194 Avondale Ave. Stratford, On. N5A 6N4

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

SUNDAY December 31, 2017 1st Sunday after Christmas

10:00 a.m.

Condolences to Dale James and family with the passing of Gerry James on December 24th. A celebration of Gerrys life

was held on Friday December 29th.

http://www.avondaleunitedstratford.com/

Worship led by Rev. Keith Reynolds, Director of Music Lori Millian,

Reader Beth Gleadall

WE GATHER IN GODS PRESENCE

Announcements & Welcome Ruth MacLennan Prelude: Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow Spiritual, arr. Lpez

Opening Hymn: Good Christian Friends Rejoice VU 35

Opening Prayer: (in unison)

On this New Years Eve Day, we come in between times, The time behind and the time ahead, You are faithful through it all, timeless One, In this season of Christmas, may the spirit of the Christ child be born in us once again. Hear our silent prayer.. (Silent prayer)

Words of Hope and Healing (adapted Isaiah 61)

One: God has anointed One to bring good news to the oppressed, binding up the broken hearted, liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners. All: In Christ, we are recipients of this news. Good news of freedom, healing and hope. Amen.

Theme Time

Hymn: Jesus Our Brother VU 56

Prayer and the Lords Prayer

WE LISTEN TO GODS WORD

Scriptures: Psalm 148 (Voices United p.871) Luke 2:22-40

Message: Thanks and Hope WE RESPOND TO GOD IN LOVE

Hymn: Angels We Have Heard On High VU 38 Offertory: Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine German Carol, arr. Hayes

Offertory Response: What Child Is This VU 74, v.3 Offertory Prayer (in unison)

We live in Your abundance, God. With You there is always enough. In You, there is always more. Because of You, we find life and faith. Stir us to be a generous people as we seek Your mission in the name of Jesus. Let this giving spread through this community and others in Your world, Amen.

Prayers of the People

Closing Hymn: Go Tell It On the Mountain VU 43

Sending Forth and Blessing Choral Benediction: Hark the Herald Angels Sing VU 48 v.3 Postlude: Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine German Carol, arr. Hayes

Please join us for fellowship and refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. The host this week is Cheryl & AJ Schmidt to celebrate Als birthday.

Thank you to Bill and Marion Douglas with the Sunday School children this morning. 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.

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).

Casserole Ministry

Single & double serving meals are available in take out containers on the top shelf of our kitchen freezer. Members of our congregation are encouraged to take

advantage of these meals in difficult times. .

Upcoming Events

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY SOUPS 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. Sunday Supper Club

JANUARY 14th @ 5:30pm in Choir Room Bring something simple to share - a Salad, Entree, OR Dessert Also, bring your own dishes & cutlery. Coffee & tea are provided. Unsure??? Call Janice Ward to learn more ( 519-273-2367) Everyone welcome Invite a friend To help with planning, please use sign up in Fellowship foyer.

Community Events

Grief Support Group: The Stratford Christian Reformed Church will

be offering a 13 week session of GriefShare beginning Jan. 8,

2018. This confidential support groups meets weekly from 6:30 pm

until 8:15 pm for a video presentation and discussion. If you have

experienced the death of someone dear to you, you are invited. Call

Linda at 519-275-2570 for more information.

tel:(519)%20275-2570

3rd ANNUAL WINTER CONCERT SERIES in support of our United Way Perth-Huron consider attending one or more of the following concerts:

Jan 27 ABBA BeeGees Tribute at the Rotary Complex And the following concerts at Revival House

Feb 11 Classical Rock String Quartet with Mannheim Virtuosi String Quartet

March 16 Celtic Chaos with Mystic Fyre

March 30 Eagles Tribute New Kid In Town

April 13 Rockaria the Very Best of Elo tribute Tickets available from Treasures on Ontario Street or by emailing Terri Sparling at terris@hpcentre.on.ca Pre-Christmas Special attend all five concerts for $135/person!

From the office.. Monies put on the collection plate, Sunday Dec 31st will be included with 2017 givings. Monies received after this date will need to go towards 2018 givings. Envelopes for 2018 are available in the Fellowship Hallway on Sundays or in the office during the week. Office Closed Jan 1 Regular hours resume Tuesday Jan 2. AGM will be on Sunday February 18th. Please send me you report for the Annual report by January 31st. Yvonne

`

mailto:terris@hpcentre.on.ca

Weekly Calendar

SUNDAY Dec 31 - SUNDAY Jan 5

Today 10:00 Sunday Service Sanctuary

11:00 Refreshments & Fellowship Fellowship Hall

2:00 SSO Dress Rehearsal Sanctuary Monday -

Happy New Year 3:00 Stratford Symphony Concert Sanctuary

7:00

AA (Women's Closed) Parlour

Tuesday 10:00 UCW Executive Meeting Parlour

8:00

AA Choir Room

Wednesday 5:30 Yoga Gathering Room

6:00 Meditation Library

6:30 CAS Meeting Room

7:00 Shout Sisters Sanctuary 7:00

Women's Spirituality Library

Thursday 7:00 3rd Scouting Committee Gathering Room

Friday 8:00 AA Choir Room

Saturday 9:00 Music Practice Sanctuary

Next Sunday 10:00 Sunday Service Sanctuary

11:00 Refreshments & Fellowship Fellowship Hall

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