Order of Service
Gathering
Welcome – Cameron
Call to worship
One: In the wilderness, a voice cries out:
“Prepare the way of the Lord!”
Many: We have heard the call;
we have watched for the light.
One: The One we waited for has come—
a gentle dove, a vulnerable child.
Many: We have seen the Christ child among the poor;
we have heard the soft flutter of wings.
One: This is how God arrives among us—
not in power and might, but in vulnerable love.
Many: Your ways are not our ways, O God.
One: Come, let us worship the One who has come among us,
the Lamb of God, the light of the world.
All: We stand in amazement—
Christ has been revealed!
Opening music – Joanna
Still, Still, Still (VT 264); Silent Night (VT 244)
Hearing God’s Word
Candle lighting
One: We have been waiting in the long, dark night,
waiting for your light of hope, peace, joy. and love
to reveal itself and shine on us. Shine in us.
Many: Come, Light of the world. Amaze us!
All: May your light shine through the dark,
illuminating your path, illuminating our souls.
Periscope – Grace
Scripture Readings
John 1: 19-34 & Isaiah 30: 3-5
Sermon – (Matt)
Hymn of response
Beautiful star of Bethlehem (VT 275)
Offering
Announcements
Sharing of Joys & Concerns
Prayers of the people
Sending
Closing hymn
Gloria (VT 94)
Benediction
Worship Calendar
Jan. 4 – Pastor Roberson
Announcements
Options for Giving:
- Cheques made out to “Hagerman Mennonite Church” can be left in offering plate at front of church.
- E-transfers can be sent to donations@hagerman.org
News and Events Links
MCEC – mcec.ca
Mennonite Church Canada – mennonitechurch.ca
Mennonite World Conference – mwc-cmm.org/en/
Canadian Mennonite – canadianmennonite.org
Anabaptist World – anabaptistworld.org
Mennonite Central Committee – mcc.org
Prayer Concerns
MCEC in prayer
Please pray for all the MCEC community of congregations over this Christmas season.
We pray for peace in our world, asking for compassion and understanding in the face of violence and fear. We especially remember Australia and those affected by the recent shooting. We pray for comfort for the injured, those who lost loved ones, first responders and all who are affected by this tragedy. God, make us channels of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us bring Your love.
Mennonite World Conference
Please pray that the Mennonite and Brethren In Christ Churches in India show the love of Christ to those persecuting them. In many places, the Christians are being opposed by hardcore groups. Please pray especially for Chhattisgarh, where every Sunday churches are being attacked. Pray for new believers to be strong in their faith in Christ and for the churches to support them in this difficult situation. And pray that God will change the hearts of those who persecute us and that they will come to know God’s love. —Vikal Pravin Rao, regional representative, South Asia and Bhavana Masih, India
Local concerns
Danforth MC is sponsoring a family of three in collaboration with Toronto United MC. This refugee family are relatives of a participant at Danforth Church. As a smaller congregation Danforth is seeking financial assistance for about $10,000 to help meet their share of the cost of the sponsorship. The WtS Sponsorship Committee has approved this church bulletin announcement that individuals who wish to donate to the Danforth Mennonite Church refugee resettlement of this family should send their donation to : Danforth Mennonite Church 2174 Danforth Ave, Toronto, Ontario. M4C1K3 or by e-transfer to: dmmc2174@gmail.com. A receipt for CRA purposes will be sent to donors from Danforth M.C. Donors, please include your address in the e-transfer message or in a separate email. If you have any questions please contact: Roger Horst: Treasurer – Danforth Mennonite Church, Home phone: 416-694-3417, Home email: rc.horst@sympatico.ca