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Wesley United Church– Year A
November 30, 2025, 11:00 am.
Advent 1- Hope
Worship Leader: Bev Hinks and Lucy Bragg
Reader: Roy Richards
Music: Bev Bragg
Greeter: Joyce Seaward
Bell Ringer: Ross Cooper
Gathering in the Spirit
Welcome to our worship service either online or in printed form.
Life and Work of the Church may be found at the end of the service.
Our Blessings & Birthdays for this week are:
Lighting of the Advent Candle- Hope
L. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.
P. In the beginning is our hope, and hope is in God.
L. This advent season begins with hope for this world.
P. This lit candle symbolizes our hope for this season of short days and long nights.
*Introit VU # 7 Hope is a Star verse 1
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
the last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
*CALL TO WORSHIP
L: Dear God of our true salvation, we wait humbly and faithfully for the rebirth of the Christ Light within us.
P: In the shadows of a weary world, we come together, trusting that this Light will indeed shine once again upon us.
L. An ancient song pulls our heartstrings toward you, O God.
P: Through Jesus, the way has been made plain for us.
L: In thanksgiving, we praise your holy name as we wait. Amen
*Opening Hymn: Video: Light of the World
The world waits for a miracle
The heart longs for a little bit of hope
O come, O come Emmanuel
A child prays for peace on Earth
And she’s calling out from sea of hurt
O come, O come Emmanuel
And can you hear the angels singing?
Glory to the light of the world,
Glory, the light of the world is here
The drought breaks with the tears of a mother
The baby’s cry is the sound of love
Come down, come down Emmanuel
Oh, he is the song for the suffering
He is Messiah, the Prince of Peace has come,
He has come, Emmanuel
Glory to the light of the world
Glory, the light of the world is He
For all who hunger, for all who who’ve prayed. For all who wander, behold your King.
Behold Messiah, Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world.
Glory, the light of the world is He
Opening Prayer
The earth has turned once more, Creator God. The season of hope, peace, joy, and love returns as a reminder of how we should live the whole year through. You have called us to be your people, asking us to take your light out into the world. Help us in our times of worship throughout this season of Advent to find the words to share the message of hope, peace, joy, and love. Show us how to be fully aware of your presence, so that we might share your presence with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Invitation to Prayer of Confession
We have entered into the time of waiting- waiting for Christmas, waiting for Christ’s presence, waiting for things to change. But we grow weary in our waiting-we want God’s future to be among us now. Yet still, we wait-patiently. We wait and watch and pray. Let us join together in our prayer of confession.
Prayer of Confession
Many voices clamour for our attention. We are good at tuning them out, hearing only what we want to hear. That includes your voice, God- especially your voice- for you often speak to us from the wilderness, from places beyond the margins of our comfort and security. And you speak through strange messengers, people who don’t fit in, prophets like John the Baptist, prophets like Jesus. We are good at tuning them out. Forgive us; heal our spiritual numbness. Soften our senses and help us to feel. Make us eager to answer your call to follow the path of life. Amen.
Words of Assurance
L. We hear the words of the prophets- for unto us a child is born. The desert will burst forth in bloom; comfort will be among us. Even as we wait- we can trust in God’s future, we can trust in God’s healing forgiveness, this day and forevermore.
P. Thanks be to God! Amen
Listening for the Spirit
*Hymn: VU # 87 I Am the Light of the World
“I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!”
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery
Of what you were meant to do and be.
1 When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and the shepherds have found
their way home,
the work of Christmas is begun:
“I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!”
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery
Of what you were meant to do and be.
2 To find the lost and lonely one,
to heal the broken soul with love,
to feed the hungry children with warmth
and good food,
to feel the earth below, the sky above!
“I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!”
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery
Of what you were meant to do and be.
3 To free the prisoner from all chains,
to make the powerful care,
to rebuild the nations
with strength of good will,
to see God’s children everywhere!
“I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!”
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery
Of what you were meant to do and be.
4 To bring hope to every task you do,
to dance at a baby’s new birth,
to make music in an old person’s heart,
and sing to the colours of the earth!
“I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!”
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery
Of what you were meant to do and be.
