Third SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 13, 2020 10:30 am Sunday Worship Service (Virtual)

Worship Leaders: Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey, Rev. Alcris Limongi, Huda Kandalaft Kanawati

Pianist: Marianne Dos Santos Singers: Tania Lambert, Camille Beaufort,

Tavian Hamer-Wilson

PARKDALE UNITED CHURCH 429 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 1H3

Tel: 613-728-8656 Fax: 613-728-9686

Welcome to Parkdale! We hope that this service will be a blessing to you wherever you are. We welcome all to join us in worship! We are glad you’ve joined us to celebrate the mystery and gift of God’s love for the world in the gift of Jesus Christ, a rich Christian tradition, and a loving community of faith. We hope that in this time of worship you will experience at least a moment when God, who is Love, encourages you in faith, and breaks through the realities of everyday life surrounding you with the assurance of peace and joy which God so wants us to experience.

PARKDALE UNITED CHURCH MINISTRY TEAM Ministers: The People of Parkdale

Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey Coordinating Minister abailey@trytel.com (off on Fridays)

Norman Reid Caretaker & Custodian

(off on Tuesdays)

Rev. Alcris Limongi Minister of Pastoral Care alcris@parkdaleunitedchurch.ca (off on Mondays)

Don Mockett Office Manager

Huda Kandalaft Kanawati Congregational Designated Minister for Youth and Families huda@parkdaleunitedchurch.ca

(off on Mondays)

pdale@trytel.com www.parkdaleunitedchurch.ca

Our Vision Statement: “To form followers of Jesus in such a way as to transform our community and our world.”

Are You New To Parkdale? To be added to our email list, please send your

email address to Don Mockett at pdale@trytel.com. To sign up for our monthly eNewsletter, visit our website.

We acknowledge that the land on which we gather for worship is the traditional, unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin nation. We are grateful for their stewardship of this territory for thousands of years.

December 13, 2020 Third Sunday in Advent

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD …

Stewardship Thought: Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Philippians 4:4–5 Introit: Prepare the Way of the Lord DaleSong Group

Prepare the way of the Lord Prepare the way of the Lord

Make a straight path for Him Make a straight path

Prepare the way of the Lord CCLI Song # 3241040Michael Burkhardt © 1992 MorningStar Music Publishers For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com,CCLI License # 3140600

Lighting the Worship Candle Children’s

Welcome and Gathering Words Dr. Bailey

Silent Preparation for Worship

Sung Call to Worship (all)

Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear, Suddenly the Lord, descending, In his temple shall appear: Come and worship, come and worship Worship Christ, the new-born King. Gathering Prayer Dr. Bailey Hymn: Hope is a Star VU# 7

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. Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth. R

Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,

telling the world that the Saviour is born. R

Love is a flame that burns in our heart, Jesus has come and will never depart. R

Type: Words and Music; First Line: Hope is a star that shines in the night Contributors: Joan Collier Fogg, Brian Wren, Words, Music: Hope Publishing Company One License #A733294

Advent Wreath Lighting Litany – Rev. Limongi & Huda Kandalaft

Reader One: We come now to relight the candles of Hope and Peace. As we re-light these candles we remind ourselves that we wait for God’s peace and live in God’s hope. (re-light first two candles) Reader Two: Today we light the Candle of Joy. (light candle) In our first scripture lesson today we hear a word of great joy from the Prophet Isaiah. He says that what would be bestowed is “the oil of joy, instead of mourning.” Reader One: Isaiah the prophet also says that our inheritance will be “everlasting joy”. Reader Two: This is a joy that tends tenderly to beauty, and gentleness. Joy gestates in the darkness and surprises us when we least expect it. Reader One: God is indeed our strength and our joy. Joy invites our expectation, and demands our participation. Prepare the way, for joy. The lighted candles on this wreath are to remind us of the ways of God’s hope, and God’s peace, and God’s great joy. Prayer: (All) Lord God, as we prepare to offer our worship, be pleased to make our hearts leap for joy at the sound of your word, and move us by your spirit to see and bless your wonderful works. May we remember that in your presence there is always fullness of joy; and this joy is our strength. Amen.

Words: Sandra Dean A candle is burning, A candle of JOY, A candle to welcome Brave Mary’s new boy. Our hearts fill with wonder And eyes light and glow As joy brightens winter Like sunshine on snow.

