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Living in Hope Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson Dec 27

The Lord be with you … and also with you.

Remember… if you need to access the church building be sure to follow the pandemic protocols with face masks, hand sanitizer. Be sure to put your name and contact information on the Contact Tracing List.

The challenge to help two important Presbyterian organizations comes from St. Giles Presbyterian, St. Catharines to respond to the need at Crieff Hills and Camp Kintail. Both are experiencing financial challenges due to COVID 19. How can you donate?
Camp Kintail donate online: https://campkintail.campbraingiving.com/
Mail donation: Camp Kintail, Box 153, Goderich, ON N7A 3Z2
Call the camp at 519-529-7317 if you have any questions or need assistance.
Crieff Hills Retreat Centre donate online: https://crieffhills.com/support/donate/ 
Mail donation: Crieff Hills Retreat, 7098 Concession 1, Puslinch, ON N0B2J0
Call Crieff Hills at 1-800-884-1525 email: accounting@crieffhills.com

We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns. This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg

The focus of the Mission Moment … Sharing the Gift of Language
The PCC’s partnership with the Protestant Theological Institute (PTI) in Cluj-Napoca, an ancient city in Romania, began with the overseas appointment of Brian Johnston in 1997. Supported by Presbyterians Sharing, Brian taught English at the Seminary of the Hungarian Reformed Church in Romania until 2016. After retirement, Brian continued to organize musical concerts with students and others at the Institute. The PCC’s partnership with this Reformed seminary in Eastern Europe continues with an annual grant for the English teacher. Theological students must pass an English exam as a requirement for ordination. In thanking the PCC, Dr. Vilmos József Kolumbán, Rector of PTI, added, “Your financial contribution to the limited resources that we have is an extremely valuable input towards fulfilling our goals.”

All are welcome to join in the Knox Spiritual Study 2 – 3 pm on Sunday. Our winter study will focus on Learning to Walk in the Dark from Barbara Brown Taylor. Join in the conversation on Zoom! We begin Sunday January 10th We have several copies of the book $24 at Knox Bayfield Contact Rev Lisa Dolson for Zoom instructions (519) 572 [dash] 8529 revlisa [dot] knoxbayfield [at] icloud [dot] com

Income and Expense Update
Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The Knox Bayfield Session and Finance committee are diligent in their efforts to minimize expenses and meet financial commitments. Our updated financial reports indicate November income $4,001 and expenses in $4,859 with a year-to-date deficit of $5,840.

The Presbyterian Connection newspaper unites Presbyterians across Canada through stories, reflections, interviews and articles that allow us to share and develop our faith. It is distributed four times per year, free of charge. https://presbyterian.ca/presbyterian-connection/ or contact the National Church Office at 1-800-619-7301 ext. 243 to set up a free paper subscription.

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 148
Praise God from the heavens. Young and old together. Let us praise the name of God whose name alone is exalted above earth and heaven. Alleluia!

Hymn #543 Here, O my Lord, I see thee

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Luke 2:27
O holy and amazing God, as you led Simeon to embrace the infant Jesus, guide us by your Spirit that we may welcome your saving Word. Amen.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

READINGS:
Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

Hymn: # 110 Come thou long expected Jesus
Living in Hope
This is the first Sunday after Christmas Day. For some, the cost of this season will be weighing heavy. The cost of physical and social isolation during the pandemic has been a significant challenge for many, especially during Christmas. There is also the cost of extravagant gift giving. Whether you are stressed or relaxed … remember to reach out to each other. This past year has made it challenging to stay connected and in relationship with people outside our homes, and in some cases, even within our homes. The stressors of life during a pandemic changed how we interact.
I was mindful of the many stressors as I read the passage from Luke. He writes of Mary, Joseph and Jesus travelling back to Jerusalem for purification. Babies are so cute and cuddly … and they can be exhausting. Imagine the spiritual and emotional toll on Mary and Joseph during that past year. They have journeyed extensively during Mary’s pregnancy and now within the first few months of the birth. Nazareth to Jerusalem, to Bethlehem, back to Jerusalem … all that travel without a car, without public transportation. This passage begins with Mary and Joseph at the temple with their new child where they meet Simeon and Anna. Both have waited for this moment, this time when they will meet the Messiah. In many ways, this encounter will mark the end of a part of their journey.
This passage reminds us of our experiences and what we know … coupled with the reality of what we do not yet know. Simeon was “guided by the Spirit” to the temple. When he arrived, he saw two young parents who had come a long way, to follow the law of the Lord and offer a sacrifice for their child.
Martin Luther noted, God became small for us in Christ; he showed us his heart, so our hearts might be won. God walked among humanity to nurture loving relationship and tenderness.
In our reading from Isaiah, he speaks of transforming everything for its good. It speaks of courage, the willingness to take the risk of seeing with a new perspective. It speaks of allowing our ancient faith to lead us in a different direction.
In his reflection on Jürgen Moltmann’s Theology of Hope, Miroslav Volf reminds us of the difference between optimism and hope. Volf writes, “Optimism is based on the possibilities of things as they have come to be; hope is based on the possibilities of God irrespective of how things are…. Hope is grounded in the faithfulness of God and therefore on the effectiveness of God’s promise.”
The reading from Isaiah speaks of painful separation and of reason to hope. It questions whether Israel left God, or has God left Israel? The prophet asserts that the sins of Israel have brought about the exile. God speaks through the prophet: “Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel!… You have burdened me with your sins; you have wearied me with your iniquities” (43:22, 24). The people of Jerusalem, desolate during the years of exile, lament, “The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me”.
And yet God responds to them with the promise of reconciliation. God calls on people regardless of the number of times they might turn away.
The prophet describes this hope as a springtime garden. The past wrongs and broken relationship will serve as compost for the tender green shoots. The garden of hope is rooted in God’s faithfulness.
The prophet calls across the ages to plant the seeds of hope, where old wounds can be healed, where the impossible becomes possible with the love of God. Where tender shoots of nourishment can spring out of the cold ground. We are called to see the new life that God brings with the living Word born in Bethlehem. This message continues to call across the centuries. We are called to live into relationship with this living God and with one another, today and always.
Praise be to God.

# 466 Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet

THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16
As the earth brings forth its shoots and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so will God cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. With thankful hearts, we offer ourselves and our gifts to God.

BLESSING OF GIFTS & PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Galations 4, Isaiah 62, Luke 2
Join me in prayer:
Loving God, we give thanks for the light of the world, Jesus Christ, through whom we have received adoption as your children. With Jesus our brother, we dedicate ourselves in ministry to the world, that we may live as heirs of your promises
to the honor and glory of your name.
We pray for the nations of the earth, that governments may protect the vulnerable, shelter the oppressed, and pursue the way of peace.
We pray for the planet earth, our home, that we may honor her gifts, respect her limitations, and protect her resources.
We pray for all who suffer with illness, hardship, or conflict. May they receive healing for their bodies, release from their burdens, and mending of their brokenness.
O holy One, may your light shine through us and fill the world with the radiance of your love revealed in Jesus Christ. You have made us for a holy purpose, to comfort and care for each other. There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues to struggle in his healing. We lift up Peggy, Betty Lou, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, Marlene, Rob, Courtney, and Grace’s daughter Lisa. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.
We lift up the care-givers and those who receive care during the pandemic. We pray that your Spirit will linger with your people during this challenging time. A time of isolation that has left many feeling fragmented and in despair. May they sense your protective love. Through Christ, with Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, we magnify you, almighty God.
O holy One, we pray for clarity, passion, and true fellowship to awake us to your presence. May your face shine upon the church and all this weary world. We pray
in the name of the One born in a manger, who taught his disciples to pray…
Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

#468 Lord, dismiss us with your blessing

BENEDICTION
Go forth into the world rejoicing. Spread the good news of Christ, our light and our redeemer. May God, redeemer of Israel, dismiss us in peace. May Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of Mary, uphold us in love. May the Holy Spirit, the power of God, guide us in truth.
Postlude
Let There Be Peace on Earth

Question for Reflection
Consider what it means to be a child of God by adoption. What does it mean to you to think of yourself as a brother or sister of Jesus, who is the Son of God?

