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Wesley United Church– Year A
December 14, 2025, 11:00 am.
Advent 3: Joy
Worship Leader: Evelyn MacDonald
Reader: Mabel Spencer
Music: Bev Bragg
Greeter: Ross Cooper
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 Candles of Hope, Peace and Joy
L. Once more, we light the candles of hope and peace. Today, we light the third one, the candle of joy.
P. It is a sign of joy that shines brightly into our hearts. It is a sign that God is present and that we are once more blessed.
L. Let us joyfully celebrate His presence!
*Introit VU # 7 Hope is a Star vs 1 - 3
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.
2 Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
Giving a promise of safety and worth.
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.
3 Joy is a ribbon that circles the earth,
Giving a promise of safety and worth.
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: The days draw near; the journey to Bethlehem continues.
P: On our path so far, we have found hope, and peace.
L. Today we proclaim joy as we gather as God’s people.
P. May our worship fill our hearts with God’s gift of joy,
L. that when we leave this place, we will share it with everyone we meet.
P. Let us worship God.
*Opening Hymn: VU 29 Hark the Glad Sound
1 Hark, the glad sound! The Saviour comes,
the Saviour promised long:
let every heart prepare a throne,
and every voice a song.
2 He comes, the prisoners to release
in Satan’s bondage held;
the gates of brass before him burst,
the iron fetters yield.
3 He comes, the broken heart to bind,
the bleeding soul to cure,
and with the treasures of his grace
to bless the humble poor.
4 Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
your welcome shall proclaim;
and heaven’s eternal arches ring
with your beloved name.
Opening Prayer
God of Advent Promise, joy is in the air. And in this moment, we hold on to the timeless truth of Advent hope, peace and joy. You break into our worship service with the astounding gift of delight.
God of Advent Promise, we long to receive Good News. As this time of blessed waiting is upon us, we set our eyes on the cradle in the Bethlehem stable. And yet, we know we must not rush. We linger where we are. We take time to ponder. We notice the small things. We hear the quiet whispers. In this way, we experience Emmanuel!
God of Advent Promise, may this third Sunday in Advent be a day of rich blessings and deep joy. We pray in the name of the One who brought joy into a troubled world, Jesus the Christ. Amen
Invitation to Prayer of Confession
God is our beginning and ending. And God is our in between. But lest we forget our centre and our source, let us take time to come before God in prayer with our confessions:
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, how quickly we have forgotten the great things you have done for us. You led us as a shepherd, and we were saved. You let your face shine, and we were restored. In response, we have not prepared the world for your coming again. We have not followed you in lifting up the lowly; we have not filled the hungry with good things. Forgive us for the ways we have missed the mark, the times we have lost our patience. Help us, O God, to live your love, that we might have compassion and empathy for our neighbours. Look with favour upon the lowliness of your servants. Restore us in your merciful love. Amen
Words of Assurance
L. Our spirits rejoice in God, our Saviour. Through Christ’s holy incarnation, grace had been given to us. When we seek forgiveness and sincerely commit to changing our ways, God forgives us.
P. Thanks be to God!
Listening for the Spirit
*Hymn VU # 16 Mary, Woman of the Promise
1 Mary, woman of the promise,
bearer of your people’s dreams,
through your open, willing spirit
waters of God’s goodness streamed.
2 Mary, song of holy wisdom,
sung before the world began,
faithful to the Word within, you
carried out God’s wondrous plan.
3 Mary, morning star of justice,
mirror of the Radiant Light,
in the shadows of life’s journey,
be a beacon for our sight.
4 Mary, model of compassion,
wounded by your offspring’s pain,
when our hearts are torn by sorrow,
teach us how to love again.
5 Mary, woman of the Gospel,
precious home for treasured seed,
help us to be true disciples,
bearing fruit in word and deed.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 35:1‒10
This reading describes a vision of restoration and renewal for God’s people, contrasting the desolation of the wilderness with a flourishing, vibrant landscape. The chapter begins with the promise that the wilderness and desert will rejoice and blossom, symbolizing hope and the transformative power of God. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the spiritual and physical restoration that God will bring to His people.
