Hope United Church

Pride Sunday

June 28, 2020  11:00am

Pastoral Charge Supervisor – Brian Stevens BA MDiv

Summer Student – Christopher Slusar

 

OPEN DOORS.  OPEN MINDS.

OPEN HEARTS.

PRELUDE

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 musician today is Sandy. 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. 

We will share communion this morning. Please have a juice and small portion of bread or cracker for the blessing.

Call to Worship, Prayers are drawn from The United Church of Christ and United Church of Canada on-line worship resources.  Our prayers of the people were written by Alydia Smith for Pride month.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND (Gavin)

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.

“Rise Up, Rise Up”   More Voices #130 (Sandy)  

Rise up, rise up rise up O my Soul
Rise up and sing this
Blessing  to God’s name
Rise up , rise up rise up O my soul
Rise up and sing this
Blessing to God’s name

CALL TO WORSHIP
(adapted from  “United Church of Christ”)
(Marion and Suzanne)

People of God, join the crowd;
don’t let the parade pass you by.
God loves us…All of us!

Bring your whole selves;
leave no part behind.
God loves us…All of us!
Show the world who you are; witness to the Love that knows no bounds.
God loves us…All of us! 

Join together across differences; rejoice in the many colors of the rainbow.
God loves us…All of us! 

Worship God in the beauty of this holiness; we are the family of God!
God loves us…All of us! 

INTROIT           “Jesus Loves Me”
Voices United #365 (Sandy)    

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to him belong
In his love we shall be strong
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus love me
The Bible tells me so

Jesus loves me this I know
As he loved me long ago
Taking children on His knee
Saying “let them come to me”
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus love me
The Bible tells me so

Jesus loves me still today
Walking with me on my way
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus love me
The Bible tells me so

OPENING PRAYER (Christopher)

God, when you called each of us into being, you delighted in your works. You gifted us with differences that illuminate the breadth of beauty, wisdom, and practices of love in your creation.

In whatever ways we still struggle to accept and celebrate our own unique offerings, free us from narrow thinking that confines, constrains, or condemns your good work in us. Amen.

LIGHTING OF CHRIST CANDLE (Brian)

We light this candle as a symbol of love, peace, care and comfort. May all who open themselves to this light, walk always in the ever present light of Christ.

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 (Sandy)

Creating God—God of Mercy, We have acknowledge the diversity in this amazing world, created in atoms and molecules but with an underlying spirit of mystery, we confess that, at times, we have forgotten  the wonders of that diversity.

We have longed for things to be familiar and as they have always been, and strike out at ways of being that differ from our own.

We know that the great religious traditions have caused harm in the past and continue to cause harm and pain to those who express their being in ways different than the majority.

We know, too, that we individually, both intentionally and unintentionally, have rejected and shunned those who are not just like us.

For this we are truly sorry and ask your patience as we learn and strive for ways to be more inclusive and celebrate all in this wondrous world. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE (Brian)

Holy Wisdom, come. We long for your truth that sets the captives free. Bring us your Word that liberates. Quiet all that turns us against ourselves, one another, or any of your creatures and creations. Lead us in love that mends and restores. Amen.

“Gloria”  - Voices United # 37
(Sandy)

Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis deo
Gloria, Gloria, Alleluia, Alleluia!

THE PEACE OF CHRIST

The Peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

(mics will be unmuted so you may greet one another)

FIRST READING               Ezekiel 17:22-24
(Tess)
Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.

On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it, in order that it may produce boughs and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it every kind of bird will live; in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind.

All the trees of the field shall know that I am the LORD. I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the LORD have spoken; I will accomplish it.

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

Psalm 13 ( Voices United # 734)
(Bruce and Sheldon)

Refrain( Sandy)

Be still me soul for
God is on your side,
Be still me soul for
God is on your side.

How long, O God, will you utterly forget me

                How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I suffer anguish in my soul,
And be so grieved in my heart day and night?

