Second Sunday of Advent. Carols and Readings led by the Revd Lucy Brierley.

This Service, broadcast live from the Church can be found via the Church’s website – www.wokingurc.org.uk our YouTube Channel, or via our Facebook page. There is an archive of service recordings, including this one, on our website which can be viewed at home. If you would like some help to access any of them please email – office@wokingurc.org.uk or telephone us on 01483 763078.

If you would like a recording of this Service, and any other, they are available in various formats by request. Please contact the Church Office.

ORDER OF SERVICE

Welcome and Notices

Carol: Once in royal David’s city (R&S 167) Congregation join in from Verse 2

Responsive Call to Worship Based on words from the prophet Isaiah

A boy has been born for us

A child has been given to us

And his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, the Prince of Peace

Once we were no people Now we are God’s people.

Once we walked in darkness Now we have seen a great light

Prayers & The Lord’s Prayer Reading – ‘God had a plan’

Carol: It came upon the midnight clear (R&S 144)

Reading – Luke 1 v26-45 The Annunciation to Mary

Carol: On Christmas night all Christians sing

(R&S 153)

Reading – ‘Joy to the World: Mary and Elizabeth’

Carol: Joy to the world (R&S 135)

Reading – Luke 2 v1-7 The Birth of Jesus

Children’s Singing Group: Midnight

Reading – Luke 2 v8-20 The Visit of the Shepherds

Adult Singing Group: How suddenly a baby cries

Prayer Time

Carol: Silent night (R&S 147)

Reading – John 1 v1-14 The Word Became Flesh

Carol: Hark! the herald angels sing (R&S 159)

Today there is an opportunity to give to the Christian Aid Christmas Appeal (this will run until Sunday 7^th January)

This is focusing on Bangladesh this year. In Kurigram, a flood prone area of Bangladesh, 70% of families live in extreme poverty. Agriculture is the lifeline for most families, but climate change and floods wreak havoc on their crops – leading to huge losses. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. They face threats to their livelihoods, pressure to marry young, and few chances for study or work. Poverty unjustly limits choice, but with the right support, girls and women can be a powerful force for change.

There are several different ways to donate:

1. The Dona card machine in the Forum

2. Via the Church website – www.wokingurc.org.uk

3. By using one of the envelopes for cash or cheques in the Forum

4. By sending a cheque (payable to Woking URC but write ‘Christian Aid’ on the back) to the Church or directly to the Church Treasurer

5. Paying directly to the Church’s bank account (details on ‘Giving to the Church’ section on the website)

You are invited to share in the following Services as we continue through Advent to Christmas Day:

Wednesday 13^th December – 

10.30 am – Toddler Friendly Short Service

8 pm – Christmas Praise – contemporary celebration

Sunday 17^th December at 10.30 am – Christmas Festival Nativity Service 

Christmas Eve, Sunday 24^th December – 

10.30 am – Communion Service

3.30 pm – Crib Service starting outside with the arrival of Mary on a donkey, followed by refreshments (this Service will not be live streamed) Normal parking charges apply at Heathside

Christmas Day, Monday 25^th December at 10 am – All age Celebration Service