June 21, 2020 - 11:00am

2020 Indigenous Day of Prayer

The Congregation of Hope United Church

Pastoral Charge Supervisor - Brian Stevens  BA. MDiv

WELCOME

Welcome everyone. My name is Brian Stevens, I am the Pastoral Charge Supervisor and Worship Leader at Hope United here in Toronto. We are so pleased to have you with us today.  Our musicians today are Sandy and myself. Gavin is our Zoom host assisting with our sound. 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.  Also we will share communion next Sunday, rather than this morning.

Prayers and one reflection for today’s service are drawn from The United Church of Christ on-line resources and United Church  of Canada The Covenant of Reconciliation: Worship Service for the Indigenous Day of Prayer 2020 and 2020 Indigenous Day of Prayer: The Seven Grandfather Teachings

by Deb Anderson Pratt.

OPENING WORDS (Brian)

Today is Sunday June 21, the 2020 Indigenous Day of Prayer. We acknowledgment and lament the broken relationship with the people of First Nations. It is a time to lift up heartfelt thoughts and healing prayers to the relationships woven into the fabric of our diverse cultural mosaic. May they become more healthy and life giving.

We are a country of many races, not all of whom are treated equally based on the colour of their skin. Let us be fearless in the naming of systemic racism; let us walk courageously into a new way of being in the world. A way that invites better understanding of white privilege; that it might be melted and dusted from our hearts, as we know all are equal before God, let it also be so in our daily world. May Jesus guide us to this path. Amen

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND (Sandy)

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 (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 “We Are All One People”. The words will also appear on your screen and it is #141 in More Voices.

“We are All one People” (Sandy)

We are all one people, we all come from one Creation way on high
We are all one nation under one great sky, you and I
We are all one people, we are all one colour in her eyes
Weh yah heh yah
Weh yah heh yah, heh yah weh yah
Weh yah weh yoh heh weh
Heh yah heh yah
Weh yah weh yah hen yah  weh yah
Weh yah weh yoh heh
Weh yah yah heh heh weh ya
Weh yah heh yah weh yah hoh heh
Weh ya yah hoh heh yoh heh heh
Yah heh yoh

We are all one people
We are all one nation
We are all one colour if we try.

CALL TO WORSHIP  (Bruce and Tess)

The sun shines more brightly.
Its warmth stays with us for
so many more hours.
Be aware of the gift of sun:
and the four directions
on which it shines.
In this new moment, We wander
about the wilderness
Be aware of the gift of wind:
and the four directions
from which it comes.
Hoping God will open our eyes
Praying God will make us worthy
                                                       Wanting to grow with God.
Let us grow together in the
wild ways of our God.
Here we are most aware of the gift of humanity:
and the four directions
in which we exist.
God’s works make us glad.
Here we are most aware
of the gift of Creation:
Your works are great, O God.
and the four directions which support
our living, breathing, and being.
We sing our praises of joy to you.
This day we pray thanksgiving
for the First Nations, Inuit,
and Métis people of Canada;
and we commit ourselves to be people of reconciliation
in the tradition of our beloved Jesus. We pray in his name.
Amen.

OPENING PRAYER (Sandra Cox)

Wild God, you do great and wonderful things.
It’s what makes you our God.
There is nothing else in this world like you.
There’s nothing else like your love.
Wild God, come and worship with us.
Help us to grow in your love. 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, “Touch us With Your Light”. The words will appear on your screen.

“Touch us with Your Light” (Sandy)

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 (Christopher and Brian)

(Christopher)

As our prayer of confession this morning we will say together the apology offered Native People of Canada by The United Church of Canada in Sudbury in August 1986 and the words of response.

Long before my people journeyed to this land your people were here, and you received from your Elders an understanding of creation and of the Mystery that surrounds us all that was deep, and rich, and to be treasured. We did not hear you when you shared your vision. In our zeal to tell you of the good news of Jesus Christ we were closed to the value of your spirituality.

We confused Western ways and culture with the depth and breadth and length and height of the gospel of Christ. We imposed our civilization as a condition of accepting the gospel. We tried to make you be like us and in so doing we helped to destroy the vision that made you what you were. As a result, you, and we, are poorer and the image of the Creator in us is twisted, blurred, and we are not what we are meant by God to be. We ask you to forgive us and to walk together with us in the Spirit of Christ so that our peoples may be blessed and God’s creation healed.

(Brian)

The 1988  response from the All Native Circle Council…..

