NEWCASTLE UNITED CHURCHNovember 29, 2020 10:30 a.m.

First Sunday of Advent“As followers of Christ, we are called to be a worshipping and learning, receiving and giving

community of faith, hope and love.” – Newcastle United Church Mission Statement

Surely God is in this place. Help me notice.We Approach God

Lighting The Christ Candle

Lighting the Advent Candle – “A Candle Is Burning” # 6 (v. 1)(Words Copyright 1986, Sandra Dean)

A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright, a candle of hope in December’s dark night.While angels sing blessings from heaven’s starry sky, our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh.

Call to Worship (Responsive)

Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation.We are overwhelmed with cries to prepare for Christmas.First, we need to slow down and take time to reflect.No time! Have to get everything done and it takes longer now.We need our Advent time. A time of preparation for the coming of God into the world.We have time to stop and prepare a place for the Baby.May God enter our worship and hearts as we prepare.

Hymn of Praise “Hark The Glad Sound” # 29

Hark, the glad sound! The Saviour comes, the Saviour promised long: let every heart prepare a throne, and every voice a song.He comes, the prisoners to release in Satan’s bondage held; the gates of brass before him burst, the iron fetters yield.He comes, the broken heart to bind, the bleeding soul to cure, and with the treasurers of his grace to bless the humble poor.

Below is the service I have created for this Sunday. I hope this is something you can use for personal/family worship. We are all worshiping together, no matter where we are. If you are joining us online this week then you may want to have this resource with you so you have the words to the responses and hymns at your fingertips in case you can’t see the screen.

Rev. Mary-JaneThe words provided for the hymns are done with permission under One License # A-727596.

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Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace, your welcome shall proclaim; and heaven’s eternal arches ring with your beloved name.

Prayer of Approach (Unison)

God of the waiting, with hearts full of anticipation we come. We are preparing for a time unlike any other. It is both familiar and new, just as the arrival of the Christ Child was these things. Hope is still to be found in our world. Hope is still coming into the world. May we hold this hope, and then extend it to all as we watch and wait this Advent. Amen.

We Hear God’s WordHymn “Gentle Mary” # 46

Gentle Mary laid her child lowly in a manger, there he lay, the undefiled, to the world a stranger.Such a babe in such a place, can he be the Saviour?Ask the saved of all the race who have found his favour.Angels sang about his birth, wise men sought and found him; heaven’s star shone brightly forth, glory all around him.Shepherds saw the wonderous sight, heard the angels singing; all the plains were lit that night, all the hills were ringing.Gentle Mary laid her child lowly in a manger; he is still the undefiled, but no more a stranger.Song of God of humble birth, beautiful the story; praise his name in all the earth; hail the King of glory!

A Time To Be ChildrenThis is the first Sunday of Advent. This is a time of preparation for Christmas. When Advent begins, we know it won’t be long before Christmas is here. Often that means we know presents and family will be there. It also means the Baby Jesus will come, once again, to remind us that God is always with us. This reminder gives us hope. Hope that with God’s help, we can create a better world. So now that we are starting all our preparations and excitement, we need to

remember what we are really getting ready for. Do you remember? What is Christmas all about? It is all about a baby, a special baby. This baby meant incredible things would happen. But that doesn’t mean it was all fun and easy like it often feels now when we celebrate Christmas. Mary and Joseph had to make a long and difficult journey right before the baby was born. They were all by themselves, away from family and friends when it happened. But,it was still a special time.Babies are helpless, soft, sweet. What could a little baby do? Well, this baby came with the power of God. This power is greater than anything on earth. It is the power of hope, in a world that often has little hope in it. It is the power of peace, in a world that is often fighting. It is the power of joy, in a

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world that needs to know there is reason to celebrate. It is the power of love, in a world where love can be in short supply at times. This baby brought all that. He showed us that with God anything is possible. He grew up to show us how to love without end. That is what we are preparing for. That is Christmas.

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 that 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.