Morning Prayer
In you, O God, I will rejoice: in speaking, I will rejoice; in silence, I will rejoice; in travels, I will rejoice; in resting, I will rejoice; in working, I will rejoice;in leisure, I will rejoice; in duties, I will rejoice; in freedom, I will rejoice. O God, my whole being exults in you, and my life shall evermore declare your praise, my light, my love, my joy. Amen.

Evening Prayer
Lord, let your servant sleep in peace this night and fulfill your gracious word.
Reveal to me the salvation that you have prepared for all people. With Jesus Christ, help me be a light to the nations and a sign of your glorious promise to Israel. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Saving God, the prophet Anna and righteous Simeon sang your praise and proclaimed Jesus our Lord to all who were looking for the redemption
of Jerusalem. Let us who seek redemption in this day prepare our hearts,
that we may believe the good news of Jesus, receive the light of salvation,
and live according to your word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Scripture readings next week:
Jeremiah 31:7–14; Psalm 147:12–20; Ephesians 1:3–14; John 1:1–18

Hymns:
543 Here, O my Lord, I see thee
110 Come thou long expected Jesus
466 Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet
468 Lord, dismiss us with your blessing

# 543 Here, O my Lord

Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face; here would I touch and handle things unseen, here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace, and all my weariness upon thee lean.

Here would we feed upon the bread of God, here drink with thee the royal wine of heaven; here would we lay aside each earthly load, here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven.

This is the hour of banquet and of song; this is the heavenly table for us spread;
here let us feast, and, feasting, still prolong this fellowship in thee, our living bread.

Too soon we rise; the symbols disappear. The feast, though not the love, is past and gone; the bread and wine remove, but thou art here, nearer than ever, still our shield and sun.

We have no help but thine, nor do we need another arm but thine to lean upon;
it is enough, my Lord, enough indeed; our strength is in thy might, thy might alone.

Mine is the sin, but thine the righteousness; mine is the guilt, but thine the cleansing blood. Here is my robe, my refuge and my peace, thy blood, thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.

Feast after feast thus comes and passes by, yet, passing. points to that glad feast above, giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy, the Lamb’s great bridal feast of bliss and love.
#110 Come, thou long-expected Jesus

Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us;
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art,
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver;
born a child and yet a king;
born to reign in us forever;
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy gracious throne.

#466 Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet

Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet, praise the Lord with the harp and lute,
praise the Lord with the gentle-sounding flute.
Praise the Lord in the field and forest, praise the Lord in the city square,
praise the Lord anytime and anywhere.
Praise the Lord in the wind and sunshine, praise the Lord in the dark of night,
praise the Lord in the rain or snow or in the morning light.
Praise the Lord in the deepest valley, praise the Lord on the highest hill,
praise the Lord; never let your voice be still.

Praise the Lord with the crashing cymbal, praise the Lord with the pipe and string,
praise the Lord with the joyful songs you sing.
Praise the Lord on a weekday morning, praise the Lord on a Sunday noon,
praise the Lord by the light of sun or moon.
Praise the Lord in the time of sorrow, praise the Lord in the time of joy,
praise the Lord every moment; nothing let your praise destroy.
Praise the Lord in the peace and quiet, praise the Lord in your work or play,
praise the Lord everywhere in every way!

#468 Lord, Dismiss Us

Lord, dismiss us with your blessing,
Fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, your love possessing,
Triumph in redeeming grace:
O refresh us, O refresh us,
Travelling thru this wilderness.

Thanks we give and adoration
For your gospel’s joyful sound;
May the fruits of your salvation
In our hearts and lives abound:
Ever faithful, ever faithful
To the truth may we be found—

So that when your love shall call us
Saviour, from the world away,
Fear of death shall not appall us;
Glad your summons to obey,
May we ever, may we ever
Reign with you in endless day.
Let There Be Peace on Earth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGoEJyV7Snw
Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Chet Akins, Michael McDonald

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

 

 

You will likely see some familiar faces in “It’s a Wonderful (Virtual) Life!”  Dec. 24, 25, 26   The original cast from this 2017 Livery Christmas show, at the Goderich Little Theatre, continue to stage plays in these unusual times. As a way to raise funds for the local theatre, they are remounting “It`s A Wonderful Life”, only this time it`s a “virtual” 1940`s Radio Show of this favourite Christmas classic. You will be able to view the show through the platform Broadway on Demand for $11.95 per household.  https://www.broadwayondemand.com/series/INNW0AuHEryV-its-a-wonderful-life-a-live-radio-play-full-length-version–goderich-little-theatre

 

 

Christmas Eve 2020 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

The Lord be with you … and also with you.
Welcome to our Christmas Eve worship service.
You may want to take a moment to access the responsive readings, which are available on YouTube and in our website. If you have candles now would be a good time to gather them.
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns. This worship service is on our website Knox Bayfield. We welcome Jan Meyer … into the worship service. She will lead us in readings today.
We are thankful that Jim Knox has been working with the good people at the furnace company to find solutions to the furnace issues.

Call To Worship
Behold, I bring you good news of great joy; a child is born who is Christ the Lord! Jesus has arrived in grace and mystery. He renews faded hope and announces peace to a weary world. We light the candle of hope. Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all! We light the candle of peace. Jesus inspires joy and calls us to live with the fullness of God’s love. We light the candle of joy
Jesus, the light of the world, is born. We light the candle of love. Let Christ’s light shine in the darkest corners of our lives. Let Christ’s light shine in the darkest corners of our world. God is with us. We light the Christ candle
Unison Prayer: God of grace and glory, as we celebrate this Christmas, transform our hearts and our lives so that your Good News is not an old story but a fresh truth lived out every day through the power of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn* O come, all ye faithful #159

Assurance of Pardon
Hear this good news of great joy: in Jesus Christ we are forgiven. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

Prayer for Illumination
By the light of the Holy Spirit shining in our midst, open our hearts and minds, O God, to your Word, present now and always for the sake of your holy name. Amen.

Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Prayer
O God of hope. You comfort us in grief, you strengthen and restore us when we are afraid. Help us to love others as you love us, tenderly and without restraint, so that our relationships may be a reflection of the covenant you have with us. Amen.
Hymn* Hark! The herald angels sing #139

Reading: Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He, it is ,who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Prayer
O God of possibility You give us the fresh air of new beginnings and unexpected opportunities, but we often turn away. Help us to see the light you shine to guide our path. Your light illuminates the strange, winding roads we travel. Give us strength to embrace the changes of this world, knowing that you will lead us to more than we could ever hope for or imagine. Amen
Hymn* Away in a manger # 149
Reading: Luke 2:1-14
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. ln that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—l am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
Prayer
God of love and wonder, you arrive in the darkness with humility and vulnerability when all was still. Enter our lives this night and strengthen us. May we show loving care to those around us, especially those who dwell on the margins where Jesus was born and lived.
Hymn * Go tell it on the mountain #133
Prayers of the People
Eternal God, may your peace may be known in the midst of the pandemic, discord, and warfare. During this holy time, may your church proclaim the good news of salvation as we share the gift of Christ in prayer and action. May your healing dispel the darkness that breeds sickness, suffering, and need. May all people heed your call to care for all elements of your creation. Through Christ, with Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, we praise you, almighty God, as we lift our voices in the prayer taught by Christ … Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
The Passing of the Light
[sanctuary lights to be turned off as the candles are lit for the Passing of the Light, the hymn Silent Night, and the benediction.]
Reader 1: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Reader 2: A child has been born for us; a son given to us.
Reader 1: This will be a sign for us: we will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth, lying in a manger.
Reader 2: Jesus said, I am the light of the world! We light the world with light shining from the manger, born for us in Jesus the Christ.
The candle to share the light is lit from the Christ candle.
Reader 1: Lord Jesus, you have come to be with us so we know God’s love will never let us go. Shine in our lives this Christmas to strengthen our trust in you.
Make us angels in our time, messengers of your love and peace, your joy and hope. Let our faithfulness shine in the world you love.
Reader 2: Glory to God in the highest! And on earth peace –in the name of the Christ Child, Prince of Peace, our Saviour and our Friend. Amen.

