Sunday, December 18, 2022
An Unexpected Time: Called to look deeply
Advent 4
GATHERING
Prelude
Lighting of Advent candle Tyler Gerber
Ben Gingerich, Courtney Hobbs, Marley and Clarke
Bell calls us to silence Steve Wagler
Call to worship
Prayer
Hymn Bless’d Be the God of Israel VT 223
HEARING
Children’s singing Go tell it on the mountain
Angels we have heard on high
Silent night
Scripture Matthew 1: 18-25 Steve Wagler
Gift of music Gloria In Excelsis Deo Choir
Night Long Awaited
Bell calls us to silence
Sermon Pastor Steve Drudge
RESPONDING
Hymn Joy to the World VT 240
Bell calls us to silence Steve Wagler
Confession
Song of assurance For You, O God, My Soul VT 41
Congregational Sharing & Prayer Pastor Louise Wideman
Offering & offertory
Children’s Time Pastor Steve Drudge
Announcements
Song Morning of Promise Choir
Benediction Pastor Steve Drudge
Postlude
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Song Leader: Suzanne Bender
Accompanist: Susan Seyler
A/V: Cliff Kennel, Steve Kennel
Christmas Choir:
Soprano: Saundi Bast, Gladys Bender, Claire Gingerich, Darlene Gingerich, Edith Gingerich, Jessie Gingerich, Mary Lou Gingerich, Norma Iutzi, Irene Jutzi, Carol Sararus, Rose Wagler, Aubrey Winter
Alto: Elaine Finnie, Melissa Gingerich, Janessa Otto, Dianne Satchell, Susan Seyler, Louise Wideman, Sarah Winter
Tenor: Michael Gingerich, Brian Sararus, Mark Scheerer, Stephen Yantzi
Bass: Bob Bender, Darryl Drudge, John Iutzi, Ben Winter
Director: Nancy Steinmann Yantzi
Accompanist: Doris Martin
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An unsupervised nursery is available across from the washrooms for children ages 5 and under.
In person Coffee Time following the service.
Today is our Intergenerational Sunday School at 11:15 a.m. All ages are invited to gather in the fellowship hall for a Bible story and singing. Following Sunday School, there will be treats of appreciation from the Pastors.
Kid’s Offering and December Special Offering: Christmas Day Dinner for those alone or lonely, sponsored by Wilmot Family Resource Centre and local churches. http://bit.ly/3ONkf1M
Experimenting with offering practice: You are invited to deposit envelops/money into an offering plate in the foyer as you arrive for worship. During the offertory, children will bring their offerings forward to place in the basket. Following the offertory, ushers will bring the offering forward for a prayer of blessing.
Christmas Eve Service Saturday December 24
6:30 p.m. A service of Scriptures and Carols. An offering will be received for Mennonite Disaster Service (Fiona Disaster clean up).
Instrumental Ensemble plays during service.
Next Sunday December 25 Christmas Day
10:00 a.m. – Livestream and in-person worship in the sanctuary.
Theme: An Unexpected Time: Lifted to newness
Scripture: Isaiah 52:7-10; Luke 2:25-40
Speaker: Pastor Sara Erb
No Sunday school or coffee time
Congregational Life
Dec. 20 (Tues) 4 – 5 p.m. & 7 p.m. Pickleball. Next date: Tues. Jan. 10th.
MYF (Grades 9-12+)
Jan. 6-7 (Fri- Sat) MYF Lock-In, at the church. Drop off is 6:30 p.m., pick up at noon on Saturday. Bring $5 for pizza supper, a box of your favourite breakfast cereal to share, bedding, change of clothes, snacks to share, and games. RSVP by Jan 3.
Small Groups
The Adult Bible Study led by Wes Leis will be taking a break over the winter. Next meeting date will be advised.
Dec. 22 (Thurs.) 10-11:30 a.m. – Women’s Bible study will be meeting in person and on Zoom. Christmas social, brings treats to share and your own mug. Contact Lynelle Drudge, Joy Wagler or Darlene Gingerich.
Wider Community
Dec. 21 (Wed.) 7 p.m. Longest Night of the Year Service, at St. George’s Anglican Church, New Hamburg. This is a service to acknowledge losses, grief and loneliness at what can be a difficult time of the year. This contemplative service is for all who desire a deeper sense of God’s love and compassion. Sponsored by Wilmot Ecumenical Ministerial and Interfaith Counselling Center.
Dec. 26 (Mon.) 12-4 p.m. Blood Donor Clinic at Steinmann Mennonite Church. Appointments are required. To book an appointment call 1-888-236-6283 or https://www.blood.ca/en
Mennonite Church Eastern Canada seeks a Bookkeeper https://bit.ly/3WkJXNL and an Events and Communications Coordinator https://bit.ly/3HD5EEI
Silver Lake Mennonite Camp is growing and looking to fill three year-round positions: Fundraising Manager, Program Direc tor and Maintenance Coordinator. For more information click here: https://bit.ly/3YGvNsz.
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate is looking for local households (e.g. ideally within a 30 minute bus ride) to host an international student. To learn more, please contact Jill Sauer: homestay@rockway.ca.
Personal Notes
Congratulations to Harold Swartzentruber who is celebrating his 87th birthday on Friday, December 23.
Over the Christmas Holidays, in the case of an emergency, please contact the Pastors directly via phone:
- December 25-28, Pastor Sara on Call – 226-750-0276
- Dec 29-31, Pastor Steve on Call – 226-333-2014
- Jan 1-3, Pastor Louise on Call – 519-390-1734 or 289-969-4123
Remember in Prayer
This week join Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) in prayer for The Gathering Church in Kitchener, ON.