Silence Speaking and Singing our Confession Dr. Bailey One: God is gracious and merciful and knows our needs even before they reach our lips. Still, we offer this prayer of confession as an act of courage and honesty. Many: Holy God, we will be honest: this time in which we find ourselves is really hard. It is hard to wear masks, to avoid public gatherings, to spend so much time in front of our screens. Many of us are losing patience and we’re losing hope and some of us are losing our grip on faith. We long to be helpful and generous, but this is not always the case. We confess that there have been sometimes that we have not been at our best in relation to those with whom we live, or with friends, neighbours and colleagues. Forgive us and help us to lean on you at all times. (we continue to confess in song) Sing: O Holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel Silence

Receiving God’s Gifts of Grace and Forgiveness Dr. Bailey Choral Response: Halle, Halle, Halle (sing twice)

Halle, Halle, Halle…lujah Halle, Halle, Halle…lujah Halle, Halle, Halle…lujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

Learning and Growing with our Children Huda Kandalaft

Children’s Song:

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, Down in my heart, (where?) Down in my heart, (where?)

Down in my heart, I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, Down in my heart, (where?) Down in my heart to stay.

And I'm so happy, so very happy

I have the love of Jesus in my heart. (Down in my heart)

And I'm so happy, so very happy I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus,

Down in my heart, (where?) Down in my heart, (where?)

Down in my heart, I’ve the love of Jesus, love of Jesus,

Down in my heart, (where?) Down in my heart to stay.

And I'm so happy, so very happy

I have the love of Jesus in my heart. (Down in my heart)

And I'm so happy, so very happy I have the love of Jesus in my heart.

I've got the peace that passes understanding Down in my heart, (where?) Down in my heart, (where?)

Down in my heart, I've got the peace that passes understanding

Down in my heart, (where?) Down in my heart to stay.

And I'm so happy, so very happy

I have the love of Jesus in my heart. (Down in my heart)

And I'm so happy, so very happy I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

Hosanna Music

We Listen For God’s Good News in Music, Scripture and Word First Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Chris Hinds (recorded)

Responsive Lesson: Psalm 126 Rev. Limongi & Huda Kandalaft One: When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Many: Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” One: The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Many: Restore our fortunes, LORD, like streams in the Negev. One: Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Many: Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Gloria, Gloria in Excelsis Deo Gloria, Gloria, Alleluia, Alleluia (x2) Gospel Lesson: John 1:6-8, 19-28 Constance Campbell-Reid (rec)

Anthem: Breath of Heaven DaleSong Group

Breath of Heaven hold me together Be forever near me Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven lighten my darkness Pour over me Your holiness

For You are holy Breath of Heaven

AUTHORS Amy Grant, Chris Eaton CCLI SONG #1128784CATALOG Age To Age Music, Inc. / Clouseau Music Ltd / Riverstone Music, Inc.COPYRIGHTS1992 Clouseau Music Ltd (Admin. by BMG Chrysalis US)Age To Age Music, Inc. (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Riverstone Music, Inc. (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) CCLI License # 3140600

Message: “God-Given Identity and Purpose” Dr. Bailey

Silence

WE RESPOND IN FAITHFULNESS

The Presentation of Tithes and Offering Dr. Bailey (We are grateful for the prayers and financial support of Parkdale’s ongoing ministry. Please continue. You are invited to take some time at home to write a cheque, or make a promise to go to the Parkdale Website: parkdaleunitedchurch.ca. You will see on the home page a button/link that says “Donate Now through CanadaHelps.org”. Click on that and make your offering.) Announcements – Life and Ministry of the Congregation Musical Reflection: Magnificat/Holy is His Name DaleSong Group

And holy holy holy is His name And holy holy holy is His name And holy holy holy is His name And holy holy holy is His name

AUTHORS John Michael Talbot CCLI SONG #14497 CATALOG Troubadour for the Lord Music 1980 Troubadour for the Lord Music (admin. in the U.S. by Music Services and elsewhere in the world by Capitol CMG Publishing). All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. CCLI License # 3140600

Dedicating Ourselves and the Offering Dr. Bailey Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Rev. Alcris Limongi

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 let us not fall into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

GOING OUT TO SHARE THE JOY

Hymn: Hail to God’s Own Anointed (Ellacombe) VU# 30

Hail to God's own anointed, great David's greater Son! Hail, in the time appointed, God's reign on earth begun! Christ comes to break oppression, to set the captive free,

to take away transgression, and rule in equity.

