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God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, however you self-identify, whom you love,
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY
First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nehiyawewin, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
We gather with gratitude for their stewardship of this land and we acknowledge that we too are treaty people, called to live with respect in Creation as we undertake our responsibilities as members of Treaty Six.
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE
We light this candle to remind us
that God sends Jesus to be a light to our path. Amen.
HYMN #145 More Voices “Draw the Circle Wide”
Refrain Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider still.
Let this be our song, no one stands alone,
Standing side by side, draw the circle wide.
God the still point of the circle, round whom all creation turns.
Nothing lost but held forever in God’s gracious arms. Refrain
Let our hearts touch far horizons, so encompass great and small;
Let our loving know no borders, faithful to God’s call. Refrain
Let the dreams we dream be larger, than we’ve ever dreamed before;
Let the dream of Christ be in us, open every door. Refrain
CALL TO WORSHIP
Let us remember:
those throughout history who have led in praising God and spreading the good news.
Let us remember:
the warm embrace of loved ones, those who have comforted us over time, those who have acted fearless in times of despair and devastation.
Let us remember:
the strength and love of elders, the lasting presence of our friends, the kindness of strangers, the laughter of children, and the unconditional love of those who have offered it.
On this All Saints’ Day, let us remember:
the love of Jesus, the wonder of the Holy Spirit, and the abiding presence of God.
Let us remember as we worship today.
~Tony Tuck, First U.C., Mount Pearl, Nfld. and Lab.
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
HYMN #126 More Voices “Are you a Shepherd?”
Are you a shepherd, good shepherd who leads us safely through danger, while calming our fears?
Are you a father who shelters and feeds us, shares in our laughter and wipes away tears?
Refrain Yes, you are shepherd, parent and teacher, but you are greater than all that we know.
Holy and living, loving and giving, God, you are with us wherever we go.
Are you a mother, good mother who bears us, comforts, protects us and helps us to rest?
Are you a teacher who daily prepares us, challenging students to offer their best? Refrain
Great, gentle shepherd, forever beside us, lead all your children in paths that are right.
Great, loving parent, wise teacher you guide us. We want to love you and bring you delight. Refrain
PASSING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you
And also with you.
SCRIPTURE READING
Habakkuk 1:1-6
CHILDREN’S TIME
PSALM 119 (Part Six 137-144 Refrain p. 841 VU)
Refrain Righteous are you, O God.
You are righteous, O God, and your judgements are just.
The decrees you have made are righteous and true.
I am consumed with rage because my foes neglect your words.
Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. Refrain
Though I am belittled and despised,
I do not forget your commandments.
Your righteousness is eternal and your teaching is true.
Though trouble and anguish come upon me,
your commandments remain my delight.
Your righteous decrees are eternal;
give me understanding, that I may live. Refrain
HYMN #288 VU “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Great is thy faithfulness, God our Creator; There is not shadow of turning with thee;
Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not; as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Refrain Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness ever to me!
Summer and winter and spring time and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Refrain
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow, wondrous the portion, thy blessings provide. Refrain
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Our offering is an act of worship and faith. We worship God by dedicating the first portion of our wealth as a gift, whatever that portion might be, before we are asked and before a need is expressed. We have faith that our offering will be a blessing in our lives, and will further the renewing and reconciling work to which we are called. Let us worship God with the offering.
MISSION AND SERVICE STORY “Faith, Farming, and Friendship”
HYMN #56 Songs for a Gospel People “God, whose giving knows no ending” Verse 3
Treasure, too, you have entrusted, gain thro’ pow’rs your grace conferred;
ours to use for home and kindred, and to spread the Gospel word.
Open wide our hands in sharing, as we heed Christ’s ageless call,
healing, teaching and reclaiming, serving you by loving all.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION (inspired by Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18)
God of memory and courage, we bring these gifts in the hope that the message of your grace and love will continue to be treasured and shared, throughout the world and in our midst, in resistance of evil and hope of enduring peace. Amen.
