An Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Canada
2020 December 6 Advent 2Welcome and Inclusion We open our hearts and our
church family to all people in our community regardless of economic circumstances, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, differing abilities, or ethnicity. Many people’s lives continue to be devastated by hatred, prejudice, and inequality, therefore we stand with those who are
adversely affected by
injustice, alienation and
Welcome to Robertson-Wesley
Please know that in the eyes of God you already belong here and you arewelcome to participate in any of the activities of the congregation. .
COVID CHANGES
❖ Follow the directional signage (yellow arrows) around the building. ❖ Sanitize/wash your hands, social distance, and wear your mask. ❖ There will be no singing during Worship.
❖ Fellowship will remain online via zoom and not in Memorial Hall. ❖ We will not pass the offering plate, but you may place your donations in
the offering plates or use the debit terminal at the exits. ❖ There are no kids or youth programs at this time.
ASSISTIVE LISTENING SERVICES
Hearing assistance devices are available from the ushers.
ELEVATOR & ACCESS RAMPS
R-W has an accessible elevator located in the lobby near the hall. Access ramps can be found: inside leading from the lobby to the sanctuary and outside at the rear of the building, leading from the parking lot.
LARGE PRINT AVAILABLE
Large print versions of the Worship bulletin are available from the ushers.
BREAST FEEDING
People can breastfeed anywhere in the building.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Service animals are welcome in the church, except where food is prepared.
ACCESSIBLE WASHROOMS & BABY CHANGING TABLES
R-W has accessible washrooms with changing tables located by the elevator.
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
We commit to make R-W a comfortable space for people with cognitive impairment, including people with Alzheimer’s disease, senility or dementia, intellectual/learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism or autism-spectrum disorders.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Please do not leave valuables unattended anywhere in the church. We ask that you please take your coats, jackets, hats etc with you to your seat in the pews.
We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting ground for Indigenous peoples. We acknowledge the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 4, who are of mixed Indigenous and European heritage.
10209 123 St, Edmonton T5N 1N3 780-482-1587
Friends in Christ
Prelude: Lo How A Rose, arr. Erin Craig Erin Craig, organ
Embracing Our Spirit
Sung Response: Gloria Voices United 37
Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, gloria, alleluia, alleluia. Opening Prayer:
God of hope and justice dream your dream through us. Enable us to be a part of your vision of shalom in all we say and do. Enable us to enter into wonder like children and be filled with awe and mystery of your presence. Let us be full of the
expectation of new life through Christ, we pray. Amen.1
Opening Hymn: I Am Walking a Path of Peace More Voices 221 I am walking a path of peace,
I am walking a path of peace, I am walking a path of peace, lead me home, lead me home. I am walking a path of hope, I am walking a path of hope, I am walking a path of hope, lead me home, lead me home. I am walking a path of love, I am walking a path of love, I am walking a path of love, lead me home, lead me home. I am walking a path with God, I am walking a path with God, I am walking a path with God, lead me home, lead me home.
Coming into God’s Presence Rev. Karen Bridges
Advent Candle Lighting:
Last week we lit the candle of Hope. We light it again as we continue our Advent journey.
Our time of eager anticipation continues, our time of waiting… waiting for the arrival of the one who will redeem us from our conflict: conflict within our thoughts, our families, our
communities, our world. We open our hearts and minds to divine Peace as we pray:
1 Written by Atez Veldhuis, Gathering Advent/Christmas/Epiphany, 1998. Used with
Tender God, whose will it is that we live in harmony, we light this next candle, the candle of Peace,
trusting that your ray of Peace will come to guide us into wholeness, even in our most broken hours. Amen.2
Advent Lighting Hymn: Come Now, O God of Peace (O-So-So)
Voices United 34 Come now, O God of peace, we are your people;
pour out your spirit that we be one body.
God’s Holy Word
Scripture: Norma Johnston
Isaiah 40:1-11 • Comfort, O Comfort my people.
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, and that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. Get you up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings; lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Lord God comes with might, and God’s arm rules; God’s reward is with God, and God’s recompense before God. God will feed the flock like a shepherd; God will gather the lambs in God’s arms, and carry them in God’s bosom, and gently lead the sheep. Mark 1:1-8 • The proclamation of John the Baptist.
