Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord
All: Thanks be to God
Leader: Today is the Third Sunday of Advent and we will light the Candle of Love.
Last Sunday we lit the Candle of Peace. We light it and the Candle of Hope again as we remember Jesus, born in Bethlehem, our hope and our peace.
(A person lights the Candles of Hope, and Peace.)
Today we light the Third Candle of Advent, the Candle of Love. In their old age God gave to Zechariah and Elisabeth a son called John. John spoke to the people bravely in the desert denying his own comforts and prepared to die for what he believed. John taught that we should share what we have with others, treat each other kindly and show Gods love. He did this because he cared for people and wanted them to repent and find God’s forgiveness.
(A person lights the Third Candle, the Candle of Love here)
Love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the love we have in Christ.
Leader: Let us pray:
All: Lord God, Your witness John the Baptist grew up strong in spirit and prepared people for the coming of the Lord. He loved your people and baptized them in the River Jordan to wash away their sins. Help us to have the same love that we would be witnesses to him and spread the good news of your love. As Christmas draws closer day by day, help us to be ready to welcome him. Amen
*Carols and Lessons Service Sunday Dec 08. 7 p.m. . Tea & goodies. Raffles
*Christmas Eve. 7:00 Carols. 7:30 Service.
*New Year’s Eve Tuesday December 31st Variety Show at 8:30 PM featuring Denise Pelley, Adam, Kydra, Jack Sizeland and Stephen. Pizza, music to midnight. Tickets 519-615-2210 or visit www.alvegoroottheatre.com. $35.00 includes chips, Everfresh pizza, midnight bubbly. Licenced. Cash bar.
*Our food cupboard. Butch 519-615-9106.
*We are seeking a new webmaster for our church website. Ron Stewart has done a great job and will assist the new webmaster.
*DRAWS: *Cookie draw, $5, 5 for 20$. Sandra W.
*Handmade Afghan by Heather Jamieson. $2 or 3 for $5.
*Hockey tickets (Millard George) $2 or 3 for $5. Judy C.
*Mint smoothies Sandra $3
*Meat/Veggie Pie Making Day Saturday January 18, 9:00 am start. Come and help and have fun socializing. Orders can be placed through Barb by calling 519-680-0649.
*Trivia Night – Sat. January 25th 7:30 – 10:00 pm Book tickets atwww.alvegoroottheatre.com or by calling 519-615-2210.
*Turkey Dinner. Sat. February 22. $25.00 includes Tea, Coffee, Dessert.
*Canadian church calendars. $8 Barb
*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.
*Rinsed empty drink containers Dan Davies
*If you wish, our regular weekly donations or special donations may be sent to our Envelope Secretary:
The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of dear husband and father Gord Cronk and parents George and Dolores Walker given by daughters Connie, Wendy and families
Bible Readings for Dec 08
Malachi 3:1-4
Baruch 5:1-9
Luke 1:68-79
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6
Audio Service – Lessons and Carols from December 2020:
Service of Lessons and Carols:
Listen to the audio service, and follow along here.
Prelude: French Carols Set
Performed by Celtic Shift: Stephen Holowitz, Amy Barten, Dave Nuttall
Opening: The Story of the First Lessons and Carols
Rev. Teresa Corrigan
Carol: Once in Royal David’s City
Performed by Katy Clark and Angus Sinclair
Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.
He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor and meek and lowly,
Lived on earth our Savior holy.
And through all
His wondrous childhood
He would honor and obey
Love and watch the lowly mother,
In whose gentle arms He lay.
Christian children all should be
Mild, obedient, good as He.
For He is our child-hood’s pattern,
Day by day like us He grew,
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us He knew,
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that child so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in heaven above,
And He leads His children on,
To the place where He is gone.
Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him, but in heaven,
Set at God’s right hand on high;
When like stars
His children crowned,
All in white shall be around.
1st Lesson: Genesis 1: 26-31 and 5: 1-2
God Blesses Humankind
Ron Stewart, Reader
Carol: Oh Come All Ye Faithful
Performed by Celtic Shift and the Congregation at Epiphany’s 2019 Lessons and Carols
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
Refrain:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!
God of God, Light of Light,
Lo! he abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God, begotten, not created,
Refrain
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above:
Glory to God, in the highest!
Refrain
See how the shepherds, summoned to His cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear
We too will thither Bend our joyful footsteps
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
2nd Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7
Christ’s Birth and Influence is Foretold
Suzie Dann, Reader
Carol: Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel
Performed by Jack Sizeland, Katy Clark, Paul Grambo, Victoria Piovesan, Stephen Holowitz
O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in her ways to go.
