May 17, 2020 - 11:00am - Easter VI
The Congregation of Hope United Church
Worship Leader - Brian Stevens BA. MDiv
Supervising Minister – Rev. Karen Dale
PRELUDE TIME
Welcome everyone to our online ZOOM Sunday worship. As you arrive mics will be unmuted so that you may say hello. When we begin the service, all the mics, except those who are reading or leading a song.
WELCOME
Welcome everyone. My name is Brian Stevens, I am the minister at Hope United. I am so pleased to have you with us today. Our musicians today are Sandy and Gavin. You can type hellos and greetings at anytime in the chat. A copy of the order of service was mailed out with your invitation. It is also available on our website HopeUnited.ca
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND (Verona)
With respect, we acknowledge the worldviews, 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 honor 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 ( Brian)
I greet you in the name of our risen Lord and welcome you to our service of worship. Let us join together in our opening song “Draw the Circle Wide” The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in More Voices # 145
MV # 145 “Draw the Circle Wide” ( Sandy)
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.
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.
Let our hearts touch far horizons,
So encompass great and small;
Let our loving know no borders,
Faithful to God's call.
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.
Let the dreams we dream be larger,
Than we've ever dreamed before;
Let the dream of Christ be in us,
Open every door!
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.
CALL TO WORSHIP ( Bruce & Gavin)
(Living on the Path of Respect- UCC))
Creator has placed each and every one of us here with purpose!
Let us praise Creator for the earth below our feet.
For Mother Earth sustains us, and all creation cries out for justice.
Creator has given us the eastern direction: the direction of vision, children, and the sun that rises on us each day.
Let us view the world with child-like wonder—full of awe and humility.
Thankful for the new day that dawns on us each and every morning,
we give thanks for God who gives us new mercies every day..
Creator has given us the southern direction:the direction of honesty, adolescence, and growth
Help us to speak only the truth, and open our hearts to hear the stories of others.
Inspire us to grow in the image of Christ who teaches us to walk the good path
Creator has given us the western direction:the direction of adulthood, harvesting, and deep spiritual understanding.
Give us the tools we need to act on the knowledge we are gathering,
allowing us to act with maturity and grace.
Creator has given us the northern direction: the direction of Elders, achievement, and a deep connection to spirituality.
Empower us to learn from the past, and to move forward to create your companionship of empowerment* here on Mother Earth.
Holy Spirit, give us the teachings we need to correct any wrongs, and to live lives full of love, peace, and hope.
Be with us now, Creator, as we worship you in awe-filled praise. Amen.
OPENING PRAYER – (Marion)
(United Church of Christ)
Ever-Present One,
we have come here today for many reasons,
each with our own story.
May these reasons and stories be immersed in your Sacred Story,
finding ourselves caught up in the drama and beauty
of Jesus’ teachings, life, and ministry.
Enable us to move boldly into the future
and to fulfill the hope of love that Jesus taught. Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE (Brian)
We light this candle as a symbol of Christ’s light in the world. May it burn brightly within us all. Amen
Let us sing together, twice through, “Candle of Light”. The words will appear on your screen.
“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 (Tess)
Let us join our hearts as one in our prayer of confession…
Holy One,
It seems, at times, we forget that you know us at our very depth.
We become anxious and afraid that you are not with us,
in these days of isolation and worry.
Yet even now you call us to the work of imagination,
generosity and patience, which are possible when we remember Whose we are.
By your mercy, help us to live out the commandments of Christ
within these walls, beyond this hour.
May we become for the world the very presence of justice, hope and peace. Amen
ASSURANCE OF GRACE(Brian)
All of us have been created and called to be in community
Which today takes many forms!
Know this, but more importantly, live this:
As God’s children we are loved and equipped for great ministry.
Follow Jesus’ commandment to love boldly, even in solitude,
as you are held in the grace and love of God. Amen.
Let us sing together, three times through, the Gloria. The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 37.
VU # 37 “Gloria” (Sandy) (sung three times through)
Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis deo
Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia!
THE PEACE OF CHRIST (Brian)
May the Peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
Let us take a moment to greet one another! Mics will be unmuted.
FIRST READING 1 Peter 3: 14-22 (Marion)
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
VU # 784 PSALM 66 (Sandy)
Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing to the Honour of God’s name;
Make glorious the praise of God.
How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your strength, your foes wilt before you.
For all the world shall worship you,
Shall sing to you and praise your name. R
Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.
O come and see what God has done,
A work that is awesome to all earth’s children.
God turned the sea into dry land;
They crossed the river on foot.
There we rejoiced in God,
Who rules in power forever,
Whose eyes keep watch on the nations.
Let not the rebellious lift up their heads. R
Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.
Bless our God, all people,
And let the sound of praise be heard.
God has preserved us among the living,
And kept our feet from stumbling.
For you, O God, have tested us;
You have tried us as silver is tried.
You led us into the desert,
You laid a burden upon our back,
You let sickness furrow our brow,
We passed through fire and water;
But you brought us out to a land of plenty. R
Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.
I will come to your house with burnt offerings;
I will pay you my vows,
The vows which I made with my lips
And swore with my mouth when I was in trouble.
I will offer fat beasts in sacrifice,
A savoury offering of rams;
I will prepare you an offering of bulls and goats. R
Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.
Come then and listen, all you that fear God,
While I tell what God has done for me.
I cried aloud to God;
High praise was ready on my tongue.
If I cherished evil in my heart,
God would not have heard me.
But truly God has heard me,
Has given heed to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed are you, O God,
For you have not rejected my prayer,
Nor withdrawn from me your steadfast love. R
Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.
GOSPEL John 14:15-21 ( Brian)
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Hear the Good News of Christ!
Praise to you, O Christ.