Christ comes with justice surely to those who suffer wrong, to help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong,

to give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light, whose souls, condemned and dying, are precious

in his sight.

Christ shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth, and love, joy, hope, like flowers, spring in his path to birth.

Before him on the mountains shall peace the herald go, and righteousness in fountains from hill to valley flow.

To him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend, his kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end.

The tide of time shall never his covenant remove. His name shall stand for ever: that name to us is Love.

Public Domain

Blessing Dr. Bailey

Sending Song People Look East DaleSong Group

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.

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: Copyright (C) 2018 Birnamwood Publications (ASCAP), a division of Morningstar Music Publishers, Inc.,

St. Louis, MO Contributors: William Beckstrand One License #A733294 Love the rose is on the way.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Confidential Phone Counselling – by Dr. Bailey. Contact information: abailey@trytel.com; 613 728-8656 x 222 Continuing in Prayer and Support: In these times, as in all times, we are trusting God to grant us wisdom, mercy and faith. As a community of faith and followers of Jesus we are reminded of the numerous times the Bible counsels us not to ‘be afraid’. Normally, this exhortation is accompanied by God’s promise to be with us. God being with us inspires and empowers us to be ‘with’ each other. We do this by praying for one another and reaching out by phone, facetime, Facebook, email, WhatsApp… you name it. Let’s just stay connected. We send love and wish everyone comfort and good health, and look forward to hearing from you. May God bless us all. PRAYER REQUESTS INBOX Please send your prayer requests to alcris@parkdaleunitedchurch.ca.

Parkdale’s Virtual Bazaar-ending soon

It’s not too late. Avoid the stores and support Parkdale! See the December Messenger (pages 32-45):

https://parkdaleunitedchurch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Parkdale-Newsletter-December-2020.pdf

Thank you! Judy Hamley, Virtual Bazaar Convenor

Bazaar@parkdaleunitedchurch.ca

IMAGES & STORIES will take a break in December and return for the January 29th, February 26th & March 26, 2021 series. We wish to thank our presenters Peter Tilley for the story of The Mission and Huda for sharing her life's journey with us. And, thanks to all 59 supporters who zoomed in on Friday, Nov. 27 to enjoy the fun of those "roasting & toasting" Rev. Anthony & Architect Barry Hobin on receiving the well-deserved "Order of Ottawa". Watch for that write-up in the January Messenger. A blessed Christmas to everyone. We look forward to 2021 with much Hope.

Reflective Christmas Service

There are many reasons why people can find the weeks leading up to Christmas challenging. They have trouble feeling “in the spirit” because of difficult life circumstances. The reflective worship service, being held Wednesday, December 16th at 7 pm in the Sanctuary, acknowledges those kinds of feelings and lifts them before God. We offer a service of special

music, candle lighting, silence, poetry and scripture readings to help you through this Christmas season. This service will be in person and online. Covid protocols will be in effect. (Reservations are required, please contact the office at 613-728-8656 or email

registration@parkdaleunitedchurch.ca. If you would like to learn more about the Reflective Christmas Service, please speak with Anthony (728-8656), abailey@trytel.com) Special Christmas offerings will go to the Ottawa Mission and to Cornerstone Housing for Women. We certainly appreciate your givings which allow us to support those who are in need, even more so than normal this year. Your donations to these organizations can be made via a cheque mailed in to the office indicating “Christmas

Offering”, or online via CanadaHelps on our website – specify the “Other” fund and indicate “Christmas Offering” in the Message box.

Advent programs

There are lots of opportunities for you and your family to do during

this journey of waiting and preparing with the Parkdale family of

faith.

1. CHRISTMAS MOVIE AFTERNOON on Saturday Dec.

19 @ 4:00 PM

Young Families are invited to a short Christmas movie

afternoon. Bring your popcorn and enjoy!