How long shall my enemy triumph over me?

Refrain

Be still me soul for
God is on your side,
Be still me soul for
God is on your side.

Look at me, and answer me, o God, my God

Give light to my eyes, least I fall asleep in death

Lest my enemies claim to have prevailed against me,

Lest my foes rejoice at my downfall

But my trust is in your mercy

Let my heart be joyful in your salvation

I will sing to you, O God

Because you have dealt so lovingly with me
I will praise your name, o God most high

Refrain

Be still me soul for
God is on your side,
Be still me soul for
God is on your side.

GOSPEL   Matthew 10: 40-42
(Jimmy)

Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.  Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.  And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”   

The Good News of Christ!            

Thanks be to God!

MV # 138
“My Love Colours Outside the Lines”
(Sandy)

My love, colors outside the lines
Exploring paths that few could ever find
And it takes me into places
Where I’ve never been before
And opens doors to worlds outside the lines.

My Lord colours outside the lines
Turns wounds to blessings, water into wine
And it takes me into places
Where I’ve never been before
And opens doors to worlds outside the lines.

We’ll never walk on water
If we’re not prepare to drown,
body and soul
Need a soaking from time to time
And we’ll never move the gravestones
If we’re not prepared to die
And realize, there are worlds outside the lines.

My soul longs to colour outside the lines
Tear back the curtains,
sun come in and shine,
I want to walk beyond the boundaries
Where I’ve never been before
Throw open doors
To worlds outside the lines.

SERMON:          “Be Yourself”(Brian)

OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND WORK

MINISTRY OF MUSIC:  “ We Are a Rainbow”
Composed by David Kai, sung by Sandy

We’re the light of all the world,
we are a city on a hill,
We’re a candle on a stand
proclaiming light,
We will not hide our lamp
beneath a bushel any more,
We will shine a ray of hope
that’s burning bright.

We are a rainbow,
sign of covenant and peace,
For the flood of tears
will finally cease to be,
Come shine your rainbow,
splash your hues across the sky,
Paint the world in colours
proud and bold and free.

We’re a coat of many colours,
sewn from many different threads,
Covering all in warmth,
in welcome and in grace,
God said “Let there be light”,
created every varied shade,
In the rainbow each of
us can find a place.

Chorus:
We are a rainbow,
sign of covenant and peace,
For the flood of tears will
finally cease to be,
Come shine your rainbow,
splash your hues across the sky,
Paint the world in colours
proud and bold and free.

We are hope to still believe
in tomorrow’s better day,
We are peace in a world
that’s torn apart,
We are joy that will last
in all the struggles that we face,
We are love that blooms and
grows in every heart.

Chorus:
We are a rainbow,
sign of covenant and peace,
For the flood of tears will
finally cease to be,
Come shine your rainbow,
splash your hues across the sky,
Paint the world in colours
proud and bold and free.

When we face the storms of life,
we will never be alone,
For our God will be
with us on the way,
Hand in hand, side by side,
we won’t be frightened any more,
As the mourning night
of tears breaks into day.

We are a rainbow,
sign of covenant and peace,
For the flood of tears will
finally cease to be,
Come shine your rainbow,
splash your hues across the sky,
Paint the world in colours
proud and bold and free.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION  (Bruce)

For the abundance of creation Lord, we are ever thankful. May our gifts this day remind us of the joy of giving, the soulful smile that emanates from within, when gifts are from the heart. Sharing care with the world around us is our call from Christ. Amen

VU # 540  DOXOLOGY  (Sandy)

“Grant Us God the Grace of Giving”

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
(Christopher, Sheldon, Bruce ,Marion, Jimmy, Tess, Suzanne, Marion)

(Christopher)
For those in mental health crisis…may they receive the support, care and inventions that assist them in moving once more on a path towards recovery wellness. Nudge us to lift up our voices, to move us from a place of complacency to lived actions to ensure that resources are in place to support those in crisis and those who respond

We pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer.