Loving God, you speak to us in so many ways.
Speak to us now through the reading of the scriptures.
SCRIPTURE READING
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Luke 16:1-12
SERMON
HYMN #120 More Voices “My Soul Cries Out “
My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great,
And my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.
You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn,
So from east to west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?
Refrain My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn!
Though I am small, my God, my all, you work great things in me,
And your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.
Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,
You will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. Refrain
From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.
Let the king beware for your justice tears ev’ry tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;
There are tables spread, ev’ry mouth be fed for the world is about to turn. Refrain
Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast;
God’s mercy must deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.
This saving word that our forebears heard, is the promise that holds us bound;
‘Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God who is turning the world around. Refrain
CHANGING THE LIGHT
SENDING FORTH
We are called to remember the saints.
Let us pass on what we have learned.
We are called to be a blessing to the world.
Let us show compassion without fear.
We are called to be a source of mercy to all.
Let us love others no matter the cost.
We are called to share extravagant hope.
Let us bring God’s peace wherever we go.
BLESSING
HYMN #212 More Voices “Sent out in Jesus’ Name”
Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now
to make the world a place in which the kingdom comes.
Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now
to make the world a place in which the kingdom comes.
The angels cannot change a world of hurt and pain into a world of love, of justice and of peace.
The task is ours to do, to set it really free. O, help us to obey, and carry out your will.
This service of worship was initially prepared by Together We Worship and has been revised to fit practices of Wetaskiwin First United Church. Thanks to Murray Speer, Calgary, AB, for the Liturgy.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY
First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nehiyawewin, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE
As we prepare ourselves for worship, we light the Christ Candle reminding us
that Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Almighty God, whose greatness is unsearchable, we bless your name for ever and ever
We praise you God, our Maker
We are in awe of your wondrous works and sing aloud of your righteousness.
We praise you God, our Maker
We give thanks that you are gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love
We praise you God, our Maker
OPENING PRAYER “C” Voices United p. 930
God of the heavens and the earth,
with joy we praise you,
we thank you, we honour you.
Because you have made us like yourself,
made us to be creative in your world,
we praise you.
Because you have freed us through Jesus
freed us to be people of light and love,
we thank you.
Because your Spirit is present with us,
present to guide and renew,
we honour you.
God of the heavens and the earth,
with joy we praise you, we thank you,
we honour you for ever. Amen
HYMN #10 More Voices “Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom” Verses 1-2
Come and seek the ways of Wisdom, she who danced when earth was new.
Follow closely what she teaches, for her words are right and true.
Wisdom clears the path to justice, showing us what love must do.
Listen to the voice of Wisdom, crying in the market place.
Hear the word made flesh among us, full of glory, truth and grace.
When the word takes root and ripens, peace and righteousness embrace.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you
And also with you.
PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgement.
Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain in me a willing spirit. Amen.
THEME TIME
GODLY PLAY “Joseph”
HYMN #395 Voices United “Come in, Come in and Sit Down” Verses 1, 2, & 4
Refrain Come in, come in and sit down; you are a part of the family.
We are lost and we are found, and we are a part of the family.
You know the reason why you came, yet no reason can explain;
So share in the laughter and cry in the pain, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
God is with us in this place, like a mother’s warm embrace.
We’re all forgiven by God’s grace, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
There’s rest for the weary and health for us all; there’s a yoke that is easy, and a burden that’s small.
So come in and worship and answer the call, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S VOICE
Loving God, you speak to us in so many ways.
Speak to us now through the reading of the scriptures.
FOCUS SCRIPTURES
Psalm 84:1-7
Luke 18:9-14
This is the trustworthy witness of God’s faithful people through the ages
The divine word to us today. Amen.
SERMON – Rev. Graham Brownmiller
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND IN FAITH AND HOPE
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
MISSION AND SERVICE STORY
HYMN #510 Voices United “We Have this Ministry” Verse 2
O Christ, the treat of life, our end and our beginning,
We grow to fullest flower when rooted in your love.
