Sunday service for 11 December 2022, third Sunday of Advent

Sunday 11 December 2022, NL1-15, Advent 3
Gourock St. John’s Church of Scotland
Service prepared by Rev. Teri Peterson
Manse: 632143 
Email: tpeterson (at) churchofscotland.org.uk

Prelude Music

Welcome and Announcements

*Sanctuary Hymn: Canticle of the Turning

Lighting the Advent Candle
One: In the midst of this world, here and now:
All: God is with us.
One: In the astonishing
and in the impossibly hard;
in the shadows
and in the absolute clarity:
All: God is with us.
One: Take heart, for even now
All: a new thing springs forth!
One: In the midst of this world,
All: God’s word is fulfilled.
One: Because Emmanuel, God is with us:
All: We will be the light, doing justice and living compassion.

*All Sing (Sanctuary):
As we light the advent candle,
with the justice light burning bright,
faithfully we wait for his coming,
faithfully it shines through the night!
In our humble hearts, a fire burns as well;
hear the prayer these flames would tell:
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel.

All: You take us by the hand, loving God,
bringing us close to you, leading us on your way.
You whisper your plans and ideas,
like friends conspiring on a surprise.
Thank you for the privilege of partnering with you
to bring about your vision:
a world of justice built on compassion,
a world where light shines for all to see.
As you extend your Word into human flesh
and your Spirit to all who walk on the earth
extend our love too, as a reflection of your image,
for your glory.
Amen.

Online Hymn 291: When Out of Poverty Is Born

*Sanctuary Hymn 273: O Come O Come Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of Nations, bind
all peoples in one heart and mind;
bid envy, strife, and discord cease,
fill the whole world with heaven’s peace:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

Prayer
You are the Creator of all, the Source of life and breath,
the One whose word is at the heart of the world,
and yet we confess that we have turned a blind eye
to both your vision and the reality around us.
You call for justice, not for retribution.
You call for honesty and compassion in our dealings with others.
We admit that neither is convenient for us, especially at this time of year,
and so we ignore the part we play and the part you call us to play.
Forgive us,
and remind us this day that we are meant for more than our shortsightedness can see.
You have always been faithful, O God,
and yet we confess that we still aren’t so sure
about the new things you declare.
We admit that we have enjoyed solidifying your former things
into favourite traditions we would rather not see changed,
and we confess that we have sometimes acted as if they are the only way.
Forgive us,
and remind us this day that you do not cede your glory even to our most beloved idols.
Turn us to the rest of the story you are still writing,
that we may walk hand in hand with you
into the story for which you created and called us.
Amen.

*Sanctuary Sung Prayer hymn 303 v 4
And you, beneath life’s crushing load
whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing;
oh, rest beside the weary road,
and hear the angels sing.

Sanctuary: Children’s Time (O Little Town verse 4)

Reading: Isaiah 42.1-9 (New Revised Standard Version)

Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
   
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;

I have put my spirit upon him;
   
he will bring forth justice to the nations.

He will not cry or lift up his voice,
   
or make it heard in the street;

a bruised reed he will not break,
   
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
   
he will faithfully bring forth justice. 

He will not grow faint or be crushed
   
until he has established justice in the earth;
   
and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

Thus says God, the Lord,
   
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
   
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,

who gives breath to the people upon it
   
and spirit to those who walk in it:

I am the Lord,
I have called you in righteousness,
   
I have taken you by the hand and kept you;

I have given you as a covenant to the people,
   
a light to the nations, 
 
to open the eyes that are blind,

to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
   
from the prison those who sit in darkness.

I am the Lord, that is my name;
   
my glory I give to no other,
   
nor my praise to idols.

See, the former things have come to pass,
   
and new things I now declare;

before they spring forth,
   
I tell you of them.

For the word of God in scripture,
for the word of God among us,
for the word of God within us,
thanks be to God.

Sermon: Family Business

See, the former things have come to pass —
What an amazing reminder from God that all those things God said he would do, God has done. God keeps promises!

Sometimes I think we forget to look back at all the things God has done, all the prayers that have been answered, the promises that have been fulfilled. I love that this reminder begins with “SEE” — Like God calling out “pay attention, people! I did these things already!”