(Sheldon)
For our first responders, may they move with continued care and compassion.

We pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer.

(Bruce)
People of every sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity have the right to live with dignity and without persecution or discrimination, we remember in our prayers:

LGBTQ+ people of Chechnya, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and elsewhere who have been murdered and tortured because of who they are. We remember them and the people who love them.

We pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer.

(Marion)
LGBTQ+ refugees from around the world seeking safety and sanctuary. We remember them and the people who welcome them.

We pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer.

(Jimmy)
Trans and gender-diverse people in Canada, the United States, Brazil, and elsewhere, who are targeted victims of hate crimes and assaults. We remember them and the people who love them.

We pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer.

(Tess)
LGBTQ+ people whose dignity and self-esteem have been eroded by hateful systems and structures. We remember them and seek to be people who love more fully.

We pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer.

(Suzanne)
Individually, we each uniquely reflect your glory and express your love, but anti-gay violence, homophobia, and transphobia have blocked many from recognizing your beauty in all people.

All of creation suffers from the effects of such hate, fear, and violence. May we dedicate ourselves to building bridges of love and hope where harmful divisions have been made, making equity and equality for all people our goal, while working continually for justice, so that  everyone can live fully in your love.

We pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer.

(Marion)
And for all in need of your healing love O Lord.  For people and intentions  we name aloud, or hold silently in our hearts…

(mics unmuted)

For all those named and intentions offered

We pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer.

And in the words Christ offered us, we sing

LORD’S PRAYER (SUNG)-  Voice United # 959 (Sandy)

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 prepare for the celebration of communion by joining together in the singing of

“As I Went Down to the River to Pray”   (Sandy)

As I went down to the river to pray,
studying about that good ol’ way and
who shall wear the starry crown good Lord,
show me the way!
O sisters, let’s go down,
let’s go down, come on down,
O sisters let’s go down,
down in the river to pray.

As I went down to the river to pray,
studying about that good ol’ way and
who shall wear the robe
and crown good Lord,
show me the way!
O brothers, let’s go down,
let’s go down, come on down,
O brothers let’s go down,
down in the river to pray.

As I went down to the river to pray,
studying about that good ol’ way
and who shall wear the
starry crown good Lord,
show me the way!
O fathers, let’s go down,
let’s go down, come on down,
O mothers let’s go down,
down in the river to pray.

As I went down to the river to pray,
studying about that good ol’ way
and who shall wear the
robe and crown good Lord,
show me the way!
O mothers, let’s go down,
let’s go down, come on down,
O fathers let’s go down,
down in the river to pray.

As I went down to the river to pray,
studying about that good ol’ way and who shall wear the starry crown good Lord,
show me the way!
O sinners, let’s go down,
let’s go down, come on down,
O sinners let’s go down,
down in the river to pray.

As I went down to the river to pray,
studying about that good ol’ way and
who shall wear the
robe and crown
Good Lord,
show me the way!

SERVICE OF COMMUNION
(Brian and Christopher)

God be with you
     And also with you
Lift up your hearts
     We lift our hearts in prayer
Let us give thanks to God
      It is good to give God thanks and praise

(Christopher)
Loving God, source of all, we thank you and praise you with our lips and with our lives, that, having created us and all things through your word, you welcome our prayer and praise. For the goodness of creation and the glory of redemption we praise you. For your risen presence on this day we thank you as we are grateful for the law and prophets who came before you.

Therefore, with all that is seen and unseen, and with all the faithful of every time and place, we join in this hymn of praise and thanksgiving…

MV # 203  Holy, Holy, Holy
(Sandy)

O holy, holy, holy God,
O God of time and space.
All earth and sea and sky above
bear witness to your grace.
Hosanna in the highest heav’n,
creation sings your praise,
And blessed is the One who comes and bears your name always!