Brothers, sisters, clergy, lay, called to service by your grace,
Different cultures, different gifts, the young and old a place.
We have this ministry, O God, receive our giving.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
…Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
…Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
…Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
…we pray together the prayer that Jesus taught his followers, each in the language of our heart……
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
WE GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE
CHANGING THE LIGHT
SENDING FORTH
HYMN #209 More Voices “Go Make a Diff’rence” (Verses 2-3)
Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
We are the hands of Christ, reaching out to those in need, the face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
So let your love shine on, let it shine for all to see. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
And the spirit of Christ will be with us as we go. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
This service of worship was initially prepared by Together We Worship and has been revised to fit practices of Wetaskiwin First United Church. Thanks to Rev. Graham Brownmiller, Jubilee United, Burnaby for the sermon.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY
First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nehiyawewin, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
We gather with gratitude for their stewardship of this land and we acknowledge that we too are treaty people, called to live with respect in Creation as we undertake our responsibilities as members of Treaty Six.
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP
God welcomes us here,
whether we come from around the corner or from far away.
God rejoices that we are here,
Just like a loving parent embracing a long-lost child.
God celebrates that we are here,
That we have come to be together again.
Let us lift our hearts and voices to God whose love knows no bounds.
Let us worship God!
OPENING PRAYER
HYMN #10 More Voices “Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom” Verses 1-2
Come and seek the ways of Wisdom, she who danced when earth was new.
Follow closely what she teaches, for her words are right and true.
Wisdom clears the path to justice, showing us what love must do.
Listen to the voice of Wisdom, crying in the market place.
Hear the word made flesh among us, full of glory, truth and grace.
When the word takes root and ripens, peace and righteousness embrace.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you
And also with you.
PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION
HYMN #154 More Voices “Deep in Our Hearts”
Deep in our hearts there is a common vision: Deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story, telling Creation that we are one.
Deep in our hearts there is a common purpose; deep in our hearts there is a common goal;
Deep in our hearts there is a sacred message, justice and peace in harmony.
Deep in our hearts there is a common longing; deep in our hearts there is a common theme;
Deep in our hearts there is a common current, flowing to freedom like a stream.
Deep in our hearts there is a common vision; deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story, telling Creation that we are one.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S VOICE
Loving God, you speak to us in so many ways.
Speak to us now through the reading of the scriptures.
FOCUS SCRIPTURES
Proverbs 11:23-26
2 Corinthians 9:6-9
Luke 3:7-14
Psalm 72, Part 2 (Refrain p. 790 VU)
Refrain Hail to God’s own anointed, who rules in equity.
May the rulers of Tarshish and the isles pay tribute,
the monarchs of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.
May all rulers do homage,
and all nations render service.
For your anointed shall deliver the needy when they cry,
the poor and those who have no helper.
Your anointed shall have pity on the weak and the needy,
and save the lives of the poor.
From oppression and violence your anointed shall redeem their life,
and count as precious their blood. Refrain
This is the trustworthy witness of God’s faithful people through the ages
The divine word to us today. Amen.
HYMN #691 Voices United “Though Ancient Walls” Verses 1, 3, & 5
Though ancient walls may still stand proud and racial strife be fact,
though boundaries may be lines of hate, proclaim God’s saving act!
Refrain Walls that divide are broken down; Christ is our unity!
Chains that enslave are thrown aside; Christ is our liberty!
The truth we seek in varied scheme, the life that we pursue,
unites us in a common quest for self and world made new. Refrain
This broken world seeks lasting health and vital unity.
God’s people by God’s Word renewed, cast off all slavery!
MESSAGE – Rev. Dr. Lloyd Nyarota “The Gift of Giving”
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND IN FAITH AND HOPE
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
HYMN #510 Voices United “We Have this Ministry” Verse 2
O Christ, the treat of life, our end and our beginning,
We grow to fullest flower when rooted in your love.