Online – Ministry of Music – “Dreaming Mary” (soloist Karen Nichol)

Luke 1:26-32; 46b-55 The angel comes to Mary and she responds. This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Hymn “What Child Is This” # 74

What child is this who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch ae keeping?

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!

Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent

Word is pleading. RSo bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, one and all, to own him.The King of Kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him. R

Message

I want to begin with a story I heard. Not even sure where anymore, but the story stuck with me.

“There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park. Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad. Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just sat and watched the people go by. She never tried to speak. She never said a word. Many people passed by her, but no one would stop. The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity to see if the little girl would still be there. Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was yesterday, and still with the same sad look in her eyes.

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Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl. For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone. As I got closer, I could see the back of the little girl's dress was grotesquely shaped. I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no effort to speak to her. Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if you make a step toward assisting someone who is different.

As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoid my intent stare. As I approached her, I could see the shape of her back more clearly. She was grotesquely shaped in a humped over form. I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to help, to talk. I sat down beside her and opened with a simple, "Hello". The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a "hi" after a long stare into my eyes. I smiled and she shyly smiled back. We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty. I asked the girl why she was so sad. The little girl looked at me with a sad face and said, "Because, I'm different." I immediately said, "That you are!"; and smiled. The little girl acted even sadder and said, "I know." "Little girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent." She looked at me and smiled, then slowly she got to her feet and said, "Really?" "Yes, like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch over all those people walking by."

She nodded her head yes, and smiled. With that she opened the back of her pink dress and allowed her wings to spread, then she said, "I am. I'm your Guardian Angel," with a twinkle in her eye. I was speechless -- sure I was seeing things. She said, "For once you thought of someone other than yourself. My job here is done." I got to my feet and said, "Wait, why did no one stop to help an angel?" She looked at me, smiled, and said, "You're the only one that could see me." And then she was gone. And with that, my life was changed dramatically. So, when you think you're all you have, remember, your angel is always watching over you.”

The Christmas story, and the stories leading up to it, are quite familiar to most of us. In fact, I would suggest, that they are too familiar. We've heard Luke's account of the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary at least once a year, each and every year of our lives. Do we really listen to it anymore? There is nothing new and startling about it. Is there!? If there is not, perhaps there should be.

Many people today have at least a romantic belief in angels. We may think that our guardian angel hurls us from the path of a speeding car or awakens us when our sick child is choking in the middle of the night. When someone does something nice and unexpected for us, we may exclaim, "You are an angel!" Angels, in modern culture, are clearly the bearers of welcome news and the doers of good deeds usually behind the scenes of life. I'm not sure where this kind of idea originated but it does not fit with what I read in the Bible, at least not with the announcement to Mary.

Native people have a saying that you cannot truly understand someone until you walk a mile in their moccasins. So, let us try on Mary's shoes for a moment and go back some 2000 years to rural Palestine. Even by this time, angels had long been regarded as messengers of God and when this one appeared to Mary, she was understandably afraid. She asked herself, "What could this mean?”

This angel was no bearer of easy news, even if we in the church have come to regard it as 'good'. This angel did not come to say that she would win the lottery and that her life would be easy from here on! Certainly not! As the scripture tells us, this message was that she would become pregnant and have a special child. She was to be the mother of the Messiah! Of course, she does not believe this news: she knows the facts of life, it seems that such an event would be a biological impossibility. This angel was ready for that objection: this child would be different, and this pregnancy would be an act of God. Gabriel tells Mary that her much older relative, Elizabeth, is expecting her first child. Because of Elizabeth's age that would also be a miracle. This was supposed to convince Mary that the message to her was true as well.

The angel tried to convince Mary that nothing was impossible with God. The text simply says that Mary agreed saying, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” I have always wondered if Mary actually accepted so quickly and without reservation. I know

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it would have been hard for me. I wonder just how difficult the next nine months were for Mary, and for Joseph?

