St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Minister: Rev. Paul Robinson
Church: 519-842-8665; Minister’s Cell: 519-550-6767
email: [email protected] Website: pccweb.ca/standrews-tillsonburg/
Sunday, December 18, 2016 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
“Simeon took (the child) in his arms and praised God, saying ‘…my eyes have seen Your salvation,
which You have prepared in the sight of all nations; a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory
of Your people Israel.’” On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we rejoice in the love shown at Bethlehem as
the Son of God took on our humanity that we might receive His gift of eternal salvation. The gift is for
all!
Welcome and Announcements
Prayer of Adoration (together)
God of redeeming grace, we marvel in the
glories of Your righteousness and the
wonders of Your love that we sing about at
Christmas – Your righteousness and love
made known to us through the birth of a
child.
Lord Jesus, You are Israel’s strength and
consolation and You are ours. You are the
hope of all the world and the joy of every
longing heart. You have become our
salvation!
Receive our worship this day, we ask, and
grant that as we offer You our praise, we
may also hear Your instruction to us today,
that we may not only worship You joyfully
but also follow You with joy all the days of
our lives.
CHOIR – Hope is a Star
Forgive us, and deliver us we pray.
Strengthen our hearts by Your Spirit, that
we may be ready to greet the Saviour you
send, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Assurance of Forgiveness
Sharing of Christ’s Peace
*Hymn - “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”
Receiving of Our Offering
(“Joy has Dawned” during)
*Hymn of Thanksgiving – “We give Thee but
Thine own”
Prayer for Illumination
First Gospel Reading:
Matthew 1:18-25
Second Gospel Reading: Luke 2:21-32
Third Gospel Reading:
Matthew 2:36-38
Sermon:
“God’s Gift of Love for You!”
Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle
Prayer for one another and those around us
*Hymn #143 – “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”
*Hymn #139 – “Hark the Herald Angels
Sing”
Prayer of Confession (together)
Holy God, we confess that we do not always
walk in Your light. We praise the high and
mighty and look down upon the lowly. We
have great faith in human efforts and little
patience for Your way.
*Benediction
Thank you for choosing to worship at St.
Andrew’s. If you have any questions,
special needs or want someone to visit,
please speak to our ushers or to Pastor
Paul. Following the service, please join us for fellowship
and refreshments in Second Timothy’s.
Pastoral Concerns – If you know of someone in need,
please notify your elder or Pastor Paul. Continue to pray
for those who are in hospital, recovering at home, living
in long-term care facilities, or facing other challenges in
life.
Welcome Team for December
Door Opener
Bob Swayze
Today
Terry & Karen Boys
Dec 24
Murray & Jean Park
Jan 1
Don & Betty Cook
Poinsettias are placed in
Loving Memory of:
Andrew More & Mr. & Mrs. Carl Gracey
~ Pat More
Ruth & Les Boys
~ Terry & Karen Boys & Family
Biff Jarvis
~ Jean Jarvis & Family
Ross Thompson
~ Flora Thompson & Family
Ed & Helen Thomas
~ Wayne Thomas
Ministry Opportunity!
Got a ready smile and a heart to serve? We are in need
of a few more folk to step up to serve as either ushers or
greeters. If you would like to serve on either roster,
please let Tom Graham know. Thank you!
Their Moms
~ Dianne & Stu MacKeigan
Bulletin Sponsorship – You may sponsor a weekly
bulletin by signing the sheet on the table at the back of
the sanctuary. A donation of $10 is appreciated and
covers the cost of paper and printing.
Their Parents
~ Len & Diane Ladoucer
Today’s bulletin is sponsored by Bob & Joyce Swayze in
Honour of the “Choir”.
Coffee & Fellowship - After the service, please stay and
enjoy a time of fellowship and refreshment at
Second Timothy's. Coffee, tea, juice and
cookies are available, and this week, we invite
you to serve yourselves and each other.
Need a Ride? We have organized a group of people who
are willing to bring you to
church services and events and
take you back home afterwards.
Please call Murray Park at 519842-6856
to
make
arrangements.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service:
Please plan to join us on the 24th for
our very special one-hour Christmas
Eve Candlelight Service beginning at
7pm. We encourage you to invite
your family and friends for this very
meaningful service, comprising a mix of traditional carols,
readings and special music.
Please note that there will be no church service on
Sunday, December 25th.
Their Parents
~ Tom & Heather Graham
Ron & Audrey Creamer &
Lewis Eugene “Nick” Acre
~ Albert (his Dad) & Carol Acre (her parents)
Deep in our hearts, you will always stay.
Loved and remembered this special way!
WHY Campaign
Please keep the WHY Book Campaign in your
prayers as we look forward to blanketing
Tillsonburg next Sep 16th with these very
effective, specially-produced books. Anyone
who would like to sponsor a route (30 homes for only
$300, tax-receiptable) is encouraged to do so. But we
need to know right away! If you want to be part of this
and sponsor a route, please speak to Pastor Paul asap.
You can even choose a route that covers your own street.
Thanks!
Annual Reports Due!
2017 will soon be upon us and to note that all reports for
2016 are to be forwarded to the Clerk of Session no later
than January 25th.
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 5th,
2017 and will be followed by Men's Pie Baking Contest.
Note, the date in the Newsletter was incorrect.