What things?

Well…God created the earth and stretched out the heavens. God set up a system where the earth produces year on year, a cycle of creation that continues even now. God gave breath and even the Spirit to all who walk on the earth. Going all the way back to the beginning, God has been busy doing things…and then it gets more personal.

God says: I called you. I took you by the hand. I gave you as a covenant to the peoples and a light to the nations.

Who is God talking to, exactly?

Some people believe God is talking to one person, who will serve God in these ways that inaugurate the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

Many people, including many of the Jewish people who received this book first, believe it to be about the people of Israel, God’s chosen people. They are, collectively, God’s servant. And I suspect that all or most of us are here today because we want to serve God — whatever that might mean in each of our lives, and in our life together as a church community.

And many scholars and preachers and teachers remind us that the prophets spoke an inspired word from God for both their own time and a future time, indeed into our time as well — God’s word is not confined to one time or place but has meaning for us all, so it’s likely that it has both a meaning regarding an anointed Messiah who would live out God’s will in the flesh, and also a meaning regarding the people of God… who are also to embody and live out God’s will in the world.

In fact, I think the cue we are meant to take is actually there smack in the middle of today’s reading. It says that the servant will “establish” God’s justice in the world — a justice that is careful and compassionate, that doesn’t break those who are already bent, doesn’t crush those already bruised, but instead recognises healing as a part of justice on the way to the wholeness, the shalom, of God’s kingdom.

Sometimes I think we hear the word “establish” and think it means the job is finished, all accomplished and nothing left to do. But that’s not really what it means — to establish something is actually to start it. Think of the places we like to go that have signs out front that say things like “established 1952” or whatever year. And then think of God’s kingdom on earth as in heaven as…established by the Spirit anointing the servant, or servants, of God — whether you think of that as when Jesus was born, or when he was raised from the dead, or farther back when the prophet spoke these words, or even farther back when God first breathed the Spirit of life into the first human creatures. And ever since, it’s been the family business. All who are in Christ, all who seek to serve God, join this family business established way back when, and to us God says:
I called you.
I grabbed your hand and kept you safe.
I gave you to be the light.

This same God who breathes the Spirit into us, who was born to be with us, who promised never to leave us nor forsake us…this same God with us has a job for us to do in the family business, and it’s a fairly specific job.

The job description says:
I have given you to be a light to the nations…to open blind eyes and set prisoners free. To help people see, and having seen, to act:
*to see the truth of our world’s systems of injustice that trap people in poverty, violence, isolation, or pain, and to set people free to live and serve.
*to see those things we might prefer to turn a blind eye to, and to set people free from the chosen ignorance that makes it impossible to truly love our neighbour.
*to see the bigger reality that God has created, and to set people free from the confines of the systems we have created so we can live abundant life now.

The former things have come to pass — God breathed the Spirit and gave the promise that the chosen people would be a blessing to the entire world, all the nations and people and even the earth itself.

The former things have come to pass — God anointed the Son to establish this kingdom that will have no end.

The former things have come to pass — God called us by name and claimed us as his own; God took our hands, like a parent holding a child’s hand to guide them and protect them as they navigate the world; God gave us to the world to show others what it means to love one another as we have been loved.

And now…new things God declares! And even before the rest of the world hears, the servants of God get a pre-release sneak peek, a glimpse of what’s to come. God shows us the new thing that is springing forth…so that we can be ready for it, so that we can share it, so that we can share in the work of bringing it to fruition.

What an Advent! The word “Advent” means “coming”, and indeed something is coming. Not just the same old same old, not only the re-telling of the story we hear every Christmas, but God is doing a new thing, even here and even now and even with us. God is whispering in our ears, pulling back the curtain, revealing what’s next. And because God has always been faithful in doing what he promised before, we can trust that this Advent promise will be true too. Something new is coming, and everyone in the family business is invited to join in. Because Emmanuel, God is with us, we can be the light, shining justice and joy into the world.

May it be so. Amen.