Scripture Readings
Epistle Reading: Romans 13:11-14
This reading serves as a call to action for believers, urging them to awaken from spiritual slumber and live morally as the return of Christ approaches. Paul emphasizes that the time is urgent, likening Christians to “morning people” who should live in the light of day, reflecting their faith through righteous actions. The passage highlights the importance of love and living harmoniously, reminding believers that they are near to eternity and should keep this truth in mind as they navigate their lives. Ultimately, it encourages a lifestyle that reflects the hope of being in God’s presence.
Epistle Reading: Romans 13:11-14
This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, (debauchery and licentiousness) or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Psalm 122
This psalm is a significant biblical text that emphasizes themes of worship, community and peace. It is a song of ascents attributed to King David, expressing joy in going to Jerusalem, which symbolizes divine dwelling and unity among God’s people. The psalm encourages believers to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, reflecting a longing for peace and justice in the holy city. Overall, this psalm serves as a spiritual reminder of the connection between heaven and earth through Jerusalem.
Psalm 122
L. I was glad when they said to me:
P. Let us go to the house of God.
L. And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
P. Jerusalem is built as a city bound firmly together.
L. There the tribes go up, the tribes of God, to give thanks to the name of God, as was decreed for Israel.
P. There, the thrones of justice stand, the thrones of David’s house.
Refrain:
With joy we go to God’s own house and enter with a song.
L. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May those who love you prosper!
P. May there be peace within your walls, prosperity within your palaces!
L. For the sake of my kin and friends I say: Peace be with you!
P. For the sake of the house of our God, I will seek your good.
Refrain:
With joy we go to God’s own house and enter with a song.
Response to Psalm
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Gospel Reading: Matthew 24: 36-44
This reading addresses the uncertainty of the timing of Jesus’ return and emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared. It begins by saying that no one knows the exact day or hour of His return, except the Father, highlighting the mystery surrounding this event.
Then it illustrates the suddenness of His return through examples of people being taken away wile working in the field or grinding at the mill, indicating that not everyone will be prepared.
Finally, it reassures believers that they must be ready, as the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour, reminding them to live out their faith daily.
Really, this passage serves as a call to live with urgency and faith, preparing for the unknown yet certain return of Christ.
Matthew 24: 36-44
But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Message: Walking in the Light and Waiting for Jesus
By Rev Richard Fairchild
One way to describe the Season of Advent - which has begun this day, is to say that Advent operates in three tenses all at once. In Advent we await the birth of the Christ child as the recollection of a past event, of a birth that happened over 2000 years ago - and a
celebration that will happen - is beginning to happen - right now.
This past event has great significance in the present. In Advent we once again await the birth of the Christ Child into our lives, into our families, into our church community. We await this Christmas - and a Holy Evening, not 26 days away, where - bathed in candlelight - we will say: "Yes Lord! Thank You Lord" and rejoice in his presence, his having come among us as a babe, a child, a man, a human like us - to love us.
And as we wait we savour those things that remind us of all the good Christmas's that have pasted. We savour them and make them part of this Christmas - songs and carols, special dinner dishes and treats, candle lit worship, visits and phone calls, prayers and readings, and cards and notes, and the wonderful smells of the season.
In Advent we await a past event and indeed we prepare our lives for it. And the preparation we do enriches our lives and makes this time a special time.
And, in Advent we await the future - a special future: we await the unveiling of the reign of God, something which is continually being revealed, but is yet to be fully realized.
We await a time that Isaiah, and Jesus, and Paul describe as a time of judgement: a time when accounts are settled - not always comfortably – but always rightly -a time when two will be in the field;
one will be taken and one will be left, and a time when at long last all the swords are beaten into plowshares
and all spears into pruning hooks, and peace - lasting peace - comes at last
We await a time of judgement and a time of salvation,
the time of Christ's return - the time when the whole world is of God's Kingdom - the time when all who have passed through judgement are as one, one in joy - and in faith - and in hope - and in love. - the time when sin, suffering, pain, and death are no more.
Come, says Isaiah as he proclaims the word of judgement and of salvation in today's reading, "Come - let us walk in the light of the Lord!" That "come" is a word about what to do now - today, as we await tomorrow. "Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord" says Isaiah, "Stay awake, be alert", says Jesus. "Put on the armour of light." says Paul, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."
That is the third tense of Advent.
The present tense.
The active tense.
Advent is not just about preparing for Christ's coming as a child from the past. Nor is Advent just about preparing for Christ's coming as the righteous
king in the future. Advent is also - and primarily - about preparing for Christ's coming in our
lives - right now.