Refrain
O come, O Rod of Jesse’s stem,
from every foe deliver them.
That trust your mighty power to save,
and give them victory o’er the grave.
Refrain
3rd Lesson: Luke 1: 26-38
Mary is Visited by the Angels
Judy Caley, Reader
Carol: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Performed by Adam Corrigan Holowitz and Stephen Holowitz
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 th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Refrain:
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 the Virgin’s womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th’incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.
Refrain:
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 us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”
4th Lesson: Luke 2: 1- 7
The Birth of Jesus
Carole Hawkins, Reader
Carol: In the Bleak Midwinter
Performed by Adam Corrigan Holowitz and Stephen Holowitz
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
but his mother only, in her maiden bliss,
worshiped the beloved with a kiss.
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
5th Lesson: Luke 2: 8-16
The Shepherds seek Jesus at the Manger
Jan Stewart, Reader
Carol: Away in the Manger
Performed by Celtic Shift and the Congregation at Epiphany’s 2019 Lessons and Carols
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 thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
and stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay
close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
6th Lesson: Matthew 2: 1-12
The Wise Ones Led by a Star
Peter Leonard, Reader
Carol: O Holy Night
Performed by Paul Grambo and Angus Sinclair
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim
7th Lesson: John 1: 1-14
The Mystery of God in Christ
Brian Garrett, Reader
Anthem: Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming
Performed by Katy Clark, Paul Grambo, Victoria Piovesan, Jack Sizeland, Stephen Holowitz
Poem: Image of Christmas 2020 by Ron Stewart
Poem: Balthazar’s Story by Jan Stewart
The Prayers
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.
Blessed are you, Prince of Peace. You rule the world with truth and justice. Send your gift of peace to all nations of the world.
Blessed are you, Son of Mary. You share our humanity.
Have mercy on those especially in need of your loving presence and care.
Blessed are you, Son of God. You dwell among us as the word made flesh. Reveal yourself to us in word and sacrament that we may bear your light to all the world.
The Lord’s Prayer:
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.
And lead us not into temptation;
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
The power and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.
Blessing: May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the faithfulness of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ Child. God, Creator, Redeemer and Spirit bless you and those you love now and forever. Amen.
Carol: Joy to the World
Performed by Katy Clark, Paul Grambo and Angus Sinclair
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive its king;
let ev’ry heart prepare him room,
and heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their 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, wonders of his love.
*Baked Goodies needed!! Sat. Dec. 7. Before 10 a.m. please. Fresh not Frozen / non gooey, non mint squares/cookies needed.
*Carols and Lessons Service Sunday December 8. 7 p.m. . Followed by tea and goodies. Cookie Raffle Draw.
*Christmas Eve. 7:00 Carols. 7:30 Service.
*New Year’s Eve Tuesday December 31st
*Variety Show at 8:30 PM featuring Denise Pelley, Adam, Kydra, Jack Sizeland and Stephen. Pizza, music to midnight. Tickets 519-615-2210 or visit www.alvegoroottheatre.com. $35.00 includes chips, Everfresh pizza, midnight bubbly. Licenced. Cash bar.
*Our food cupboard. Butch 519-615-9106.
*We are seeking a new webmaster for our church website. Ron Stewart has done a great job and will assist the new webmaster.
*DRAWS: *Cookie draw, $5, 5 for 20$. Sandra W.
*Handmade Afghan by Heather Jamieson. $2 or 3 for $5.
*Hockey tickets (Millard George) $2 or 3 for $5. Judy C.
*Meat/Veggie Pie Making Day Saturday January 18, 9:00 am start. Come and help and have fun socializing. Orders can be placed through Barb by calling 519-680-0649.
*Trivia Night – Sat. January 25th 7:30 – 10:00 pm Book tickets at www.alvegoroottheatre.com or by calling 519-615-2210.
*Turkey Dinner. Sat. February 22. $25.00 includes Tea, Coffee, Dessert. A great Christmas Gift.
*Canadian church calendars. $8 Barb
*Christmas Card program. On Hold.
*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.
*Rinsed empty drink containers Dan Davies
**Raffle tickets available for:
London Knights vs Niagara Ice Dogs
Joy Afghan
Cookie raffle
To be drawn after the Carols and Lessons Service Evening of Dec 08
(see details on Upcoming Events Page
*If you wish, our regular weekly donations or special donations may be sent to our Envelope Secretary:
Barb Smallman
4860 Whiteoak Road
London, Ontario
N6E 3Y8
519-680-0649
The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of a dear father and mother William and Florence Brock given by Linda and Bob Aldington and family.
Opening:
God of justice and peace,
from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness,
that all on earth may stand in awe and wonder
before your marvelous deeds.
Raise our heads in expectation,
that we may yearn for the coming day of the Lord
and stand without blame before your Son, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen..
Bible Readings for Dec 01
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
Reading Jeremiah 33:14-16
A righteous branch springs from David
33:14The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
33:15In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
33:16In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.”
Epiphany Audio Service for Dec 01
Sermon
The text version of the sermon is no longer available.
Hymn: Lo How A Rose
Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming
As men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half-gone was the night.
Isaiah ’twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind:
With Mary we behold it,
The virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright
She bore to men a Savior
When half-gone was the night.
This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers:
We seek the mighty God
in the most unlikely places
as a child in a stable,
and in an empty tomb.
May God hear these prayers,
which come from the unlikely corners of our lives.
.Prayers: Barry and Linda B; (Church);Debbie R. (Mary Liz)Jamie;Jackie M (Gloria); Paul; Suzanne; Peter (Ron and Jan);Kenny; Jim T.; Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.; Dan B.;.(Garfield & Diane Mike J.; Scott H.; Lisa (Keeling), Roger & Maxine M.; Wendy;Eric P,; Beverley P.;,Sarah-Jane P.; Linda H.; Jacquie and Cam .; Janice & Darrin R; .(Suzie D.)
Give us ears to hear, O God,
and eyes to watch,
that we may know your presence in our midst
during this holy season of joy
as we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer based on Scripture:
O God of all the prophets,
you herald the coming of the Son of Man
by wondrous signs in the heavens and on the earth.
Guard our hearts from despair so that we,
in the company of the faithful
and by the power of your Holy Spirit,
may be found ready to raise our heads
at the coming near of our redemption,
the day of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessing from the Book of Common Prayer:
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Our Parting Blessing Song:
May God’s blessing surround you each day
As you trust Him and walk in His way
May His presence within guard and keep you from sin,
At the firehall three bells indicates all safe home. At Epiphany on all saints day we ring our bell as each name on our All Saints list is read. When everyone’s name has been read we ring the bell three times to indicate all safe home.
Peacefully at Southbridge London, on Monday, May 27, 2024, Constance “Connie” Chatterson passed away with family by her side at the age of 102. Beloved wife of the late James “Jim” Chatterson (1983). Predeceased by her son David Chatterson (2020). Loving grandma of Scott and his wife Sarah and Ted and his wife Betty. Cherished great-grandmother of Josh, Ashley, Graham and Isla. A private family graveside service will take place at Courtland United Cemetery, Courtland. In memory of Connie, donations may be made to The Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Peacefully passed away, with loved ones by her side, on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the age of 67. Beloved mother and best friend of Lindsay Hall (nee Trelford), and cherished mother-in-law of Nathan. Devoted daughter of the late Donald and Mildred McColl. Much loved sister and sister-in-law of Janet and Ron Stewart, and Wendy and Rod MacSween. Loving “auntie” to Suzanne Hallay (Peter), Cait and Sara Stewart, and Scott MacSween (Carmen). Dear “great auntie” to Mason, Max, Ivy, Carter and Bazil. She will be fondly remembered by her extended family and friends.
Donna was a long time employee of Bank of Montreal, and closed out her career in banking and finance at Point B Financial, making lasting friendships along the way. She was extraordinarily independent, had an unmatched work ethic, and was stunningly brilliant. Donna was a reader, a life-long learner, and loved to travel, going on annual adventures with her daughter. Her life was filled with music and laughter, sarcasm and wit. Donna was an animal lover, and she will be missed by her furry friends, Kenny and Dolly. She was young at heart, had a twinkle in her beautiful green eyes, and was a fighter until the very end.
Family and friends are welcomed for visitation on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1997 Dundas Street East. Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery to follow. For those who wish, donations may be made to Thames Valley Education Foundation “Caring Fund.” Online condolences may be shared at www.forestlawnmemorial.ca
Peacefully at Victoria Hospital on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at the age of 95. Norman was born on July 16, 1928. Loving husband of the late June Evelyn (née Lilley) Ball. Father of James Ball (Coral) of North Bay and Susan Daines (late Richard) of Stoneycreek. Grandfather of four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Brother of Marjorie Wilson (late Bruce), Ena Parker (late Douglas) and the late Jessie Butson. A funeral service will be conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 12:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment at Woodland Cemetery, London. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Norman are asked to consider the LHSF – Cancer Program or a charity of their choice.