Offering  (choir to sing)
Creation began with just a few small words: let there be light. God’s greatest gift to the world started out small, a baby born at the fringes of the empire and the margins of society. God’s gift is the pattern for our own giving — however small in the grand scheme of needs, we trust that God is multiplying our gifts into a blessing for our community. The ministry and mission we do here at St John’s costs just over £10,500 per month and it is because of your generous giving that we are able to serve others in all the different ways that happen here every day. May the gifts we give be a reflection of our gratitude for God’s gifts to us, and may they be dedicated to the work of God’s kingdom in this place. Your morning offering will now be received.

*Sanctuary Offering Response Hymn 324, verse 5
All creation, joining praising
God the Father, Spirit, Son,
evermore your voices raising
to the eternal Three-In-One:
come and worship Christ,
the newborn king.
Come and worship,
worship Christ, the newborn king.

*Hymn: God With Us (praise band)

(Sanctuary: Communion)

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Giver of every good gift,
we thank you for sending your Spirit
to empower your world to fulfil your word.
We thank you for taking us by the hand,
lending us your presence and power and purpose
to guide and protect us as we walk your way
and seek your new kingdom breaking in to this world.
Holy Spirit of compassionate justice,
we lift up those who are feeling beaten down,
trampled or forgotten or tossed aside,
whose voices are talked over, who are talked about but never with,
who long for another way yet feel they have no good options,
and those whose light is burning out.
May they be encouraged by your gentleness and our solidarity.
May they stand in your strength and find healing.
Holy Spirit of liberation,
we lift up those who sit in the shadows,
whose vision is obscured,
who are surrounded by obstacles and no obvious way out…
and also those who choose not to see anything that might challenge their worldview.
We pray for your freedom for all who are unjustly imprisoned,
for those who are dehumanised rather than offered a way of restoration,
and for those who are in cages of their own making.
May they have the strength to stand and see outside the box.
May they have the space to move and grow and change,
to live and breathe and walk in your light.
Holy Spirit of renewal,
we lift up those who find the idea of new things a threat,
for all who are well-served by the status quo,
who see no need for a different way,
who are happy just as they are, thanks.
We are grateful for the glimpse of your kingdom coming,
and we pray for those who will have to learn a new world,
even as we rejoice with those who have longed for your day.
We ask for you to come and widen our vision and open our hearts.
May all people recognise your still more excellent way,
and be encouraged and empowered to embrace the change.
May we be a light to the nations.
We ask in the name of your Word made flesh,
Jesus the Christ, who taught us to pray together
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

*Hymn 320: Joy to the World

Benediction
Friends, however messy the world may appear, God’s covenant withstands it all. Go from this place, hand in hand with God, knowing the gift of the Spirit within you to bring forth justice, shining the light of Christ who makes all things new.
And as you go, may the Spirit of God go above you to watch over you. May the Spirit of God go beside you to be your companion. May the Spirit of God go before you to show you the way, and behind you to push you into places you might not go alone. And may the Spirit of God go within you, to remind you that you are loved more deeply than you can possibly imagine. May the fire of God’s love burn brightly in you, and through you into the world. Go in peace. Amen.

*Sung Benediction Response (John L Bell, tune Gourock St John’s)
Now may the Lord of all be blessed,
Now may Christ’s gospel be confessed,
Now may the Spirit when we meet
Bless sanctuary and street.

Postlude Music (Sanctuary)

Announcements
* Our Advent Appeal this year is supporting “A Little Box of Love” for Mind Mosaic Child and Family therapies. They are asking us to fill a shoebox or gift bag with items such as winter clothing, small toys or arts-and-crafts items, perhaps a few sweets, gift/food vouchers, baby items, gift sets, etc — there are three age categories: babies and toddlers aged 0-3 and their parents, children aged 3-12, and teens aged 13-18. If you would like to fill a shoebox (with NEW items only please), label it with the age and gender child it’s for, and bring it and place it under our Christmas tree up until the 15th of December, please do.

* The Christmas Post is being carried out by our youth organisations — you can bring your cards between December 4 and 18, though the earlier the better please! The cost will remain at 30p per card, with all proceeds going to support ministry with young people at St John’s.

