October 25, 2020 - 11:00am
Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost
Reformation Sunday
The Congregation of Hope United Church
2550 Danforth Ave., Toronto Ontario, Canada

Rev. Brian Stevens  BA. MDiv

HopeUnited.ca

PRELUDE

WELCOME
Welcome everyone to our Sunday worship. It is the 21st Sunday after Pentecost. My name is Brian Stevens, I am the Minister here at Hope United in Toronto, Canada. We are very pleased to have you with us today.  Our musicians today are Sandy, Diana and myself. You can type greetings and comments at any time in the chat. The order of service will appear on your screen and is also available on our Facebook page at HopeUnited.ca.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND
With respect, we acknowledge the world views, spirituality, history and stewardship of the Mississauga of Scugog, the Hiawatha and the Alderville First Nations, on whose traditional lands our church resides. 

We thank and honour the other indigenous peoples who share this land.  As followers of the Jesus Way, we affirm our commitment as a people empowered to work in restoring broken relationships.

GREETING
I greet you in the name of our risen Lord on this Reformation Sunday . Next Sunday is “ All Saints Day” and will be a communion celebration. Thank you everyone for your kind words and presence for my celebration of ordination; in person, in spirit and virtually.

We begin our celebration with the singing of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” It is found in Voices United, # 262.
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”    
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
With power and malice great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth he has no equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, his name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed the truth to triumph through us;
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Christ who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
God’s kingdom is forever.

CALL TO WORSHIP
(from Mennonite Ministry Matters)
As the weak realize their strength;
as the poor eat and are satisfied,
God’s love abides in us.
as the stranger finds a friend;
as the family offers forgiveness,
God’s love abides in us.
As the ends of the earth know of Christ’s grace,
God’s love abides in us. Amen.

OPENING PRAYER
God loves us. We know…yet often forget. May Spirit touch us, nudge us, cajole us, remind us… that we experience life more fully through living into our connection to the divine. Through loving each other, we express our love to You O God… Through moving in the world with Jesus rested upon our hearts, we illuminate Your work in the world…and that is to love. For in such living is enwrapped care, compassion, empathy and sincerity of heart...for God is love and we are of God. Amen.

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
We light this candle as a symbol…
A symbol of Christ’s light in the world.
May it burn brightly within us all. Amen.

Sandy will now lead us in, “Touch us with Your Light”.
The words will appear on your screen.
We will sing it through twice.

“Touch us with Your Light”
Light from this candle burning bright
Light our way through dark of night.
Help us find our way to you
Guide us, touch us with your Light, O Lord.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
(from Faithward)
Merciful and gracious God,
Our hearts cry out…
Make us whole again.
Even as we celebrate that you have come to dwell within us,
We have sinned against you
and abandoned your commandments.

We have been jealous, possessive, ambivalent, and impulsive.
We have not heeded your Word and we have not cherished your covenant.

Help us to glorify you in all times and in all places. Our souls thirst for your living waters; quench our needs and satisfy our love. May come back to you and be sent forth to fill the world with your mercy and grace.

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ,
And by the power of the Holy Spirit who is at work within us,
Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE
Jesus came and stood among them and said,
‘Peace be with you!’
After he said this,
he showed them his hands and his side.
Then the disciples rejoiced
when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them.

In response, we sing the Gloria.
It is found in Voices United # 37.

“Gloria”
Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis deo
Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia!

Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis deo
Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia!

Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis deo
Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia!

THE PEACE OF CHRIST

May the Peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

(Un-mute to greet one another!)

FIRST READING         1 Thessalonians  2:1-83

You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results.  We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.  For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.

On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.  You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.  We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

PSALM 90 Voice United # 805

Refrain: In every age O God, You have been our refuge.

God, you have been our refuge in every generation
Before the mountains were brought forth
Before the earth and the world were formed
From age to age everlasting you are God.
You turn frail humans back to dust, saying” Return you mortals”
For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday
A day that is past, a watch in the night
You sweep them away like a dream, like grass that is fresh in the morning
          like grass that is fresh in the morning
          but in the evening is dried up and withered

Refrain: In every age O God, You have been our refuge 

Your anger consumes us, your wrath overwhelms us
You set our misdeeds before us
Our secret sins in the light of your countenance
All our days pass away under your anger
Our years come to an end light a sigh
          The days of our life are seventy years, even eighty, if we are strong
Yet who understands the power of your anger?
Who considers the fierceness of your wrath?
Teach us to count our days
That we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

Refrain: In every age O God, You have been our refuge  

GOSPEL READING              Matthew 22:34-46

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:  “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,  “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”  “The son of David,” they replied.

