| St. Mark’s United Church, Whitby Minister: the Rev. Dr. Steven Davis Music Director & Organist: Henry Remiz Children & Youth Program Leader: Moira Robertson Office Administrator: Arleane Ralph Custodian: John Herscheid December 7, 2025, 10:00 am Second Sunday of Advent |
WE GATHER IN GOD’S PRESENCE
CAROLS
“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” (#75 – Voices United – verses 1 & 5)
“Go, Tell It On The Mountain” (#43 – Voices United – all verses)
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE LIGHTING OF THE RAINBOW CANDLE
HONOURING THE LAND
INTROIT: “Hope Is A Star” (#7 – Voices United – verse 2 – sung by congregation)
THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE
(The Candle of Hope is lit)
Leader 1: During cold days and long nights, we wait for the coming of peace.
People: Peace between siblings, peace among the nations, peace for all creation.
Leader 2: Peace is found wherever God’s rule and God’s reign is brought into the world; no wonder Simeon praised and Anna proclaimed it when they saw Him arrive.
People: Peace will come with Jesus, our Prince of Peace.
(The Candle of Peace is lit)
HYMN: “A Candle Is Burning” (#6 – Voices United – verse 2)
Minister: In prayer, let us come to the Lord, who is with us and who is coming:
People: Light of the world, great prince of peace, be in our lives, and in our hearts, that we might be ambassadors of your peace in a world of strife. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
WE APPROACH GOD
OPENING HYMN: “On Jordan’s Bank” (#20 – Voices United)
OPENING PRAYER
Loving God, we come before you today, with expectation and excitement as the December days move forward, but also weary from the chaos and turmoil that often surrounds us at this time of year. And so, this morning, we seek your peace, your justice, and your guidance. We’re often too proud to admit our need for help, but we ask today for the confidence to lay ourselves before you, seeking your pardon for our past sins and to be refreshed by your holy word. Remind us that sometimes (even in spite of ourselves) we are your instruments of change—your hands and feet in a world torn apart by conflict and suffering. Empower us to act with compassion and to strive for justice, transforming our hope into peace for all. May our worship today be a refuge from the chaos, and may we leave here renewed, ready to serve you and bring your love to a broken world, as we face each day with the presence of your Son, Jesus Christ, at our sides—the one who taught us to pray:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
WE LISTEN FOR GOD
HYMN: “There’s A Voice In The Wilderness Crying” (#18 – Voices United)
A TIME WITH THE KIDS’ CHURCH: “Voices In The Wilderness”
SHARING THE CHRIST LIGHT
Children and Youth:
As we head out to learn and grow,
Christ’s light comes with us as we go.
We’ll light our lantern as you stay
here in church to learn and pray.
SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 19:9-18 (read by Celeste Miller); Matthew 3:1-12 (read by the Rev. Davis )
SERMON: The Voice That Still Calls
WE RESPOND TO GOD
VIDEO: Mission & Service Advent Christmas Appeal
RECEIVING THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY MUSIC: Improvisation, followed by “Grant Us, God, The Grace Of Giving” (#540 – Voices United)
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING
O Emmanuel, hear our prayer! We bring our gifts before you in the hope that they will spread peace throughout our homes, our communities, and our world. On every street corner; beside rivers, lakes and oceans; at the top of your tallest mountains; and in the depth of the darkest valleys, your people are in need. Use these gifts to strengthen St. Mark’s. May our various ministries bring relief to your beloved children. Amen!
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: ”Comfort, Comfort Now My People” (L. Bourgeois)
CONGREGATIONAL 200th ANNIVERSARY YEAR SLIDE
THE WORLD THIS WEEK SLIDES
PASTORAL PRAYER
CLOSING HYMN: “Once In Royal David’s City” (#62 – Voices United)
WE SERVE GOD AND GOD’S PEOPLE
COMMISSIONING
Minister: As we depart, remember Christ’s birth in humble circumstances: a King born in a manger. May we keep our hearts open to finding the divine in the unexpected.
People: May we hear God’s voice in the voices of the marginalized, the stranger, and the child.
Minister: Just as angels announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds, God speaks through the most unlikely messengers. May we listen with humility and faith.
People: We will seek wisdom in the words of those we might otherwise overlook, trusting that God’s spirit moves in mysterious ways.
Minister: Go forth, embodying Christ’s love and light. Share the hope and joy we’ve found in worship with a world longing for grace.
People: Empowered by the Spirit, we’ll follow God’s call, wherever it may lead, embracing the surprise of divine encounters.
BLESSING
CHORAL CLOSING: “While We Are Waiting, Come” (D. Cason; sung by choir)
RECESSIONAL: “Adagio” (P. Nardini)
Thought for the Day “Learn to be quiet enough to hear the sound of the genuine within yourself, so that you can hear it in other people.” (Marian Wright Edelman) |
Music reproduced with permission under licenses:
OneLicense A610919 and CCLI license #11269798
