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If you would like a paper copy of the Newsletter, please contact the Church office and a copy will be provided to you.
We recently learned of the passing of Rev. Karen Low's mother, June Low...
It is with sadness we mark the death of June Bernice Low (nee Shinnaman) on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 just days after celebrating her 94th birthday. She will be dearly missed by Jack, her devoted husband of seventy years, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will be forever grateful for the love she shared, the laughter she created and the memories she leaves with us all. Those who wish to honour June's life might consider making a donation in her name to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
The next Innerkip United Church Leadership Team Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday December 16.
Offerings and Donations
Offerings are accepted on entering the Sanctuary for worship services. If you are not joining us in person, there are contact-free ways to send offerings and donations to the Church:
MAIL your donation to the Church office: PO Box 137, Innerkip, ON N0J 1M0
Enroll in PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance for automatic payment). Forms are available in the Church Hall or online. Complete the form and include a void cheque (credit card no longer accepted). Contact the Church office to arrange contact-free pick up or delivery and Mel will submit the forms:https://www.united-church.ca/community-faith/get-involved/give-regularly
Innerkip United Church
Order of Service
December 13th, 2020 – 3rd Sunday of Advent – JOY!
INTROIT “Hope Shines as a Solitary Star” - sung by Jillian & Shauna
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS & LIGHTING OF THE MEMORIAL TREE
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE OF JOY!
CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)
ONE: Here we are God! ALL: We’ve come from our week filled with many things.
ONE: Some are filled with joy and excitement; others with sorrow and despair. ALL: Some are filled with energy, others are filled with weariness.
ONE: Some are filled with love for you, others wonder where you are, for they feel far from you. ALL: We are the gathered congregation, we lay ourselves before you with all the honesty we can muster.
ONE: We give you what we are; create in us clean hearts. ALL: Fill us with your Spirit in this hour of worship, so we can be made holy to serve you wholly. AMEN
MUSIC: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (YouTube) - Peter Hollens
OPENING PRAYER (unison) Source of all light and love, as we anticipate the Light of the World draw us more deeply into this Season of Advent. Draw our eyes toward the pleasant glow of a life that has depth and meaning. Draw our hearts out into the larger love that is your wayin the world. When we are discouraged by the brokenness around us, help us to claim joy daily, as those who are welcoming the Christ child. We pray in the name of the one who is, himself, good newsof great joy for all people. AMEN
HYMN: VU #166 Joy Comes With the Dawn
AN INVITATION TO ADVENT
In each heart lies a Bethlehem
an Inn where we must ultimately answer
whether there is room or not.
When we are Bethlehem-bound
we experience our own Advent in his.
When we are Bethlehem-bound
we can no longer look the other way
conveniently not seeing stars or hearing angel voices.
We can no longer excuse ourselves
by busily tending our sheep or kingdoms.
This Advent let’s go to Bethlehem
and see this thing that the Lord has made known to us.
In the midst of our shopping and wrapping,
let’s ponder in our hearts the Gift of Gifts.
Through the tinsel, let’s look for the Gold of the Christmas star.
In the excitement and confusion, in the merry chaos,
let’s listen for the brush of the angels’ wings.
This Advent, let’s go to Bethlehem and find our kneeling places.
(Source: “In Search of Our Kneeling Places” by Ann Weems)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Old Testament: Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11 - read by Bill Shaw
Gospel Reading: John 1: 6-8, 19-28
REFLECTION/SERMON
HYMN: MV #144 Like a Healing Stream
MINUTE FOR MISSIONS - Mary-Lou Ross
PRAYER OF DEDICATION FOR THE OFFERING (unison)
Radiant light and our eternal joy, because of the gifts you have brought into our lives, we dedicate ourselves to giving as constantly as we receive. Bless these humble gifts, along with us, and all those who have served in ministries of peace and compassion. And help us to each be bearers of your joy in this season. We pray this is Jesus’ name. AMEN
PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
CLOSING HYMN: VU#38 Angels We Have Heard on High
COMMISSIONING & BLESSING
“Go Now in Peace”
Go now in peace, never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of every day.
Go now is faith, steadfast strong and true.
Know God will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love and show you believe.
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there, watching from above.
Go now in peace, in faith and in love.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
Worship in the SANCTUARY!
Thank you to the COVID Committee for their ongoing support of our Worship in the Sanctuary.
Here are the expectations for you to know upon entering the Sanctuary on Sunday morning.
Please enter through the main entrance of the Church and exit through the door at the front of the Sanctuary, through the Church Hall. Keep your belongings with you (no coat racks).
Face coverings are required. Please use Hand Sanitizer (provided) on entering and leaving the building.
Each person/family in attendance must check in with the Greeter on arrival and confirm contact information.
Please place Offerings in the basket located by the Greeter on entering.
Please be seated where there are the right number of space markers (produce baskets) for the number in your family group. The basket can be placed by the hymn books when you have chosen a seat.
Other important information:
High-touch surfaces are sanitized frequently.
Protective screens have been provided for the pulpit and microphone.
There will be NO SINGING however Brenda Arnott will be providing music - Humming along to the music is permitted.
Washrooms will be accessible - thorough hand washing required.
Information provided is based on current recommendations by Southwestern Public Health and is subject to change depending on COVID-19 conditions.
Join us for worship, friendship and community in 2020!