For his light to be around us and shining from within us - today. For his spirit to be dwelling in our hearts and our minds - this minute. For his living presence to be seen all that we say and do and all that we see and hear - second by precious second..
In this sense advent memory and advent hope are joined together: - together our past experience and our future expectations about the reign of God and about the Christ, the Messiah, are realized now, not simply because of our preparation for it; but because of the divine truth about God's past and God's present and
God's future: the truth that God has been with us - and will yet be with us - and even now is with us.
Advent as a season of the church year helps us to be prepared, it reminds us to keep our ears, eyes and our hearts open, open for the in-breaking of the saving presence and power of Almighty God.
These are indeed times like the times of Noah. Ordinary times - times when men and women marry and are given in marriage - and children play games and go to school - and adults go to work or to the market every day.
These are ordinary times with our wars and our rumours of war - ordinary times with our good - and with our evil - with our love and with our hate
the ordinary times - when it is easy to forget the extraordinary -and to forget to be ready for it.
For all time, but especially for this time, this ordinary time, this time right now - the question is: is your home in order? Is it ready? Does it even now embrace our Saviour?
Look around you. I think you know and I think the church knows how to embrace the coming of
the Christ Child. How to be ready for the celebration. How to decorate that which is outside - and how to decorate, how to hallow, that which is inside.
And I think as I listen to you pray at your homes and here in this sanctuary that you know how to read the signs of times - and to pray for God's kingdom to come and for his will to be done on earth as it is in
heaven.
I know your longing for peace as you hear the news from the mid-east about terrorist bombings, and as you think of the children who go hungry and of the earthquakes and floods that afflict the world.
I know what you hope - for we all hope for it - we all hope for the time of eternal blessing- we hope for us and we hope for the world for the Christ to return
in power and in glory.
But what about now? What about the God who is here now? The Christ who is here now?
Is our house completely ready for him? Are we making him comfortable? Do we let him live with us - and own us completely? Are we able to invite him into every nook and cranny of our homes, - or are there beds we hope he will not look under and rooms that we hope he will not enter. The room where we hide our anger and resentment at someone. The chamber which we often disappear into when it seems that doing the right thing might cost us more time, or more comfort, or more money than we care to think about;
That area where we separate out people - one from the other; that place where we make judgements about people and what they need and what they deserve.
Advent speaks to us about God's coming to us, about Christ coming to us about light shining into the darkness and spears being turned into pruning hooks
and about judgement coming upon the earth, and salvation to the people of God.
That speaking is for yesterday - and for tomorrow - and - most of all – it is for today.
Thank you Isaiah - thank you Matthew - thank you Jesus - for this word -for this promise.
And thank you Isaiah, thank you Matthew, thank you Jesus, thank you Paul for the call to keep awake and to walk in the light - clad in the armour of light.
We have good words - and good advice in our readings . This is a good words and good advice from God. Not just for the coming of the Kingdom over all the world, But for the coming of Christ in our lives today.
Clean house. Open the doors to the secret places.
Let the Lord who knocks come in and dine with you.
Let him ready you for the fullness of his promises,
day by day. Amen....
Responding to the Spirit
*Hymn: VU # 477 I Come with Joy
1 I come with joy, a child of God,
forgiven, loved and free,
the life of Jesus to recall
in love laid down for me,
in love laid down for me.
2 I come with Christians far and near
to find, as all are fed,
the new community of love
in Christ’s communion bread,
in Christ’s communion bread.
3 As Christ breaks bread, and bids us share,
each proud division ends.
the love that made us, makes us one,
and strangers now are friends,
and strangers now are friends.
4 The spirit of the risen Christ,
unseen, but ever near,
is in such friendship better known,
alive among us here,
alive among us here.
5 Together met, together bound
by all that God has done,
we’ll go with joy, to give the world
the love that makes us one,
the love that makes us one.
Prayers of the People
Gracious and faithful God, in this season of waiting, we lift our hearts to You. When the nights feel long and the days uncertain, remind us that Your light is already breaking through.
We pray for Your church, that we may be a beacon of hope in a weary world- speaking truth with love, serving with compassion, and living as people who trust in Your promises.
We pray for the nations, that leaders may seek peace over power, justice over gain, and mercy over pride. Let hope take root where fear has reigned.
We pray for those who are hurting- the lonely, the grieving, the sick, the displaced. Hear the names that we say aloud or silently in our hearts______________
Wrap them in Your comfort and let Your hope rise in their hearts like the dawn.
We pray for ourselves, that we may watch and wait with hope, keeping our lamps lit, our hands ready to serve, and our eyes fixed on the One who is coming.
Come Lord Jesus. Renew our hope, restore our joy, and make us ready for Your kingdom. We pray this prayer through the words that we were taught so long ago: 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 who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen
M & S Story
Faithful Witness in a Time of Despair
The army surrounded us,” recalled 16-year-old Ramez. “We had nowhere to go. Either we move toward death, or we stay and risk dying. Either way, it’s death.”
For most children, childhood is a time to dream, go to school, play with friends, and imagine the future. But for children in Gaza, those simple dreams have been replaced by fear and survival.
Mission and Service partner Defense for Children International–Palestine (DCIP) shares that the situation in Gaza remains catastrophic. Families face famine, and the lack of access to clean water and medicine. Many have seen their homes bombed and are forced to live in tents or makeshift shelters. Parents spend hours in line each day for a small ration of bread or water, while children go hungry. Hospitals have run out of supplies, and schools have been reduced to rubble.
In interviews conducted by DCIP, children described their lives in stark, heartbreaking words. “We have no rights,” said one child. Fourteen-year-old Jana shared what life is like now: “We live in a tent. Every few days we have to move again. We spend hours waiting for water or food. Even to use the bathroom, we wait in line for hours. There’s no rest. We can’t go on like this.”
These children have endured unimaginable hardship. Many have been displaced multiple times, separated from friends, and have lost their entire family. Hospitals have run out of medicine. Schools are destroyed. Safe water is rare. Hunger is constant.
And yet, through it all, DCIP continues its mission, documenting violations of children’s rights, amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced, and calling the international community to act. Their courage ensures that the world cannot look away.
Your gifts to Mission and Service help support organizations like DCIP, who stand beside children in Gaza with compassion and conviction. When you give, you help make sure their stories are heard, and that the call for justice and protection does not fade into silence.
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join in prayer and action for the children of Gaza. May every child one day live free from fear, with food on the table, a place to learn, and the chance to simply be a child again.
Because every child has the right to food, shelter, safety, and education.
Offertory Invitation
God’s way in the world is illuminated through the gifts of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, who guide us to choose life- to choose the presence of God, now and always.
Let us offer our gifts- that the work of the Spirit can continue the work of bringing life in our community and around the world. Our offering will now be presented.
*Offertory Hymn MV # 191 What Can I Do?
What can I do? What can I bring?
What can I say? What can I sing?
I’ll sing with joy. I’ll say a prayer.
I’ll bring my love. I’ll do my share.
*Offertory Prayer
O Holy One, these are the gifts of our hands and our hearts shared in thanksgiving. May they touch the lives of many. Where brokenness resides, may our gifts offer healing and wholeness. In the name of Christ. Amen
*Closing Hymn: MV # 161 I Have Called You by Your Name
1. I have called you by your name, you are mine;
I have gifted you and ask you now to shine.
I will not abandon you;
all my promises are true.
You are gifted, called and chosen; you are mine.
2. I will help you learn my name as you go;
read it written in my people, help them grow.
Pour the water in my name,
speak the word your soul can claim,
offer Jesus’ body given long ago.
3. I know you will need my touch as you go;
feel it pulsing in creation’s ebb and flow.
Like the woman reaching out,
choosing faith in spite of doubt,
hold the hem of Jesus’ robe, then let it go.
4. I have given you a name, it is mine;
I have given you my Spirit as a sign.
With my wonder in your soul,
make my wounded children whole;
go and tell my precious people they are mine.
*Benediction & Commissioning
In all that you do, all that you love, and everywhere you journey, let justice, kindness and humility be your guides.
Go forth in beauty and in light.
*Sung Benediction VU# 424 May the God of Hope Go with Us (Vs 1)
May the God of hope go with us every day,
Filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.
May the God of justice speed us on our way,
Bringing light and hope to every land and race.
Praying, let us work for peace,
singing, share our joy with all,
working for a world that’s new,
faithful when we hear Christ’s call.
