Led by Rev William Fletcher
PRELUDE
Advent Liturgy: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. (Isaiah 9:2)
If you have a candle you would like to light for your time of reflection, as symbol of the advent wreath, please light it now.
On God alone we wait silently.
Lord as we wait upon you, have mercy on your people, Baptise us in wisdom. Clothe us in integrity, Wrap us in the beauty of your love. May the God who gave us the Light, bless us as we worship together this day. Amen.
Tune: Winchester New arr. William Henry Havergal 1806-1876
On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry announces that the Lord is nigh;
awake and hearken, for he brings glad tidings from the King of kings!
Then cleansed be every life from sin; make straight the way for God within,
and let us all our hearts prepare for Christ to come and enter there.
For you are our salvation, Lord, our refuge, and our great reward;
without your grace we waste away like flowers that wither and decay.
To heal the sick stretch out your hand, and bid the fallen sinner stand;
shine forth, and let your light restore earth's own true loveliness once more.
To God the Son all glory be whose advent sets his people free,
whom, with the Father, we adore, and Holy Spirit evermore.
John Chandler 1806-1876
Anthem
Loving God, we pray today for children around our world who live in conflict zones who will struggle to know the joys of this season. We pray for children in Palestine, Syria, and Yemen. As we proclaim peace and goodwill for all people, we pray that this will not be a forlorn hope. Prince of peace: transform our world.
We pray for children in our own country for whom this is a difficult time. We pray for children in households who have to rely on Foodbanks, who can’t afford the power to have twinkly lights in their windows. We remember those who have the responsibility of caring for their parents, or whose parents have died. We pray for children who are in care, and those who look after them. May we never just accept that this is how things should be. Prince of peace: transform our world.
We pray for older people in our community who struggle, particularly in this season. For those choosing between heating and eating; for those who are lonely and isolated; for those who won’t be able to see their family, or have no family to see this festive month. May we all do what we can to draw older people into the hearts of our community. Prince of peace: transform our world.
We remember with thanksgiving those who have died. Give us hope that your surprising gift of love continues to flow through them in their new life with you. Prince of peace: transform our world.
Finally, we pray for ourselves. May we be renewed by your gift of love, may your love fill us up to overflowing so that we may be those agents of your love to our community and our world. Prince of peace: transform our world.
Hymn
POSTLUDE
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Video editing : Rod
Page design and editing : Keith
Scripture quotations taken from the Revised English Bible
, copyright © Cambridge University Press
and Oxford University Press 1989. All rights reserved. : read by David
Prelude, Hymn accompaniment and Postlude : Carol
Final hymn and anthem:YouTube videos
Page header -Stushie.com
Panoramic : Sunset; Wheatfield; Christina
Photograph : Prelude & Postlude : annie-spratt at Unsplash.com
HHMC banner "Christ in Glory" the late Max Gorham and team
This Worship Service © Haywards Heath Methodist Church
ccli: 85897 (inc. Streaming Licence) PRS LOML LE-0021730
© Haywards Heath Methodist Church 2021