194 Avondale Ave. Stratford, On. N5A 6N4

519-271-3683 or 519-271-7946 Website: www.avondaleunitedstratford.com

SUNDAY December 17, 2017 Choral Sunday

10:00 a.m.

Flower this morning are in loving memory of Dolores Gulliford, from Husband Bob,

Daughters Barb Parkes (Keith) and Sue Featherston (Paul), Grandchildren Kati, Scott, Kyle, Shelby and Brandon.

Dolores died December 16, 2015.

Worship led by Rev. Keith Reynolds,

Director of Music Lori Millian, Senior Choir, Junior Choir,

Junior Bell Choir, Choir Chimes Joan Boshart,

Reader Jocelyn Miller

WE GATHER IN GOD’S PRESENCE

Announcements & Welcome Ruth MacLennan Prelude: How Quietly Joel Raney

Opening Hymn: ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime VU 71

Opening Prayer: (in unison)

Joyful God, we gather in Your delight, Your ways of joy bring light and life to the earth, Awaken us to this gift, inspire us with Your presence, Through the Christ child whom we wait to be born in us again. Heal us we pray, Forgive us we ask, Mend and turn us once more toward Your light, We offer our whole selves in this moment of silence… (Silent prayer)

Words of Hope and Healing (adapted John 1)

One: Your Word, God, becomes flesh and lives among us. A Word of healing, hope and faith. All: We have seen this glory, full of grace and truth. From this fullness we have received grace upon grace, Amen.

Junior Choir: Welcome the Babe Natalie Sleeth

Lighting of the Advent Candle (Joy)

Hymn: Hope is A Star VU 7, vs.1-3)

Reflection on Joy Mackenzie Dingman Bells: Hark the Herald Angels Sing Mendelssohn, arr. B. Boner Theme Time

Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer

WE LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD

Scripture: Psalm 126 (p. 850 refrain2)

Anthem: Journey of the Magi K.Lee Scott

Message: Joy Rises Up

Anthem: Goin’ to Bethlehem Jay Althouse WE RESPOND TO GOD IN LOVE

Offertory: Lo, How a Rose 15th Century German, arr. Janet Vogt

Offertory Response: What Child Is This VU 74, v.3

Offertory Prayer (in unison)

In this season of giving, we join Your generosity living God. Enfleshed in relationship, renewed by faith and inspired by Your presence we make this offering. Bless it; use it; spread it for the sake of others in this community and around the world, Amen.

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn: Joy to the World VU 59

Sending Forth and Blessing Choral Benediction: Christmas Bells are Gladly Ringing

(Please join the choir in singing verse 1 of “Joy to the World” in this anthem.)

Joseph M. Martin

Please join us for fellowship and refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. The host this week is the Worship Team

A huge thanks to Deb Woods and her assistants Maddie and Mikayla Woods in the sunday school this morning where the children are assembling edible stables as part of their Christmas projects.

The Foodshelf Team would like to extend a most sincere thank you for the MANY white gift donations to the Foodshelf…..2 overflowing grocery carts of food items and

$525 was donated. Wow!! We are truly blessed by your generosity. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Don’t Eat Alone on Christmas Day.... Join us! Come for Dinner Gary Clark and Kathy Douglas are hosting this event where we hope to sing, play games (including indoor hockey for the very physical), share stories of Christmas and especially welcome the family of Peter and Hellen Maguet-Dhel, our Sudenese friends, who will be celebrating their second Christmas in Canada. Avondale United Church, Stratford 1-4pm on Monday, December 25 Please RSVP 519-523-4380

MEALS ON WHEELS

Avondale United Church is responsible for delivering meals for Monday to Friday, the week of Jan. 15th to Jan. 19th and the week of

Jan. 22nd to Jan. 26th 2018. If you are a volunteer, please contact, Emma Carruthers (519) 271-8635 for the desired dates that you are able to deliver. The schedule needs to be at the Spruce Lodge Office by Jan. 12th. Thank you for your support of our church and our community. Volunteers are welcome. The commitment is only 4 deliveries a year (Jan. Apr. July, and Oct.) Please contact Emma is interested in this worthwhile service.

