![Text Box: Safe Harbour
Metropolitan Community Church
“ A Christian Community
Promoting Inclusivity, Spiritual Growth and Social Justice.”
We Worship at:
Veith House
3115 Veith St., Halifax
Our Mailing Address:
Box 31108 Halifax, N.S., B3K 5T9
Church Office: 902-453-9249
Email : safeharbour@eastlink.ca
Website:www.safeharbourmcc.com
Ministers:The Whole Congregation
Pastor: The Rev. Darlene Young B.A. M.Div.
Pianist: Michelle Kyle
Advent 1 December 2, 2007
We Gather To Worship God
Welcome and Announcements
The Lighting of the Advent Candle: The Candle of Patience: Watch! Wait!
Reader 1: In the days to come, God shall establish God’s house upon earth!
Reader 2: Watch! Wait! For God will do something special, something very unexpected.
Reader 1: Do not be hesitant. Place your trust in God’s promise.
Reader 2: Today we light this first candle, a special candle, lighted in darkness, shedding its meager light into our world.
[The first candle in the wreath is lighted.]
Reader 1: Come, see the light. Let its brightness fill you.
Reader 2: Come, feel the warmth of the light. Let it give you comfort.
Reader 1: Come, draw near to the light, for it is God’s way of breaking through to you.
Reader 2: Come, rejoice in the light, for God is with us!
Opening Prayer (Unison)
O God, our lives are so filled with chaos and tribulation. Help us be ready to receive your message and gift of love, that we might grow into faithful disciples, serving you by serving others with hope and compassion. In Christ’s Name, we pray. AMEN
Advent Song: Hope is a Star
Hope is star that shines in the night,
Leading us on till the morning is bright.
Chorus: When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
And none shall be afraid
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
Giving a promise of safety and worth.
Repeat Chorus
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,
Telling the world that the Saviour is born.
Repeat Chorus
Love is a flame that burns in our heart,
Jesus has come and will never depart.
Repeat Chorus
We Hear God’s Word
Scripture Readings: From the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Isaiah 2:1-5
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2In days to come the mountain of God’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. 3Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of God, to the house of the God of Jacob; that God may teach us God’s ways and that we may walk in God’s paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of God from Jerusalem. 4God shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of God!
Responsive Reading Psalm 122
1I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of God!”
2Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together.
4To it the tribes go up, the tribes of God, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of God.
5For there the thrones for judgment were set up, the thrones of the house of David.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.
7Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.”
8For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9For the sake of the house of our God, I will seek your good.
Matthew 24:36-44
36“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Human One, but only God. 37For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Human One. 38For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Human One. 40Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. 42Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your God is coming. 43But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44Therefore you also must be ready, for the Human One is coming at an unexpected hour.
L:Readings from God’s Word P: Thanks Be to God!
Christmas Memories by Helen Langille
(Song “Peace On Earth/The Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby and David Bowie)
Bing and David: Come they told me pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
A new-born king to see pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
Our finest gifts we bring pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
Ra-pam-pam-pam, ra-pam-pam-pam
David:Peace on Earth, can it be Bing: Come they told me pa-ram-pam- pam-pam
Years from now, perhaps we'll see A new-born king to see pa-ram-pam- pam-pam
See the day of glory Our finest gifts we bring pa-ram-pam- pam-pam
See the day, when men of good will to lay before the king pa-ram-pam- pam-pam
Live in peace, live in peace again Ra-pam-pam-pam, ra-pam-pam-pam
Peace on Earth, So to honour him, ra-pam-pam-pam
can it be when we come
Bing and David: Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can
David:I pray my wish will come true Bing: There was Mary pa-ram-pam- pam-pam
For my child and your child too I stood beside her there pa-ram-pam- pam-pam
He'll see the day of glory I played my drum for him pa-ram- pam-pam-pam
See the day when men of good will I played my best for him pa-ram-pam- pam-pam
Live in peace, live in peace again Ra-pam-pam-pam, ra-pam-pam-pam
Peace on Earth, Then he smiled at me ra-pam-pam-pam
Can it be Me and my drum
Bing and David: Can it be
Reflection by JJ Lyon
Song of Commitment: Shine Jesus Shine by Maranantha Singers
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
We Respond to God
Prayers of the People
As we keep awake for the coming of the Lord, let us offer prayers to God who prepares a light for our path.