MV # 48 “I Can Feel You Near Me God” (Sandy)
I can feel you near me God, I can feel you near;
Yes I know you’re with me God, I feel you here.
I can feel you near me God, I can feel you near;
Yes I know you’re with me God, Heaven is here.
And I’ll jump for joy I’m singing Alleluia
Jump for joy for you
I will jump for joy I’m singing Alleluia
Jump for joy for you.
I can feel you loving me, yes I know you care,
God I know you’re loving me, always everywhere.
I can feel you loving me, yes, I know you care,
God I know you’re loving me I know you’re there.
And I’ll jump for joy, I’m singing Alleluia!
Jump for joy for you;
I will jump for joy, I’m singing Alleluia!
Jump for joy for you.
REFLECTION: “The Spirit of Truth”
MUSIC MINISTRY
“Believe in You” By Amanda Marshall Sung by Gavin Penny
Somewhere there's a river
Looking for a stream
Somewhere there's a dreamer
Looking for a dream
Somewhere there's a drifter
Trying to find his way
Somewhere someone's waiting
To hear somebody say
I believe in you
I can't even count the ways that
I believe in you
And all I want to do is help you to
Believe in you
Somewhere there's an angel
Trying to earn his wings
Somewhere there's a silent voice
Learning how to sing
Some of us can't move ahead
We're paralyzed with fear
And everybody's listening
'Cause we all need to hear
I believe in you
I can't even count the ways that
I believe in you
And all I want to do is help you to
Believe in you
I will hold you up
I will help you stand
I will comfort you when you need a friend
I will…
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING ( Tess)
As Children of God, you are called
to share in the love and work of Jesus.
We, as the gathered Church, the Body of Christ,
continue in our day to witness and work on behalf of our Lord,
returning our gifts, and offerings.
Bless them with your loving, healing hands Lord,
That all who are touched by them, will know your grace and care Amen
Let us join our voices in thank as we sing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”. It is the first verse from Voices United # 541 and the words will also appear on the screen
VU # 541 DOXOLOGY “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” ( Sandy)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God, all creatures high and low;
Give thanks to God in love made known;
Creator, Word, and Spirit, One.
PRAYERS OF THE DAY (Brian)
Let us centre ourselves prayer…
Our response to each prayer and intention: Lord, Hear our Prayer
(Brian)
The beautiful sunshine and colours of spring have arrived, we thank you God for Creation…Creator God, we worship you. In the beginning you said, “Let there be light”; and the light shone, piercing the darkness. You have made the vast universe and amidst its movements and glories, your Spirit is at work. Scattering the stars and moulding the hills, you have made a world full of beauty. You have made humankind in your own image, stewards of the earth, partners in Creation. Remind us of our responsibility and give us the courage to be good stewards… We pray to the Lord…
Lord, Hear our Prayer
We become upset with others and find it easier to reject them than to seek to understand and to love them. We struggle with the almost impossible command to love our enemies. We become driven to meet our own needs and become blind to the needs of others. We are driven to succeed which becomes all consuming and trumps our command to love.
Forgive us our foolish ways. Help us to keep in our awareness of this command to love which Jesus repeated so many times. Help us especially to hear it in those hard times when it is most difficult to love. We pray to the Lord…
Lord, Hear our Prayer
Lord, for our congregation and community, as we set forth in new directions
We ask that you guide, us, hold, and challenge us,
That we may live into your call to be all that you have set upon our hearts,
That we may discern clearly our missions and Main and Danforth
And live into it with bold and courageous hearts
We pray to the Lord…
Lord, Hear our Prayer
And for all that are in need of your healing love…those we name aloud or hold silently in our hearts
(Mics will be unmuted so that you may name a person or offer your prayer intention)
Lord for all those named or held quietly in our hearts…
We pray to the lord
Lord, Hear our Prayer
We lift now our voices in joyous song with the words Jesus taught us to pray…
VU # 959 LORD’S PRAYER (sung)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us 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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ( Brian)
• Online Worship next Sunday, May 24 at 11:00am. Our meeting link and ID will now remain the same for each Sunday . By telephone 647 374 4685 or 647 558 0588 and Meeting ID is : 831 7846 1579 Or click/enter this link on your computer: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83178461579
• If you are a senior or know of seniors who needs assistance with groceries, you can call 211 for assistance.
• Immediately following our service this morning we will hold an on-line Zoom Congregational Meeting to approve our Community of Faith Profile. We hope that you can stay with us for this brief meeting
• A Special thanks to Walter who has been tending to our gardens. The flowers have exploded with colour and the vibrancy of spring!
• For Pastoral emergencies contact Brian Stevens at 647-825-5136 or by email: HopeUnitedChurch@gmail.com
CLOSING PRAYER ( Brian)
(United Church of Christ)
As we go back into the world from which we have come
Let love be true and freely given.
Be encouraged and feel the blessings of God, Christ and Spirit
whose love warms and surrounds you like the sun.
For God is with us always,
as close as our beating hearts. Amen.
Let us sing together “Immortal, invisible, God Only Wise”
The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 264
VU # 264 “Immortal, invisible, God Only Wise”
(Brian & Sandy)
Immortal, invisible, God only wise;
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes;
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render, O help us to see:
'Tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee!
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING ( Brian)
(Nathan Nettleton)
Go now and walk in the light of God’s glory.
Love Christ and keep his word.
Do not let your hearts be troubled,
but lead others to the waters of life.
And may God’s face shine on you with favour;
May Christ Jesus mark you out as his own;
And may the Holy Spirit lead you into all truth and peace.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. 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
Then we shall gather for our congregational meeting
Thank you to everyone who assisted with our Service of Worship.
Blessings to all and keep safe!
Hope United.ca