He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord :“Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies  under your feet.”’

If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?”  No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Hear the Good News of Christ!
Praise to you, O Christ.

Let us join our hearts and voices in the singing of “Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom”. The words will be found on your screen and are found in More Voices # 10.

“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 lave must do.

Listen to the voice of Wisdom,
Crying in the market places.
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 companions,
Bring to light our sacred worth.
Free us to become your people,
Holy friends of God and earth.

REFLECTION:  “Reformed with Unconditional Love ”  - Brian Stevens BA MDiv

MUSIC MINISTRY
“The Great Commandment” by Diana Chappell from Tapestry of Love
Images from M4 – a Multi-Media Matthew Musical

Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul,
and your neighbour as your-self.
Trust in God, live with hope,
Remember that you have good news to tell,
God's love is yours to share,
You must show the world that you care,
Love God with all your heart, mind and  soul
and your neighbour as your-self.

MORNING OFFERING
Karl Barth, a Swiss theologian once said: “grace and gratitude go together like heaven and earth.” At this time we acknowledge the importance of sharing our abundance with our congregation and community, with those in need, with those who simply seek a warm meal and words of comfort. Let us offer thanks for the blessings and bounty in our lives…

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
The Way of Jesus Christ is a life lived in gratitude for the God who has created us and claimed us as her own. In gratitude for God’s gifts, let’s give back to God our gifts of time, talent, and treasure for God’s mission in the world.

Lord we ask you to receive our gifts ….may their use reform and inspire this community of faith; as you remake the world in your image.

We ask this is Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Grateful”
Grateful for the life you give us
Thankful for you Holy Son,
Joyful in your Spirit flowing
Over all, O God of Love.

Grateful for the Bread of Heaven
Thankful for you Holy word
Joyful in your mercy flowing
We will praise you.

May our lives proclaim you justice,
May our voices sing your praise
May our work in your service
To the glory of your name

Grateful for the life you give us
Thankful for you Holy Son,
Joyful in your Spirit flowing
Over all, O God of Love.

Grateful for the Bread of Heaven
Thankful for you Holy word
Joyful in your mercy flowing
We will praise you.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
(Rev. Ryan Slifka – a service for Reformation Sunday)

God of Grace and God of Glory,
On this Reformation Sunday,
we give you thanks for the saints who have gone before us.
For those who faced trouble and trial, and even death,

for the sake of the message of your mercy
and in the spirit of Pentecost,
to hear and read the scriptures in their own languages.

We pray to the Lord
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray especially for those who now face trouble, trial, even death,
for those members of the body of Christ who face persecution.
For your beloved children everywhere—regardless of tradition—
who live under the threat of religious persecution.
For people, especially those of us who are Indigenous,
who face the extinction of their own languages
through neglect, oppression, or cultural pressure…

We pray to the Lord
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that all may hear the good news of the Prince of Peace in ways that resonate,
and cause us to drop our weapons and defenses for the sake of peace in the world…

We pray to the Lord
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that you may help us not only walk in the shoes of our forebears,
but fill them.
May all of us gathered here today
be as captivated by the life you have given us in Christ
that we are freed to reach our friends, neighbours,
and enemies with your unconditional love.

We pray to the Lord
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, we pray for the world you love
in hope, and in trust,
that we and your church might carry the light
that has been passed down through the centuries,
so we might be a beacon of your love to the world.

We pray to the Lord
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

And for all those in need of your healing love…those we name aloud or hold in silence…
May the prayers of our heart be lifted to your ear this day…

(mics will be unmated so that you may offer prayers of intentions)

For all those named… for all intentions offered

We pray to the Lord
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

With the words our Saviour taught us….let us sing the Lord’s prayer. It is Voices United # 959 and the words will appear on your screen.

LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, in heaven,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us this today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us, from the time of trial
And deliver us from evil,
For the kingdom, the power,
And the glory, are yours
Now and forever.