For the peace of the world, and for our unity in Christ.
(Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson our Moderator and all our Elders, especially for Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, and all who minister in Christ, and for all the holy people of God. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For the church throughout the world and the faithful in every place. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For the leaders of the nations and all in authority. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For justice, peace, and freedom among peoples of the earth. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For travelers, for the sick and the suffering, for the hungry and the oppressed, and for those in prison. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For the dying and the dead. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
Joining our voices with all the saints and angels of God, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. (Prayers may be offered in silence)
O Rising Sun, brightness of light eternal, sun of justice, come and shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. For we ask this in the name of Christ who has taught us to pray in this spirit saying…
Our Creator who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy dominion come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the dominion, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen
Reception of Tithes and Offerings
Sung Prayer of Dedication:
The Doxology—Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise God from whom all blessing flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!
We Commune Together
The Eucharistic Prayer:
God be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to God.
Let us give thanks to our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise,
O God, creator and ruler of the universe.
You established your people to be a light for the nations, and called us to walk in Your paths and follow your ways. Even now, you are coming to bring justice and peace to the world.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with choirs of angels
with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all the faithful of every time and place
who forever sing to the glory of your name:
Holy, holy, holy, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God.
Hosanna in the highest.
You are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
In Christ Jesus, you drew near to us for our salvation, teaching us to live in faith and to seek the good of all. Through his dying and rising, you brought life to the world.
To you indeed be thanksgiving, almighty God,
because on the night before he died,
Jesus Christ, took bread;
when he had given you thanks,
he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said:
Take, eat, this is my body
which is given for you;
do this to remember me.
After supper he took the cup;
when he had given you thanks,
he gave it to them and said:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood
poured out for you;
do this as often as you drink it
to remember me.
Remembering your gracious acts in Jesus Christ, we take from your creation this bread and this wine and joyfully celebrate his dying and rising, as we await the day of his coming.
With thanksgiving, we offer our very selves to you to be a living and holy sacrifice, dedicated to your service.
Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ. By your Spirit, unite us with Christ and with your church in all the world.
Keep us faithful and alert for the hour of Christ’s coming. Let us live honorably as children of truth and light, so that we may eat and drink together in your eternal realm.
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen.
Sharing Communion
Songs During Communion
Christ Be our Light
Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Refrain
Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has power to save us.
Make us your living voice.
Repeat Refrain
Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.
Repeat Refrain
Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.
Refrain
Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
making your kingdom come. (Repeat Refrain)
Sing We Now of Christmas/O Come O Come/Emmanuel
Sing we now of Christmas
Sing we all Noel
Of the Lord and Savior
We the tidings tell
Sing we Noel
For Christ the King is born
Sing we Noel
For Christ the Lord is born
Angels from on high
May shepherds come and see
He's born in Bethleham
A blessed family
Glory to God
For Christ our King is born
Glory to God
For Christ our Lord is born
Sing we now of Christmas
Sing we all Noel
Sing we now of Christmas
Sing we all Noel
Sing we all Noel
Sing we all Noel
(Instrumental: O Come O Come Emmanuel)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Wonderful Counselor
Lord of Life, Lord of All
He is the Prince of Peace
Mighty God, Holy One
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Wonderful Counselor
Lord of Life, Lord of All
He is the Prince of Peace
Mighty God, Holy One
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Wonderful Counselor
Lord of Life, Lord of All
He is the Prince of Peace
Mighty God, Holy One
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Silent Prayer Following Communion
Sung Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Come let us adore Him
O Come let us adore Him
O Come let us adore Him
Christ, the Lord.
We Go Forth to Live with Christ
The Blessing and Sending Forth:
The time for keeping alert is with us.
The hour has arrived for us to stop sleeping and wake up.
Now is our full salvation nearer than when we first believed.
The night is almost over and the dawn is in the sky.
So let us throw off the trappings of darkness
and dress ourselves for the light.
