November 27, 2022 – First Sunday of Advent – Hope
A livestream of this service will take place on our YouTube channel on Sunday, November 27, at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time. A video recording of the live stream will be available on our YouTube channel from 6:00 PM EST on Sunday, November 27.
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Prelude
Introit – Choir
Welcome
Call to Worship
The call to worship was written by the Rev. Mavis Currie (Knox PC, St. Thomas, ON) for Presbyterian World Service & Development, the development and relief agency of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Reader 1: We are people of hope.
Reader 2: God longs for a day when weapons will be replaced with tools for rebuilding.
People: We see your goodness and signs of new life all around us.
Reader 1: The first candle of Advent reminds us that we are called to live as people of hope.
Reader 2: We light this candle to remind us to see God’s hope shining in our world.
(Light the candle of hope)
Reader 1: Let us pray:
People: Holy One, help us to walk in the light of God. May our lives reflect the warmth and wonder of this flame. Make your church a place of hope in our community. Amen.
Opening Hymn
“People in Darkness” (Book of Praise 1997 Hymn 124). Words v. 1–3 (20th century) by American minister, hymnwriter and academic Dosia Carlson (1930–2021). Words v. 4 (1996) by Canadian PCC minister Kenneth Stright (1952–). Music (20th century; tune: “People in Darkness”) by Dosia Carlson. Words v. 1–3 and music copyright © 1983 Dosia Carlson. Words v. 4 copyright © 1996 Kenneth and Jeanne Stright.
(*Sunday School may join their class)
Prayers of Approach and Confession, & Lord’s Prayer (sins)
Almighty and everlasting God, You hold all our days in your hands, and embrace us in your everlasting arms. In a tired and violent world, you are hope. In a hectic and busy world, you are peace. In a cold world, you are comfort. In Jesus Christ, you bring love into this world, and call us to embody his love in all we do and say. In our worship this day, we offer you our love and loyalty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Make us one in worship and service, so that the world will see your hope at work in us and through us, making all things new.
God of hope, we confess that we often prefer accepting half-truths and pleasing ideas, rather than your challenging word. We praise our own cleverness rather than your wisdom. We have exploited others for our benefit and used the earth without a thought for its wellbeing. In your mercy, forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct who we shall be through the mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
Receive the Good News in hope. With great mercy, God forgives what we have confessed and offers us new life in Christ. Trust in the hope that you are forgiven and that, with God, new things are possible. Thanks be to God!
The Peace
The Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Guildwood Choir presents
“Long-Awaited One”. Music and words (2016) by American composer Nicole Elsey. Arrangement (2016) by Douglas Nolan. Music, words and arrangement copyright © 2016 Hal Leonard Corp.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.
A Welcome Moment
The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)
Scripture Readings
Deuteronomy 10: 12-22 <– these link to on-line texts of the NRSV bible
Isaiah 1: 15-17
Click here for additional scripture readings from today’s lectionary. Links courtesy of the Revised Common Lectionary, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
Meditation
“Write for Rights” – Amnesty International
Presented by Bonnie Horton
We listen and pray:
- Dorgellesse Nguessan, Cameroon
- Nasser Zefzafi, Morocco
- Chow Hang Tung, Hong Kong
- Vahid Afkari, Iran
Musical Reflection
“Innocuous”. Music (2022) by GCPC music director Rachelle Risling. Music copyright © 2022 Rachelle Risling; used by permission.
Offering
We remind everyone that we must continue to pay our bills; in the absence of being present at Sunday worship, you may sign up for pre-authorized remittance (PAR), donate online, or drop off your offering envelope in the mailbox at the church. Do not leave a cash donation unattended in the mailbox; instead, please call the office (416.261.4037) to ensure someone will be there to receive it. The building will be checked daily for mail and phone messages. If you are not comfortable leaving an envelope, you are welcome to contact the office (once again, 416.261.4037) and someone will pick up your offering.
Dedication of our Gifts
Doxology
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow”(Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 830) Based on the tune “Old 100th” with words by English bishop and hymnwriter Thomas Ken (1637–1711).
Prayer of dedication
God, our hope and our help, receive our gifts as seeds of gratitude for your gift to us in Christ Jesus. Bless these seeds with growth so that hope will sprout in people who struggle with despair, and places trying to rebuild after devastating loss. Be their hope and their help, through Christ our Lord.
The Sacrament of Communion
Communion Prayer
Communion Hymn
“Let all mortal flesh keep silence” (Book of Praise 1997 Hymn 542). Words from the Liturgy of St. James; English translation by English schoolmaster and hymnographer Gerard Moultrie (1829–1885). Music (tune: “Picardy”) traditional French carol. Words and music in the public domain.
Fraction & Distribution
Closing Hymn
“Christ is coming” (Book of Praise 1997 Hymn 795). Words by Scottish Presbyterian minister John Ross Macduff (1818–1895). Music (1680; tune “Unser Herrscher”) by German theologian and hymn-writer Joachim Neander (1650–1680). Words and music in the public domain.
Changing the Light
Now, it is time to change the light. The light that was in one place can now be in every place and every time going with you wherever you go.
Benediction
Go in hope this day, and keep awake! Watch for signs of God at work around you and within you. Look for opportunities to serve others in Jesus’ name.
Choral Amen
- Go Now in Peace”. Words by American educator, lyricist and composer Don Besig (1936–) and American lyricist Nancy Price (1958–). Music by Don Besig. Words and music copyright © 1988 Harold Flammer Music, a division of Shawnee Press; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.
- Performed by Rachelle Risling (keyboard) and the GCPC Senior Choir. Audio and video production by Rachelle Risling.
Postlude
Copyright © 2022 Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church
Last updated 2022-11-28 22:00 – Added Guildwood Choir presents and Musical Reflection details.