Stettler United Church
4:00 p.m. December 16, 2018
Service of Light & Hope
Welcoming Words
& Candle Lighting
“In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79)
Call to Worship ~
with sung refrain from ”Hope Shines as the Solitary Star” #220 MV
Hope shines as the solitary star,
faith is the inner light.
You and I together, mirror the Light of Lights,
and illumine the pathway home. (repeat)
When we look for you, O God, where are you?
When we feel alone –
When we are afraid –
When other disappoint us –
When we grieve –
When we are sick –
When the world treats people unfairly –
When we know we need you with us.
Sung Refrain:
Hope shines as the solitary star,
faith is the inner light.
You and I together, mirror the Light of Lights,
and illumine the pathway home. (repeat)
We will praise your name and dwell in your love.
Not tomorrow.
Not later.
Today. Now!
We know we need you with us.
Sung Refrain:
Hope shines as the solitary star,
faith is the inner light.
You and I together, mirror the Light of Lights,
and illumine the pathway home. (repeat)
Written by Joanne Stenerson. Reprinted, with permission, from page 32 of gathering A/C/E 2018
Prayer:
Merciful God, we thank you for your healing presence. We are like empty cups waiting to be filled with your love, compassion, and healing presence. Hear our loneliness and fill us with your grace. Amen.
*Hymn: Dream a Dream #158 MV (INSERT IN PPT FROM DEC. 9TH SERVICE)
The Candle of Prayer (reader = page 71 of gathering A/C/E 2018)
Sung Response: And When You Call for Me #96 MV
The candle of prayer is lit.
We light this candle of prayer, remembering that God hears our prayers.
The Candle of Healing (reader = page 71 of gathering A/C/E 2018)
Sung Response: In You There is a Refuge #84 MV
The candle of healing is lit.
We light this candle, asking for healing of our broken hearts, knowing that, with God, all things are possible.
The Candle of Strength (reader = page 71 of gathering A/C/E 2018)
Sung Response: Don’t Be Afraid #90 MV
The candle of strength is lit.
We light this candle of strength, knowing that our strength comes from God. God alone can fill us with strength, hope, courage, and confidence.
The Candle of Gratitude (reader = page 72 of gathering A/C/E 2018)
Special Music: Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands, by Fred Kaan & Ron Klusmeier, (#173 MV verses 4a and 5a) sung by Jan Richardson and David Goodwin
The candle of gratitude is lit.
We light this candle of gratitude. We are grateful for warm and wonderful memories.
The Candle of Consolation (reader = page 72 of gathering A/C/E 2018)
Special Music ~ Come and Be With Me, composed and sung by David Goodwin, accompanied by Barbara-Lynn Goodwin
The candle of consolation is lit.
We light this candle of consolation. We know that pain can be lightened when shared with another. We thank you, God, for walking with us during this time of pain, sadness, and loneliness. May joy return as you walk with us and console us.
*Hymn: O Little Town of Bethlehem #64 VU
Breath Prayer (reader = page 72 of gathering A/C/E 2018)
Three times during this prayer time, you’ll be invited to say
“I remember…” with an inhale; and “your love for me”… on the exhale
Time of Contemplation and Prayer (similar to wording on page 72 of gathering and/or previous services of Light & Hope)
Special Music: All Through the Night, offered by Bob & Jan)
Keeping Watch in the Night (an excerpt from page 53 of Out of the Ordinary, by Joyce Rupp)
*Hymn: Silent Night #67 VU
Prayer of Blessing (reader = page 73 of gathering A/C/E 2018)
Musical Interlude and then Refreshments are Served