Jesus, the brightest star of the morning, gives us his promise:
“Look! I am coming quickly.”
The Spirit and the church say “Come!”
Let every one who hears answer, “Come!”
Amen! Even so come, Lord Jesus!
Song to Celebrate the Season
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear by: Caedmon’s Call
It came upon the midnight clear
that glorious song of old
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold
peace on the earth, good will to men
from heaven's all gracious king
the world in solemn stillness lay
to hear the angels sing
(Instrumental)
And here beneath life's crushing load
whose forms are bending low
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow
look, now for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing
And rest beside the weary road
and hear the angels sing
hear the angels sing
hear the angels sing
(Instrumental)
For though the days are hastening on
By prophets seen of old
When with the ever circling years
Shall come the time foretold
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendor fling
And the whole earth sing back the song
Which now the angels sing
Hear the angels sing
Hear the angels sing (Repeat 6x)
Passing the Peace: (Please feel free to shake hands, or offer hugs as you feel comfortable. Offering the words….”The Peace of Christ” and join us for refreshments following the service.)
Announcements
Welcome to all who are with us today, we trust your experience of worship will bless you. Please join us for tree trimming and treats following the service.
Our Annual Community Christmas Dinner will be held on Sat. Dec 15, 6pm at St. John’s United Church (corner of Windsor and Willow St.) Halifax. Work crews are gathering at 1pm for kitchen duty and set up. We need volunteers and food items. Please check the sign up sheet.
Join us Thursday Evening at 7pm for Bible Study Discussion Group. We are exploring the book, “Parable Life” by Michele Van Loon. This week chapter 7. All are welcome!
Next Sunday please bring in your white gifts to share with Manna for Health. Choose a star from the tree and bring in the gift needed along with hats and mitts if you are able.
Advent Christmas Services at Safe Harbour:
Dec. 9 Advent 2 White Gift Sunday 11am
Dec. 16 Advent 3 Carol Sing Service 11am
Dec. 18 Blue Christmas 7pm
Dec. 23 Advent 4 Memorial Tree Lighting 11am
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Candle Light Service 7pm
Dec. 30 New Years Service 11am
New Years Eve Dinner and Dance at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. $85 per person. Come and ring in 2008 with your friends. For tickets see Bruce, Bob or Nicky.](12-02-07_files/image001.gif)
We Gather To Worship God
Welcome and Announcements
The Lighting of the Advent Candle: The Candle of Patience: Watch! Wait!
Reader 1: In the days to come, God shall establish God’s house upon earth!
Reader 2: Watch! Wait! For God will do something special, something very unexpected.
Reader 1: Do not be hesitant. Place your trust in God’s promise.
Reader 2: Today we light this first candle, a special candle, lighted in darkness, shedding its meager light into our world.
[The first candle in the wreath is lighted.]
Reader 1: Come, see the light. Let its brightness fill you.
Reader 2: Come, feel the warmth of the light. Let it give you comfort.
Reader 1: Come, draw near to the light, for it is God’s way of breaking through to you.
Reader 2: Come, rejoice in the light, for God is with us!
Opening Prayer (Unison)
O God, our lives are so filled with chaos and tribulation. Help us be ready to receive your message and gift of love, that we might grow into faithful disciples, serving you by serving others with hope and compassion. In Christ’s Name, we pray. AMEN
Advent Song: Hope is a Star
Hope is star that shines in the night,
Leading us on till the morning is bright.
Chorus: When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
And none shall be afraid
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
Giving a promise of safety and worth.
Repeat Chorus
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,
Telling the world that the Saviour is born.
Repeat Chorus
Love is a flame that burns in our heart,
Jesus has come and will never depart.
Repeat Chorus
We Hear God’s Word
Scripture Readings: From the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2In days to come the mountain of God’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. 3Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of God, to the house of the God of Jacob; that God may teach us God’s ways and that we may walk in God’s paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of God from Jerusalem. 4God shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of God!
Responsive Reading Psalm 122
1I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of God!”
2Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together.
4To it the tribes go up, the tribes of God, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of God.
5For there the thrones for judgment were set up, the thrones of the house of David.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.
7Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.”