Hymn* Silent night #154

Benediction
God’s Word brings us together in love. Go in peace to love & serve Christ. May the song of the angels, the joy of the shepherds, & the peace of Christ be with you this day and for evermore. Amen

Postlude Joy to the World # 153

#159                     Oh Come, All ye Faithful

 Oh come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant;

Oh come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold him, born the King of angels:

Refrain: Oh come let us adore him;

Oh come let us adore him;

Oh come let us adore him: Christ the Lord.

God of God, Light of light,

Born unto Mary, the virgin blest,

Very God, begotten, not created

(refrain)

See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle,

Leaving their flocks draw nigh with holy fear;

We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps:

(refrain)

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above:

“Glory to God in the Highest!”

(refrain)

Yea, Lord we greet thee, born this happy morning;

Jesus, to thee be glory given;

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:

(refrain)

 

139                       Hark! The herald angels sing

Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King,

Peace on earth and mercy mild,  God and sinners reconciled.

Joyful. All ye nations, rise;  Join the triumph of the skies;

With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”

Hark! The herald angels sing  Glory to the newborn King,

 

Christ, by highest heaven adored,  Christ, the everlasting Lord,

Late in time behold him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh the God-head see! Hail the Incarnate deity!

Pleased on earth with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King.

 

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the sun of righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings.

Mild, he lays his glory by, Born that we no more may die,

Born to raise the lost of earth, Born to give us second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King.

#149     Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the bright sky

looked down where he lay,

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,

But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love you, Lord Jesus!

Look down from the sky,

And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children

In your tender care,

And fit us for heaven to live with you there.

133        Go, tell it on the Mountain

Refrain: Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere.

Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching

o’er silent flocks by night,

behold, throughout the heavens

there shone a holy light. (Refrain)

The shepherds feared and trembled,

while lo, above the earth

rang out the angel chorus

that hailed our Saviour’s birth! (Refrain)

Down in a lowly manger

the humble Christ was born,

and God sent us salvation

that bless-ed Christmas morn. (Refrain)

#154      Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night!

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and child,

Holy infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace;

Sleep n heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!

Shepherd’s quake at the sight:

Glories stream from heaven afar,

Heavenly hosts sing “Hallelujah,

Christ, the Saviour is born!

Christ, the Saviour is born!”

Silent night! Holy night!

Son of God, love’s pure light

Radiant beams from thy holy face,

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth

#153        Joy to the World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come:

let earth receive its King;

let every heart prepare him room

and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Saviour reigns:

let us our songs employ,

while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

repeat the sounding joy,

repeat the sounding joy,

repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

nor thorns infest the ground;

he comes to make his blessings flow

far as the curse is found,

far as the curse is found,

far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness

and wonders of his love,

and wonders of his love,

and wonders, and wonders of his love.

PC_Winter2020

https://presbyterian.ca/presbyterian-connection/

learning to walk in the dark Jan 2021 poster

Knox Bayfield Spiritual Study

2 – 3 pm Sunday on Zoom

Our winter study will focus on Learning to Walk in the Dark

from Barbara Brown Taylor

Join in the conversation on Zoom!

 We begin Sunday January 10^th  2 pm

Contact Rev Lisa Dolson for Zoom instructions

(519) 572-8529     revlisa dot knoxbayfield at cloud dot com

Book is available $24 at Knox Bayfield

All are welcome

“Taylor writes with consistent charm and an unobtrusive faith in God; her work is certain to appeal to… fans of Annie Dillard and Anne Lamott.” – Library Journal

“Compellingly makes the case for why darkness is as necessary to our well-being as light. . . . A charming, witty and wise guide into the heart of darkness. . . . There is plenty here to ponder.” – Shelf Awareness

Longest Night December 21 Knox Bayfield

The Lord be with you … and also with you

Welcome to our Longest Night Service. You may want to take a moment to access the responsive readings, which are available on YouTube and in our website. If you have candles now would be a good time to gather them. There will be a time to light the candles of remembrance during the service. Get comfortable in your space. Settle in.
Tonight we gather with complex emotions … sadness, regret, grief, loneliness, and sorrow in the midst of sparking lights, celebration, and joy in the world around us.
During this service, there will be periods of silence to allow for deeper reflection. Let us take a breath as we have a time of meditation and centering.

Call To Worship
One: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
All: The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth.
One: In him was life, and that life was the light of all.
All: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never been able to extinguish it.
Silence
One: God’s light breaks into the world like the dawning of a new day
All: The dawn arrives both slowly and quickly
One: The Lord will always be with you to save you
All: God’s presence will protect us on every side
One: When you call the Lord will answer
All: When we call for help, God will say, “I am here.”

Hymn* God is love: come heaven, adoring #314

Join with me in the prayer of Adoration and Confession with the Lord’s Prayer

O holy Creator, our souls wait in silence. Truly our hope is in you. God of abundant mercy, you give us grace to pray, even though our hearts are broken and our voices tremble with grief and sorrow.
We have heard your prophets call … comfort, comfort, your people. Comfort those of us who sit in darkness, mourning beneath our sorrow. Speak to us of healing for our weary and wounded souls.
We ask all this, trusting in your promise to hear our prayers. O holy One, we join in the words Jesus taught to His disciples …
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Assurance of pardon
God’s forgiveness shines into the world & the darkness scatters. Jesus knows our every strength & our every weakness & loves us still. We are called to the promise of God’s amazing grace. Thanks be to God. Amen.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray for illumination of the holy scripture …
God of wisdom, soften our hearts & direct our minds as we discern your holy scripture. May we be like fertile soil in which to plant your living Word. Amen.

Scripture Isaiah 40:1–8
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

CANDLES OF REMEMBRANCE
We light the first candle to remember those we have loved and lost. We pause to remember their names, their face, their voice, the memories that bind them to us in this season.
… silence
We light this second candle to recognize the pain of loss – the loss of relationships, the loss of jobs, the loss of health, the loss of social connection. We pause to gather up the pain of the past and offer it to God, asking that God will provide us with the gift of peace.
… silence
We light this third candle to remember ‘ourselves’ during this Christmas season. We pause to remember the trials of the past weeks, months, years.
We remember our weakness. We remember the comfort and strength provided by those who have stood with us. We give thanks for all the support we have known.
… silence
We light the fourth candle to remember our faith and the gift of hope offered to all in the Christmas story. We remember the God who shares our life
… silence
We light the Christ candle, light in the darkness. It is a sign of the fulfilment of hopes and dreams, a sign of Christ, the one who bears our burdens. … silence
Hymn* People in darkness #124

Scripture Psalm 121 Responsive
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Matthew 11:28-29
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.”

The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God

MEDITATION WITH MEMORIAL CANDLES
Tonight we have an intentional time for silence as we hold on to the divine promise “Be still and know that I am God.”
Silence can be uncomfortable. We may seek to fill the empty spaces with noise. Tonight our hope is to simply be present in the silence.
This is a time for reflection and for prayer, for openness and for listening. You may choose to light a memorial candle at this time. The light of the candle marks a visible sign of your prayers of remembrance and hope.
Let us enter into this reflection, knowing that God’s presence surrounds us now and always.

Music For Reflection
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Join me in prayer …
God of compassion, you have given Jesus Christ as the great physician. He makes the broken whole. He overcomes the darkness of death and despair with new life and hope. We thank you for the one who touched the untouchable, reached out to the dying, and brought healing and wholeness to those in despair.
Touch our wounds, relieve our hurt, and restore us to wholeness of life, through this same Jesus Christ. Set our troubled souls free, O Holy One. May there be freedom from restlessness and anxiety. Anchor us to your faithfulness. May your peace keep us in all times of trouble and distress. May we know that you hold us close.
You are faithful and trustworthy, O God. You lend us your ear for our comfort. Hear us now as we bring our prayers. Hear again, gracious God, the names of those we love and the places we hold dear… silence…
Grant us, O God, the fullness of your promise. Where we have been weak, grant us your strength. Where we have been confused, guide us to your clarity. Where we have been distraught, grant us your comfort. In all times grant us your peace through Jesus Christ in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn* Silent night #154

Commissioning and Benediction *
May the Christ who walked on wounded feet walk with you on the road
May the Christ who served with wounded hands stretch out your hands to serve
May the Christ who loved with a wounded heart open your heart to love
May you see the face of Christ in all you meet
May everyone see the face of Christ in you
May the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, & the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you…now and forever more. Amen

Postlude Let There Be Peace on Earth

#314 God is love

God is love: come heaven, adoring;
God is love: come earth, rejoice.
Come creation, voices soaring,
Sing exulting with one voice.
God who laid the earth’s foundation,
God who spread the heavens above,
God who breathes through all creation–
God is love, eternal love.

God is love, whose arms enfolding
All the world in one embrace,
With unfailing grasp are holding
Every child of every race,
And when human hearts are breaking
Under sorrow’s iron rod,
All the sorrow, all the aching
Wrings with pain the heart of God.

God is love, and though with blindness
Sin afflicts all human life,
God’s eternal loving-kindness
Guides us through all earthly strife.
Sin and death and hell shall never
O’er us final triumph gain;
God is love: so love forever
O’er the universe must reign.

# 124
People in Darkness

People in darkness are looking for light.
Come, come, come, Jesus Christ.
People with blindness are longing for sight.
Come, Lord Jesus Christ.
These days of adventure when all people wait
are days for the advent of love.

People with sickness are praying for health.
Come, come, come, Jesus Christ.
People in poverty want to have wealth.
Come, Lord Jesus Christ.
These days of adventure when all people wait
are days for the advent of hope.

People in trouble would like to be free.
Come, come, come, Jesus Christ.
People with arguments want to agree.
Come, Lord Jesus Christ.
These days of adventure when all people wait
are days for the advent of peace.

People in sadness are trying to sing.
Come, come, come, Jesus Christ.
Bells in the steeple are waiting to ring.
Come, Lord Jesus Christ.
These days of adventure when all people wait
are days for the advent of joy.

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Chet Akins, Michael McDonald

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

Surprise! Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson Dec 20

The Lord be with you … and also with you.

Remember… if you need to access the church building be sure to follow the pandemic protocols with face masks, hand sanitizer. Be sure to put your name and contact information on the Contact Tracing List.

Did you hear about the newest challenge to help two important Presbyterian organizations? There is a Challenge from St. Giles Presbyterian, St. Catharines to respond to the need at Crieff Hills and Camp Kintail. Both are experiencing financial challenges due to COVID 19. How can you donate?
Camp Kintail donate online: https://campkintail.campbraingiving.com/
Mail donation: Camp Kintail, Box 153, Goderich, ON N7A 3Z2
Call the camp at 519-529-7317 if you have any questions or need assistance.
Crieff Hills Retreat Centre donate online: https://crieffhills.com/support/donate/
Mail donation: Crieff Hills Retreat, 7098 Concession 1, Puslinch, ON N0B 2J0
Call Crieff Hills at 1-800-884-1525 email: accounting@crieffhills.com

We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns. This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
We welcome the newest member of Knox Bayfield …. Lois Kacsandi … into the worship service. She will lead us in the Call to Worship Advent reading today.

The focus of the Mission Moment … Preparing a Place of Welcome.
Being forced to flee from one’s home and ending up in a foreign land is terrifying. There are often language, social and cultural barriers in the new place that make settling very difficult. Rani Ibrahim, the leader of the Newcomer Mission at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Peterborough, Ont., sees it as his calling from God to make this transition easier for others in his community. He does this through social programming, accompaniment services and prayer gatherings. With support from Presbyterians Sharing, this mission has helped hundreds of people experience the love of God and provided people with a sense of belonging in Canada.
Did you know the Advent book study is well underway? I hope you are able to join in this week. We will explore the third chapter of the book “Light of the World, A beginners guide to Advent”. We will meet at 2 pm Sunday on Zoom. Join in the conversation regardless of whether you’re reading the book. Questions? Contact Rev Lisa (519) 572-8529 [call or text]

Income and Expense Update
Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The Knox Bayfield Session and Finance committee are diligent in their efforts to minimize expenses and meet financial commitments. Our updated financial reports indicate November income $4,001 and expenses in $4,859 with a year-to-date deficit of $5,840.
The Presbyterian Connection newspaper unites Presbyterians across Canada through stories, reflections, interviews and articles that allow us to share and develop our faith. It is distributed four times per year, free of charge. https://presbyterian.ca/presbyterian-connection/ or contact the National Church Office at 1-800-619-7301 ext. 243 to set up a free paper subscription.

 

Fourth Sunday in Advent: LOVE

Reader: In this season of Advent, we celebrate God’s love.
All: Soon we will welcome the beautiful and radical love of God as Jesus Christ comes to live among us.
Reader: We embrace our identity as God’s beloved children and let this truth guide our decisions and relationships.
All: In our homes and in our church, we offer hospitality, welcoming those we don’t know, those who are in need, and those who are different from us.
Reader: We demonstrate our care for creation in real and tangible ways through the products we buy, the food we eat, and the way we live every day.
All: Together, we are a sign of God’s love for the world.

The candle of love is lit.

Unison Prayer: God of extravagant generosity, in Jesus we discover the depth of your care and the lengths you will go to save us. Forgive us when we ignore those in need, trample your creation and refuse to share all that we receive from you. Teach us to love our neighbours, caring for each other in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn #125 People, look east

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of wisdom, soften our hearts and direct our minds as we discern your holy scripture. May we be like fertile soil in which to plant your living Word. Amen.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

READINGS:
2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16; Psalm 89:1–4, 19–26
Romans 16:25–27; Luke 1:26–38, 46b–55