We sometimes forget that Mary was very young, perhaps only 14 or 15. She was betrothed, or engaged, but not married. Her fiancé, probably somewhat older, was a carpenter, a kind and just man. In those days, laws about proper behaviour of engaged couples were very, very strict. And of course, people could count to nine just as well as we can now! The penalty for women having sexual relations outside of marriage was to be thrown to the ground, preferably off a cliff and then stoned to death! Mary’s pregnancy would be all the proof that Joseph needed to see to that! His honour as a man demanded it. The acceptance of this message would have had a high cost for both Mary and Joseph even though the biblical story seems to have an answer for all of these problems. And yet, in the end, Mary faced this call to service with hope.

So, what are the difficulties often brought by angelic and prophetic messengers of God. The idea that such messages bring us 'sweetness

and light' is not really a biblical one. Often the messenger from God brings a call which will prove difficult to follow, even though it is to be considered 'good news'.

The 'good news' of Advent has the power to transform our lives and turn us outward into service. An encounter with the holy rarely leaves us unchanged! Mary's life was changed by her encounter with that angel. The change would not always have been easy. Gabriel used the words 'favoured one', but I'm quite sure that at first she felt far from favoured! Would you have when it happened? It would have been a hard call to

follow. This was not an angel to help her cross the street, this angel told her that God had chosen her to be the one to give

birth to the child who would change the whole world. Wow! Throughout the Bible, an encounter with the holy or the divine is

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not something to take lightly. It is not lovely, flowery, it is serious stuff. It demands our full attention. It asks for a response. Part of what is good about Christmas is that it comes every year, to remind us that God

came to be with us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. On the other hand, part of the problem with Christmas is that it doesn't last, we have to keep doing it again and again. It seems to be so easy for people to be generous at Christmas and yet it can seem more difficult at other times of the year. If we look, we know food bank shelves, and those of other caring agencies, are full every year at this time, this year more than ever, but after the hampers are delivered for Christmas, they will be much more bare until Easter. It seems easy to do this at this time of year, why not all the time? We talk so much about the Christmas spirit - but it is not supposed to be packed away with the Christmas decorations - it is supposed to move us outward, to change our focus from ourselves and our needs, concerns and wants, to the needs and concerns of those around us.

We have heard Gabriel's message to Mary many times, but at one time it was new, shocking and startling. That is how God's call should come to us. It should be so pressing, so compelling, that it demands a response. Even if the answer is no, the good news demands a hearing. We must take it seriously.

Mary's response was something like this: "Oh my. I'm not at all sure I can do this, but I'll give it a try. Tell me what to do, I'm your servant!" Answer steeped in hope. Hope that she can do it, and hope that God knows what God is doing in even asking her.

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When I was young parent, many were lining up in the cold to purchase a red furry Elmo doll. You probably remember the one. I was so grateful to have a child who didn’t seem interested in it. One store locked their one Elmo in the safe at night, until the draw to determine its ownership was over. It took a great deal of dedication to get such a doll that year. As Christians we need to be as committed to answering the angelic call as some parents are in the last few weeks of the year to procure whatever this year’s “big” toy is for their child. Our faith is not a fad, but we should be prepared to put some effort into it, and we should be aware of what is really called for in our time and place. It is not an easy thing to do.

As we contemplate this, one thing we must remember about Mary's response and about ours is that GOD WAS WITH HER. Mary could never have done what she did without the presence of God to support and strengthen her. We could never do the things we are called to do alone and we do not need to try.

We are not all called to serve in big ways like working with relief agencies in foreign countries, or this year, working on the front lines of care in a pandemic; often the hardest and most startling call comes right here and now. Being with a relative through an illness may be our call. Baby-sitting for a harried mother may be what this good news asks of us, even though we have many other things we could be doing. Giving to the food bank may mean we have fewer luxuries but it may mean a great deal more to the recipients. Being open to that call is most important. Being open to having our own plans changed is important if we are to follow God's call. Mary and Joseph had their plans made and had to change them. This year many of us are changing plans in many ways. Is God in these changes somewhere? Are we open to God's call changing our lives, even a little bit?

