May 10, 2020 - 11:00am - Easter V
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 will be muted, 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 Suzanne. 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( Zoltan)
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 “Let Us Build a House” The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in More Voices # 1.
MV # 1 “Let Us Build a House” ( Sandy)
Let us build a house where love can dwell
and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell
how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where prophets speak,
and words are strong and true,
where all God’s children dare to seek
to dream God’s reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness
and as symbol of God’s grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where love is found
in water, wine and wheat:
a banquet hall on holy ground
where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus,
is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that frees us.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where hands will reach
beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
and live the Word they’ve known.
Here the outcast and the stranger
bear the image of God’s face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where all are named,
their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed
as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter,
prayers of faith and songs of grace,
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
CALL TO WORSHIP ( Brian & Marion)
(Presbyterian Church in Canada)
Do not let your hearts be troubled.
We are not troubled. We believe in God!
God’s house has many dwelling places.
Christ himself has gone to prepare a place for us.
We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
For us, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
Let us worship God,
Made known to us in Christ Jesus. Amen
OPENING PRAYER ( Bruce)
(Presbyterian Church in Canada)
Steadfast and loving God,
you are our refuge in times of trouble and our shelter when we are afraid.
In you alone we trust.
In you we see our way forward and discover what is authentic.
In you we find abundant life.
And so we offer you our worship and love
as the God who creates and gives life to the world,
as the Son who preached the truth of the good news,
and the Holy Spirit who guides us; this day and always. 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 (Marion)
Let us join our voices in our prayer of confession…
Steadfast and loving God, we confess that while we know Christ is the way, the truth and the life, we have often failed to follow him. We sometimes doubt his wisdom and truth. Rather than live the life he offers, we carve out our own paths and pursue our own desires. Forgive us for the many ways we have fallen short of your purpose for our lives. Give us courage to follow Jesus, who continues to show us the way.
ASSURANCE OF GRACE( Brian)
Gracious God, as we listen to the words of Scripture, open our hearts and minds with the gift of your Holy Spirit. By the Spirit’s power, move in us so that we follow your way more closely, know your truth more fully, and share in your gift of life more abundantly, through Christ, your Living Word. Do not let your hearts be troubled; know that, in Christ, you are forgiven. Accept God’s grace and forgiveness this day, and extend it to others for Jesus’ sake. 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
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 Acts 7:55-60 (Bruce)
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
VU # 758 PSALM 31 (Sandy & Suzanne – Recorded)
Refrain – I trust in you, you are my God.
In you. O God, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame
Deliver me in your righteousness
Incline your ear; come quickly to my rescue
Refrain – I trust in you, you are my God.
Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to keep me safe
You are indeed my rock and fortress
Lead me and guide me for your own name’s sake.
Release me from the net that they hid for me, for you are my protector
Into your hands I commend my spirit
For you have redeemed me, O God of truth
Refrain – I trust in you, you are my God.
Have mercy on me, God for I am in trouble
My eyes are wasted with grief, my soul and my body also
My life is worn out with sorrow, and my years with sighing
My strength fails me in my misery, my bones are wasted away
I am the scorn of my enemies, yes, even of my neighbours.
My acquaintances shudder at the sight of me;
When they see me in the street, they shrink away
I have passed out of mind like one who is dead.
I have become like a broken vessel.
I hear the whispering of many, fear is on every side
While they conspire against me, and plot to take my life.
Refrain – I trust in you, you are my God.
My times are in your hands
Deliver me from the hands of my enemies, those who pursue me
Let your face shine on your servant
And save me, for your mercy’s sake.
Refrain – I trust in you, you are my God.
GOSPEL John 14:1-14 ( Zoltan)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Hear the Good News of Christ!
Praise to you, O Christ.
MV # 92 “Like a Rock” ( Sandy)
(sung twice)
Like a rock, like a rock, God is under our feet.
Like the starry night sky, God is over our head.
Like the sun on the horizon, God is ever before
Like the river runs to ocean, Our home is in God evermore.