Hymn: # 165 O little town of Bethlehem

Surprise!
This is the fourth Sunday of Advent. The time of anticipation of the celebration of the birth of Christ. Our readings span across the centuries as we encounter the passage from the time of King David to Mary’s pregnancy.
The passage from the book of Samuel brings together the threads of history. It speaks of God’s covenant to be with David and his descendants forever. According to the text, both the king and the prophet have misunderstood the mind of God. The text reminds us that God baffles human expectations and surprises the faithful. It can be challenging to remember that our faith includes being open to the surprises that God presents in our daily lives. Surprising faith can be confusing.
“If faith responds to the living God,” writes Luke Timothy Johnson, “then faith is an open-ended enterprise, for the living God always moves ahead of us. If theology articulates faith, then theology also is a matter of constant catching up with the work of the God who acts before we do and most often catches us by surprise.”
Which leads me to a question that resurfaces again and again. How do we try to box up our expectations of God? There are so many stories of surprise within the scriptures, yet we keep trying to fit our understanding of faith into a structure. Are there ways in which you try to create a structure to control your expectations of God, your response to the Divine? Which leads to another question… Is it possible that during this time of physical isolation and disrupted patterns of life … is it possible that God could be leading us to consider new ways of being as individuals and as a church? During this time we can be more open to the movement of the Spirit when we look to the stories of Advent.
It is good to remember that the extraordinary thing about Mary is that … she is ordinary. In our protestant tradition, Mary is a member of the “priesthood of all believers” John Calvin rejected the idea that Gabriel’s description of Mary as “favored” meant that she was “worthy of praise.” Calvin noted that Gabriel recognized Mary as the “happy one” who has received “the undeserved love of God,” for God alone is to be adored.
Most of us, at one time or another has wondered what the purpose of our individual life might be. In the fourth century, Augustine of Hippo expressed in his Confessions, “For all I want to tell you, Lord, is that I do not know where I came from when I was born into this life which leads to death—or should I say, this death which leads to life? This much is hidden from me.” We look to the ancient writings of Isaiah and discover that God knows us before we are formed. Although we do not know how our lives will unfold, the Scriptures tell us that God is there at every point.
At this time just before Christmas, as we live in the midst of a pandemic that has created chaos in so many lives, we yearn for miracles. We turn our focus to an older woman in the sixth month of pregnancy and an unassuming teen virgin who is pregnant.
Mary sings of her people Israel, the lineage of Miriam, and the sisterhood of Hannah, Judith, and Leah. They sang of the reversals created by God during the exodus from Egypt, the forming of the nations during the time of the judges and Philistine oppression, and Roman occupation and oppression. In that time and place, Mary sings of the reversal of power … of the humble empowered and the once powerful humbled. This young woman chosen to mother the Christ child has often been portrayed as someone without a voice. She speaks for herself initially and then for all the lowly whom God has helped. It is wonderful to hear Mary sing of the blessings of God. Luke speaks of her as a role model, as the mother of the Savior and as one who speaks and sings of changes that God brings into this world.
We are reminded that God moves in the life of the world and everything changes. The old order becomes displaced and new order is created. The fourth Advent candle is lit as Mary sings her song of praise and liberation. This young Jewish girl responded to God’s call upon her life with praise and gratitude. Mary’s song points to the history of prophecy that is now fulfilled. She sings of revolution, of the great reversals that have unfolded and continue to unfold. Her very soul magnifies God as her spirit rejoices in God.
She tells of five reversals. Mary experienced reversal from that of an unmarried, peasant living in an occupied country … to one who becomes theotokos, the God-bearer. She speaks of the lowly being raised up as the powerful lose their status. God fills the hungry and the wealthy receive nothing. The lowly may also be understood as the oppressed, exploitated, and misery of individuals, such as Hagar, Leah, and Hannah. Mary’s song reaches out through the generations as her call for a better world connects with each of us. Mary sings of her trust in God, even when she does not understand. She sings of injustice, of unequal distribution of resources, of how we step away from God. Mary celebrates the beauty of stepping toward God and all that is life-giving in God’s creation.
Praise be to God.

# 110 Come, thou Long Expected Jesus

THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have. Hebrews 13:5a
Our souls proclaim the greatness of God and our spirits rejoice in our Savior. With humble and grateful hearts, we bring our offerings to God.

BLESSING OF GIFTS & PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Join me in prayer:
Eternal God, nothing is impossible with you. We pray for the mission of your church, that we may proclaim the good news as we rejoice in the gift of our Savior. We pray for all who suffer, that we may feed the hungry and lift up the low through the power of your holy and life-giving Spirit. May the offering of our gifts be a source of healing for this world in need.
We pray for your creation, that we may safeguard its well-being from generation to generation to your honor. We remember those who have died and pray for those who will die today, that they may rest with you eternally.
Gracious God, teach us to give thanks in all circumstances, for you are always with us. Thank you for the privilege of sharing what we have with others, of giving ourselves away in love, and of receiving the gifts that others share with us.
Almighty God, you have made us for a holy purpose, to comfort and care for each other. There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues to struggle in his healing. We lift up Peggy, Betty Lou, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, Marlene, Rob, Courtney, and Grace’s daughter Lisa. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.
We lift up the care-givers and those who receive care during the pandemic. We pray that your Spirit will linger with your people during this challenging time. A time of isolation that has left many feeling fragmented and in despair. May they sense your protective love. Through Christ, with Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, we magnify you, almighty God.
O holy One, we pray for clarity, passion, and true fellowship to awake us to your presence. May your face shine upon the church and all this weary world. We pray
in the name of the One born in a manger, who taught his disciples to pray…
Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Amen.
# 621 God be with you till we meet again

BENEDICTION
Luke 1; Romans 1
Do not be afraid, for God is with you and will strengthen you in your journey through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Magnify the Lord and rejoice, for nothing is impossible with God. May the blessing of God, who creates, redeems, and restores, be with you now and always.

Postlude
Let There Be Peace on Earth
Questions for Reflection
How will the readings impact you this week? Mary’s song proclaims that God is lifting up the low while scattering the proud, and feeding the hungry while sending the rich away with empty hands. How does this change the way you think about God’s justice and favor?

Morning Prayer
Expectant God, Mary sings because she has new life in her, the promise of your salvation. Fill me with hope this day as I lift my life to you and seek to do your will. Look with favor on our world and all who are in need, that your love may be magnified as I follow humbly in your way. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Lord, as I come to you seeking rest this night, I pray that all may find a home in you, be disturbed by no one, and be free of the afflictions of the evil one, for you, O God, are mighty to save. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Mighty God, your faithfulness is magnified in the coming of your Son, in the long-awaited birth of the promised Messiah. May we, like Mary, proclaim your greatness
as we rejoice in our Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture readings next week:
Longest Night Dec 21st: Isaiah 40:1–8; Psalm 121; Matthew 11:28-29
Christmas Eve Dec 24th: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14
Dec 27th: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

Hymns:
125 People, look east
165 O little town of Bethlehem
110 Come, thou Long Expected Jesus
621 God be with you till we meet again

#125 People, look east

People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able;
Trim the hearth and set the table
Refrain: People, look east and sing today:
Love the guest is one the way.

Furrows, be glad; though earth is bare,
One more seed is planted there:
Give up your strength, the seed to nourish,
That in course the flower may flourish. Refrain

Birds, though you long have ceased to build,
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen
God for fledging time has chosen Refrain

Stars keep the watch. When night is dim
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as sun and moon together. Refrain

Angels, announce with shouts of mirth
Christ who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming
With the word, the Lord is coming. Refrain

#110 Come, thou long-expected Jesus

Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us;
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art,
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver;
born a child and yet a king;
born to reign in us forever;
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy gracious throne.

621 God be with you till we meet again

God be with you till we meet again
Loving counsels guide, uphold you
with a shepherd’s care enfold you
God be with you till we meet again

God be with you till we meet again
Unseen wings protecting, hide you
daily manna still provide you
God be with you till we meet again

God be with you till we meet again
When life’s perils thick confound you
Put unfailing arms around you
God be with you till we meet again

God be with you till we meet again
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you
Smite death’s threatening wave before you
God be with you till we meet again

Let There Be Peace on Earth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGoEJyV7Snw
Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Chet Akins, Michael McDonald

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

 

 

The Voice Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson Dec 13

Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.
Announcements
The Session elders of Knox Bayfield and Knox Goderich met in the last week or so. Both decided to continue with cancelled in-person worship services and restricted access to the buildings. If you need to access the church building be sure to follow the pandemic protocols with face masks, hand sanitizer, and be sure to put your name and contact information on the Contact Tracing List.

You may recall the last challenge we were faced involved collecting panties. Did you know we came in second? Did you hear about the newest challenge to help two important Presbyterian organizations? There is a Challenge from St. Giles Presbyterian, St. Catharines to respond to the need at Crieff Hills and Camp Kintail. Both are experiencing financial challenges due to COVID 19. How can you donate?
Camp Kintail donate online: https://campkintail.campbraingiving.com/
Mail donation: Camp Kintail, Box 153, Goderich, ON N7A 3Z2
Call the camp at 519-529-7317 if you have any questions or need assistance.
Crieff Hills Retreat Centre donate online: https://crieffhills.com/support/donate/
Mail donation: Crieff Hills Retreat, 7098 Concession 1, Puslinch, ON N0B 2J0
Call Crieff Hills at 1-800-884-1525 email: accounting@crieffhills.com

We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns. This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
We welcome Brenda McLean into the worship service. She will lead us in the Call to Worship Advent reading today.