It’s not that we don't believe in angels anymore, I think it is more that we don't seem to notice them as easily when they call. They don't come all dressed in white with peaceful wings unfurled - those are just images for pictures and hymns - our angels can come in many different and varied forms - but they always come with a call. We are all called -- we are called to show that we are people of faith. We are called to show that we follow a God who came to earth to show us how to be and live. We are called to follow Emmanuel - to show that God is still with us.

Let us answer with Mary -- God I don't know what I'm getting into but if you will help me, I'll say yes. God will help us, so say yes today! Amen

We Respond To God’s WordOffering InvitationDuring Advent we watch and wait. We anticipate what is to come and prepare for the arrival of the Baby. This is the greatest gift we could receive. In thankfulness, we extend ourselves, and all we are and have as a gift to others…The Offertory

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.

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Dedication Prayer (Unison)With thanks and praise we bring our Advent offerings. God, we ask that these gifts be used to bring hope to those near to us and those far away, that all may know you are Hope without end. Amen.

Prayers of the People Generous are you, most holy Friend, you selected this planet earth to be a place of beauty and fruitfulness. You have brought forth from the earth, tree and flower, bird and beast. You shaped us in your own likeness and made us your stewards on earth. When we became lost, you sent a Christ to bring us back to you. God of Advent, be pleased to receive the thanksgiving that rises from our hearts and minds, and by your Spirit help us to transpose it into a grateful and generous life-style.  

Not many of us, loving God, get through life without some pain and some sorrow. Help us to meet such hard times as a part of the

mysterious tapestry of providence, and by the initiative of your grace, turn setbacks into growth and fruitfulness. Help us to always find the hope of your presence.We pray this for every other person on this planet as well. Wherever there is disease and handicap, agony and grief, please grant to your children the ability not merely to cope, but to find some glimmers of hope even

through the bleakest day and darkest night.Holy Friend, enable us and all people of kindness

and hope, to challenge the greed, violence, injustice and neglect, that so magnify the pain and sorrow of humanity.

With Christ’s word and way as our guide, assist us to play our part in the ongoing work of salvation, counting no person as too insignificant, or no one as too evil, to be outside your redeeming love.

We ask you to show your grace by scattering the strutting arrogant people; those in governments, industry and commerce. May injustice and bullying in every form be put to shame, and replaced by humility, justice, and consistent compassion and respect for all.We ask you to show your grace by lifting up the lowly; those who have been crushed by the ruthless and exploited by the greedy. Wherever people this day feel forgotten and badly misused, may they find your angels of mercy standing with them and for them, bringing hope into their desolation.We ask you to show your grace by rebuffing the rich and sending them away empty, and by filling the hungry with good things. Bless your servants who share their daily bread, and may all those international agencies who are working among the hungry and homeless, find the wisest ways to use their resources for the maximum good.We ask you to show your grace by ministering to the disheartened or grieving among our neighbours and friends, family and work colleagues. May they discover that your mercy is with all who trust you, from generation to generation.We ask you to show your grace to all those we lift from within our hearts now…And if any of us, Holy Friend, are equipped to be your agents of justice or mercy in specific situations, please guide us and use us, we pray. May we all become hope in action. Through Christ Jesus our Saviour. Amen.(Inspired by and adapted from Bruce Prewer. Used with permission.)

Closing Hymn “Once In Royal David’s City” # 62

Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed,

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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 with God, is over all, and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall.There among the poor and lowly lived on earth our Saviour holy.For he is our lifelong pattern; daily, when on earth he grew, he was tempted, scorned, rejected, tears and smiles like us he knew.Thus he feels for all our sadness, and he shares in all our gladness.And our eyes at least shall see him, through is own redeeming love; for that child who seemed so helpless is our Lord in heaven above; and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone.

Commissioning and Benediction

As you begin your journey into the busy-new of Advent ahead, learn from the wisdom of the wise person who said:   “I do not have time to be in a hurry.”Please take time to slow down, get to know yourself and your God.Please take time to cherish the hope of the Christ Child.And may the grace of Christ attend you, the love of God surround you, and the Holy Spirit keep each one of you, now and always. Amen.