Brothers, sisters, clergy, lay, called to service by your grace,
Different cultures, different gifts, the young and old a place.
We have this ministry, O God, receive our giving.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
…we join together and pray the words He taught us, each in the language of our hearts…
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
COMMUNION
Our Maker be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to our God
Let us give thanks to the Maker of all.
It is great to give God thanks and praise.
…It is God’s and Jesus is our host…
Thanks be to God!
…with all the voices in heaven and on earth, we join to sing your praise…
HYMN #203 More Voices “Holy, Holy, Holy”
O holy, holy, holy God, O God of time and space
All earth and sea and sky above bear witness to your grace.
Hosanna in the highest heaven, creation sings your praise.
And blessed is the One who comes and bears your name always!
…Let us declare the story of our faith…
HYMN #204 More Voices “Memorial Acclamation”
Sing Christ has died and Christ is risen, Christ will come again!
Sing Christ has died and Christ is risen, Christ will come again!
…Here are the gifts of God for the people of God…
HYMN #205 More Voices “Great Amen”
Amen, amen, O Holy One! Hosanna and Amen!
Amen, amen, O Holy One, Hosanna and Amen!
Come for all is ready at this welcome table. The gifts of God for the people of God.
The bread of life – the cup of the new covenant – joy, love, forgiveness
Thanks be to God.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
For the bread we have eaten, for the juice we have tasted, for the gifts we have received, we thank you God. As stewards of the story, as walkers on Christ’s Way, we are gifted and called to the responsibility to share. We have learned together, we have feasted together, and now we go forth, united by God’s Spirit, to live this amazing story: Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Light! Amen
HYMN #209 More Voices “Go Make a Diff’rence” Verse 1
Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see the love of God for you and me.
We are the light of the world, not to be hidden but be seen. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
WE GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE
CHANGING THE LIGHT
SENDING FORTH
HYMN #209 More Voices “Go Make a Diff’rence” (Verses 2-3)
Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
We are the hands of Christ, reaching out to those in need, the face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
So let your love shine on, let it shine for all to see. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
And the spirit of Christ will be with us as we go. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
This service of worship was initially prepared by Together We Worship and has been revised to fit practices of Wetaskiwin First United Church. Thanks to Together We Worship for the main Liturgy and to Rev. Leigh Sinclair for the Communion Liturgy.
First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nehiyawewin, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 66:1-12)
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth.
We come with thankful, awe-filled hearts for the bounty of the earth.
Come and see the changing beauty all around us.
Through the changing seasons we are reminded there is a time of letting go for the renewal of all things.
Come and hear the call of creation beckoning us to awaken our senses.
We come, we see, we hear, we give thanks for God’s abundance.
OPENING PRAYER
Today we set aside all that may trouble our hearts, that we may remember the blessings around us. Open our hearts and minds to the wonders that astound, and to our capacity to love, to heal, to renew, and to live in gratitude. Amen.
HYMN # 227 Voices United “For the Fruit of All Creation”
For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God.
For the gifts to every nation, thanks be to God.
For the ploughing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping,
Future needs in earth’s safe keeping, thanks be to God.
In the just reward of labour, God’s will is done.
In the help we give our neighbour, God’s will is done.
In our world-wide task of caring for the hungry and despairing,
In the harvests we are sharing, God’s will is done.
For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God.
For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God.
For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us,
Most of all that love has found us, thanks be to God.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you
And also with you.
PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION
THEME TIME
GODLY PLAY “Abraham”
VIDEO INTRODUCING THE 45TH MODERATOR OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA, REV. DR. KIMBERLY HEATH
HYMN #245 Voices United “Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet”
Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet, praise the Lord with the harp and lute,
Praise the Lord with the gentle sounding flute.
Praise the Lord in the field and forest, praise the Lord in the city square,
Praise the Lord anytime and anywhere.
Praise the Lord in the wind and sunshine, praise the Lord in the dark of night,
Praise the Lord in the rain or snow or in the morning light.