REFLECTION: “God’s House”
MUSIC MINISTRY
“How Great Thou Art” Sung by Suzanne Oryschak
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING ( Tess)
Generous God, we bless you for your gift of life renewed through Christ’s love and through springtime growth in fields and gardens. Bless the gifts we bring to you. May they offer hope and renewal in the world you love as we serve in the name of your greatest gift, Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord. 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 and Marion)
Let us centre ourselves prayer…
Our response to each prayer and intention: Lord, Hear our Prayer
(Brian)
God of power and might, who raised Jesus from the dead,
you free our hearts from trouble
and prepare a place of joyful for all your children.
And so we thank you for your promise and your peace which we need so desperately these days.
We pray to the Lord…
Lord, Hear our Prayer
(Marion)
In Christ, we know you as the way.
You deliver all who turn to you in moments of challenge or uncertainty.
We pray for those who feel lost or alone,
those who live with great anxiety and doubt
and any who are fearful of what tomorrow might bring.
We pray to the Lord…
Lord, Hear our Prayer
(Brian)
God of the Way, open the eyes of those who are struggling
so that they can see that there is a new way filled with hope for them,
with the promise of rest and renewal.
We pray to the Lord…
Lord, Hear our Prayer
(Marion)
In Christ, we know you as the truth.
You reveal the falsehood and lies that ensnare us in these confusing times.
We pray for those who have put their faith in false hope and flimsy promises,
those who are deceived by the fabrications of the power hungry
and any who are misled by distortions and twisted claims that circulate each day:
We pray to the Lord…
Lord, Hear our Prayer
(Brian)
In Christ, we know you as the life.
You promise to overcome all that is rooted in death and decay
by your resurrecting power.
We pray for people who struggle with illness or grief
and all who live with deep sadness, depression or hopelessness.
We pray for those for whom each day seems like a chore,
and those for whom opportunities for abundant life are cut down by acts of discrimination or the loss of what seemed like security just weeks ago.
We pray to the Lord…
Lord, Hear our Prayer
(Marion)
Good and Gentle God,
we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women of theory who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life. You who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings.
Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly.
Give them the faithful support of husband, family and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children.
Give them joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of motherhood. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most.
We pray to the Lord…
Lord, Hear our Prayer
(Brian)
For those in need of your healing love O Lord
those we name aloud) or those we hold silently in our Hearts
(mics will be unmuted, please say name or intention)
Moment of Silence
For all those named…For all intentions offered
We pray to the Lord…
Lord, Hear our Prayer
(Marion)
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.
(Brian)
Help each of us and your whole church to follow in the footsteps of Christ
so that in our living and loving, your kingdom of justice and love is revealed.
This we pray in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray, as we say…
VU # 910 LORD’S PRAYER (spoken)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as 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 thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory
Forever and ever. Amen
ANNOUNCEMENTS (Brian)
• Happy Mothers day to all of our mothers and those who have mothered us and offered us their care.
• Online Worship next Sunday, May 17 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.
• We will hold an on-line Zoom Congregational Meeting to approve our Community of Faith Profile on Sunday, May 17, 2020 following our service. This is our second and final notice of this meeting.
• For Pastoral emergencies contact Brian Stevens at 647-825-5136 or by email: HopeUnitedChurch@gmail.com
CLOSING PRAYER (Brian)
(Author unknown)
There are times when only a mother's love
Can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappoints
And calm all of our fears.
There are times when only a mother's love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we've dreamed about
Quite suddenly is real.
There are times when only a mother's faith
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us the confidence
We need from day to day.
For a mother's heart and a mother's faith
And a mother's steadfast love
Were fashioned by the angels
And sent from God above.
Let us sing together “How Firm a Foundation” The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 660
VU # 660 “How Firm a Foundation” (Sandy)
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”
“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”
“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.”
“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!”
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING (Marion)
Once you were not a people,
but now you are a people bound together in God’s mercy
and united in Christ’s service.
Depart in peace and confidence,
to love and serve in the name of Jesus the Christ,
the living representation of God
– our way, our truth, our life. 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