Isaiah 35:1-10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the
haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Psalm Luke: 1:47-55 Song of Mary (Magnificat)
The Magnificat, or “Song of Mary” is a powerful expression of faith and gratitude found in Luke 1: 46-55. It is a poetic hymn that praises God for His greatness and mercy, particularly in the humble circumstances of Mary’s life. The song emphasizes God’s justice and the reversal of worldly values, where the proud are scattered, the mighty brought down, and the humble exalted. It serves as a prophetic proclamation of God’s mercy and justice towards the lowly and oppressed. The Magnificat is a testament to Mary’s humility and reverence for the Lord, as she magnifies His greatness in her soul. It reflects her deep understanding of God’s work in her life and in the world, and it highlights the significance of God’s redemptive plan throughout history.
Psalm Luke: 1:47-55 Song of Mary (Magnificat)
L. My soul proclaims God’s greatness.
P. My spirit rejoices in God my saviour.
L. For you have looked with favour on your lowly servant.
P. From this day all generations will call me blessed.
L. You have done great things for me, O Most Mighty.
P. Hallowed be your Name!
L. You have mercy on those who fear you,
P. from one generation to another.
Refrain:
To God I lift my soul in praise; in God my saviour I rejoice.
L. You took action with a strong arm.
P. You scattered the proud in their conceit.
L. You pulled the mighty from their thrones.
P. You raised the lowly.
L. You filled the hungry with good things.
P. You sent the rich away empty.
L. You come to the aid of your servant, Israel,
P. for you remembered your promise of mercy to our ancestors, Abraham and Sarah, and to their children in every age.
Refrain:
To God I lift my soul in praise; in God my saviour I rejoice.
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: Mathew 11:2-11
This reading describes a pivotal moment when John the Baptist questions Jesus about His identity as the Messiah. Jesus responds by highlighting the miracles He performs, affirming His role as the long-awaited Messiah. John’s disciples, sent by John, approach Jesus, seeking confirmation of His identity. Jesus, recognizing John’s faith, emphasizes that He is greater than John and prepares the way for the coming of the Messiah. This passage illustrates the doubt and affirmation of John’s faith, showcasing the significance of Jesus’ ministry and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Gospel Reading: Mathew 11: 2-11
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.”
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Message: Being Prepared: Giving and Receiving the Gift of Joy
By Rev Richard Fairchild
Today is the Sunday of Joy. The joy of God. As we saw in the last two weeks, in preparing for the coming of Christ, we are called to keep alive the vision which provides us with hope and to seek the Peace of God; that peace that only God can give; that peace which comes when we turn and walk in the path that Jesus has shown us. Joy is not something that we can seek, it is something that overtakes us when we are working to keep the vision alive and walking on the path that Jesus has set before us.
As we walk that path, joy happens to us. We gain glimpses of what it is that God is about. We encounter situations where we see God’s promises coming true, and we have, suddenly this great joy in our hearts.
Imagine, if you will for a minute, John the Baptist, in prison. Herod is about to kill him and undoubtedly John is aware of this though the particular circumstances of his death are still to be shaped by Herod’s wife and daughter. John is uncertain about whether his ministry is completed or not, uncertain about whether or not Jesus is the Messiah, the coming of which he has proclaimed. And he sends messengers from prison to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we wait for another?” and imagine, if you will for a minute how when he heard the answer, the feeling that must have overcome him when his disciples reported to him what Jesus said: “Go and tell John what you hear and see. The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. Blessed are they who take no offence at me.” Imagine how John felt when he heard that all that he yearned for as a child of Abraham was in fact happening, that God was working a great work through Jesus, the child of Mary, the kind of work that Isaiah spoke of in our first reading this morning.