2. PAINTING AND CRAFTING on Sundays Dec. 13, 20

@ 11 AM

We will be painting the themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy

and Love. We will also be making paper ornaments to hang on

our trees. Bring your painting and crafting tools.

3. COOKING WITH THE YOUTH Today Sunday

December 13 @ 4:30 PM

Attention youth ages 13 through high school: Our virtual

cannelloni and Caesar salad night was such a fun success we’re

going to do it again. This time, we’ll be virtually baking

cookies. Our plan will be to each make something different

(we can have a “recipe exchange” beforehand), and then arrive

at the church parking lot at 7pm for a socially distanced

cookie exchange. We will take half of our handiwork and give

it to the In-From-The-Cold team for a tasty addition to the

take-out meals they are distributing. Looking forward to

another fun evening! Extra points for anyone who finds a

reference to cookies in the bible! :-)

4. CHRISTMAS LEGO on Sunday December 20 @ 4PM

Youth and children are welcome to gather on RingCentral for

a time of Christmas LEGO. We will share the Christmas

theme's challenge. Then children and youth will have 30

minutes to complete their creation. We'll have time to share

our creations at the end. (Parents, we will need your help to

take a screen shot and send it to Camille to share on the

screen.

5. ADVENT STUDY on Dec.14, 21 at 7:00 PM.

New Advent Study “The Journey” visiting the Holy land

virtually where the Christmas story all began. Join us on

Mondays for the Young Adults (IGNITE). All young adults

welcome.

6. Virtual PAGEANT: “Do Not be Afraid” next Sunday

Dec. 20 @ 10:30 AM

our pageant will be a virtual this year and will be part of our

next worship service. Please record your lines and share with

Huda ASAP.

We hope to see many of you attending these gatherings.

Our prayer is that this season will fill your hearts with the

hope, the peace, the joy and the love of Christ.

Upcoming Gatherings

1. Sunday school online every Sunday - today Dec. 13 @ 10:00

AM

The third Sunday of Advent, and our lesson is about Christian Joy.

2. Senior Youth group online- Every other Sunday @ 8:00 PM

Next gathering is Jan.10. Special activity today Dec. 13th @ 4:00 PM

3. Junior Youth group online- Every other Wednesday @ 7:30

PM Next gathering is Jan. 6. Special activity today Dec. 13th

@ 4:00 PM

4. IGNITE group every Monday on Dec.14, 21 @7:00 PM. 5. Leaders’ Workshop is on Jan. 18th at 7:00 PM.

Ring Central links for the gatherings will be emailed to all families

and youth to join. Contact Huda or Camille if you would like to join

any of these meetings. Parents are invited to print out the children

Worship Bulletin every Sunday for their kids. You will find activities

there that we hope to help as conversation starters about the Bible

story.

BROADVIEW – formerly UNITED CHURCH OBSERVER The time is coming for the church to re-submit their subscription list. If you do not currently receive Broadview magazine and would like to OR if you receive it and no longer wish to, please let the office know prior to January 3rd. Parkdale pays $25.00 for your subscription, but any donation amount is

welcome. Please send a cheque to the office to make your donation contribution if you are able, or donate online via Canada Helps on our website – specify the “Other” fund and indicate “Broadview” in the Message box. 2021 ENVELOPES AND YEAR END DONATIONS Although we now have 2021 Offering envelopes we are not yet in a position to distribute them. If you have given regularly in 2020 or requested envelopes recently, there is likely an envelope number and a box of envelopes reserved for you. If not and you need a set, please contact the church office. If you are not comfortable to join us, as we as we move into the new year, and start live services, feel free to continue to use your remaining 2020 envelopes for mail-in donations until you are able to attend and pick up your 2021 envelopes. All donations for the 2020 tax year must be received in the church by Thursday Dec. 31st, to appear on your 2020 tax receipt.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

AVAILABLE ON THE PHONE FOR

THOSE WITH NO INTERNET – think of

someone who would like to join the service

this way and invite them…SPREAD THE WORD…

If you know of people who cannot watch the services online, please

let them know that they can call 343 882 1920 and enter 343 882

4663# on Sundays at 10:30 am to listen to the service. (The line is

open at 10:30am. If you need more info, contact Alcris)

EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF COVID19. Let us continue caring

for one another. “Therefore encourage one another and build each

other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

KEEPING IN TOUCH. As we approach Advent, I extend a

personal invitation to an exciting phone adventure:

Remember the Parkdale’s Church 2016 Directory? I

need volunteers to call 5 people each during next week.

If you are available, send me an email

alcris@parkdaleunitedchurch.ca to coordinate the list.

You can also make a personal commitment and check

on one other Parkdaler once a day or a week on your own.

OTHER WAYS OF SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER

THROUGH THIS TIME ARE AVAILABLE:

PRAYER BUDDY. If you would like to join someone for prayer on

a regular basis, we would be delighted to find a prayer buddy for you.

You two will decide how and when to pray. Let Rev. Alcris know.

PARKDALE BUDDIES. In this time of social isolation it is so

important to have someone to check with on a regular basis. If you

would like to have a buddy, let Alcris know.

EARS ARE OPEN. It is normal that this new reality starts to

impact our mental/emotional health. If you are feeling troubled, need

to talk with someone, or in need of prayers, we are here for you.

Please send Alcris an email or call the office for us to call you right

back. We can meet on Skype, Zoom, and phone or have an email

chat. You are not alone; we are all together in this!

SMALL GROUPS ON ZOOM

Writers Group will meet on Thursday December 17th at 5:00

pm.

Coffee Klatch on Tuesday 29th at 3:00 pm.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

We rejoice because The United Church of Canada made a

commitment to become an anti-racist denomination. Here is the link:

https://www.united-church.ca/news/executive-starts-work-become-

anti-racist-denomination

Check on the latest E-ssentials issue for information on: https://mailchi.mp/united-church/es201110?e=62343e4de7

Resources on White Privilege: https://www.united-church.ca/social-

action/justice-initiatives/anti-racism

PRAYERS

This Advent season we raise our voices in praise to God who is our hope; who tenderly cares about us and our hurting world.

Below are suggestions to add to your regular prayers. Pause in

between requests and continue with your own words.

Our world is in Pandemic …As we approach the holydays, for renewed, mental and emotional

strength to live through the lockdown. …for patience and self-discipline to continue following the health

guidelines and showing our care for others and ourselves. … for governments to seek God’s wisdom to make the best

decisions on behalf of their people …for the world medical community and all health care staff to be

protected, strengthened, adequately supported, and valued. For their families that lend them to us everyday.

… for scientists working towards an effective vaccine … for people who are currently sick with the virus, for health to be

restored and for the emotional toll that COVID19 adds. … for family and caregivers of those who are sick

… for those with their loved ones under restricted visits: in hospital or nursing homes, and in prison.

…for people caught in-between countries fleeing hunger or political persecution in their home countries

For Our World

…for Canada, our Federal and Provincial governments. …for the USA in the transition of power

…for people in countries under dictatorial regimes, for change of hearts, justice and peace

… for countries dealing with floods, hurricanes and other natural catastrophes

…for countries in war and/ or facing terrorist attacks. …for countries dealing with extreme poverty and lack of resources to

manage and contain COVID19. …for people imprisoned waiting for justice, may their faith be strong

and their hope be fulfilled. There are Needs Among Us, So We Obey Your Command to Pray

for One Another In this Advent season we remember in prayer the Many who are in despair through physical hardship, seeking relief from their burdens and hope in the midst of their cares… … for the ones moving to a new home

…for the ones sick with COVID19 and their families among us … for the ones in our congregation who are recovering from surgery

at this time. Lord, be with them, speed their recovery. …for the ones in our congregation, or from our families, currently in

hospital, sick at home or in nursing homes …for the ones diagnosed with cancer, waiting for surgery or tests, we ask for your peace and your comforting presence that strengthens us … for the ones currently in cancer treatments or any other treatment

or rehab may every treatment be blessed by you and effective for their specific condition

…for their families, and primary caregivers …for families with youth and young children

…for our young adults …for the ones who feel lonely

…for the ones affected with SAD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions

…for the ones making important decisions with their lives and properties

…for the ones looking for employment and the ones under stress working long hours in demanding jobs

…for the ones grieving …for the ones concerned about loved ones in places of high risk

...for all the needs and cares of our hearts that are only known to you

All these, with all other concerns and thanksgivings of our heart, we lift before you in the name of Jesus. Amen

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) ____________