 

MINUTE FOR MISSION
In India, Mission & Service partner Human Rights and Advocacy Research Foundation works with fishing communities, urban poor, traditional farmers, prisoners, Dalits (people of low caste), and Adivasis (Indigenous people) in the continuing struggle for economic and social justice.

One of its programs helps children whose families cannot provide essential school supplies. In addition, it educates the children on their human rights. Here are two of the children who have benefitted from this program.

Lilly is 15 years old. Her mother is a street fish vendor, and her father is a daily wage fisher who is not well. Lilly says, “Sometime we struggle to make ends meet.” Lilly wants to become an accountant. Her mother, Mohana, says, “I will not forget this timely help which prevented me from going into debt.”

Thilagavathy is 15 years old. Her father is a fisher and is unable to contribute much to the family’s income. Her mother is a street fish vendor whose income sustains the family. Thilagavathy wants to become a police officer. Her mother says, “She is bright in her studies, and I did not have the means...I am so thankful.”

With Mission & Service partners, the United Church works to achieve access to education for everyone, regardless of income or social status. This work is an essential part of securing greater justice, broad-based participation in society, and the eradication of poverty.

If Mission & Service giving is already a regular part of your life, thank you so much! If you have not given, please consider making Mission & Service giving a regular part of your life of faith. Loving our neighbour is at the heart of our Mission & Service.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Online Worship next Sunday, November 1 at 11:00am.

My thanks to everyone who assisted with the ordination service last Sunday, and those who attended in person and virtually. I so much appreciate your support.
The YouTube link is to the entire service is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxDHpFWwDBU
The YouTube link to the ordination liturgy is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAD8CTyXoRs
The link is also posted on our website, HopeUnited.ca and Facebook page.

“Remembrance Day Messy Church” - November 11 at 6:00pm.
This will be a virtual event and zoom will be the same as our Sunday service.
You can also call in: 647 374 4685  or  647 558 0588 and the Meeting ID is: 831 7846 1579 or click on the following link on your computer: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83178461579.

Yoga! I will be meeting with Stacey Boreman this week to start planning the logistics for an “On-line/virtual yoga class”. We hope to hold our first class before the end of October!

Orchestra Toronto has rescheduled their October concert  to Sunday, December 6 at 1:00pm and 4:00pm. We will keep you updated as to whether or not this will be a virtual concert or audience is allowed permitted.

CLOSING PRAYER
(Bruce Prewer- Uniting Church of Australia)

God of Jesus and our God, mindful of all those choice
souls who have gone on ahead of us, teach us,
and each twenty-first century disciple of every race and place,
              to follow their example to the best of our ability:
              to feed the poor in body or spirit,
              to support and comfort the mourners and the repentant,
              to encourage the meek and stand with them in crises,
              to affirm those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
              to cherish and learn from the merciful,
              to be humbled by, and stand with, the peacemakers.

Let us clearly recognize what it means to be called the children of God, and to know we are to be your saints neither by our own inclination nor in our own strength but simply by the call and the healing holiness of Christ Jesus our Saviour. Amen!

Sandy will lead us in our closing hymn “Sent Out in Jesus Name”.
It is found in More Voices # 212  and the words will appear on your screen.

“Sent Out in Jesus Name”
Sent out in Jesus' name,
our hands are ready now
to make the earth the place
in which the kingdom comes.

Sent out in Jesus' name,
our hands are ready now
to make the earth the 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.

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.

COMMISSIONING
Go out into the world,
living in the light of Christ!
By the power of the Spirit
do all the good you can
by all the means you can
in all the ways you can
in all the places you can
at all the times you can
to all the people you can
as long as ever you can.
—words attributed to John Wesley

BLESSING
And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be yours this day, and every other one.
Amen.

 

CHORAL BLESSING “Walk in Love”
Walk in love as you go into the world,
Walk in peace with everyone you meet,
May God’s grace
touch your heart, mind and soul…
This day and evermore,
Amen. Amen, Alleluia and Amen!

 

POSTLUDE 

 

Please stay with us following the service
for a few moments to chat.

 Mics will be unmuted so all can say hello.

 Thank you to everyone who assisted with
our Service of Worship.

Blessings to all and keep safe! 

Hope United.ca