* The Wednesday evening Bible Study meets at 7:30pm in the manse at 6 Barrhill Road. All are welcome, no experience necessary! Feel free to invite a friend, too! We are reading through the Bible in a year…ish. Anyone who has ever wondered just what the Bible actually says and what it has to do with us is welcome. This week we are having a festive gathering and then we will take a break until the new year.

* Young Adult Bible Study meets TONIGHT for a festive gathering in the manse at 7pm, and then we take a break until the new year. If you’d like more information, for yourself, a family member, a friend, or neighbour who is in their 20s, please contact Teri for the dates/times and other information.

* The Contact Group is having an Advent Celebration of carols and readings on Tuesday 13th December at 2pm. This will be an informal event with participation from members of other local churches. All are welcome to attend and we ask that a donation to Starter Packs be brought along to help people in our local community. 

* PB Wright are hosting a Quiet Christmas service for those who’ve lost a loved one, Wednesday 14th December at 7pm at St. Ninian’s Roman Catholic Church in Gourock. All are welcome.

* The Christmas concert/service with the Stedfast Silver Band and the Connect+ singing group at Westburn on the evening of Thursday 15 December at 7pm.

* Reely Jiggered and the Voices of Argyll choir will be doing a Christmas Concert in the sanctuary on Friday 16 December at 7:30pm. Tickets are £12 and available on their website https://reelyjiggered.com or at the door.

* The service for the Longest Night — like a Quiet Christmas service, on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, when we are in shadows and yet turn toward the light, will be on Wednesday 21 December at 7:30pm in the sanctuary. This contemplative Christmas service is perfect for those who are looking for a reflective opportunity, who need a little space this season, or who just enjoy the less raucous carols.

* The Choir Brigade Christmas Concert will be in the sanctuary on Friday 23rd December at 7:30pm. Tickets are £10 and available at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-choir-brigade.

* Christmas Eve worship services will be on Saturday 24 December at 7pm in St John’s and 11:30pm in Old Gourock & Ashton.

* Christmas morning worship will be on Sunday 25 December at 10am in the St. John’s sanctuary. Bring a gift you received to share about it during the children’s time!

* New Year’s Day worship will be on Sunday 1 January and will be a New Year Communion shared with Old Gourock & Ashton and St Ninian’s (Larkfield). The service will be at 10:30am in OGA.

* We worship in the sanctuary on Sundays at 11am (except Christmas Day at 10am and New Year’s Day at OGA at 10:30am), and all Sunday worship is also online (or on the phone at 01475 270037, or in print). If you are able, please enter by the front door in Bath street, and only those who need step-free access should use the back door. If you feel unwell, please worship online, to protect both yourself and others in our community.

* Did you know that it costs us about £10,500 per month to do the ministry we currently do at St. John’s? That includes heating and lighting the building and keeping it in good repair for church and community groups, programming and pastoral care for people of all ages, our contribution to minister’s stipends, and other ministry costs. The Kirk now has online giving! If you have not already set up a standing order in order to facilitate your spiritual discipline of giving, or if you would like to make an extra gift to support the ministry St. John’s does in our parish, you can give online by clicking here. If you would like to set up a standing order, please contact Peter Bennett, our treasurer, or Teri and she can give you his details. You can also send your envelopes to the church or the manse by post and we will ensure they are received. Remember: no one is coming to your door to collect your envelopes, so please be safe!

* Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Youtube, and to sign up for our email devotions! Midweek you can watch Wine and the Word on Youtube, pray with video devotions on Facebook, and consider a new angle on something with a devotional email. Feel free to share with your friends, too!

* The Church Notes, which will celebrate what has been going on at St John’s for the past few months, will be coming soon. If you have stories to share from an organisation or group or ministry from the summer or autumn activities, please send them to Seonaid Knox as soon as possible.

* Would you be interested in joining the readers rota in 2023? Whether you read in the sanctuary or online, or both — whether recording yourself or being recorded by Teri — we’d love to have your voice bringing God’s word to life in our community! There is a wee training to help you feel confident. Let Teri know if you’d like to join in.