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make the paths straight.’” John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the
2
whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
This is the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Thanks be to God for Christ, the word made flesh.
Sermon: Seeking comfort in the wilderness. Rev. Karen Bridges
Hymn: Isaiah 40 (Comfort, Comfort Now My People)
Voices United p. 883 Comfort, comfort now my people;
speak of peace; so says our God. Comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning under sorrow’s load. Cry out to Jerusalem
of the peace that waits for them; tell them that their sins I cover and their warfare now is over. For the herald’s voice is crying in the desert far and near, calling all to true repentance, since God’s judgement now is here. Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way! Let the valleys rise in meeting and the hills bow down in greeting.
Then make straight what long was crooked; make the rougher places plain.
Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits a holy reign.
For the glory of our God now on earth is shed abroad, and all flesh shall see the token that God’s word is never broken.
Pastoral Prayers Rev. Sally Boyle
Lord’s Prayer- A Paraphrase Voices United p. 916 Eternal Spirit,
Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen.
Grateful Response
Minute for Mission Sylvia Duffus
Offering:
We take time to offer to God our gratitude for the ways we have been served and are able to serve in this time.
Your donations today support R-W Church programs and building operations, as well as outreach projects and programs in the city and
around the world. You can donate by e-transfer to pay@rwuc.org, cheque (by mail), debit/credit at the terminal by the doors, pre-authorized remittance, or PayPal on the website. Tax receipts are issued
at the end of the year for donations over $20 if your name and address are provided
Offertory Hymn: As Those of Old Their First-fruits Brought
Voices United 518 vs 3
With gratitude and humble trust we bring our best to you,
not just to serve your cause,
but share your love with neighbours too.
O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ, your son, help us to give ourselves each day until life’s work is done. Prayer of Gratitude:
Accept our gifts as part of preparing our hearts and lives for your coming once again. May they be used to prepare the way for your coming into our world. Amen!3
3 Written by Hugh MacGregor, Gathering, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany 2005/6, p.34.
Closing Hymn: Let there be peace on earth
Songs for a Gospel People 1284 Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me;
let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God, our creator, children all are we;
let us walk with each other in perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now, with ev’ry step I take let this be my solemn vow:
to take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me; let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God, our creator, children all are we;
let us walk with each other in perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now, with ev’ry step I take let this be my solemn vow:
to take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
Benediction:
May the candles of Hope and Peace burn brightly in our hearts, preparing the way for the Christ child.
May we be the signs of peace in the world as we prepare for this season of Advent.
And may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.5
Postlude: Two Advent Preludes, #1, Robert Führer Erin Craig, organ
R-W Report
Next Sunday Sunday, Dec 13, 2020 Advent 3 Lessons and Carols 4:00PM (on-line only)Children & Youth: There are no children and youth programs at this time. There are online opportunities before worship for children and after worship for youth.
Scriptures: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 • The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. John 1:6-8,19-28 • John testifies to the Light.
Sermon: The Acceptable Year of the Lord.