We only ask of you to respect our Sacred Fire, the Creation, and to live in peaceful coexistence with us. We recognize the hurts and feelings will continue amongst our people, but through partnership and walking hand in hand, the Indian spirit will eventually heal.

Through our love, understanding, and sincerity the brotherhood and sisterhood of unity, strength, and respect can be achieved. The Native People of The All Native Circle Conference hope and pray that the Apology is not symbolic but that these are the words of action and sincerity. We appreciate the freedom for culture and religious expression. In the new spirit this Apology has created, let us unite our hearts and minds in the wholeness of life that the Great Spirit has given us.

The 1998 Apology

(Christopher)

In 1998, the church apologized specifically for its role in Indian Residential Schools, and since 2008 has been actively engaged in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which was created to address the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools. The United Church is responsible for 15 residential schools operated between 1849 and 1969. About 6.7 percent of the approximately 80,000 residential school students still alive today attended United Church schools.

(Brian)

An except from the words of Moderator Rev. Bill Phipps

On behalf of The United Church of Canada, I apologize for the pain and suffering that our church’s involvement in the Indian Residential School system has caused. We are aware of some of the damage that this cruel and ill-conceived system of assimilation has perpetrated on Canada’s First Nations peoples. For this we are truly and most humbly sorry.

Our burdens include dishonouring the depths of the struggles of First Nations peoples and the richness of your gifts. We seek God’s forgiveness and healing grace as we take steps toward building respectful, compassionate, and loving relationships with First Nations peoples.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE (Brian)

The words of the prophets of olde,
the words of Christ living and walking with us
Continue to call us into community across boundaries,
providing water in the desert and the promise of a future. 
Let us believe that grace is working in our lives,
Opening hearts, restoring justice, making all things new in Christ Jesus. 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   Romans 6:1-11  (Sheldon)

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.  For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—  because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.  For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

VU # 808         “ On Eagles Wings”  (Brian)

You who dwell in the shelter of our God
Who abide in this shadow for life,
Say to the Lord “My refuge, my Rock in whom I trust.”

And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm, of my hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear:
Under God’s wings your refuge
God’s faithfulness your shield.

And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm, of my hand.

You need not fear the terror of the night
Nor the arrow that flies by day
Though thousand’s fall about you,
near you it shall not come.

And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm, of my hand.

For to God’s angels is given a command
To guard you in all of your ways
Upon their hands they will bear you up,
Least you dash your foot against a stone.

And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm, of my hand.
And hold you,
Hold you in the palm, of my hand.

REFLECTION:  “The Seven Grandfather Teachings”

Imagine living in harmony with Creation, the animals around and with each other, before strangers came to your lands. We had a belief system that helped us to live a good life. Without trying to understand our beliefs the newcomers condemned this belief system and our people as barbaric, demonic, hedonistic, and savage.

Imagine you have a certain way of doing things. It’s always the way you’ve done it as long as you can remember, and then someone comes along and tells you a different way you should or have to do it.

For example: I like doing my dishes a certain way. I wash the cups and silverware first, the saucers and bowls, the big plates next, followed by the serving bowl, and then the pots and pans last. My sister does the pots and pans first and then all the rest.

Thankfully we don’t interfere with each other’s way of doing them: a simplistic example of living in harmony with each other. That’s how our ancestors, grandparents, and parents lived. They each had their role in the community and didn’t interfere with each other. They lived a very simple life.

Some of the teachings we lived by were the Grandfather Teachings, which consist of Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth, teachings you also find in the Bible. Before contact these teachings were taught freely and daily in our communities. The mothers spoke of them to their unborn children. They were the first lessons a child was taught that were repeated throughout their lives. After contact the teachings were presented in secret and taught very subtly.

My great-grandmother was my teacher. She was very subtle in teaching them. She had to be to avoid being thrown in jail for practicing her way of life. She was so subtle in the teachings that I was totally unaware that I had them within my being until I took a life skills program in 1986.

The instructor had a woman come in to teach them to the class. Back in that time I had no voice and could barely speak up. As I listened to the woman present the teachings I apparently made a “humph” sound.

She asked if I had something to say. It took some coaxing on her part, but I was finally able to tell her that I knew all of what she was teaching and I didn’t learn it off any blackboard.

There are seven Grandfather Teachings or Laws our people lived by daily.

Love: To know love is to know the Creator, therefore it’s expected one’s first love is for that of the Creator or Great Spirit. Creator is the parent of all children. The love given to the Great Spirit is expressed through self-love; if you can’t love yourself how can you love anyone else?

