Adam Snook

Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Many of us across the Eastern Synod are unable to gather in our usual ways to mark this season of hope-filled anticipation.

But we are united, in the one body of Christ . No matter where we find ourselves this morning – God is with us!

And so, whether you’re gathering for in-person or mediated worship – we invite you to pause with your siblings in ministry across the Synod (the church, and the world) as we join our hearts together and prepare our hearts to gather at the manger in a few short days!

+ Response (Rev. Dr. Elaine Boone)

Today we light the candle of love. This year we have prayed for love. This year we have prayed in love: That we will love ALL our neighbours as ourselves. That no one will be hungry or homeless. That Thursdays in Black will end violence against women and children and bring justice for missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. Today we pray with love. We know God is with us in moments of love and hate. We know God is with us.

+ Advent Candle Lighting (Advent 4)

Lead Us Towards Christ was composed by Trevor Hicks Compositions, and is recorded and shared with permission.

+ Readings (Advent 4)

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

+ Prayer (Rev. Scott Schellenberger)

Gracious God we honour your name. Our journey to the manger continues. There are many without shelter or a home as the winter temperatures will soon come upon us. Help us to prepare warm spots of hope for individuals that they not only experience the warmth of Christ but the safety of a warm home. Preparing our hearts for the warmth of others we worship you. Amen.

The Ordination of Sherry Coman & Jordan Smith will be held on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 2pm.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Bishop Michael Pryse cordially invites you to gather virtually for the mediated Ordination Worship Service which will be livestreamed on the Eastern Synod Facebook Page.

A Worship Guide can be downloaded HERE.

Clergy who would like to show their collegial support are invited to take a photo of themselves in red vestments, and post it in the comments on our facebook page. These photos will be collected, and provided to Sherry and Jordan as a keepsake! Alternatively, they can be emailed to ctubbs@elcic.ca or ezehr@elcic.ca.

Please continue to pray for Sherry and Jordan, and the ministries to which they have been called.

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent.

Many of us across the Eastern Synod are unable to gather in our usual ways to mark this season of hope-filled anticipation.

But we are united, in the one body of Christ . No matter where we find ourselves this morning – God is with us!

And so, whether you’re gathering for in-person or mediated worship – we invite you to pause with your siblings in ministry across the Synod (the church, and the world) as we join our hearts together and continue our Advent journey!

+ Response (Rev. Dr. Elaine Boone)

Today we light the candle of joy. This year we have prayed for joy. This year we have prayed in joy: That water became cleaner and the air fresher. That new life has begun. That in dark we re-discovered what is important. Today we pray with joy. We know God is with us in moments of joy and sadness. We know God is with us.

+ Advent Candle Lighting (Advent 3)

Lead Us Towards Christ was composed by Trevor Hicks Compositions, and is recorded and shared with permission.

+ Readings (Advent 3)

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Luke 1:46b-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

+ Prayer (Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent.

Many of us across the Eastern Synod are unable to gather in our usual ways to mark this season of hope-filled anticipation.

But we are united, in the one body of Christ. No matter where we find ourselves this morning – God is with us!

And so, whether you’re gathering for in-person or mediated worship – we invite you to pause with your siblings in ministry across the Synod (the church, and the world) as we join our hearts together and we continue our Advent journey!

+ Response (Rev. Dr. Elaine Boone)

Today we light the candle of peace. This year we have prayed for peace. This year we have prayed in peace: That people will find common ground. That nations will stop harming their citizens. That the doomsday clock will go backward, not forward. Today we pray with peace! We know God is with us in moments of peace and unrest. We know God is with us.

+ Advent Candle Lighting (Advent 2)

Lead Us Towards Christ was composed by Trevor Hicks Compositions, and is recorded and shared with permission.

+ Readings (Advent 2)

Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8

+ Prayer (Rev. Doug Reble)

Eternal God, who comes to us again and again through the marvels of nature, in the person of Jesus, through the voice of conscience, and through your Spirit that dwells within us. Make us receptive during these days of Advent to your still, small voice that calls us from childishness to childlikeness, from fear to faith, from greed to generosity, and from a life that is self-centered to one that is centered in you, the Ground of our Being. For we want our lives to reflect the spirit of the one whose birth will soon be celebrated. In Christ’s name. Amen.