BUC Worship Service – December 7, 2025

Balzac United Church
December 7, 2025, 10:00am
Guest Minister: Dr. Alex Shawn
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan, Dr. Alex Shawn

Prelude Waiting for Messiah arr. R. Thygerson

Welcome and Announcements
Service link
Bulletin link
Message Link


Land Acknowledgement
“As we gather together, let us pause to remember that we live,
work, and worship on lands that are, by law, the unceded territories
of the nations of Treaty 7. As Christ’s people, may we be people of
love, of truth, and of reconciliation. May we live with respect on this
land, and in peace and friendship with its people.”

Lighting of the Advent Candle
Lighting of the Christ Candle
May the Gift of this candle’s defiant flame, remind us of God’s gift of
Peace.
Call to Worship
While the sun endures
Let us praise God
While the waters cover the sea
Let us praise God
As the moon shines
Let us praise God
As rain and snow shower the earth
Let us praise God
Opening Hymn All Earth is Waiting VU #5, v. 1,2,3
Opening Prayer
Hymn In The Bleak Midwinter VU #55, v. 1,2
Ceremony of Commemoration
We light a candle in memory of those who gave us birth,
Who nurtured us, offered love, and cherished us.
We remember mothers and fathers,
guardians and grandparents,
families of choice rather than birth,
and all family through the ages. (a candle is lit)
We light a candle in memory of those
who have been joined to us in the great circle of family.
We remember sisters and brothers,
Aunts, uncles, and cousins,
Those near to us and far away. (a candle is lit)
We light a candle in memory of those who have left us
before we expected. For those we hold dear,
and with whom we still walk with in our dreams.
We remember children and grandchildren,
Those who leaped within the womb
And who danced upon the earth. (a candle is lit)
We light a candle in memory of those whom we came to know through the
eyes of love. We hold sacred the faces and memories of years past, of those
who brightened our days and lit up our lives.
We remember husbands and wives,
dearest loved ones and closest friends,
who changed our lives forever. (a candle is lit)
We light a candle in memory of those who shared in our lives in many ways,
who worked with us
and made our lives more enjoyable,
We remember friends and neighbours. (a candle is lit)
We light a candle for those we do not know, O God,
who, like us, have suffered loss, who live with grief, who long for peace and
justice,
who long for friendship and healing.
We remember your people of every time and place.
(a candle is lit)
Finally, we leave one candle unlit,
mindful of the great truth of this life,
that is the fullness of time we, too,
will join our loved ones in a realm without sorrow and pain,
in the company of unending love.
For these and all your children,
we give thanks for life, hope, and courage.
Prayer of Illumination
Scripture Matthew 3: 1 – 12
Sermon Where’s Your Focus?
Special Music Jesus, Joy of the of the Highest Heaven
Lloyd Larson
Invitation to Giving
As we worship through the Advent season, we receive the Good News that
Christ comes to bring peace on earth and goodwill to all people.
Let us share of ourselves and of what God has so graciously given
us.
Offering Silence arr. R. Summers
Prayer of Dedication
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
VU # 2
Choral Benediction Go Now in Peace VU # 964 – x3
Postlude I Love to Tell the Story arr. H. Livingstone, Jr.