Sung Blessing “There’s A Voice In The Wilderness” # 18 (v.1) (Music Copyright 1938 by Henry Hugh Bancroft)

There’s a voice in the wilderness crying, a call from the ways untrod: prepared in the desert a highway, a highway for our God!The valleys shall be exalted, the lofty hills brought low; make straight all the crooked places where God, our God, may go!

And online we end together (wait for folks to get their mics unmuted)And the people say:

Come, Lord Jesus, Amen!

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Please note: Although working mostly from home, Rev. Mary-Jane is always available on her cellphone (905-244-8453), through the church email (newcastleunitedchurch@bellnet.ca) or confidentially on her personal email (revmj@hotmail.ca). Please feel free to be in touch.

Fundraising at Newcastle United Church

Thank you for supporting our FundScrip Orders, Poinsettia Fundraiser and Christmas Outdoor Baskets. You have made a difference!

PICK UP DATES FOR FUNDSCRIP AND POINSETTIAS

We will notify anyone who has ordered either poinsettias or FundScrip cards to arrange a scheduled pick up or delivery time on Friday December 4. You will be notified by Thursday December 3.

Cheese Orders – today is the last day to order for this fundraiser. We order our cheese from Empire Cheese in Campbellford. Prices are not indicated on the order form as the cheese is priced when sliced but they are comparable to grocery store prices. Delivery will be December 9. Please e-mail Janet O’Neill janetloneill@hotmail.com or call 905 987 9862 if you have any questions. Some hard copies of the order form are available in the Emily Street entrance. Thank you!

Facemask Fundraiser – Marie Narini has graciously offered to make these as a fundraiser. The mask has The United Church of Canada crest embroidered on one side and blank material on the other. Masks can be ordered in white, black, cream, medium blue, red, burgundy, medium green and purple. Cost is $15/mask, with $10/mask going toward our operating expenses. Call Marie at 905 914 2234 or e-mail: amnarini@yahoo.ca.

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ALL FUNDS RAISED WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE EXPENSES OF OUR CHURCH

THANK-YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Gifts With Vision – if you would like to contribute toward our Mission & Service goal through Gifts With Vision, here is the link: https://giftswithvision.ca. where you can browse the catalogue. Please indicate “Newcastle United Church” where indicated so your gifts is credited to our annual M&S goal. Thank you. Hard copies of the order sheet will be placed in the Emily St. entrance.

Call for Pictures – Music to Wash Dishes By needs your help. While

Joanne provides the music, we need pictures you can enjoy while you listen. If you have any Advent, Christmas or winter pictures you could share that would be great. Since these pictures will be put on our YouTube channel please limit them to those without people, if you can. Simply text or email the pictures to Rev. Mary-Jane. If you do not have digital pictures please call Rev. Mary-Jane and she will arrange to pick up the pictures and return them once used. Thank you.

Our church YouTube channel, is where you can find recordings of weekly worship services and Music to Wash Dishes By. Please note: all 8 episodes of our show “Investigation: Exodus” are now on our channel. You can binge on them just like your other favourite shows. Here is the link -

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpPUnPABHPlOJzAJ7uXvHoA

Bible Study – Our weekly, Wednesday morning online Bible Study starts at 10 am. Please contact Rev. Mary-Jane if you would like to join us.

From the Stewards:

As we continue with a large overdraft of $18,816, we would ask that during this time, and if you are able, please continue giving your church donations regularly. Please speak with Lorna McSwan, our treasurer, at le.mcswan@bell.net or 905-987-3940 to arrange to register for Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) which can be cancelled at any time. You are also able to mail your donations to the church at: 84 Mill St. South, Newcastle, ON L1B 1H2. Donations can be made via CanadaHelps: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/newcastle-unted-church/ through this link or the link on our website: www.newcastleunitedchurch.org “Donate” page, e-transfer: nucetransfer@gmail.com . Post-dated cheques are yet another option.

Thank you for considering these options. While we may not be gathering together, our expenses need to be met.

Thank you to all who continue to send in their church givings – we very much appreciate it.

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NEWCASTLE UNITED CHURCH