The focus of the Mission Moment … Boosting Bodies and Minds in Haiti
Little Seraphin was light in the arms of her mother when they arrived at Hôpital St. Marc. At only fifteen pounds, the two-year-old was severely underweight and in need of immediate treatment for malnutrition and its many complications. With persistent droughts and a continuously changing climate, many families in Haiti are left without sufficient food for their children and almost half of the population is malnourished.
After her mother brought her to the hospital, Seraphin was enrolled in a program supported by PWS&D and Canadian Foodgrains Bank, providing therapeutic nutrition support to malnourished children.In the program, Seraphin was given milk, food, antibiotics and vitamins to help her regain her strength. Within a few months, Seraphin weight had doubled and she was able to leave the program happy and healthy! This Advent season, help make sure children have access to nutritious food, allowing them to lead healthy lives from childhood to adulthood. Presbyterian World Service & Development PWS&D www.WeRespond.ca

Did you know the Advent book study is well underway? I hope you are able to join in this week. We will explore the third chapter of the book “Light of the World, A beginners guide to Advent”. We will meet at 2 pm Sunday on Zoom. Join in the conversation regardless of whether you’re reading the book. Questions? Contact Rev Lisa (519) 572-8529 [call or text]

Income and Expense Update
Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The Knox Bayfield Session and Finance committee are diligent in their efforts to minimize expenses and meet financial commitments. Our updated financial reports indicate November income $4,001 and expenses in $4,859 with a year-to-date deficit of $5,840.
The Presbyterian Connection newspaper unites Presbyterians across Canada through stories, reflections, interviews and articles that allow us to share and develop our faith. It is distributed four times per year, free of charge. https://presbyterian.ca/presbyterian-connection/ or contact the National Church Office at 1-800-619-7301 ext. 243 to set up a free paper subscription.

 

Third Sunday in Advent: JOY
Reader: In this season of Advent, we celebrate God’s joy.
All: Knowing that Christ is coming to bring healing and wholeness to the world is a source of delight!
Reader: When we gather for worship it is a celebration, an opportunity to rejoice in all that God is doing among us and beyond us.
All: We welcome our neighbours and celebrate God’s goodness.
Reader: Even when we face difficulty and trouble, we sing a song of faith, confident that Jesus is able to redeem our suffering world.
All: Together, we are a sign of God’s joy for the world.
The candle of joy is lit.

Unison Prayer: God of transformation, we rejoice that you lift up the lowly and bind up the broken hearted. We marvel at your power to change hearts and lives. Fill us with your Spirit this season so that our voices declare your goodness and our lives proclaim your mercy in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn #267 Rejoice the Lord is King

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Holy One, giver of life and light, as your word is read and proclaimed, illumine our hearts and minds, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives may reflect God’s love. Amen

READINGS:
Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24; John 1:6–8, 19–28

Hymn: # 696 In suffering love

In one of his earliest letters, the apostle Paul wrote to the people of the church at Thessalonica. Paul gives thanks that the church has remained faithful despite great adversity and many distractions. He writes to encourage the congregants who have been tempted to fit into their culture with the many gods. Paul urges them to remain faithful to the one true God. It is dangerous for them to do so since their neighbours may persecute those who do not join in the many cultural rituals. Paul encourages them to practice agape, a form of love. There are many forms of love and each is different in nuanced ways. The love of God, love of parents, siblings, children, church, self, and pets. For some, the love of money and material possessions. Paul’s vision of agape … love, recognizes that people are to value themselves and love one another. In other writings, he describes the fruit of the Spirit that allows us to freely love. The Spirit shapes us through these fruits. It is not that we discern what God has done on our behalf and then love our neighbors in response. Rather, discerning what God has done in Christ and what Christ has done … shapes the way we love our neighbors, the way we love God’s creation, and how in our love we are able to see what God has done.
It can be difficult to see the love of God in our lives when our vision is influenced by cultural forces or misinformation. It occurred to me as I studied the passages this week, that we put blinders on in one way or another. In one way, blinders block us from seeing what we need to see … like that blind spot in our vision when we drive. There are the blinders that horses wear, particularly when they must travel on roads with cars and other vehicles. In Waterloo region, particularly in the rural communities such as Elmira and Conestogo, the traditional Mennonite community use horse and buggy to travel. The horses often have blinders on to restrict their vision. This increases their reliance on the person holding the reins. Which leads to the question … who holds the reins on your life? We can choose to follow the cultural norms, which often provide a perspective of consumerism, greed, and mistrust. It can be quite chaotic depending on the advertising trends and the cultural or political shifts. We can choose to follow Christ which provides us with the freedom to see the world through a perspective of love and grace. The Spirit moves us to take action in the world, to embody the ways of the living Christ.
The Spirit moved John, the son of Zechariah. He definitely put blinders on to follow God’s lead. In the gospel reading we hear an account from the disciple John writing about another man who is also named John. This John is called John the Baptist by Matthew. He is John the baptizer in Mark’s gospel, and John the son of Zechariah in Luke’s gospel. Today, in John’s gospel, he is just plain John.
The religious authorities question him, this loud man who tells everyone of the light he saw fall to earth. This John who baptizes people so they can see the same light. The authorities press him to identify himself. At first John will say only who he is not. He states that he is not the Messiah. He is not Elijah. He is not the Prophet. John then used the words of the prophet Isaiah in describing himself, “I am the voice” John testifies to the one who is the light and the Word. John’s purpose is to bear witness to the one who will come.
John speaks in the negative. We must pay attention to what he is saying, to be sure that we hear the ‘not’. There are ten “not’s,” “neithers,” and “no’s.” He rejects the typical ways of describing what is … by refusing to use the common descriptions. John disrupts their way of thinking and being. Barbara Brown Taylor describes it in this way, “It is as if the author has asked his readers to watch while John performs the old trick of yanking the tablecloth off the table that has been set for the Messiah. Everything is in place—the best china, the six-piece silverware settings, the Waterford wine glasses. The whole point of the trick is to yank the cloth so quickly that all these treasures are left trembling where they stand, but that is not how it happens this time. When John yanks the tablecloth, he takes everything with it: not, not, no, neither, not. The expected crash never comes. All the tableware simply vanishes as if it never were. Only then can John, standing all by himself, do what God has sent him to do: testify to the light, and to the light alone.”
John embodies his faith with a radical trust in what God is doing. He stands in the wilderness testifying to the Light. He survives on the barest of necessities doing what God sent him to do. The disciple John wrote, “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light” … The light revealed in Jesus is not the sun, moon, or starlight created by God on the fourth day, but the divine light created on day one. The logos, the one by whom “all things were made” Logos, the divine logic that gives order to the universe and provides harmony within God’s creation.
John’s proclamation remind us of our role as witness to the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We witness the light of Christ. We proclaim our faith in the wilderness of the 21st century in the midst of a pandemic. A time when many church buildings are closed, yet our faith remains strong. It is during this time that we demonstrate our faith when we reach out to one another, to the stranger, to our neighbours close by and around the world. It is in this time that we reflect upon the Way of Christ as proclaimed by Isaiah so many centuries ago.
I will close with the reading from Isaiah chapter 61…
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion—to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for God has clothed me with the garments of salvation, God has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
Praise be to God.

# 712 Arise, your light is come

THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: If you can`t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.
Mother Theresa (1910-1997), nun, missionary
At this time of year, the abundance of some and the needs of so many stand in marked contrast. May the heart of Christ rejoice and the needs of many be answered with your offerings.