The Great Spirit chose the eagle to represent love because the eagle soars the highest of all creatures in bringing pure vision to the seeker. Although love is the supplier of the greatest and most powerful medicine, it can also be the most elusive of the teachings as it depends on a world that acknowledges the importance of spirituality.

Colossians 3:14 states:
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Respect is the condition of being honoured. Respect is represented by the buffalo. Through giving its life and sharing every part of its being the buffalo showed the deepest respect it had for people.

No animal was more important to the existence of our people. Its gifts provided shelter, clothing, and utensils for our daily life.

Our people believed we were the true caretakers of the herds and developed a sustainable relationship with the buffalo that resulted in a relationship of true respect. I remember all the teachings my great-grandmother gave us in regards to respect; a few of them were:

·        Respect our Elders by listening to what they said and do what they told us to do. In teaching my own children, I taught them to do only what felt right and respectful. I did this to teach them to protect themselves from sexual abuse.

·        Give your seat up to Elders. It is considered very disrespectful to see a young person seated and an Elder standing.

·        Respect your siblings, and your parents.

·        1 Peter 5:5 teaches:
Likewise, you who are younger be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Courage is the ability to face danger, fear, or change with confidence and bravery. The bear teaches us courage with many lessons in the way it lives. Courage is the most important teaching the bear offers. The true definition of courage is a mother bear’s ferociousness when it comes to her cubs being approached, very much like a human mother when she comes to her child.

This same ferociousness is needed to have the moral and mental strength to overcome fears that prevent us from living our true spirit as human beings. Living in the heart and spirit is difficult. The bear’s example shows us how to face any danger to achieve courage in our lives.

2 Timothy 1:7 speaks of the spirit:
God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Honesty is speaking and acting truthfully, thereby remaining morally upright. The Sabe (Sasquatch) represents honesty. Long ago, there was a giant called Kitchi-Sabe. It walked among the people to remind them to be honest to the law of the Creator and with each other.

The highest honour bestowed on a person was the saying, “There walks an honest man, he can be trusted.” Keeping the promises one made to the Creator or to others and self was to be truly honest. The Elders said live true to your spirit, never try to be someone else.

Ephesians 4:25 says what our ancestors passed down long before Christianity came to our people:
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Wisdom is the ability to make decisions based on personal knowledge and experience. The beaver teaches us wisdom. Community is entirely dependent on the gifts given to each member by the Creator.

The beaver’s example of using its sharp teeth for cutting down trees and branches to build its dams and lodges expresses this teaching.

If the beaver didn’t use its teeth in this way, the teeth would continue to grow until they became useless, ultimately making it impossible for the beaver to sustain itself. The same can be said for human beings.

One’s spirit will grow weak if it is not fulfilling its use. When used properly, one’s gifts contribute to the development of a peaceful and healthy being and community.

James 3:13 says:
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

The beaver is wise and understanding in knowing he has to use his teeth for them to be productive.

Humility is recognizing and acknowledging that Creator is a higher power than people. This is truly humbling. True humility is being humble and not arrogant. To capture true humility one must express deference or submission to the Creator, through the acceptance that all human beings are equal. The expression of this humility is manifested through the consideration of others before oneself.

The wolf teaches us humility; it bows his head in the presence of others in deference, and once it has hunted the wolf will not take any of the food until it can be shared with the pack. The wolf’s lack of arrogance and its respect for its community is a hard lesson, but in our people’s way.

The wolf’s actions bring to mind Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier, who has been Chief of Okanese First Nation since 1981. Whenever there was a community meal taking place she always waited till the last to eat to ensure all the people were fed first.

Proverbs 18:12 says:
Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

I believe the wolf and Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier are true examples of humility and honour.

Truth is to know and understand all of the original laws given by the Creator and to remain faithful to them. The turtle teaches us about truth. It is said that in the beginning when the Creator made humanity and gave them the Sacred Laws, the Grandmother Turtle was present to ensure that the laws would never be forgotten.

On the back of a turtle are the 13 moons, each representing the truth of one cycle of the earth around the sun. The 28 markings on the turtle’s back represent the cycle of the moon of a woman’s body.

The shell of the turtle represents the body’s real events as created by a higher power, and serves as a reminder of the Creator’s will and teachings.

1 John 5:20 teaches:
We know also the Son of God has come and given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

MUSIC MINISTRY   “ We Walk with Spirits”
                             Composed and Sung by Sandy

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Marion)

Grow these gifts in your love, Wild God.
Bless our offerings, our hearts and our hopes in your love
To make us worthy of your work in this world.
Fill these gifts and each of us with your goodness. Amen. 

