December 3, 2023 – Advent 1 – Waiting in Hope
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. 1) Grace Trio
Words & Music: William S. Kervin, Deborah Parks & Tom Reynolds
WELCOME
*HYMN “All Earth is Waiting” (vs. 1-3) VU #5
Words & Music: Alberto Taule
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home” Gladys Jack
Words & Music: Gladys Jack
CENTERING PRAYER
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING – Led by the Legacy Fund Committee
In a world filled with tragedy and chaos, we arrive weary, wary, and wrung out.
We come to find shelter from our fears,
to discover hope as we practice our faith in worship.
We’re tired of this marathon of difficulty.
We long for relief, a return to what we once thought normal.
We come because the vulnerable Christ child enlightens us with possibility.
On this first Sunday of Advent, we light this first candle symbolizing hope – the assurance that the risen Christ transforms all things in love.
(The first blue candle is lit)
Flickering and fragile, this tiny flame opens us to wonder, to the heart of God,
which transforms us, as we sing together…..
*HYMN “A Candle Is Burning” (vs. 1 ) VU #6
Music: Sandra Dean Words: James R. Murray
CHILDREN’S TIME
*SONG “Hope Shines as the Solitary Star” MV #220
Music: Janet Bauman Tissandier Words: Catherine Faith MacLean
(Children will move to Sunday School class)
PRAYER OF HEALING
Creator God, you made us in your image, filled with possibilities and hope.
Your hope tries to dance within us and through us.
Sometimes it feels as if there is little hope of dancing again.
Yet, you have equipped us well, to live into your gift of hope.
Walk with us when we dare not hope or consider offering hope to another.
Help us to keep awake and heal us from our impatience.
Despite the world’s hopelessness, we humbly ask your mercy,
offering ourselves to you in prayer…
(Silent prayer/reflection)
*SUNG WORDS OF GRACE & COMFORT “O Come and Let Us Sing” MV #9
Words & Music: Taize Community
SPECIAL MUSIC “Savior of the Nations, Come” Grace Ringers
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
THE GOSPEL OF MARK 13:24-37 – The Son of Man is coming in the clouds.
In this is God’s hope for the world. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
COMMUNION IS SERVED
*HYMN “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” (vs. 1,2,4) VU #2
Music: Psalmodia Sacra Words: Charles Wesley
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 “May the God of Hope Go With Us VU #424
Music: Argentine folk melody Words: Fred Kaan
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
CHORAL BENEDICTION “Take Up His Song of Hope” (one verse) MV #213
Words & Music: Laura A. Herma
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
What’s Happening This Week
Dec 4 -
Souper 5 - 1:00 pm
Dec 5
Homework Club - 3:30 - 5:00 pm
CD Meeting - 6:30 pm
Dec 6
Senior Luncheon - 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
A Jazzy Christmas - 1:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Kidz Praize - 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Groovin’ with Grace - 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Dec 7
Outreach Cupboard - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Choir - 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Dec 8
French Recital - 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Dec 10
Worship – Advent 2 – White Gift Sunday - 10:00 am
Embracing Diversity - 11:30 am - 1:00 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.
WORKSHOPS COMING|HALL|11:45-1:00 │DECEMBER 10
“Embracing Diversity and Navigating Race and Bias in Religion through Story”
Preparing the soil for new beginnings with Rev. George and the community of Grace
Dec. 10th - Trustees, Pastoral Care, Property and Maintenance, and the Ministry and Personnel Committee.
We hope to offer a third workshop in the new year for any folks within the congregation who may be interested.
Guest speakers:
Ben Acquaye – Lakeland College Business school staff
- Friends of Diversity (individual award) – championing diversity and inclusion.
- Red Deer, April 2023.
- Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership Co-Chair (Last 2 years)
Tigra-Lee Campbell – Director of Lloydminster Vermilion for Equity Foundation.
- A Black and Indigenous mother of three, and local entrepreneur, will provide a relevant multi-cultural perspective.
- Member of the Town of Vermilion’s Newcomers Advisory Committee.
- Key organizer for Lloydminster’s Diversity and Inclusion Forum held January 16th and 17th, 2021.
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
Be aware! Keep alert! For you do not know when an opportunity will come to be generous, and you must be ready to respond.
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.
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 – morning only
Jan 2 – Normal office hours
CHANGES IN THE TAX SYSTEM FOR 2024
You’re looking for smart ways to give support to the United Church ministry that you love! Not only can a securities donation make an even bigger difference to Grace United Church, it can also reduce how much you owe at tax time, as it eliminates any capital gains tax. Tax rules are changing in 2024, and that could affect your giving going forward. Donating securities by December 31, 2023 will ensure that you are able to support Grace United Church as generously as possible.
Canadians owning securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) that increase in value experience what is called a “capital gain.” These capital gains are taxable when the securities are sold. Although selling shares in a publicly traded company will generate personal income, stockholders must pay a significant amount of tax on 50% of the capital gain.
Fortunately, since May 2006, a holder of securities can eliminate taxes on their capital gain by donating the securities directly to a registered charity like the United Church of Canada Foundation. By doing so, the gain is eliminated, and the donor receives a charitable tax credit for the full market value based on the close price on the day when the transfer goes into the Foundation’s account. This is a great opportunity to support the United Church ministries and other causes they care about while also benefiting from tax savings, because the Foundation is able to then direct the proceeds of the sale of the shares to congregations, camps, chaplaincies, and other Canadian charities.
Donations of appreciated marketable securities are an important, tax-efficient giving vehicle for individuals to support United Church ministry they love! However, the 2023 Federal Budget includes the elimination of this tax exemption for capital gains on donated gifts of securities, potentially removing an important tax incentive for donors considering support for United Church ministries using the services of the Foundation. The window to take advantage of existing tax benefit for donated securities will close on December 31, 2023, and the Foundation is encouraging all individuals to speak with their financial advisors to determine the best path forward.
WHITE GIFT SUNDAY
Next Sunday,
December 10th
10:00 a.m.
Please consider bringing unwrapped gifts of personal hygiene items, toys and gifts (especially needed for those aged 12-18) and nonperishable foods. Please place your gifts, envelopes, etc, on the table set up at the front of the Sanctuary, prior to the service.
All gifts will be blessed during our worship gathering time. Gifts can also be dropped off during office hours throughout the week if that is helpful.
These items will be part of the shopping day for Grace’s community congregation offered by the Church Outreach Team on Thursday, December 14th, beginning at 1 p.m. in the Hall.
The need for support for many in our downtown community is greater than ever. Due to health regulations, we ask that all gifts be new and not used.
Donations of cash are also welcome to the Benevolent Fund of Grace United Church which helps with needs which would not otherwise be met.
White Gifts can help us to be
God's hands and heart everywhere!
UPCOMING WEEKS IN WORSHIP
December 10 – Advent 2 – White Gift Sunday – Watching for peace – preparing the Way.
Old Testament: Isaiah 40: 1-11 – Comfort, O Comfort my people
New Testament: Mark 1: 1-8 – The preaching of John the baptizer
Workshop after church for: Preparing the Way for Rev. George: Trustees, Ministry & Personnel, Property and Maintenance, Pastoral Care and any other interested folks, 11:45-1:00 pm
December 17 Advent 3 – Children’s Pageant – 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
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