November 29, 2020 Advent 1

 As we begin the season of Advent, we prepare to celebrate.                                                                       We celebrate light in a season of darkness.                                                                                                   We prepare to welcome Jesus who comes to be the light of the world.                                                        We pray for God’s light to guide us and lead us and we seek to let our light shine for others so they may know God’s love and grace through us. 

Today we light a candle, the candle of hope. May God’s light shine upon us and fill us with hope. Amen. 

(You could use these words to light your own Advent candle.)

Hymn. O Come O Come Emmanuel #1VU

Scripture Lessons:   Isaiah 64:1-9

Psalm 80 p.794VU pt 1

Mark 13:24-39

Message 

Prayer:  We are looking for God in our world. May we see what God wants us to see.  

We are looking for God in our lives. May we be who God wants us to be. 

And may God our Shepherd, Protector, Awakener, and Holy Spirit, bless us through these Advent days. Amen.  (from the Iona Community’s Candles and Conifers)

Hymn.  Come Thou Long Expected Jesus #2 VU

Many thanks to Allyson, Mac, and Lorraine Orr (and possibly some others) who installed a crèche scene at Howick United Church this past weekend. 

Also to Mary Stevenson, Bruce Sutton and others who also installed a crèche scene as well as the candles in the windows of Franklin United Church. 

Anne Carpentier still has Canadian church calendars available at a cost of $10.00. If you would like one, you can give her a call at 450-264-4404.

Thank you to all who have contributed to the success of the Rudolph Run yesterday. Contributions to the Howick Christmas baskets can be made at the Town Hall and other locations. We will also collect other food donations that will go to the Christmas baskets at La Bouffe Additionelle. If people have food or gifts that they would like to donate, you can drop them off to me at the manse and I will make sure that they get to the food bank. 

The deadline for the Howden-Templeton bursary is this Tuesday, December 1st. The application form can be found on the website. After the decisions are made, the cheques will be mailed out this year. 

We are continuing to collect hats and mittens etc. for the Mitten Tree. They can be dropped off to Allyson Orr or to the manse, if you prefer.