A candle burns, the sign of our faith. God of the Baptizing One, come to us again this Advent. May we have a faith that renews our lives. May we live in the light of your promises. (A prayer from the Iona Community, printed in Candles and Conifers.)
Hymn Good Christian Friends Rejoice #35VU
Scripture Lessons: Philippians 4:4-7
Isaiah 12:2-6
John 3:7-18
Meditation
Prayer: Bright star-maker God, travel with us through Advent.
Shine into our dark corners.
Lead us into ways of justice.
Warm us with joy and wonder.
Bring us to new birth. (A prayer by Ruth Burgess printed in the Iona Community’s Candles and Conifers.)
Declaration
We await the Christ, the one who will reveal God to us.
He comes to us as sparkling light: twinkling with joy and playfulness.
He comes to us as everyday light: Brightening the ordinary world around us.
He comes to us as softened light: creating a gentle, healing space in the shadows.
He comes to us as a focused spotlight: bringing truth and Justice into stark relief.
This is the Light of the world— Jesus Christ, coming to shine among us. (by Jessie Jessop, Broomhill Methodist Church and printed in the Iona Community’s Candles and Conifers.)
Hymn Joy to the World #59VU
Final decisions have been made. Each congregation has chosen what they believe is best for them.
In Howick, this Sunday is White Gift Sunday. If you have non-perishable food items to contribute, you can bring them to the church this Sunday. Debbie Beattie will be leading the service at 11am.
Next Sunday, December 19th will be Communion Sunday. The service will be held at 9:30am.
There will be a Christmas Eve service for the Howick congregation. It will be held at 7:30pm.
There will be no Sunday service on December 26th.
We will be holding a Sunday service January 2nd at 11am.
In Ormstown and Franklin this will be White Gift Sunday as well. This year we are collecting non-perishable food items for La Bouffe Additionelle, possibly for the Christmas baskets, but also for the New Year.
In Ormstown on December 19th at 11am there will be a hybrid service, for people to be present inside the church, but also to hear the service outside in the parking lot through their car radios at FM frequency 87.7. (If you have food to contribute we can still take it this Sunday as well.)
In Franklin there will be a Candlelight Christmas Communion service on December 19th at 7:30pm.
There will be no Christmas Eve service in Ormstown this year and no Sunday service will be held on December 26th or January 2nd either. Services will begin again on January 9th. Location TBA.
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