Life and Work of the Church
Today, on our Memory Board, Susie Neil (1910-1993), George Neil (1906-2002) and Keith Douglas (1969-2006)
Presentation by Edwina Bateman sharing her personal journey to Africa- a month of teaching, learning and being transformed by the people, culture and faith encountered along the way today is cancelled for today and will be on Sunday, December 14th at 2:00pm
Gifts with Visions Pamphlets are available on the Information Table if you would like to donate a monetary gift to a certain group of M & S using your family/friend’s name as the person giving the donation.
UCW in partnership with the Women’s Center are once again involved with the Sister Santa Project. This is where you can bring hygienic, personal and treat donations to church which will be given to the center. Then the items will be used to make gifts for the women. Items are asked to be in by Dec 7.
Christmas Hamper applications are available by contacting Joan or Evelyn. The deadline for these to be returned is tomorrow. The distribution date will be December 18.
Decorating of Church- Thank you to all who came out to help decorate the sanctuary and the hall.
Tuesday Luncheon at Salvation Army is stopped until January 6 and it will be our turn at that time to help with serving and clean up.
Ecumenical Carol Service will be on Friday, December 5 at St. James’ Anglican Church at 7:00pm. The monetary donations given at this service will be used to purchase the items for the food hampers. Thank you to Johnny Sheaves and Ray Bown & Group for taking part in this service on behalf of our two churches.
Memorial Tree Lighting service for Wesley United & St. Michael’s RC congregation will be held next Sunday, December 7 at 7:00 pm. A form is available at the end of this bulletin. We ask for them to be returned by Wednesday.
UCW Christmas Pot Luck Supper for all women in Wesley United and St. Michaels’ Community of Faiths on Monday, December 8 at 5:30 pm.
The Tree Lighting service at The Charles L. LeGrow Hospital will be on Thursday, December 18th at 7:00pm.
UCW are asking all who have Christmas stockings to please bring them in during the month of December.
Wesley United Library- in our former Choir Room. We now have our second bookshelf installed. Please take time before or after our services to borrow, exchange or donate books.
Recovery Is Possible Support Group meetings are held in our church hall on Sunday nights at 7:00 pm. The coordinator for this group is Andrea Feaver.
Walking Group meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 am. Dinah Carter is the coordinator for this group.
Darts are played on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm. David Davis & Debbie Moss are the coordinators for this group.
Quilting, Sewing, Knitting, Crafts and Social get-togethers are held on Thursdays, at 1:00 pm. Evelyn MacDonald and Ruth Deveaux are coordinators for these groups.
Previous bulletins have been placed on the Information Table in case anyone would like one. These are nice to give out to people who are unable to attend.
New Copies of “Our Daily Bread” are available on the Information Table.
Columbarium Niches: There is just one niche left that can be reserved. Each niche, which can hold two urns, cost $2500.00. Please contact Mabel Spencer if you are interested in purchasing this niche.
Food Bank –The Food Bank needs sugar, can milk, tea bags, butter or any nonperishable item. You may bring your items to church or drop them off at the Thrift Store.
Recycling Depot Thank you to those who have been donating their recyclables to our account. Our account total is now $116.70. Thank you to the three people who donated this week. You may donate by using the pin number 6953434 (our telephone number) when you drop off your recyclables.
Sunday Morning services on our web site. You are able to read our worship service by clicking on the following link: www.wesleyunitedchurch.sitew.ca Once you are on the site, click Sunday Worship which will take you to the service.
Offerings Needed to Meet 2025 Budget
Local: $5000.00 Monthly
M & S: $200.00 Monthly
Date Local Account M & S
January 2542.00 262.00
February 3969.00 217.00
March 3544.45 288.00
April 3058.79 178.00
May 4711.85 199.00
June 2815.00 1389.00
July 1813.50 157.00
August 1850.50 179.00
September 2512.85 312.00
October 4006.09 127.00
November 2 221.00 68.00
November 9 715.00 33.00
November 16 637.00 33.00
November 23 992.00 36.00
Many blessings for this week and during this Advent season, let us remember Jesus’ birth, His life on earth and prepare ourselves for His return.
Memorial Tree Lighting 2025
In Memory of:______________________________________________
From: ___________________________________________________
Donation: ______________
Please return via email by Wednesday Dec 3rd , 2025
Website Created: December 29th, 2021
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