4 Published in Songs for a Gospel People, covered under Onelicense #606241
5 Written by Wanda Winfield, Gathering, Advent//Christmas/Epiphany, 2015/16, p. 27.
The Acceptable Year of the Lord, Year of God’s favour, the Year of Jubilee all refer to a sabbatical year where debts are forgiven, labourers are freed, the land is given a rest through laying it fallow and returning it to its original owner. Our minds cannot comprehend the radical change that such action might bring about in our society and our world. And yet we have the opportunity to dream, to imagine, to hope. Could it be that with “the Spirit of the Lord upon us” we could in fact do the
unimaginable? Music: Erin Craig
After Worship: A time of fellowship is held online via Zoom. WEEK AT A GLANCE
Sun Dec 6 Kids’ Worship - Online 9:30 am
Sunday Worship - Sanctuary & Online 10:30 am
Sunday Fellowship - Zoom 12:00 pm
Communion - Online 1:00 pm
Blue Christmas - Sanctuary & Online 7:00 pm Mon Dec 7 Affirming Reflections - Online 12:00 pm
Spirited Art Studio - Zoom 7:00 pm
Tues Dec 8 Scripture Reflections - Online 12:00 pm
UCW - Zoom 1:30 pm
Gratitude Team - Zoom 2:00 pm
Finance Ctte - Zoom 7:30 pm
Wed Dec 9 Spirited Art Studio - Zoom 1:30 pm
Thur Dec 10 Affirming Coffee Hour - Online 11:00 am
Fri Dec 11 Hymn Sing - Online 12:00 pm
ON THE HORIZON
Sun Dec 13 Kids’ Worship - Online 9:30 am
Sunday Worship - Sanctuary & Online 10:30 am
Sunday Fellowship - Zoom 12:00 pm
Soul OUTing - Zoom 7:00 pm
Mon Dec 14 Affirming Reflections - Online 12:00 pm
Spirited Art Studio - Zoom 7:00 pm
Tues Dec 15 Scripture Reflections - Online 12:00 pm
R-W Board Meeting- Zoom 7:00 pm
Wed Dec 16 Spirited Art Studio - Zoom 1:30 pm
Thur Dec 17 Affirming Coffee Hour - Online 11:00 am
Fri Dec 18 Hymn Sing - Online 12:00 pm
Volunteer Opportunities
The Church Board appoints a Nomination committee every year to undertake the task of advertising vacant elected positions and to receive calls from interested candidates. The committee also approaches church members who have attributes and skills to handle these positions. Once a list of interested candidates is assembled, the Nomination committee presents a slate at the Annual Meeting. If there are more than one applicant per position, the Board chair organizes the general body to vote on their selection. Currently the Nomination committee consists of Ron Soans (780-722-0182) ronsoans.rs@gmail.com and Garnet Thomas (780-484-7242) gathomas@telusplanet.net and John Fleming (780-482-7668) anthrax2c@hotmail.com. Please call/email Ron, Garnet or John if you are interested in any of the 3 positions advertised. Thank you
Board Secretary Role: To attend all Board and Congregational meetings and record the minutes of all such meetings. To distribute the minutes to the board members, and submit the minutes to the office administrator within one week of the meeting for filing, once signed by the Board Secretary and the Board Chair.
Term: Two years, with an option to renew for a second term.
Incoming Board Chair Role: The role of the Incoming Board Chair is to support the Board Chair as needed, and to develop the experience and knowledge of the church, its mission, and its ministry.
Term: One year with a three year commitment. One year as Incoming Board Chair, one year as Board Chair, and one year as Past Board Chair. Treasurer Role: The Treasurer is responsible for the tracking and
reporting on the financial position of the Church. The Treasurer works with the Financial Manager to ensure that the Church is in a stable position financially and that there is a budget approved by the Congregation that is being adhered to. The Treasurer chairs the Finance Committee and provides leadership on financial challenges facing the Church. The Treasurer provides open, transparent, and regular communication with the congregation and Board.
Term: Two years, with an option to renew for a second term. R-W News & Notes
MISSION AND SERVICE
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF HEALING
Today at 7:00 pm. Christmas is a holy time that is not always happy. It brings up so many memories that heighten our feelings of grief or sadness, pain or loneliness. This is a service of quiet reflection, remembrance and peace. We hope that this service will bring a sense of peace in this sacred season with quiet music, scripture, silence and candle light. This service will be both Live Streamed and in person.
LESSONS AND CAROLS
December 13, 4:00 pm streaming on rwuc.org/live or on Facebook only. Words and Music for Christmas. A lovely, gentle candlelight service to celebrate the season. This service is a classic tradition, with a series of scripture readings that take us through the whole story of God’s promise, Israel’s longing and waiting, and the fulfilment of promise in the birth of Christ. The story is accompanied by music from the choir, as well as from other musicians. We will be lighting candles in the R-W sanctuary so you can feel like you are there with us.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT R-W COVID STYLE 2020
Christmas Eve December 24 at R-W is going to look a little different this year. Christmas Eve Services will still be at 4:00 pm, 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm, but there are some changes. The 4:00 pm Family Service will be live-streamed only with no in-person attendance. The 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm services will be livestreamed AND will have space for 150 attendees per service, you will be required to register for those services. These 2 services will be very similar in nature ending with candlelight and silent night. To register for these services please contact the church office by calling 780-482-1587 or emailing the office at mail@rwuc.org. please indicate which service you would like to attend and number of people attending, please register by December 22, 2020.
