Order of Service – Sunday 11 December 2022 – CAROLS SERVICE – ADVENT 3 – JOY

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CALL TO WORSHIP

The blossoming of jacarandas and the hopping of quokkas tell of rejoicing.

     Creation breaks forth in joy.

Desert sands ripple and vast expanses of ocean casts waves onto shore,

     Creation dances in joy.

In places of flood and in places of drought, we ask that again:

     Creation may flow with joy.

We are called to worship God with rejoicing:

     Strengthen our weak hands and make firm our feeble knees.

(Isaiah 35:3)

     Let us sing and dance before our God!

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE (Candle of Joy)

Here we tell the ancient tale, coming to the story circle of lights.

This third light is to bring delight and rejoicing.

       This is the candle of Joy.

       Let us honour the Light! (Pause)

CAROL:      308     “To Us a Child of Royal Birth”  (Tune 387 Dunedin)

BIBLE READING  1                                                            Brian Cartwright

Luke 1:26-38 (Pages 1012-1013)

PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS

A Root shall come forth from the stock of Jesse and a Flower shall rise out of his root! And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the spirit of counsel and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and of godliness. To Him all power shall be given. His Name shall be: Wonderful One, Strong God, Eternal One and Prince of Peace. He shall sit on the throne of David; And He will found a new Covenant which will last for ever and ever. Amen!

CAROL:       316        “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

BIBLE READING  2                                                                 Chris Butters

Luke 1:39-56 (Page 1013)

CAROL:           161           “Tell Out My Soul”

BIBLE READING  3                                                         Adriane Cholakyan

Matthew 1:18-25 (Pages 955-956)

CAROL:       299       “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”

BIBLE READING  4                                                            Mark Woodward

Luke 2:1-7 (Page 1014)

CAROL:       312       “Once in a Royal David’s City”

BIBLE READING  5                                                              Dianna Brookes

Luke 2:8-20 (Pages 1014-1015)

CAROL:       318        “Away in a Manger”

BIBLE READING  6                                                                    Ian Butters

Matthew 2:1-12 (Page 856)

CAROL:       301       “The First Nowel the Angel Did Say”

BIBLE READING  7                                                               Penny Goodley

John 1:1-18 (Page 1049)

CAROL:       309       “Angels from the Realms of Glory ”

BIBLE READING  8                                                    Krikor Youmshajekian

Isaiah 9:2-7 (Page 683)

MESSAGE:    “Jesus is Our Joy – Rejoice, Sing and Praise!”        Krikor

CAROL:       268        “Joy to the World”

NOTICES

• Food & Gifts for Exodus – All in by next Sunday 18 December.
• Christmas Eve Service – Saturday 24 December 7:00 pm.
• Christmas Day Service – Sunday25 December 9:30 am.
• Congregational Meeting – Sunday 12 February 10:30 am.

OFFERING and DEDICATION

Preparing for Christmas, we plan for gift-giving and we may even be asked what we might like ourselves. We are challenged when we consider the cost of food for those who are hungry.

Reminded of the work done for the less fortunate, Jesus we are here for You – take what we offer. And may this sharing bring joy. Amen!

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION – SHARE REJOICE

God, in whom we find our joy,

Set the prisoners free and loose the captives and the oppressed.

Hear the cries of those who are in the wilderness.

Add to our numbers those who would work for Your purposes.

Remember the poor in spirit and those who suffer pain or loss.

Expand the talanoa (Tongan for gathering to talk and share) of Your gathering to include those who are marginalized and those who feel beyond our easy reach. 

Remind us of Your love for the poor and remember us when we are distressed.

Enter the world afresh this Advent, bless those who find this time hardest.

Jesus, gather Your scattered flock and let the deaf hear, the blind see and the lame dance.

Ofa atu – we love You, God – gift us with Your love to share around.

Increase the joy in our community – lift the hearts of the depressed.

Care for and restore Your blessed Creation – so we may rejoice with Creation again.

Expand the Church, so we may spread Your good news more effectively. Amen!

THE LORD’S PRAYER                                                                          

CAROL:       304       “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

SENDING OUT AND BENEDICTION

May rejoicing continue in days ahead.

May tears turn to laughter and mourning into dancing.

May God, Three-in-One and One-in-Three, Hold you and Bless you in the family of Joy, now and always. Amen!

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To contact Krikor call   0418 417 411

Church Website:  http://www.longueville.unitingchurch.org.au

Church email: standrewsunite@tpg.com.au

Church Office phone: 9427 4740