Worship Service for December 1, 2024

December 1, 2024 – First Sunday in Advent and Communion Sunday

Introit

Prelude

Lighting of the Christ Candle

This is the Christ Candle. We light the candle to help us remember that Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is with us in every place and every time.

Call to Worship (PWS&D liturgy)

One: As we enter the season of Advent, we remember God’s call to seek justice in the world God loves.
All: We come longing for a brighter future for all.

One: We light the first candle of Advent, a symbol of God’s hope, which shines in the darkness.

(Light the candle of hope)

One: May the light of this candle ignite a fire within your people, who are often afraid or hesitant to work for change.
All: Holy One, strengthen us by your Spirit to commit ourselves to walking with those who are oppressed and marginalized. May our actions reflect your hope, which transforms your world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Opening Hymn

“Hope is a Star” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 119). Words (1989) by English hymnwriter Brian A. Wren (1936–); music (tune “Moon Beams”; 1989) by Joan Collier Fogg (1949–). Words and music © copyright 1989 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.

Prayers of Approach and Confession, & Lord’s Prayer (sins)

God of love, you come to your people to dwell with us. You come with power to transform all things. You come with promises to make all things new. You come with signs of your deep love for the world. You come, and your truth breaks into our lives shattering lies and half-truths, setting your people free. Your coming is our hope, and so, we offer you our praise and prayers in gratitude and anticipation. Come into our lives again, O God, and show us how to hope in the face of all that is discouraging, for we gather in the name of Hope made flesh, Jesus Christ, your promise and our desire.

Merciful God, in your gracious presence we confess our sins and the sins of this world. Surprising God, forgive our sleepiness in the presence of your splendour and for when we abandon hope and expect and look for the same old thing in the same old way. Forgive us our silence when we ought to have spoken up and our carelessness with your world and each other. Awaken us to your holy, hopeful presence so we may watch and wait for you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

The One who comes with justice also comes with mercy. The God of Judgment is truly the Christ of compassion. God offers you forgiveness today, in the hope you will receive it gladly. Do not be afraid but rejoice in the God who comes to us
All: Thanks be to God!

The Peace

One: The Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
All: And also with you.

The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)

GCPC Senior Choir presents

“Who would send a baby”. Words and music (1988) by American hymnwriter and music editor Mary Kay Beall (1943–). Arrangement (1998) by American composer and music director John Carter (1930–). Words and music copyright © 1988, arrangement copyright © 1998 Somerset Press; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain.

Note from Music Director Brooks Gorst

“Who Would Send a Baby?” What a rhetorical question! It conjures many feelings about the mystery and the miracle surrounding Christmas and the birth of a Saviour. The composer, Mary Kay Beall, credits the inspiration for the text to this anthem from the wonderful poet, Ann Weems. Beall goes on to say that, “In [Weems’] collection Kneeling in Bethlehem, there is a poem entitled ‘God So Loved the World.’ In the first stanza of that poem Ann writes ‘and only God would send a little baby King.’ I made a notation next to that line thinking there was a song hidden somewhere there. Several years later I read that line again and my notation beside it and the question came to me: ‘Who would send a baby?’ The lyric suddenly spilled out onto the page and somehow, I knew it had to end with the reminder of God’s love for all of us which is affirmed in John 3:16.” What a great backstory from the composer herself to this beautiful anthem.

Fun with the Young at Heart (children’s story)

We sing verse 1 of “Jesus loves me this I know”.

“Jesus loves me, this I know“ (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 373). Words (1859 or 1860) by American writer Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). Revisions to v2 and v3 by Canadian Anglican priest David Rutherford McGuire (1929–1971). Music (1862; tune: “Jesus loves me”) by American musician William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868). Words, revisions, and music in the public domain.

Scripture Reading

Luke 21:25–36  <– this links to on-line text of the NRSV bible

Click here for additional scripture readings from today’s lectionary. Links courtesy of the Revised Common Lectionary, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.

Luke 21:25–36

25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

34 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Sermon

Please, join our Sunday worship service at 11 am, in person or on-line, to hear the full version of the sermon.

Hymn

“Blest be the tie that binds” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 481). Words (1782) by English Baptist pastor John Fawcett (1740–1817). Music (tune: “Dennis”) by Swiss music educator Johann Georg Nageli (1773–1836). Arrangement (first published 1845) by American composer Lowell Mason (1792–1872). Words, music and arrangement public domain.

Offering

As Jesus gave himself for us, let us return to God the offerings of our life and the gifts of the earth.

Offering – Musical Reflection

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

Our offering will now be received.

Doxology 306

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 306). Based on the tune “Old 100^th” with words (1989) by English hymnwriter Brian A. Wren (1936–). Words copyright © 1989 Hope Publishing Co.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God all creatures high and low;
praise God in Jesus fully known,
Creator Word and Spirit One.

Prayer of dedication

Gracious God, we bring our gifts to you with grateful hearts, aware of all we enjoy in Christ and in creation. Bless these gifts and the service we offer in Jesus’ name, so that others may share in your goodness and know of the love we witness in Christ, our friend and Saviour.

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The Sacrament of Communion

Invitation

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

In the name of Jesus, I invite to this table any who name him as their Saviour and desire to follow in his way, whether you are members of his congregation or communion or not. This is not our table but his, and in his name I bid you welcome.

Great Prayer Of Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you.
And with you also.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.

The prayer opens with thanksgiving for creation and for God’s mighty acts throughout salvation history. The people join in the ancient song after these or similar words;
“… we join with the whole creation to lift our hearts in joyful praise.”

Holy, holy, holy Lord
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Prayers of thanksgiving continue for the work of Jesus Christ, his life, death, and resurrection and for the institution of the Lord’s Supper. The people are invited to “proclaim the mystery of faith:”

Christ has died,
Christ has risen.
Christ will come again.

Thanksgiving continues for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit is invoked followed by a doxology and the people say:

Amen.

“Great Prayer Of Thanksgiving”. Words traditional liturgical text; this version by The Worship Committee of the Board of Congregational Life, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, and printed (1991) in The Book of Common Worship. Reprinted in the Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 564. Words copyright © 1991 The Presbyterian Church in Canada; used by permission.

Communion Hymn

(remain seated as the elders come forward)

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 122; verses 1,2,3). Latin text has origins in 8^th and 9^th century. See hymn name link for more details. English translation (1861) by English priest and hymnwriter John Mason Neale (1818–1866). Music (tune: “Veni Emmanuel”) has origins in 15^th century France. Again, see hymn link for more information. This arrangement by Anglo-Canadian composer Healey Willan (1880–1968). Words, music, arrangement all public domain.

Fraction and Distribution

On the night when he was betrayed, Jesus took bread and when he had given thanks he broke it and said
“this is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way after supper he took the cup and said,
“This cup is the new covenant sealed with my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me. For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes.”

These are the gifts of God for the people of God.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

The bread of life.

The cup of salvation.

Prayer After Communion

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Closing Hymn

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 122; verses 4,5,6,7). See details above.

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

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (the risen Christ), the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you always. AMEN.

Blessing

“Danish Amen” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 780). Words and music (tune: “Amen (Danish)”) traditional. Words and music public domain.

Postlude

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Last updated 2024-11-30 22:50 – First version.