Praise the Lord in the deepest valley, praise the Lord on the highest hill,
Praise the Lord, never let your voice be still.
Praise the Lord with the crashing cymbal, praise the Lord with the pipe and string,
Praise the Lord with the joyful songs you sing.
Praise the Lord on a weekday morning, praise the Lord on a Sunday noon,
Praise the Lord by the light of sun or moon.
Praise the Lord in the time of sorrow, praise the Lord in the time of joy,
Praise the Lord every moment, nothing let your praise destroy.
Praise the Lord in the peace and quiet, praise the Lord in your work or play.
Praise the Lord everywhere in every way.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S VOICE
Loving God, you speak to us in so many ways.
Speak to us now through the reading of the scriptures.
FOCUS SCRIPTURE
1 Chronicles 16:28-34
Psalm 95 Part One p. 814 VU with Refrain
Refrain Come, let us bow down and worship; let us kneel before God our maker.
O come, let us sing to God,
let us shout with joy to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyously shout to God with songs of praise. Refrain
For you are a great God,
high sovereign above all gods.
In your hand are the depths of the earth;
to you belong the heights of the mountains.
The sea is yours, for you made it;
your hands also formed the dry land.
You are indeed our God;
we are your people, the flock that you shepherd. Refrain
Luke 17:11-19
This is the trustworthy witness of God’s faithful people through the ages
The divine word to us today. Amen.
MESSAGE – Rev. Dr. Lloyd Nyarota “Thanks For Who God Is”
HYMN #10 More Voices “Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom”
Come and seek the ways of Wisdom, she who danced when earth was new.
Follow closely what she teaches, for her words are right and true.
Wisdom clears the path to justice, showing us what love must do.
Listen to the voice of Wisdom, crying in the marketplace.
Hear the word made flesh among us, full of glory, truth and grace.
When the word takes root and ripens, peace and righteousness embrace.
Sister Wisdom come, assist us; nurture all who seek rebirth.
Spirit guide and close companion, bring to light our sacred worth.
Free us to become your people, holy friends of God and earth.
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND IN FAITH AND HOPE
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
MISSION AND SERVICE STORIES “Setting More Tables Together”
HYMN #242 Voices United “Let All Things Now Living” (Verse 1)
Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving to God our Creator triumphantly raise;
who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us, by guiding us on to the end of our days.
God’s banners are o’er us, pure light goes before us, a pillar of fire shining forth in the night;
till shadows have vanished and darkness is banished, as forward we travel from light into Light.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
HYMN 50 More Voices “Alleluia (Duncan)”
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
We pray for… Hear our silent meditation…
HYMN 50 More Voices “Alleluia (Duncan)”
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
We pray for… Hear our silent meditation…
HYMN 50 More Voices “Alleluia (Duncan)”
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
We pray for… Hear our silent meditation…
HYMN 50 More Voices “Alleluia (Duncan)”
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Let us continue to pray using the words Jesus invited us to live, each in the language of our hearts…
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
HYMN #3 Then Let Us Sing “A whisper from the universe”
A whisper from the universe as distant stars appear;
the murmur of a whippoorwill, the sleeping forest, deep and still;
each wordless voice we hear reveals that God is near.
But God did more than scatter stars or make the planets spin;
in humble love God came to earth, took human form to show our worth,
when Christ redeemed our sin to let new life begin.
To guide and guard our life of faith the Holy Spirit came,
as once to breathe life into dust now sent again to mend mistrust,
and sealed with wind and flame all those who bear God’s name.
More named than fathomed Mystery, Triune and unbegun,
reveal through us your boundless life, to heal and bless, tame hate and strife,
and help your will be done to make all people one.
WE GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE
CHANGING THE LIGHT
SENDING FORTH
HYMN #209 More Voices “Go Make a Diff’rence” (Verses 2-3)
Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
We are the hands of Christ, reaching out to those in need, the face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
So let your love shine on, let it shine for all to see. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
And the spirit of Christ will be with us as we go. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain