Sunday, December 24th, 2017
Advent 4 – Morning Service
If you are our guest this morning, we welcome your children to participate in our programs for Nursery (ages 0-3) and Columbakids (Jk-Gr.6) following the 2nd Hymn
Congregational responses are in bold print
* Please rise in body or in spirit
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
The Prelude
*Gathering Song: “Christ Has Come”
Christ has come the Prince of Glory
Come in humble hearts to dwell
God with us, God with us, Immanuel
Fanny J. Crosby
Stewart Landon
Copyright Lorenz Publishing Co. 1971
Call to Worship: Advent Candle
The Fourth Advent Candle: Based on Isaiah 59 & 60
West Side:We wait for light, and lo! there is darkness; and for brightness, but we walk in gloom.
East Side:Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
West Side:For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples. But the LORD will arise upon you, and nations shall come to your light.
East Side:The sun shall no longer be your light by day nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night.
All: For the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
We light the Advent Candle of Love
*Hymn: “A Candle is Burning” Vv. 1-4
Tune: Away in a Manger
Prayer of Adoration& Confession
Words of Assurance
Our Church Family at Work
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Carol: “Good Christians, all rejoice” #141
First Lesson: Genesis 3:8—15
Advent Carol: “Come, thou long-expected Jesus” #110
Second Lesson: Genesis 22:15–18
Advent Carol: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #122
Third Lesson: Isaiah 9:2, 6–7
Carol: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” #139
Fourth Lesson: Micah 5:2–4
Carol: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” #165
Fifth Lesson: Luke 1:26–38
Carol: “Silent Night” #154
Sixth Lesson: Matthew 1:18–23
Carol: “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by
Night” #138
Seventh Lesson: Luke 2:8–16
Special Music: “No Room” Mary Jardine
Words/Music John W. Peterson
Eighth Lesson: Matthew 2:1–11
Carol: “What star is this” #170
Ninth Lesson: John 1:1–14
Carol: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” #159
MEDITATION
“Darkness and Light: The Candle of Love”
WE RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD
*We Present our Offerings to God #114
Prayer of Dedication
Prayers of the People
The prayer will close with the following said in unison:
O God, who makes us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your only Son, Jesus Christ: Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our Redeemer, so we may, with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
*Hymn:“Christians awake” #135
WE GO OUT TO SERVE GOD
*Benediction
*Carol “Go tell it on the mountain” #133
The Postlude
Thank you, Michael Faulkner, for leading us in music while John Brewster is away celebrating Christmas with his family, and thank you to all others participating in this Service of Worship. We are blessed to hear the story through your presentation of God’s greatest gift to us, the Son of God – our Lord, Jesus Christ.
THIS WEEK AT ST. COLUMBA
Tonight: Christmas Eve Family Service 7:00 PM
All Welcome
The Office will be closed on December 25th, and 26th
Regular hours on Wednesday (27th) and Thursday (28th)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHRISTMAS SHARING: the Session Members of St. Columba say a big “THANK YOU’ to the congregation for supporting Christmas Sharing by way of a “Monetary Donation”.
OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2018–there are a few still not taken. Please pick up yours today if you have not already done so.
MISSION MOMENT – DECEMBER 24
Gifts that make a difference: As we reflect on giving and receiving gifts this Christmas, let us give thanks for Presbyterians across Canada who are making a difference through their gifts to Presbyterians Sharing! Together, we are supporting inner city missions, equipping congregations, encouraging children and youth, enabling congregational renewal and development, supporting theological education, maintaining international partnerships, sending mission staff – and so much more! Together, we are making mission and ministry happen in Canada and around the world. This Christmas Eve, we anticipate celebrating the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ our Lord – whose example of giving inspires our own.
Presbyterians Sharing is making a real difference in so many lives
COOKIE CAPER - Thank you to all who baked, packed boxes and delivered all the cookies to members of our congregation who are unable to attend Worship.
All was greatly appreciated. There were 21 boxes delivered.
The Cameron Family
wishes you a blessed and peaceful Christmas. In this time of faithful reflection and celebration, we pray for the ancient story to touch your hearts in new and beautiful ways. Thank you for your unwavering love and support over the past year. Through you, our experience of Jesus’ love has been profound and lasting, and we are so very grateful. God bless you and keep you through Christmas and throughout the coming year.
With love, Rev. Jennifer, Bruce, Corey and Logan
DURING THIS WEEK LET US PRAY FOR
Iain M
Heather S
Marg L
Beatrice C
Gwen B
Heather F
George and Elaine H
Doug and Lillian M
Jim and Heillie G
The Reverend Peter Bush
The Presbytery of Kingston
The Presbyterian Church in Canada
WOULD YOU LIKE to add someone to the “Weekly Prayer List”? If so please let the office know by Wednesday of each week.
**Please ask permission from each person before submitting name.
BOOK OF PRAYER is located at the back of Sanctuary. Please place your concerns in the book so thatthey can be voiced during the Prayers of the People each Sunday.
BLESSING BOWL – If you would like to add prayer requests to the Minister’s Personal Prayer List please place in the “Blessing Bowl” in the Narthex.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we pray that Christians in Israel and Palestine who gather to worship in joy and peace. Presbyterian Prayer Partnership
MISTLETOE MARKEThad another successful year. After expenses went to General Funds to help the shortfall. We divided the other half among thefollowing charities: Hospice Quinte, Quilts for Cancer, Gleaners food bank, Evangel Hall, UCB Canada, Three Oaks, Covenant House, Adopt a child, Sleeping Children around the world, & Presbyterians Sharing. A thank you to everyone who participated in making our day great.
Mistletoe Market Team.
St. Columba Presbyterian Church
520 Bridge Street East, Belleville ON
K8N 1R6
Church Telephone: 613-962-8771
The Rev. Jennifer Cameron
Director of Music: John Brewster
ALL OF US!!!
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday
9:30 AM-12:30 PM
OUR VISION
To offer joyfully to the world the love of Christ.
WELCOME
We do welcome you in the name of Jesus Christ. If you would like further information about our congregation or a visit from our pastor, please complete one of the “request cards” that you will find in your pew and place it on the offering plate or hand it to an usher