April 26, 2020 -11:00am -Easter III

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 I will leave mics unmuted so that you may say hello. When we begin the service, I will mute 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 musician today is Sandy. 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

With respect, we acknowledge the worldviews, spirituality, history and stewardship of the Mississauga of the New Credit on whose traditional lands our church resides.  We thank and honour the other indigenous peoples who share this land.  We affirm our commitment as Canadian Treaty people to work in right relation toward reconciliation.

GREETING

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 “Open My Eyes, that I May See”. The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 371.

VU 371 “Open My Eyes, that I May See”

Open my eyes, that I may see,

Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;

Place in my hands the wonderful key,

That shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready my God, Thy will to see,

Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open my ears, that I may hear

Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;

And while the wave notes fall on my ear,

Everything false will disappear.

Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready my God, Thy will to see,

Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open my mouth, and let me bear,

Gladly the warm truth everywhere;

Open my heart and let me prepare

Love with Thy children thus to share.

Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready my God, Thy will to see,

Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

CALL TO WORSHIP

We call out to the Spirit who teaches

Come...teach...our ears are open!

We call out to the Spirit who comforts

Come..hold us...our hearts are open!

We call out to the Spirit that guides us...

Come...lead us...our eyes are open! Amen

OPENING PRAYER -

(adapted from the United Church of Christ)

Loving God, we welcome your living presence in our midst. Share our joy and our thanks for the life you give us. with us! Dance among us! Pray with us! Shower us with your love! Help us to seek out the light of Christ, to lift the veil of darkness that we find once more find ourselves Bathed in your healing love and light. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

We light this candle as a symbol of Christ’s light in the world. May it burn brightly within us all. Amen

“ Candle of Light” by Brian Stevens

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

Heavenly Stranger, our Companion on the Way, we yearn for your love and grace. We seek your wisdom and guidance. We relish the joy which burns within our hearts when you are with us. Yet, sometimes we would cling to you, hoard the blessings of relationship with you, and not share your love with others. Forgive us, Dear One. Remind us that your love is to be carried throughout the world. Press us to share the hope and joy of your love, so that someone who hungers for spiritual food may be filled by our witness to your grace. Shine the light of your Spirit through us, so that we may show Your Way those who long for peace and help to revive those in whom hope has died. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

God may come to us, unrecognized, as a stranger. Enwrapped in a simple gesture of kindness or comforting word or boldly as an unexpected miracle laid before our very eyes. The Risen Christ reaches out to us in unexpected ways as we travel our own Emmaus roads. May the Word of our Still-speaking God continue to burn in our hearts. 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”   (SUNG THREE TIMES THROUGH)

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.

Let us take a moment to greet one another! Please type your greetings into the chat.

MUSIC MINISTRY

“In Christ Alone” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

FIRST READING

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

VU 836                 PSALM  116

Refrain - How can I repay you God, for all the goodness you show to me?

I love you, God, because you heard my voice when I made supplication

Because you turned your ear to me,

When I called your name.

The cords of death entangled me

And the pangs of the Grave laid hold on me

I suffered distress and anguish

Then I called upon the name of God:

“O God, I pray, save my life”

Refrain – How can I repay you God, for all the goodness you show to me?

How can I repay you, God

For all the good things you have done for me?

I will take the cup of salvation

And call upon the name of God

I will pay my vows in the presence of all God’s people.

Refrain – How can I repay you God, for all the goodness you show to me?

Precious in the sight of God is the death of the saints

O God I am your servant,

I am your servant, the child of your maidservant.

You have freed me from my bonds

I will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving

And will call upon the name of God

I will pay my vows to God in the presence of all God’s people

In the courts of the house of God, in your midst, O Jerusalem

Refrain – How can I repay you God, for all the goodness you show to me?

GOSPEL  

Luke 24:13-35

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

MUSIC MINISTRY

“ All in the April Evening” sung by Marion Burt

REFLECTION: “DO WE RECOGNIZE JESUS?”