“Casserole Ministry” The kitchen freezer has a great selection of different “GAP” soups, as well as single serving meals. All members of Avondale are invited to select and deliver

to anyone who could a delicious, easy-to-prepare meal. The FOOD SHELF is open every Friday 9:30-11:00.

Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of many in Stratford. The clients are very appreciative of the donations that are church congregation supports in food donations and cash donations (allowing our

shoppers to buy fresh produce).

Note: that the Food Shelf is closed on Dec. 22nd and the 29th

TODAY is your last opportunity to purchase Alternative Gifts this Christmas:

1.“Gifts with Vision”

2.“Sleeping Children Around the World”

3.“HOPE Center” cards Outreach has a display outside Fellowship Hall

Enjoy some Christmas Fiction! Check out the display in the Avondale Library. For 7-11 year olds

Zack the Dective: the Missing Manger Mystery by Jerry D. Thomas The family under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson Adult Fiction Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon

A Treasury of Christmas Micacles by Karen Kingsbury Where Angels Go by Debbie Macomber The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder

Borrow one or more books after the Service today.

Upcoming Events

Lunch and Learn – Tuesday, Dec 19 @ 12:00 noon in the Parlour. Luke1: 26-38 & Luke 1:47-55 are the scripture readings for the Dec 24 service. Bring your lunch. Everyone Welcome. Lunch and Learn will resume Tuesday January 9th 2018.

Huron Perth United Church Hockey Tournament @ Blyth Arena

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

9am-1pm Any church community is welcome to put together

a team of players (co-ed, 15 and under, 4 team members must be under 10)

and come out to play at the Blyth Community Arena

Please register in advance by calling Kathy Douglas 519-523-4380

email kathymdouglas@hotmail.com by Dec 23

$60 per team

FULL HOCKEY GEAR IS REQUIRED Every team needs an Adult Coach

SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW Cost: $60 per team Ages: Players must be 15 and under and at least 4 players must be under 10. Food will be for sale in the Arena Booth Time: Puck drops at 9am-BE READY!

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY SOUP’S ON – Saturday January 13th, 2018 Avondale will be having a booth for this event and we would appreciate your help with the following: soup preparation, on Fri. Jan. 12th at the church, and with our display (serving) at the Rotary Complex on Sat. Jan 13th. Creative ideas and helping hands are also needed for decorating our booth. Please see the Sign-Up Sheets in the Fellowship Hallway.

` Weekly Calendar

SUNDAY Dec 17 - SUNDAY Dec 24

Today 10:00 Sunday Service - Advent 3 Sanctuary

11:00 Refreshments & Fellowship Fellowship Hall

Jr. Choir Practice Choir Room

Monday

4:10 Mindfulness Meditation Library

6:30 Beavers 3rd Gathering Room

6:45 Cubs 3rd Fellowship Hall 7:00

AA (Women's Closed) Parlour

Tuesday 12:00 Lunch & Learn Parlour

6:15 Beavers 12th Fellowship Hall

7:00 Venturers Parlour 8:00

AA Choir Room

Wednesday 12:00 ABI Choir Room

5:30 Yoga Class Narthex

6:00 Meditation Library

6:30 Cubs 12th Fellowship Hall

7:00 Scouts 12th Gathering Room Thursday

11:00 Avon Co-Op Christmas Sanctuary

2:30 Aktion Club Fellowship Hall

6:30 GSP Group Parlour

7:00

Choir Practice Choir Room

Friday 9:00 Staff Meeting Parlour

8:00 AA Choir Room Saturday

9:00 Music Practice Sanctuary

Next Sunday 10:00 Sunday Service - Advent 4 Sanctuary

11:00 Refreshments & Fellowship Fellowship Hall

4:00 Christmas Eve Family Service Sanctuary

7:00 Christmas Eve Candlelight Sanctuary