8For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9For the sake of the house of our God, I will seek your good.
36“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Human One, but only God. 37For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Human One. 38For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Human One. 40Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. 42Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your God is coming. 43But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44Therefore you also must be ready, for the Human One is coming at an unexpected hour.
L:Readings from God’s Word P: Thanks Be to God!
Christmas Memories by Helen Langille
(Song “Peace On Earth/The Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby and David Bowie)
Bing and David: Come they told
me pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
A new-born king to see pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
Our finest gifts we bring pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
Ra-pam-pam-pam, ra-pam-pam-pam
David:Peace on Earth, can it be
Bing: Come they told me pa-ram-pam-
pam-pam
Years from now, perhaps we'll see
A new-born king to see pa-ram-pam-
pam-pam
See the day of glory Our
finest gifts we bring pa-ram-pam- pam-pam
See the day, when men of good will
to lay before the king pa-ram-pam-
pam-pam
Live in peace, live in peace again Ra-pam-pam-pam, ra-pam-pam-pam
Peace on Earth, So to honour him, ra-pam-pam-pam
can it be
when we come
Bing and David: Every child
must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can
David:I pray my wish will come true
Bing:
There was Mary
pa-ram-pam- pam-pam
For my child and your child too
I stood beside her there
pa-ram-pam- pam-pam
He'll see the day of glory
I played my drum for him pa-ram-
pam-pam-pam
See the day when men of good will
I played my best for him pa-ram-pam-
pam-pam
Live in peace, live in peace again
Ra-pam-pam-pam, ra-pam-pam-pam
Peace on Earth,
Then he smiled at me
ra-pam-pam-pam
Can it be Me and my drum
Bing and David: Can it be
Reflection by JJ Lyon
Song of Commitment: Shine Jesus Shine by Maranantha Singers
Lord, the light of your
love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
We Respond to God
Prayers of the People
As we keep awake for the coming of the Lord, let us offer prayers to God who prepares a light for our path.
For the peace of the world, and for our unity in Christ.
(Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson our Moderator and all our Elders, especially for Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, and all who minister in Christ, and for all the holy people of God. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For the church throughout the world and the faithful in every place. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For the leaders of the nations and all in authority. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For justice, peace, and freedom among peoples of the earth. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For travelers, for the sick and the suffering, for the hungry and the oppressed, and for those in prison. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For the dying and the dead. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray to God. Come, O God, and save us.
Joining our voices with all the saints and angels of God, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. (Prayers may be offered in silence)
O Rising Sun, brightness of light eternal, sun of justice, come and shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. For we ask this in the name of Christ who has taught us to pray in this spirit saying…
Our Creator who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy dominion come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the dominion, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen
Reception of Tithes and Offerings
Sung Prayer of Dedication:
The Doxology—Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise God from whom all blessing flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!
We Commune Together
The Eucharistic Prayer:
God be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to God.
Let us give thanks to our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise,
O God, creator and ruler of the universe.
You established your people to be a light for the nations, and called us to walk in Your paths and follow your ways. Even now, you are coming to bring justice and peace to the world.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with choirs of angels
with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all the faithful of every time and place
who forever sing to the glory of your name:
Holy, holy, holy, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God.
Hosanna in the highest.
You are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
In Christ Jesus, you drew near to us for our salvation, teaching us to live in faith and to seek the good of all. Through his dying and rising, you brought life to the world.
To you indeed be thanksgiving, almighty God,
because on the night before he died,
Jesus Christ, took bread;
when he had given you thanks,
he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said:
Take, eat, this is my
body
which is given for you;
do this to remember me.
After supper he took the cup;
when he had given you thanks,
he gave it to them and said:
This cup is the new
covenant in my blood
poured out for you;
do this as often as you drink it
to remember me.
Remembering your gracious acts in Jesus Christ, we take from your creation this bread and this wine and joyfully celebrate his dying and rising, as we await the day of his coming.
With thanksgiving, we offer our very selves to you to be a living and holy sacrifice, dedicated to your service.
Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ. By your Spirit, unite us with Christ and with your church in all the world.