Joy. Joy should not be confused with happiness, which, according to their constitution, the citizens of the great country south of us pursue; for it is not happiness, nor even contentment. Joy, rather is something overwhelming. It is what happens when we witness God at work, whether it is in our family relationships, in our church, or in our community and in the wider world. Today’s message is called “Being Prepared, Giving and Receiving the Gift of Joy” not only as a means of keeping together our Advent theme, but to highlight one of the realities of the gift of joy, that reality which relates to the fact that while it cannot be sought, the gift of joy can be given and received by us.
When we see the works of God being done, we receive the gift of joy. And when we allow God to do his work through us, we give the gift of joy or at the very least, its possibility. That is part of what giving is about. It’s about doing the works of God, the work of caring, and praying joy may come with the giving, that the hand of God may be seen.
Joy is a wonderful thing, a thing that overtakes us when we are on the path shown to us by Christ. It is not continuous, at least in this world, but it pops up whenever we see God at work healing the sick, curing the lame, giving sight to the blind, and proclaiming good news to those who are poor. It pops up when we do the work of God and understand that God is doing his work in the circumstances around us. Everlasting joy comes, so testifies Isaiah on the day of Christ’s second coming. On that day, he testifies, “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, on that day, the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
There is a day coming which we are called to be prepared for, a day coming of an eternal joy, a joy of which we receive a taste in the here and now when we receive the gift of seeing God at work and when we do the works of God and thereby make it possible for others to have the joy of seeing him.
Blessed be the name of God, day by day. Amen
*Hymn: VU # 28 Herald! Sound the Note of Gladness
1 Herald! Sound the note of gladness!
Tell the news that Christ is here;
make a pathway through the desert
for the one who brings God near.
Sound the trumpet!
Tell the message!
Christ the Saving One has come!
2 Herald! Sound the note of judgement,
warning us of right and wrong,
turning us from sin and sadness,
till once more we sing the song.
Sound the trumpet!
Tell the message!
Christ the Saving One has come!
3 Herald! Sound the note of pardon!
Those repenting are forgiven;
God receives these wayward children,
and to all new life is given.
Sound the trumpet!
Tell the message!
Christ the Saving One has come!
4 Herald! Sound the note of triumph!
Christ has come to share our life,
bringing God’s own love and power,
granting victory in our strife.
Sound the trumpet!
Tell the message!
Christ the Saving One has come!
Responding to the Spirit
Prayers of the People
Gracious Lord, born in a manger, now our King above, when you walked among us and shared our life in all its good and evil, you said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart”.
How often Lord, we complain about our yokes and hear others complain about theirs. So often we consider life and its many tasks burdensome, and we spend much time and energy expressing our annoyance and irritation.
Help us, dear Lord, remember that you did not say “I will take your burdens away”, but “I invite you to take my burden”. Your burden is real. It is the burden of all human sin and failings. You carried that burden and died under its weight. You make it into a light burden. O Lord, let us carry your burden in union with you. We know that only then will we overcome the temptations of bitterness and resentfulness and begin to live joyfully and gratefully in your presence. Gracious Lord, we heard the scriptures speak this morning about John the Baptist being in prison, and we will hear later of how Jesus and Joseph and Mary were forced to become refugees in a strange land due to the violence that was in their land. We pray today, O God, for the prophets and saints who are in prison this very day and for all those forced to flee their native land.
Compassionate God, there are many in our world and in our community, who have difficulty in naming their blessings this day because the circumstances of their lives are far more harsh than our own, or because their hearts are weighed down with tragedy and grief. We pray, O God, for these less fortunate ones at this time. We pray for the older people whose pension cheques cannot stretch far enough; for the single parents who are forced to choose between paying rent and buying food; for men and women who find themselves without work; for employers who barely make the payroll from month to month; for employees whose brave smiles hide their fear of getting a pink slip; for families forced to abandon their homes for a new community where no one knows their names; for all others whose circumstances we do not know, but who need a special blessing at this time. Lord, hear our prayer as well for those particular persons and situations we now lift up in prayer____________. Life Giving God, we ask you to live as visible signs of the new life you offer. Help us to receive the gifts that Jesus offers and to offer the gifts that Jesus would give through us. We pray to you in the name of Jesus, our Saviour and friend, who came to show us the way and taught us to pray: 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
Strengthening Communities
During the 2025 federal budget announcement, Prime Minister Mark Carney delighted many by highlighting a Mission and Service partner: Bissell Centre in Edmonton.