BLESSING OF GIFTS & PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Isaiah 61, Ps. 126
Join me in prayer:
O holy God who restores, you have done great things and we rejoice! So often you have filled us with laughter, turning tears of sadness into joy. You send prophets, who point the way to justice and show the way to you. We thank you for sending the good news.
In this season of light, we lift up the many who wait in darkness: people who struggle with systemic poverty and discrimination, those who live in political upheaval and dangerous rulers. Open our eyes and ears that we may work to right what is wrong among us and in us … and restore us to you, to others, to ourselves. May the broken hearted be made whole again. May the grieving find comfort. May our cities and towns find healing. Help us to keep you in sight. Help us to see those in need of healing, the overlooked and underserved, the ones who are lost.
Gracious God, teach us to give thanks in all circumstances, for you are always with us. Thank you for the privilege of sharing what we have with others, of giving ourselves away in love, and of receiving the gifts that others share with us.
Almighty God, you have made us for a holy purpose, to comfort and care for each other. There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues to struggle in his healing. We lift up Peggy, Betty Lou, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, Marlene, Rob, Courtney, and Grace’s daughter Lisa. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.
We lift up the care-givers and those who receive care during the pandemic. We pray that your Spirit will linger with your people during this challenging time. A time of isolation that has left many feeling fragmented and in despair. May they sense your protective love.
O holy One, we pray for clarity, passion, and true fellowship to awake us to your presence. May your face shine upon the church and all this weary world. We pray
in the name of the One born in a manger, who taught his disciples to pray…
Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Amen.
# 124 People in darkness

BENEDICTION
1 Thess. 5 John 1:7
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Witness to the light of Christ so that all might believe through him. May the God of peace shape your life; may the light of Christ shine upon you; and the Holy Spirit fill you completely, now and forever. Amen.

Postlude
Let There Be Peace on Earth

Questions for Reflection
How will the readings impact you this week? John 1 reminds us that we are called to testify as witnesses to the light of Jesus Christ. The verb “to bear witness” occurs thirty-three times in the Fourth Gospel! How can you bear witness, in this season of lights, to the true Light who has come into the world?

Morning Prayer Isaiah 61
Light of the world, you greet me this morning with new possibilities. Shine brightly, I pray, until I see into the dark places of this world, and into the dark places of my own life. I want to follow you in paths of justice, speak up with you for liberty, and bend with you toward the broken hearted, even the broken places within myself. I trade in my faint spirit for your mantle of praise—and with my whole being I will rejoice in you. Amen.

Evening Prayer Psalm 126, Isaiah 61, John 14:27, 1 Thess. 5
Restore me, O God, from the rush of the day. Let me dream this night
of all the great things you have done. As the darkness comes and these little lights in my house glow, I give thanks for the greater Light no darkness can overcome.
To anyone who mourns or sits in prison or fears danger this night, bring the peace that only you can give. You are faithful, and I know you will do this. In Christ. Amen.
Daily Prayer John 1:19–21, Isa. 61:1–4
We thank you, O God, for all those in Scripture who point to Christ: for your prophets Elijah and Isaiah, for other prophets, and for John. We thank you, too,
for those in our lives who have pointed us to Christ: pastors and teachers, strangers and friends. Give us eyes to see him today among those who are oppressed, imprisoned, broken hearted, or beaten down, and we will give our testimony, too: how Christ releases and sets free; how he turns ashes into garlands; how he repairs and builds up what was ruined. We, too, will point others to Jesus, the Light of the world. Amen.

Scripture readings next week:
2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16; Psalm 89:1–4, 19–26
Luke 1:46b–55; Romans 16:25–27; Luke 1:26–38

#267
Rejoice, the Lord is King

Rejoice, the Lord is King; your sovereign Lord adore;
Give thanks, O mortals, sing and triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart; lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

For Christ the Saviour reigns, the God of truth and love;
When Jesus purged our stains, He took his seat above.
Lift up your heart; lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

His reign can never fail; he rules o’er earth and heaven:
The keys of death and hell are to our Saviour given.
Lift up your heart; lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

He sits at God’s right hand till all his foes submit
And bow to his command and fall beneath his feet.
Lift up your heart; lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

Rejoice in glorious hope, for Christ the judge shall come
And take the faithful up to their eternal home.
We soon shall hear the archangel’s voice;
The trump of God shall sound: rejoice.

696
In suffering love

In suffering love the thread of life
Is woven through our care,
For God is with us: not alone
Our pain and toil we bear.

There is a rock, a place secure
Within the storm’s cold blast;
Concealed within the suffering night
God’s covenant stands fast.

In love’s deep womb our fears are held;
There God’s rich tears are sown
And bring to birth, in hope new-born,
The strength to journey on.

Lord, to our hearts your joy commit,
Into our hands your pain,
So send us out to touch the world
With blessings in your name.

In suffering love our God comes now,
Hope’s vision born in gloom;
With tears and laughter shared and blessed
The desert yet will bloom.

712 Arise, your light is come

Arise, your light is come!
The Spirit’s call obey
Show forth the glory of your God which shines on you today.

Arise, your light is come!
Fling wide the prison door
Proclaim the captive’s liberty, good tidings to the poor.

Arise, your light is come!
All you in sorrow born
Bind up the broken-hearted ones and comfort those who mourn.

Arise, your light is come!
The mountains burst in song!
Rise up like eagles on the wing; God’s power will make us strong.

# 124
People in Darkness

People in darkness are looking for light.
Come, come, come, Jesus Christ.
People with blindness are longing for sight.
Come, Lord Jesus Christ.
These days of adventure when all people wait
are days for the advent of love.

People with sickness are praying for health.
Come, come, come, Jesus Christ.
People in poverty want to have wealth.
Come, Lord Jesus Christ.
These days of adventure when all people wait
are days for the advent of hope.

People in trouble would like to be free.
Come, come, come, Jesus Christ.
People with arguments want to agree.
Come, Lord Jesus Christ.
These days of adventure when all people wait
are days for the advent of peace.

People in sadness are trying to sing.
Come, come, come, Jesus Christ.
Bells in the steeple are waiting to ring.
Come, Lord Jesus Christ.
These days of adventure when all people wait
are days for the advent of joy.

Let There Be Peace on Earth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGoEJyV7Snw
Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Chet Akins, Michael McDonald

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

 

 

Greetings,

We are approaching the second Sunday in the Advent season. Have you been to see the beautiful Christmas light display in the park and down Main street in the village?

It seems even the familiar events of Advent and Christmas are giving way to new experiences as the pandemic continues to impact. Have you given thought to ways in which you might mark this special time? The traditional family gatherings and social get-togethers are unlikely to happen this year. Yet, there are many ways to create special moments. Although we are unable to connect in-person with extended family and friends, we are able to create community. Our recent scripture readings remind us that the apostle Paul’s letters were hand-written, even while in prison, and delivered across great distance in their time. Imagine how such physical distance, cultural differences, and even the ability to read were significant barriers. Yet, the barriers were overcome to develop relationships and build community in the burgeoning church. Perhaps now, in the 21st century in the midst of a pandemic, we can see the opportunity to reach out to one another despite the barriers.

I wonder if you might be up to a bit of a challenge over the next Month of Sundays. Each Sunday morning, between 10 am and noon, reach out to someone. Use the time that you would typically spend getting ready for church and attending worship to connect with one another. It may involve digging into your courage to reach out to people you haven’t seen in a while. Perhaps you could reach out by writing a letter, making a phone call, or sending an email. Reach out to share how you are doing during the pandemic. Share a little about how life has changed for you in 2020. Discover what others are doing to cope. Remember, Jesus said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Gather in His name, safely and according to COVID restrictions of course, on Sunday mornings. I encourage each of you to pick up the phone, or the pen and paper, or the computer mouse to reach out and share a sense of community during the Advent season.

 

 

May the Christ who walked on wounded feet, walk with you on the road;

May the Christ who served with wounded hands, stretch out your hands to serve;

May the Christ who loved with a wounded heart, open your heart to love;

May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet and may everyone see the face of Christ in you.

 

 

peace

 

Rev Lisa

Calling in the Wilderness Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson Dec 6

Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.

Announcements
We express our appreciation to Vi Miller for her wonderful efforts in decorating the sanctuary. We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns. This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg

The focus of the Mission Moment … Youth Clubs Make a Difference
In Malawi, 20-year-old Layton had been engaging in unsafe sexual behaviours. Several of Layton’s friends attended Presbyterian World Service & Development-supported youth clubs, where they would get together and discuss how to achieve a world without AIDS. His friends warned him about the consequences of his actions and shared information they learned at the youth club. Layton never thought to attend these meetings until one day when his friends persuaded him to get an HIV test. Anxious about the results—which eventually came back negative—Layton knew he needed to change his life. Deciding to join the youth club himself, he reflected, “I think my friends from youth club saved my life. I joined them so that we can save many from such behaviours.”

