources on hand. The labyrinth will be available and someone there to get you started if you need it. AND a spirituality discussion group will be included from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
WHAT CHILD IS THIS? SOUP LUNCH: December 10th, right after church. Hosted by the Christian Development Committee. A wonderful time of food, fellowship, stories and singing to get us in the Christmas Spirit. An event for the whole family of God. Don't forget your baby photos... Have fun identifying "What Child is This?"
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, December 6th , 7:00 p.m. at the Gander Town Hall.
THE SESSION MEETING that was scheduled for Dec. 12 will not take place. Our next meeting will be on January 9, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE!! IS THIS ...THE LOOK OF CHRISTMAS! Advent Calendar available at the back of the church for anyone who is interested.
SS COFFEE HOUR Parents of Sunday School request a donation of up to $10. to cover the expense of lunch provided for kids at Coffee Hour. Place in your church envelope in other section marked SS Coffee Hour.
THE GUATEMALA MISSION TEAM will meet the first Thursday of each month (December 7th) at 8:30 p.m.
FIRST UNITED SCOUTS UPCOMING FUND-RAISING
All Proceeds are in aid of Canadian Jamboree 2007.
PLEASE NOTE ALL persons having any keys to the church please advise our caretaker, so they may be properly recorded. This is absolutely necessary for both security and insurance purposes. Your immediate attention to this matter is most appreciated.
BEREAVEMENT GROUPS The Gander Ministerial and the YMCA are partnering to offer bereavement groups for persons who have lost spouses, in Gander and the surrounding areas. Persons who have experienced the loss of a spouse may find that this group provides a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment to promote healing throughout the grieving process. The meetings will be held at the Golden Legion Manor in the second floor meeting room. To register or for further info, for Tuesday's group call Rev. Steve Atkinson, 256-3000, for Friday's group, contact Rev. Stephanie McClellan,424-6681. Please register as soon as possible as space is limited.
THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE occasionally gets requests for rides to and from worship services. If you can help with this service please call the church office and leave your name and phone number. Thank you.
There is a DROP OFF BOX in Steph's office for interesting, appropriate reading materials novels, classics, Reader's Digest, short stories, to be given to St. Clare's Hospital for their Mobile Library.
ARE YOU ON PAR? The Pre-Authorized Remittance Program is now in place here at Fraser Road. To take advantage of the next automatic account debit date of December 20th, additional par registrations need to be received by the end of the month, when they will be forwarded for processing. You'll find info brochures on bulletin boards.
THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SERVICE of Crossroads Preceptory #80 will be held at Freemasons Hall, Gander, on Sunday, Dec. 10th, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Captain Anthony LeDrew, accompanied by the Salvation Army Band, Gander. All are welcome.
"LIFT", (Ladies in Fellowship Together)) Potluck Supper, at the Glenwood Salvation Army Hall. 'Christmas Collage' with The Hiscocks, featuring 'Dante',Tuesday, Dec. 5th at 6:30 p.m. Admission $5.00
University Chaplaincy is Alive and Well! It''s official - University Chaplaincy is up and running again!! Newfoundland and Labrador Conference, in conjunction with Memorial University, has appointed Rev. Donna Lawrence as United Church chaplain until December 20, 2006. But she needs your help!! If you know of anyone going to MUN or Marine Institute, whether a student, staff or faculty, who may be wanting or needing a spiritual connection or just need someone to talk to, then please direct them to the 5th floor of the Smallwood Centre (UC-5001) in the Counselling Centre - look for Campus Ministries - or pass along Rev. Donna''s email address to them: united-mun-chaplain@hotmail.com. Let''s work together to make this vital ministry a huge success!!
ALLERGY ALERT - We are aiming to make our Church Buildings more friendly for those with severe allergies. Please consider the danger you create when you wear any scented products or when you bring food items containing nuts or nut products. WE AIM TO BE SCENT-FREE AND NUT-FREE. Thank you for your attention to this very serious matter.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR LETTING US KNOW
WHEN A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY OR A FRIEND
IS ILL AT HOME OR IN THE HOSPITAL