Introducing the new Build Communities Strong Fund, he said, “We’ll build Canada strong with projects that build our communities strong,” naming Bissell Centre’s work to reduce homelessness as an example of the kind of impact this new investment hopes to strengthen.
Bissell Centre is a trusted community anchor in Edmonton’s inner city. Their programs meet people where they are—with supports that help people stay safely housed, employment programs that open doors to long-term stability, community meals that offer dignity and connection, and family supports that ensure children and parents have the care they need. At every step, Bissell walks with people through some of the hardest moments of their lives and helps them build a path toward thriving.
While Bissell Centre’s roots go back more than a century, their mission today is urgent and forward-looking: reducing poverty, preventing homelessness, and creating a community where everyone belongs. Their approach is practical, compassionate, and deeply responsive to local needs.
Being included in the early list of projects for the federal Build Communities Strong Fund highlights how trusted and effective Bissell Centre’s work has become. National leaders are taking notice, but the real transformation happens one person, one story, one act of support at a time. Your Mission and Service
gifts help make this partnership possible. Thank you for supporting ministries that meet people with compassion and help build stronger communities every day.
Congratulations to the Bissell Centre for their important work and community connections!
Offertory Invitation
Our call as Christians is to participate in community, to support and offer care to others, and to proclaim the good news in word and deed. Our offerings support the ministry of Jesus in so many ways. 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
For all that we are, thank you, God of joy. For all that we are becoming, thank you, God of joy. Now. Forever. Thank you, God of joy! Amen
*Closing Hymn: VU # 9 People Look East
1 People, look east. The time is near
of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love the guest is on the way.
2 Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,
one more seed is planted there:
give up your strength the seed to nourish,
that in course the flower may flourish.
People, look east and sing today:
Love the rose is on the way.
3 Birds, though you long have ceased to build,
guard the nest that must be filled;
even the hour when wings are frozen
God for fledging time has chosen.
People, look east and sing today:
Love the bird is on the way.
4 Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
one more light the bowl shall brim,
shining beyond the frosty weather,
bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today:
Love the star in on the way.
5 Angels, announce with shouts of mirth
Christ who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming
with the word, the Lord is coming.
People, look east and sing today:
Love the Lord is on the way.
*Benediction & Commissioning
Go in peace, and may God, our three in one, the source of true hope peace and joy, gift you with open hands so you are able to both give and to receive his blessings.
May he impart unto you an open heart so that you are able to welcome him in whatever form he takes. May he grant you an open mind, so that you are able to recognize this both now and forevermore. Amen
*Sung Benediction VU # 215 Peace Be With You
Peace be with you, peace forever,
peace be with you, my friends.
Till we meet again, may God be with you.
Peace, peace, peace.
Life and Work of the Church
Today, on our Memory Board, we remember Donna Vivian Sheaves, Shirley Currie Bragg and Larry Horwood.
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 at 2:00pm in our hall.
The Tree Lighting service at The Charles L. LeGrow Hospital will be on Thursday, December 18th at 7:00pm.
Christmas Hampers will be ready for pick up on December 18.
Christmas Eve Service will be on Wednesday, Dec 24 at 7:00pm
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.
Tuesday Luncheons at Salvation Army is stopped until January 6 and it will be our turn at that time to help with serving and clean up.
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 – The group has now stopped until after the Christmas break.
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. 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 7000.80 265.00
December 7 1110.00 46.00
Many blessings for this week and may we realize and celebrate the true joy when we do the work of God and understand that God is doing his work in the circumstances around us.
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