Welcome to Worship at Kamloops United Church The Third Sunday of Advent – December 15, 2013

We Gather as People of God

Hymn Sing and Welcome Centering Music with the Procession of the Prayer Box.

Call to Worship (adapted from Luke 1:47-55) Our souls magnify the Most High, and our spirits rejoice in God our Saviour! God’s mercy is for those who love and revere God, from generation to generation.

God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

Blessed be God’s name. Let us worship God!

Opening Prayer O God of Joy, on this third Sunday in the season of Advent we gather as your people. We gather as part of your world-wide Christian community. As we offer our worship grant us the hope, peace and joy of following in the footsteps of Jesus. Help us to see you walking with us toward the birth of the Christ child in our midst. May your Spirit guide us and lead us all the way. Open our hearts and minds to you we pray in the name of the Babe of Bethlehem. Amen.

Singing: Voices United # 23 ‘Joy Shall Come’

Advent Candle Lighting: the Candle of Joy One: Last Sunday we lit the first two candles in our Advent wreath, the candles that represent hope and peace. (the first two blue candles are lit.) Two: Today, on the third Sunday in Advent our journey continues. We light the candle that represents joy. (the pink candle is lit.) One: This candle reminds us that we live in a world longing for joy. Two: All of us need joy in our lives. One: This candle of joy helps us remember that Jesus comes to us that we might know the joy of God’s presence no matter what. Two: May we live in God’s joy now and always. One: Let’s sing together, ‘Hope is a Star’ from Voices United # 7

Singing: Voices United # 7 ‘Hope is a Star’ verses 1, 2, 3 with refrain Time for All Ages

Singing: Voices United # 249 ‘Rejoice in the Lord Always’ (a round)

We Listen for God’s Living Word

The Book of Isaiah 35:1-10 ‘The desert blooms and rejoices’ The Gospel of Luke 1:47-55 ‘Mary’s Magnificat’ Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Thanks be to God!

Reflection: ‘Turning the Tables’ – Rev. D. Bruce Comrie and Kathy Johnson

We Respond in Faith

The Folk of Note Anthem: ‘Mary Did You Know’ by Lowry, Green and Schrader The Passing of the Peace

May the Peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.

Our Offering with the Offertory: ‘Ode to Joy’ with Sabrina and Elysha Trigg

Doxology: Voices United # 10 ‘Prepare the Way of the Lord’ (2x) Prepare the Way of the Lord! Prepare the Way of the Lord!

Make a straight path for him, make a straight path; prepare the way of the Lord!

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication Our Pastoral Prayers with the Lord’s Prayer (Sung – Voices United # 959)

We Are Sent Forth

Hymn: Voices United # 59 ‘Joy to the World’ Announcements and Celebrations of the KUC Community

Commissioning and Benediction Go forth from here with joy in your hearts. Go forth to live out Mary’s Magnificat, seeking justice in our community and around the world. Let us go forth singing with joy….

Sung Closing: Voices United page 884 ‘You Shall Go Out with Joy’

(The Call to Worship was adapted from ‘Gathering’ magazine, ACE 2013. Used with permission.)