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Jesus, God has made you both Sovereign and Christ. Therefore we pray your blessing upon the gifts we offer. We pray your blessing upon the abundance of creation. We pray your blessing upon us, and all those whose lives will benefit from the gifts shared this day. May your victory over death empower all whom you call to trust in God. In faith and hope we pray. Amen.

Let us join our voices in thanks as we sing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”.

VU 541 DOXOLOGY   “PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW “

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

Let us centre ourselves prayer...

Our response to each prayer and intention: Lord, Hear our Prayer

We pray for the people of Nova Scotia, family and friends who have lost loved ones in the tragic shooting this week, the officers who lost their lives, and our first responders as we struggle to make sense out of this senseless act. Lives and been changed and altered...families will never be the same...a quiet village will wrestle always in the dark of night that such an event could take place in their town, is incomprehensible. Guide us Lord to place, to a time, to a way of living that no longer requires guns...Our hearts are broken...move us to hold and care for those left behind to pick up the pieces of lives splintered and fractured by this tragedy....

We pray to the Lord...

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For our seniors, for those living in shelters...we have heard a call to action...they are so vulnerable Lord, and we must ensure that they too are cared for, that they are safe, that every effort is made to make their homes and shelters as safe as our own. Lord, forgive us for we have been complacent, letting “others do the work”, letting others “bear the responsibility”, yet it rest upon all of our shoulders, for we walk Christ’s path, one of unconditional love and care...remind us and cajole us into action ...

We pray to the Lord...

Lord, Hear our Prayer

We pray again, we pray constantly for all who care for us...the people of the world, doctors and nurses, social workers, cleaners and caretakers, personal care assistants, cashiers and shelf stockers, police and fire workers, ambulance attendants, lab technicians and so many more that should also be named. Like Jesus, they place their life upon a cross each day for us...people they may not know nor meet, yet are ready to offer their hands and skills in our care...keep them safe, bless those who have lost their lives and welcome them to your embrace O Lord...

We pray to the Lord...

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For countries around the world who continue to struggle under the weight of Covid19...Ecuador, Brazil, the United States, Italy, Spain, France, Iran, The United Kingdom, and for those who fear that which lies before them...the countries of Africa, Russia and Asia

We pray to the Lord...

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For those in need of your healing love O Lord

those we name aloud (please unmute and say name or intention) or those we hold silently in our Hearts

Moment of Silence

For all those named...For all intentions offered

We pray to the Lord...

Lord, Hear our Prayer

Lord, may our prayers and intentions fall gently upon your ear, grant them O Lord, as you see fit in time, in ways, in blessing and care. Amen

Let us join our hearts and voices as we sing The Lord’s Prayer. The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 959

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 sin,

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. Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS

•         Online Worship next Sunday, May 3 at 11:00am

•         The draft of our Community of Faith Profile is ready for your review. It was attached in the email with the order of services and is also posted on our website HopeUnited.ca. We would now need your comments, ideas, input and questions. Please send them via email to HopeUnitedChurch@gmail.com or call Brian Stevens at 647-825-5136

•         If you are a senior or know of seniors who need assistance with groceries, you can call 211 for assistance.

•         For Pastoral emergencies contact Brian Stevens at 647-825-5136 or by email: HopeUnitedChurch@gmail.com

CLOSING PRAYER

Friends, rejoice in the mothering and fathering love of God! Rejoice in the victorious life of our Risen Saviour! Rejoice in the power of the Spirit! Go, living in the love of Christ! Go, serving in the name of Christ! Let your love of God embrace all whom you encounter....Those who are afar off...Those who are strangers met on the road...May your lives praise the Lord! AMEN.

Let us sing together “And On this Path”. The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in More Voices # 8

MV # 8 “And On this Path”

And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide,

And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide,

And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide

Open wide, open wide, open wide the gates are open wide.

So enter in, the gates of holiness are open wide,

So enter in, the gates of holiness are open wide,

So enter in, the gates of holiness are open wide,

Enter in, Enter in, Enter in, the gates are open wide

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING

Go forth into the world

Walking in the light and love

Of the Risen Christ

Moving with compassion and care

Sustained by the unconditional love of Christ

And may the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Our Creator God and Holy Spirit…

Be with you this day and evermore. 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