UCW & FRIENDS
Robertson-Wesley chapter of The United Church Women (UCW) & Friends still meet on the second Tuesday every month. All are welcome to join UCW on Zoom for a time of fellowship and connection. The next UCW Zoom is Tuesday, December 8 at 1:30 pm. For the Zoom link please email the office at mail@rwuc.org.
AFFIRMING REFLECTIONS
AFFIRMING COFFEE HOUR
Affirming Ministries invites you to bring your coffee and join Shylo for his online Affirming Coffee Hour! On Zoom every Thursday from 11:00 am - Noon. This is a chance for connection of LGBTQIA2S+ folks and allies who want to learn more, ask questions, engage in thoughtful discussions, and socialize! Email: affirming.ministries@rwuc.org for the link! Affirming Coffee Hour will take a Christmas break, with the last session being December 17, and will resume in the new year.
SPIRITED ART STUDIO
The Spirited Art studio is a place for people to explore art and connect with each other in an informal creative environment. Tune in any time and try out different art-making processes, facilitated by Laura David Foster. Visit rwuc.org/spirited-arts-movement to register for the Zoom. Mondays from 7:00–8:30 pm and Wednesdays from 1:30-3:00 pm. Spirited Art Studio will take a Christmas break with the last session being December 16, and will resume on January 4, 2021.
HYMN SING
Join Erin Craig at noon on Fridays for Hymn Sing on rwuc.org/live or on Facebook. Tune in to listen to your favorite hymns and sing along in the comfort of your own home! Hymn Sing will take a Christmas break, with the last Hymn Sing on December 18 and will resume January 8, 2021.
UNITED CHURCH CALENDARS
R-W will be ordering 2021 United Church Calendars. The calendar features church sanctuary photos from all across Canada. They will be available for sale for $10 and can be picked-up or mailed to you. If you are interested, please contact Elyse in the office at 780-482-1587 or email at mail@rwuc.org
BROADVIEW MAGAZINE
Broadview is the oldest continuously published magazine in North America and the second oldest in the English-speaking world. Previously called The United Church Observer, the publication remains committed to highlighting stories about spirituality, ethical living, and social justice from a progressive Christian perspective. R-W has a group subscription rate of $25/year. If you would like to subscribe to Broadview please speak to Elyse in the office at 780-482-1587 or email at mail@rwuc.org
BETWEEN THE AISLES
SOUL OUTING
Sunday, December 13 at 7:00 pm. Soul OUTing is an interfaith sharing circle that meets on the second Sunday of every month on Zoom. Each session uses reflection and ritual to delve into a spiritual or philosophical topic from different faith perspectives. It’s a safe space for LGBTQIA2+ persons and allies to explore spirituality and life questions. To register for Zoom join the Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/soul.outing
GREEN BITES
Little tidbits to whet your appetite for change! Do you know that the City of Edmonton is the home of Change for Climate? Check out
changeforclimate.ca to see more about the programs offered and how we, as citizens of Edmonton and the world, can reduce our environmental footprint. Edmontonians will be amazed at what we can do as individuals to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
ANNUAL REPORT
The deadline for reports from the committees, pods and groups of the church is January 10, 2021. Send your information to mail@rwuc.org with “2020 Annual Report Submission” in the subject line.
Worship Notes
On the first Sunday of the month during COVID restrictions we invite people to participate in the sacrament of Communion from the safety of their home. On Communion Sundays people are invited to make an extra donation to Mission and Service which is a national fund which helps The United Church of Canada live out its mission in the country and the world. There are special blue offering envelopes for this gift. If you would like to make an e-transfer or pay by cheque or PayPal please indicate what amount you would like to go to Mission and Service. The money raised helps with relief aid after natural disasters and many other important programs around the world.
Cover Image
Cover image was taken by Rev. Karen Bridges in Ethiopia March 31, 2019.
Minister of Spiritual and Pastoral Care Development: Vacant Bridging Minister: Rev. Sally Boyle
Minister of Congregation and Community Development: Rev. Karen Bridges Interim Music Director: Erin Craig