Worship from Home | St. John's Church

Worship at Home Service

Second Sunday of Advent

December 7, 2025

Welcome

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them"

MATTHEW 18: 31-46

We continue to be in extraordinary times, but St. John’s is committed to acting with care for each other. Our online worship provides music and prayers which are up-dated weekly. We hope our online worship inspires you and helps you to feel united in spirit as we seek God.

Opening Sentence

Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. All flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Luke 3: 4, 6

Gathering the Community

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Opening Hymn

'Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus'

Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent

Almighty God, who sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare your people to welcome the Messiah, inspire us, the ministers and stewards of your truth, to turn our disobedient hearts to you, that when the Christ shall come again to be our judge, we may stand with confidence before his glory; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, now and for ever Amen.

Hymn

'Come Jesus, Prince of Peace'

The Word of God

Matthew 3: 1-12

Homily

Silence for Reflections

Prayers of the People

Advent reminds us that even in the waiting, God is already at work, unseen, but always faithful. As we prepare our hearts and minds for the birth of Christ, let us pray to our Saviour and Redeemer, saying, “God of hope, hear our prayer.”

We pray for peace in the world, especially in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza. Where there is sorrow, we pray for God’s grace to light the darkness; where there is despair, we pray for God’s hope to light the darkness; where there is war, we pray for God’s love to light the darkness; where there is confusion and fear, we pray for your peace to light the darkness.

R- God of hope, hear our prayer.

We pray for the church, the sign of God’s reign, that it may be a faithful witness during these challenging times.

We pray for our Bishops, Susan and Colin, for Fr. Audrius and for all clergy leaders working in these difficult times.

We pray for this community of St. John’s. May we be brave and strong in faith as we seek to meet the needs of people in our community.

R- God of hope, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are facing trials- we pray for the sick and the healing; for the hungry and the homeless, and for all who are mourning the loss of loved ones. We pray for our friends and for our families, especially remembering Valerie, Trish, Finn, Audra, Pat, Jan & Treavor, Mary, Mattagan & Carol, Janet & family, Wilson, Sheila & John, Joan & Max.

R- God of hope, hear our prayer.

Closing Prayer: God of peace, when we cannot see the way forward, steady our hearts in Your promises. Be with us as we prepare our hearts for the birth of your Son. May we seek quiet spaces to hear Your voice each day. May we remember the reason for this season and seek your light. Amen.

Doxology

Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen

Blessing

May Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we redeemed: guide us and strengthen us by his Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you.

Go in peace as a sign of hope for all people by showing forth the living presence of God in this world and may the blessing of God almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Second Sunday of Advent

Fr. Audrius Sarka

Second Sunday of Advent (Mt 3, 1-12).docx