(Brian)
Loving God, Holy one, we offer our praise and thanksgiving over this bread and cup, because in Jesus Christ you have joined yourself forever with us, uniting heaven and earth. Now, therefore, we gratefully remember:

(Christopher)
Jesus’ birth into our humanity,
Baptism for our sin,
Compassion for our suffering,
Intimacy with our fragility,
Rebuke of our pride,
Bearing the cross with its death,
And rising from the tomb by the power of God.

(Brian)
On the night before he died, Jesus took a loaf of bread, gave you thanks, broke it and said Take, eat, this is my body broken for you. Each time you do this, remember me.

Then Jesus took a cup, and having given thanks, he passed it to his friends saying: Drink. This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this in remembrance of me. Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:

MV # 204      Memorial Acclamation

Sing Christ has died
and Christ is risen,
Christ will come a-gain!

(Brian)
Loving God, come to us and bless these gifts of bread and wine that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ; the sign and seal of our forgiveness in him and our adoption as the children of God..

As we eat and drink together, on this happy day, make us one with Christ and one in Christ, a sign of his eternal reign in the world.

This sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving we offer you, loving God, though Jesus Christ our Saviour, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

(Christopher)
Life-giving God may we who share in Christ’s body
live his risen life;
We, who drink this cup, bring new life to others;
We, whom the Spirit lights, give light to the world.

MV # 205      Great Amen (Sandy)

Amen, amen O Holy One!
Hosanna and Amen!
Amen, amen O Holy One!
Hosanna and Amen!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

- Our re-opening committee will meet on line on Monday June 29 at 2:00pm. Link or dial in are the same as Sunday Service

- Although we are not using the building the costs of the Church continue with utilities & insurance costs as well we have chosen not to layoff our three staff.

Rather than passing the plate weekly we would encourage either:

By post-dated cheques mailed to the Church:

2550  Danforth Avenue, Toronto M4C 1LC

OR

by credit card through the CanadaHelps website:

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/hope-united-church/

In Search: select Hope United Church Toronto, then click on the connection

Then use Donate Now and proceed.

(Note that CanadaHelps levies a 4% service fee so your donation will be for the lower unless you select donating the 4% fee to CanadaHelps which is a charity so you will receive a tax receipt.) 

If you have any questions about donations please contact the Church office.

Thank you.

- Our service next Sunday, July 5 will be on-line at 11:00am

- For pastoral emergencies, please contact Brian Stevens via email HopeUnitedChurch@gmail.com or on his cell 647-825-5136

CLOSING PRAYER (Christopher)

Lord we have been nourished by your Spirit, through the sacrament of Communion, and through the presence of each other as we celebrate and worship in your name. Hold us and embrace us in your care, and may we in turn do so for all whom we encounter as we journey these days ahead. Amen

“Wherever You May Go” More Voices # 216 (Sandy)

Wherever you may go,
I will follow
And your people shall
be my people too.
Wherever you may go,
I will follow
For I would be faithful,
loyal and true.

Say the word and I will stay
I will never go away
We will travel side by side
And God’s love will be our guide

Wherever you may go,
I will follow
And your people shall
be my people too.
Wherever you may go,
I will follow
For I would be faithful,
loyal and true.

From beginning to the end
I will always be your friend
When you need me,
I’ll be there
You can trust my faithful care.

Wherever you may go, I will follow
And your people shall
be my people too.
Wherever you may go,
I will follow
For I would be faithful,
loyal and true.

BENEDICTION and BLESSING

(Christopher)
Go forth into the world, refreshed and nourished in the light and love of Christ Jesus, Saviour and Lord.

And may the blessing of our Creator God, Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, be with you this day and evermore. Amen

CHORAL BLESSING “Walk in Love”

(Sandy)
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

A look back 30 years….

1988, the United Church’s 32nd General Council made two statements about sexual orientation, church membership, and church leadership. General Council declared that

•“all persons regardless of their sexual orientation who profess faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to him, are welcome to be or become full members of The United Church of Canada,” and

•“all members of The United Church of Canada are eligible to be considered for ordered ministry.”