Keep us faithful and alert for the hour of Christ’s coming. Let us live honorably as children of truth and light, so that we may eat and drink together in your eternal realm.
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen.
Sharing Communion
Songs During Communion
Christ Be our Light
Longing for
light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Refrain
Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for
peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has power to save us.
Make us your living voice.
Repeat Refrain
Longing for
food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.
Repeat Refrain
Longing for
shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.
Refrain
Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Many the
gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
making your kingdom come. (Repeat Refrain)
Sing We Now of Christmas/O Come O Come/Emmanuel
Sing we now of Christmas
Sing we all Noel
Of the Lord and Savior
We the tidings tell
Sing we Noel
For Christ the King is born
Sing we Noel
For Christ the Lord is born
Angels from on high
May shepherds come and see
He's born in Bethleham
A blessed family
Glory to God
For Christ our King is born
Glory to God
For Christ our Lord is born
Sing we now of Christmas
Sing we all Noel
Sing we now of Christmas
Sing we all Noel
Sing we all Noel
Sing we all Noel
(Instrumental: O Come O Come Emmanuel)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Wonderful Counselor
Lord of Life, Lord of All
He is the Prince of Peace
Mighty God, Holy One
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Wonderful Counselor
Lord of Life, Lord of All
He is the Prince of Peace
Mighty God, Holy One
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Wonderful Counselor
Lord of Life, Lord of All
He is the Prince of Peace
Mighty God, Holy One
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Silent Prayer Following Communion
Sung Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Come let us adore Him
O Come let us adore Him
O Come let us adore Him
Christ, the Lord.
We Go Forth to Live with Christ
The Blessing and Sending Forth:
The time for keeping alert is with us.
The hour has arrived for us to stop sleeping and wake up.
Now is our full salvation nearer than when we first believed.
The night is almost over and the dawn is in the sky.
So let us throw off the trappings of darkness
and dress ourselves for the light.
Jesus, the brightest star of the morning, gives us his promise:
“Look! I am coming quickly.”
The Spirit and the church say “Come!”
Let every one who hears answer, “Come!”
Amen! Even so come, Lord Jesus!
Song to Celebrate the Season
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear by: Caedmon’s Call
It came upon the midnight clear
that glorious song of old
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold
peace on the earth, good will to men
from heaven's all gracious king
the world in solemn stillness lay
to hear the angels sing
(Instrumental)
And here beneath life's crushing load
whose forms are bending low
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow
look, now for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing
And rest beside the weary road
and hear the angels sing
hear the angels sing
hear the angels sing
(Instrumental)
For though the days are hastening on
By prophets seen of old
When with the ever circling years
Shall come the time foretold
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendor fling
And the whole earth sing back the song
Which now the angels sing
Hear the angels sing
Hear the angels sing (Repeat 6x)
Passing the Peace: (Please feel free to shake hands, or offer hugs as you feel comfortable. Offering the words….”The Peace of Christ” and join us for refreshments following the service.)
Announcements
Welcome to all who are with us today, we trust your experience of worship will bless you. Please join us for tree trimming and treats following the service.
Our Annual Community Christmas Dinner will be held on Sat. Dec 15, 6pm at St. John’s United Church (corner of Windsor and Willow St.) Halifax. Work crews are gathering at 1pm for kitchen duty and set up. We need volunteers and food items. Please check the sign up sheet.
Join us Thursday Evening at 7pm for Bible Study Discussion Group. We are exploring the book, “Parable Life” by Michele Van Loon. This week chapter 7. All are welcome!
Next Sunday please bring in your white gifts to share with Manna for Health. Choose a star from the tree and bring in the gift needed along with hats and mitts if you are able.
Advent Christmas Services at Safe Harbour:
Dec. 9 Advent 2 White Gift Sunday 11am
Dec. 16 Advent 3 Carol Sing Service 11am
Dec. 18 Blue Christmas 7pm
Dec. 23 Advent 4 Memorial Tree Lighting 11am
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Candle Light Service 7pm
Dec. 30 New Years Service 11am
New Years Eve Dinner and Dance at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. $85 per person. Come and ring in 2008 with your friends. For tickets see Bruce, Bob or Nicky.
