Gathering:
Resources needed:
- Dove printouts (enough for one for each person to have one – Click here to download the dove outline)
- Scissors
Invite people to cut out their dove outline but folding the sheet in half along the dotted line and cutting around the inside of the solid line. Once the dove shape has been cut out fold back the wings and the tail feathers to create a 3D dove. They will need need the dove later in the service (for the “Doves” resource).
Once everyone has their dove ready explain that our second Advent candle symbolises peace. Ask people to hold their doves in open hands as you pray:
Heavenly Father thank you that you promise to bring us peace. Help us to put aside the busyness of this week and any stresses or strains that we might carry and receive your gift of peace this morning. Amen.
Lighting the Advent Candle:
Person 1: We light our second candle as a reminder of the peace that God has promised us through Jesus.
Person 2: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
*Light the candle*
Confession:
Each week we will be using a simple confession following the Church of England Advent pattern. This includes a short reflection and an invitation for people to bring their sins to God in silence followed by a short prayer thanking God for his forgiveness.
A voice cries out in the wilderness,
‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’
So let us listen, and turn to the Lord in penitence and faith:
Invite people to spend a few moments in quiet reflection, bringing to God anything they wish to confess before a short prayer thanking God for his forgiveness.