Let us join our voices in thanks as we sing “Grant Us God the Grace of Giving”. It is the first verse from Voices United # 540 and the words will also appear on the screen.

VU # 540  DOXOLOGY  “Grant Us God the Grace of Giving” (Sandy)

Grant us god the grace of giving
With a spirit large and free
That ourselves and all our living
We may offer faithfully.

PRAYERS OF THE DAY

(Brian)
Let us centre ourselves prayer…

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

We pray and offer thanks for songs of hope. Dame Vera Lynn filled our world with hope through her heartfelt and spirit songs, offered in times of darkness. Inspire us to find new songs of hope to inspire our hearts and souls

We pray to the Lord

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Marion)
God, Creator and Great Mystery, we praise you this day for the gifts you have provided your people. We lift our people up for healing comfort and your compassion. For the missing and murdered women, young girls, men, and boys of your people. May they be wrapped in your arms of comfort. And for their  families, that they receive comfort in their loss.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Bruce)
We pray for our warriors who fight against the injustices our people endure; we pray they have your compassionate ear; Give them strength and endurance ……grant them the courage to stand strong…

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Suzanne)
We pray just as the Elders prayed, for renewal and for the restoration of beauty to the land and its people. We pray for Mother Earth, the waters, the winds, for our siblings the animals, birds, and fish, and all of life that surrounds us.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Sandra Cox)
We pray that we will walk the good Red Road of life, and that we will walk with courage, honesty, humility, love, respect, truth, and wisdom.

We pray to the Lord

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Brian)
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 offer this prayer in humility and hope and in the name of our brother Jesus, the one who lights our path to wholeness, justice, and peace. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER (Brian)

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. Amen.

Let us join our hearts and voices in the singing of “ We Cannot own The Sunlit Sky” # 143 in More Voices.  The words will also appear on your screen.

We Cannot own the Sunlit Sky (Sandy)

We cannot own the sunlit sky
The moon, the wildflowers growing
For we are part of all that is
Within life’s river flowing
With open hands receive and share
The gifts of God’s creation
That all my have abundant life
In ev’ry earthly nation.

When bodies shiver in the night
And weary wait for morning
When children have no bread but tears
And warhorns sound their warning
God calls humanity to wake
To join in common labour
That all may have abundant life
In oneness with their neighbour.

God calls humanity to join
As partners in creating
A future free from want or fear,
Life’s goodness celebrating
That new world beckons from afar
Invites our shared endeavour
That all may have abundant life
And peace endure forever.

ANNOUNCEMENTS(Brian)

•     Online Worship next Sunday June, 28 at 11:00am. Next Sunday will be pride Sunday. 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

•     Many people have been asking…”When will we open?” We need a few people to create a re-opening committee to develop and implement a plan for us to reopen our sanctuary and social spaces safely. We would hope to have a meeting via zoom and telephone on Monday afternoon, June 22.

•     If church council members and trustees could please remain for a few minutes after the service.

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

CLOSING PRAYER (Christopher)

You, O God, are overflowing with love, infinite in kindness, and incomparable in glory. You are the source of all good things. There is none like you in all our imagining. You bring new life forth from death and offer us hope. In you, all things work together for good. Your presence breaks into our lives in many ways and you touch us with wonder. In this time of worship, we drew closer to you, supported by our congregation and community prayers, keep us safe as we praise you with our hearts and may we always seek to move with respect for all this day and every day, now and always. Amen

Let us sing together “I Thank You Thank you Jesus”. The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in More Voices # 188.

MV # 188  “I Thank You Thank you Jesus” (Sandy)
I thank you, thank you Jesus
I thank you, thank you Jesus
I thank you, thank you Jesus in my heart,
I thank you, thank you Jesus,
I thank you, thank you Jesus
I thank you, thank you Jesus in my heart.

I can’t live without you, yes
I can’t live without you
I can’t live without you in my heart.
I can’t live without you, yes
I can’t live without you.
I can’t live without you in my heart.

I love you, love you, Jesus,
I love you, love you, Jesus,
I love you, love you, Jesus, in my heart.
I love you, love you, Jesus,
I love you, love you, Jesus,
I love you, love you, Jesus, in my heart.

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING (Brian)

As you go forth, may you invite the Holy Spirit to be your light, Jesus to be your guide and  God our creator to shower you with blessings as you journey. And may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,  and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you and before you, today and ever more. 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