Did you know the Advent book study has begun? I hope you are able to join in this week. We will explore the second chapter of the book “Light of the World, A beginners guide to Advent”. We will meet at 2 pm Sunday on Zoom. Join in the conversation regardless of whether you’re reading the book. The Zoom link will be re-sent on Sunday. Questions? Contact Rev Lisa (519) 572-8529 [call or text]

Income and Expense Update
Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The Knox Bayfield Session and Finance committee are diligent in their efforts to minimize expenses and meet financial commitments. Our updated financial reports indicate November income $4,001 and expenses in $4,859 with a year-to-date deficit of $5,840.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Second Sunday in Advent: PEACE
Reader: In this season of Advent, we celebrate God’s peace.
All: Jesus Christ, born the Prince of Peace, calls our community to justice and leads us in the way of peace.
Reader: We call one another to honesty and humility and respond to each other with abundant grace and forgiveness.
All: Our community values relationships. We live in harmony with one another even when we disagree, and strive to glorify God in everything we do.
Reader: Our community longs for unity. We work together with other churches and organizations, and live out God’s reconciling love for all the world to see.
All: Together, we are a sign of God’s peace in the world.
The candle of peace is lit.

Unison Prayer: God of all people and all nations, you break through the cynicism of our world and lead us like a gentle shepherd. Open our eyes to see the signs of your coming kingdom and inspire us to participate in all you are doing in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn #109 All earth is waiting
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of wisdom, soften our hearts and direct our minds as we discern your holy scripture. May we be like fertile soil in which to plant your living Word. Amen.

READINGS:
Isaiah 40:1–11, Psalm 85:1–2, 8–13, 2 Peter 3:8–15a, Mark 1:1–8

Hymn: #299 Holy, Holy, Holy

Calling in the Wilderness
On this second Sunday of Advent we pause to reflect on those who proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ, those who paved the prophetic way to prepare the people for the new beginning. John the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness. He was a preacher and baptizer, calling to all who will listen … he calls to those in the country and the city. John tells of the arrival of the Messiah and the need to confess and be baptized.
We discover that he succeeds as “people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem” went to him. When we read the scriptures we are provided with many accounts of God’s influence and presence throughout time. The gospels provide four different accounts of the disciples time spent with Jesus. In some ways, the biblical stories remind me of gathering with family and sharing our stories with one another. Each of us understand the same event from different perspectives. Each of us holds onto specific information, emotions, and memories in unique ways. Each of us will share our stories differently. When we encounter different versions of the stories we are able to better understand each other and the impact within our own lives.
Mark is brief in his writing. This shortest gospel starts with, “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” When Mark proclaimed the life of Christ, he begins with the prophetic voices who foretold of the arrival of the Messiah. Here John the Baptist shared the good news to prepare the way for Jesus. John does this with the early prophetic teachings from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, Malachi, and others. There is a joy-filled urgency shared by John the Baptist. An urgency to share the good news, to tell of the Messiah that was proclaimed by Isaiah. An urgency to make straight paths for him.
In this brief passage, Mark reminds the reader to look back as they move forward. We look to the Jewish roots of the Christian faith to better understand this passage. Mark sees the connection between what Malachi and Isaiah foretold with John the Baptist.
The prophet Isaiah was looking for signs of God’s intervention during the Jewish exile and captivity in Babylon around 700 BCE. Mark was writing during the first century when Jews were not in exile but they were living under Roman occupation. Although they lived in their homes within their cities, their lives were not their own. Their culture was not their own as the occupation changed how they lived. Perhaps during this pandemic, we may have a better understanding of how the familiar can become the unknown. Perhaps this time, now, is a different form of exile. We are in a type of exile or wilderness within our own communities as we practice social isolation to thwart the pandemic. I wonder if we might discover ways to listen more closely to God during this time. How is the Spirit of God moving within you, around you? How do you see God’s presence in everyday life? Last week as we shared communion we were mindful of Christ in the everyday. The everyday elements of bread and wine. The presence of Christ in our everyday relationships and in the ways that we interact in the world. How is God moving us during this time? We have discovered a new sense of shared responsibility for one another as we wear masks and take precautions to protect the more vulnerable among us. Many have developed a deeper insight into the needs of others.
How can we shake off unhelpful ways of being and turn toward the way of Christ? How can we repent of life limiting ways and turn toward life giving ways? Mark teaches us to see God by looking to Jesus and to look back to the prophets of Israel. Perhaps we are like the crowds listening to the prophet John, seeking direction in our present time and for the future. Isaiah proclaimed, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'” How is God calling to you now in this second week of Advent, in this time of anticipation of the birth of Jesus? During this advent season we are called to live out our faith with one another in new and different ways. Be attentive to the Spirit nudging you to share your abundant blessings. Praise be to God.
# 749 Be still my soul

THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Come with gratitude and joy to the table of the Lord.
Bring the works of your hands and the gifts of your lives as an offering of praise.

BLESSING OF GIFTS & PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Join me in prayer:
O holy One, we lift up our voices to you, the One who comforts, restores, and heals. We pray for all leaders and people of the world. You created one human family to live in peace. We pray for the wisdom to live according to your loving purpose.
We pray for your church. You have given us the gift of the Messiah to show your church the way to be steadfast and true. Help us to see the strength you provide for us to follow your Son until all are reconciled by his love.
Guide us to discover our compassion to love our neighbor and to be patient in caring for those in need. Ever-living God, one day in your presence is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. We pray for those who are sick, who suffer, are exiled or in danger. Almighty God, you have made us for a holy purpose, to comfort and care for each other. There are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues to struggle in his healing. We lift up Peggy, Betty Lou, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, Marlene, Rob, Courtney, and Grace’s daughter Lisa. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.
We lift up the care-givers and those who receive care during the pandemic. We pray that your Spirit will linger with your people during this challenging time. A time of isolation that has left many feeling fragmented and in despair. May they sense your protective love.
O holy One, we pray for clarity, passion, and true fellowship to awake us to your presence. May your face shine upon the church and all this weary world. We pray
in the name of the One born in a manger, who taught his disciples to pray…
Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Amen.

# 133 Go tell it on the mountain

BENEDICTION
2 Pet. 3:13–14 Ps. 85:11–13
May faithfulness spring up from the ground
and righteousness look down from heaven
as you walk in the way of peace,
May the blessing of God, the Living Word, and Holy Comforter,
be with you now and always.
Postlude
Let There Be Peace on Earth

Questions for Reflection
The prophet Isaiah announces good news: God comforts and strengthens a wearied and exiled people in preparation for their homeward journey. Mark’s Gospel announces the good news of God in Jesus Christ: God comes to turn the world right side up and baptize us with the Holy Spirit. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Messiah, what is the beginning of God’s good news in your life, and how will it change the way you approach this season of expectation and hope?

Morning Prayer
Lord, how I love this season of new beginnings, the opportunity to turn toward you and start again. Empower me to be a messenger of good news, as I seek to be one with you in smoothing out the rough places I encounter. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Lord, you have comforted me throughout this day and rescued me from my exile.
Where I have flourished, I give you thanks; where I have erred, I ask your forgiveness. Protect me through the night that I may rest in your realm of peace
where righteousness makes a home. Amen.
Daily Prayer Mark 1:3–4
Loving God, you sent your prophet John to prepare your way among us, to call us to repentance and make our pathways straight. Strengthen us to live lives of steadfast love and faithfulness as we await the Messiah’s return, that all may see your reign of peace through your just and gracious rule. Amen.

Scripture readings next week:
Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24; John 1:6–8, 19–28

#299 Holy, holy, holy

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty!
early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea,
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
who wert and art and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide thee,
though our eyes in sinfulness thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty!
all thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.

Let There Be Peace on Earth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGoEJyV7Snw
Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Chet Akins, Michael McDonald

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me