Sunday, July 5, 2020 - 5th Sunday After Pentecost

July 4, 2020 Brian Stevens - Hope United Church

Photo: Rose Ekrul from Unsplash.com

HOPE UNITED CHURCH
5th Sunday After Pentecost
July 5th , 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’s today are Sandy and Suzanne. Gavin is our Zoom host assisting with our sound.

You can type hellos and greetings at any time 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.

Call to Worship, Prayers are drawn from The United Church of Christ and United Church of Canada on-line worship resources.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND (Brian)

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.

“I The Lord of Sea and Sky” Voices United # 509 (Sandy)

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry;
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save

I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright;
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me,
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people's pain;
I have wept for love of them,
They turn away:

I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone;
I will speak my words to them,
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me,
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame;
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide,
'Til their hearts be satisfied;
I will give my life to them,
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me,
I will hold your people in my heart.

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

Call to Worship (Matthew 11:16-19)
Jesus says Come to me—Everyone!
When I play a joyful tune
we’ll dance!
When I sing a lament
we’ll weep!
When I chant for justice
we’ll sing along!

OPENING PRAYER (Christopher)

Canada Day can be complicated. On the one hand there is much that is good, much to be admired and grateful for. Most Canadians enjoy freedoms and a livelihood that most people around the world only long for. On the other hand, our history is not innocent and many of its promises have yet to be fulfilled for many of us.

The following prayer for Canada (formerly called Dominion Day) from the United Church’s 1969 Service Book is a way for Christians to hold the two tensions together.

O God who are the Ruler and Judge of all nations, look mercifully on our land. Sanctify all that is rich and noble in our traditions. Grant that our ideals and aspirations may be in accordance with your will.

Give us humility in our relations with others and sobriety in our dealings at home. Help us to discipline ourselves so that our national freedom may be used for the common good, and may bring us all to the knowledge of him whose service is perfect freedom, even Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

-Sunday Before Dominion Day from The Service Book 1969

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
the dark of night.
Help us find our way to you,
Guide us, touch us
with your Light, O Lord.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Adapted from Romans 7 (Brian and Verona)

Brian: I know that all God’s commands are spiritual,
Verona: but I’m not.
Brian:      I decide one way,
Verona: but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise.
Brian:     I decide to do good,
Verona: but I don’t really do it;
Brian:    I decide not to do bad,
Verona: but then I do it anyway
Brian:    I truly delight in God’s commands
Verona: But the power of sin sabotages my best intentions
Brian:    My decisions to good don’t result in actions:
Verona: Sin is there to trip me up. I’ve tried everything …
Brian:     Who can help me?

ASSURANCE OF GRACE (Brian)

The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does help us. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. He calls us: Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened. I will share your yoke and make it light; I will lead in the Way you desire to travel.

“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)

Canada Day- Reflection

On Wednesday of this week we celebrated Canada Day. It was a much different day…small gatherings of family and friends, no big planned community celebrations or barbecues. No big concert from Parliament Hill. It was a more thoughtful, quiet day. Still, there were fireworks that found their way into the night sky to remind us we have much to celebrate, and yet we also have many untold stories.

The story of our First Nations people, who were here before the British and the French, the stories of the thousands of refugees and immigrants who have chosen to make Canada their home, leaving a homeland behind to seek out a new place and new way to be in the world. A multicultural mosaic with threads that now reach to almost every nation in the world, that have woven a new tapestry called Canada. May our prayer this day be one of justice and equality for all, a nation lavished with pristine lakes, a prayer that all may have clean water to drink, food to nourish heart and soul, and the respect of all around us and a respect that we offer in return.

May we acknowledge with all of our collective heart the abundance we share, that we might truly share it with all gathered on and in this land.Let us raise of our voices with thanks as we join our hearts in and for one Canada.

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us commands.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God save our gracious Queen
Long live our noble Queen,
God save The Queen:
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save The Queen.

FIRST READING Ezekiel 36.33-38 (Gavin)
This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it.

They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.” Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate.

I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will do it.’ “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Once again I will yield to Israel’s plea and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as sheep, as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed festivals. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

PSALM 145 (VU # 866) (Bruce and Sheldon, Sandy - Refrain)

Refrain: We praise you, O God, we bless your holy name.

Every day we will bless you
and praise your name forever.
O God, you are great and highly to be praised;
your greatness is beyond all measure.
One generation shall praise your works to another,
and declare your marvellous deeds.
I will speak of your splendour and glory,
and all your wonderful works.

Refrain: We praise you, O God, we bless your holy name.

You, God, are righteous in all your ways,
and loving in all your deeds.
You are near to all who call to you,
to all who call on you in truth.
You fulfil the desire of those who revere you;
you hear their cry and you save them.
You watch over all who love you,
but the wicked you will destroy.
My mouth will speak your praise, O God.
I let every creature bless your holy name forever.

Refrain: We praise you, O God, we bless your holy name.

GOSPEL Matthew 11: 25-30
(Jimmy)
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The Good News of Christ!

Thanks be to God!

MV # 97 “Listen God is Calling” (Sandy)

Listen, God is calling,
Through the Word inviting,
Offering forgiveness,
comfort and joy.

1. Jesus gave His mandate: Share the Good News

That He came to save us And set Us free.

Listen, God is calling,
Through the Word inviting,
Offering forgiveness,
comfort and joy.

2. Let none be forgotten throughout the world.
In the triune name of God, go and baptize.

Listen, God is calling,
Through the Word inviting,
Offering forgiveness,
comfort and joy.

3. Help us to be faithful, Standing steadfast,

Walking in Your precepts, Led by your Word.

Listen, God is calling,
Through the Word inviting,
Offering forgiveness,
comfort and joy.

SERMON:“How Heavy is the Yoke ”
(Brian)

OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND WORK

MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “The Great Speckled Bird”
Composed by Roy Acuff, sung by Suzanne Oryschak

What a wonderful thought I am thinking
Concerning a great speckled bird,
Remember her name is recorded
On the pages of God’s Holy Word.

With all the other birds flocking round her
She is so despised by the swarm.
The great speckled bird is the Bible
Representing the Great church of God.

Desiring to lower her standards
They watch every move that she makes.
They long to find fault with her teachings
But really they find no mistake.

I am glad I have learned of her meekness,
I am proud that my name is on her books,
For I want to be one never fearing
A face of my Saviour, true love.

When he cometh descending from Heaven
On the cloud that he writes in his word
I’ll be joyfully carried to meet him
On the wings of that great speckled bird.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Verona)

The treasure of God’s glory is Jesus, shining in our hearts. We hold this treasure in the earthen vessels of our lives. Let us share freely of the gifts we have been given, that the glory of God may be known in the works of community, justice and peace.

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, Marion, Bruce, Suzanne, Jimmy)
(Christopher)
God of mystery and meaning, help us to discover your purpose for our lives.

Free us from the limits set by past expectation and experience and keep us open to all possibilities.

Bless those who extend the boundaries of love and respect,who show kindness to strangers and forgiveness to people who hurt them.

Work among us by your Spirit to heal the invisible wounds of the heart: