HOPE UNITED CHURCH
9th Sunday After Pentecost
August 2nd , 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 Christopher Slusar, I am the summer student at Hope United here in Toronto. We are so pleased to have you with us today.  Our musician today is Sandy and Gavin is our Zoom host, assisting with our sound and welcoming everyone. If you are calling in, please identify yourself so we can welcome you by name.

You can type hellos and greetings at any time in the chat. The order of service was emailed out with your invitation. It is also available on our website HopeUnited.ca.  

Call to Worship, Prayers are drawn from Feasting on the Word and United Church of Canada on-line worship resources. We will also celebrate communion this morning, so please have a small juice and a wafer/cracker or piece of bread.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND (Tess)
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

HYMN MV # 27 Creator God You Gave Us Life (Sandy)
Creator God, you gave us life,
Your image formed within our souls,
Yet through the mist of time and space,
We search for that which makes us whole.

Through hands that paint majestic skies,
And voices chanting melody,
With words that reach beyond the page,
We comprehend your mystery.

In every flower and every tree,
We see your great diversity,
Yet greater still we see your love,
Expressed in our humanity.

Through hands that paint majestic skies,
And voices chanting melody,
With words that reach beyond the page,
We comprehend your mystery.

When with our heart and hands, our minds,
We share the gift with all the world,
Our spirits soar beyond the veil,
To touch the very face of God.

Through hands that paint majestic skies,
And voices chanting melody,
With words that reach beyond the page,
We comprehend your mystery.

CALL TO WORSHIP
(adapted from  “Feasting the Word”)
(Gavin and Bruce)

One: The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.
All: Our eyes look to you, for you give us food in every season.

One: The Lord is near to all who call on him in truth.
All: You open your hand, O God, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

One: The Lord fulfills the desire of all who fear him and watches over all who love him,
All: So our mouths will speak the praise of the Lord, and the God’s holy name for  ever and ever.

OPENING PRAYER (Christopher)
Holy God,
We try and fix and fasten you, but you will not be stayed.
You are love in motion:
Calling us to serve,
Sustaining us in the wilderness.
Come to us as morning breaks.
Soften what has grown dry and brittle in our hearts
For we pray in the name of the Son you sent, Jesus Christ.
And through the Holy Spirit that gives us life.
Amen.

LIGHTING OF CHRIST CANDLE (Marion)
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 (Sheldon)
Mysterious and merciful God,
we praise you for the many ways you come to us
and offer us abundant life.
When the sun rises and the earth blooms around us,
we are filled with grateful thanksgiving for your gift of a new day.
When evening falls and we find ourselves in deserted, lonely places,
we count on you to provide for our needs.
For the times you show us the way when we are in need of guidance,
we praise you.
For the times you provide healing when we are broken and hurting,
we rejoice.
Your grace makes the poor rich, the hungry satisfied, and the weak strong;
and so we worship you as the Source of life and love, comfort and courage.

Gracious and merciful God, as we gather to worship,
we are aware that we have fallen short of the life you desire for us.
So we confess together:

(Suzanne)
Through Christ you have shown us the way of compassion, generosity and forgiveness, yet we neglect the suffering of others.
We blame and judge in the very moments you call us to act with kindness and mercy.
We cling to what we own rather than share our blessings with others.
Free us from greed and from grievances.
Open our hearts so that we may embody the teachings of your Son, our Saviour.

Assurance of Pardon (Christopher)
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Friends in Christ, know that you are forgiven. Forgive one another, and be at peace.

“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)

Prayer for illumination (Jimmy)
Holy God, your Word is bread for our journey.
Send your Spirit upon us now so that we would taste your wisdom and be strengthened to live it out for the sake of Christ, your Living Word.
Amen.

Our first reading is from The Book of Genesis Chapter 32 (Rebekah)
During the night, Jacob got up and began moving his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven sons across the Jabbok River at the crossing. After he sent his family across the river, he sent across everything he had.

Jacob was left alone, and a man came and wrestled with him. The man fought with him until the sun came up.  When the man saw that he could not defeat Jacob, he touched Jacob’s leg and put it out of joint.

Then the man said to Jacob, “Let me go. The sun is coming up.”

But Jacob said, “I will not let you go. You must bless me.”

And the man said to him, “What is your name?”

And Jacob said, “My name is Jacob.”

Then the man said, “Your name will not be Jacob. Your name will now be Israel. I give you this name because you have fought with God and with men, and you have won.”

Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.”

But the man said, “Why do you ask my name?” Then the man blessed Jacob at that place.

So Jacob named that place Peniel. He said, “At this place, I saw God face to face, but my life was spared.”  Then the sun came up as Jacob left Peniel. He was limping because of his leg.

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

PSALM 17 (VU # 739) ( Marion and Suzanne, Sandy - Refrain)

Guard me as the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings.

Hear my just cause; attend to my cry O God.
          Listen to my prayer from lips that do not lie
Let judgment in my favour come forth from your presence;
          And let your eyes discern what is right.
If you examine my heart, if you visit me by night
          If you test me, you will find no wickedness in me
As for what others do according to the command of your lips
I have kept from travelling with the violent
          My steps have been firm in your paths,
          And my feet have not stumbled.

Refrain: Guard me as the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings.

I call upon you, God, for you will answer me.
          Incline your ear to me and hear my words.
Show me the wonders of your steadfast love;
          For by your right hand you save from their enemies
          Those who take refuge in you.
Guard me as the apple of your eye;
          Hide me under the shadow of your wings,
From the wicked who assail me,
          From deadly foes who surround me
As for me, I shall see your face because my plea is just;
          When I awake and see your face, I shall be satisfied.

Refrain: Guard me as the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings.

This morning’s Gospel reading is the Good News according to Matthew Chapter 13 verses 31-52, (Sheldon)
When Jesus heard what happened to John, he left in a boat. He went alone to a place where no one lived. But the people heard that Jesus had left. So they left their towns and followed him. They went by land to the same place he went.  When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw a large crowd of people. He felt sorry for them, and he healed the ones who were sick.

Late that afternoon, the followers came to Jesus and said, “No one lives in this place. And it is already late. Send the people away so they can go to the towns and buy food for themselves.”

Jesus said, “The people don’t need to go away. You give them some food to eat.”

The followers answered, “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish.”

Jesus said, “Bring the bread and the fish to me.”  Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish. He looked into the sky and thanked God for the food. Then he broke the bread into pieces, which he gave to the followers, and they gave the food to the people.  Everyone ate until they were full. When they finished eating, the followers filled twelve baskets with the pieces of food that were not eaten.  There were about 5000 men there who ate. There were also women and children who ate.

The Good News of Christ!
Thanks be to God!

HYMN VU # 681: ”Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life” (Sandy)
Where cross the crowded ways of life,
where sound the cries of race and clan,
above the noise of selfish strife,
we hear your voice, O Son of Man.

In haunts of wretchedness and need,
on shadowed thresholds, dark with fears,
from paths where hide the lures of greed,
we catch the vision of your tears.

The cup of water given for you
still holds the freshness of your grace;
yet long these multitudes to view
the sweet compassion of your face.

O Jesus, from the mountain side,
make haste to heal these hearts of pain;
among these restless throngs abide,
and tread the city's streets again;

Till all the world shall learn your love,
and follow where your feet have trod;
till glorious from your heaven above,
shall come the city of our God.

SERMON: “Food For All”  (Brian)

Please click here: https://youtu.be/9CICDCSg3ng

 

OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND WORK

MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Fix You” written by Coldplay, performed by Sandy
When you try your best but you don't succeed,
When you get what you want but not what you need,
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep,
Stuck in reverse;

When the tears come streaming down your face,
'Cause you lose something you can't replace,
When you love someone but it goes to waste,
What could it be worse?

The Lord will guide you home
And ignite your bones,
And God will try to fix you.

And high up above or down below,
When you’re too in love to let it go,
But if you never try you'll never know,
Just what you're worth.

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones,
And God will try to fix you.

Tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something that cannot be replaced,
oh and tears come streaming down your face
And I…

Tears streaming down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears streaming down your face
And I…

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones,
And I will try to fix you.

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.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Rebekah)
Gracious God, we offer you what we have, at least a part of it, thankful that your love is overflowing. Bless these gifts with your love so that their goodness will overflow to meet the needs of those who cry out to you and to us, for Christ’s sake.
Amen.

SERVICE OF COMMUNION (Brian)

Please click here: https://youtu.be/0IDyknY2EAI 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (Verona, Suzanne, Jimmy, Marion, Christopher)
(Verona)
O God, we give you thanks for your goodness in all the times of our lives. Even in the uncertainties of this present moment, we are grateful for the strength and courage we find, knowing you are right beside us. Give us the wisdom and patience we need to face a future filled with many questions and challenges.

Aware of our own needs today, we are reminded by Christ’s compassion that so many others nearby and much further away experience even greater struggles. And so we lift up our prayers for the world, seeking your guidance so that we may do our part to bring comfort, healing and hope.

We pray for all who are sick or in pain, that they may have the medical assistance they need and the gift of healing in body, mind, and spirit.

We pray for those who are grieving, that they may know the comfort of your presence and find hope in your promises.

Especially we remember those whose lives have been changed by COVID-19 and ask that you will support their recovery and heal relationships affected by this disease.

Gracious God,
Hear our Prayer

(Suzanne)
We pray for those who are hungry or homeless, and all those experiencing the stress of poverty and economic uncertainty. Give those with more resources the confidence to share generously.

We pray for leaders in our communities and in our nation, as they seek ways to recover well-being in the face of the global pandemic. Give them wisdom and courage to make decisions for the well-being of the most vulnerable.

Gracious God,
Hear our Prayer

(Jimmy)
We pray for those who seek to show hospitality to others in their homes, in their workplaces, in the church and the community, that their generosity will inspire others to open their hearts so that your goodness at work in the world will be multiplied.

We pray for prisoners and for those who work in prisons, especially for chaplains and volunteers who bring your word of love and grace to the incarcerated. After long weeks and months deprived of familiar contact, help us all understand the stress of being imprisoned. May those who represent the face of Christ in these environments find strength and wisdom in your companionship and offer ministry of reconciliation and renewal that you desire for everyone.

Gracious God,
Hear our Prayer

(Marion)
We pray for an end of barriers and division that drive us apart. Emancipation day was a significant event in our history when on August 1st 1834 it became illegal to own another human being in Canada, and much work remains to be done. Guide our lives as we seek to partner with you, renewing the world.  We cry out at the injustice and oppression that still plagues your children today. Help us live into your way more fully so we can be your hands and feet in the world.Hear our heartfelt prayer this day

Gracious God,
Hear our Prayer

(Christopher)
Lord Jesus Christ, you walk with us through all the days of challenge and celebration. Be our Bread for the journey of life, to sustain us and encourage us, whatever the week ahead holds for us.

And so we pray together the words you taught us, saying:

THE LORD’S PRAYER VU # 959 (Sandy)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread,
Forgive 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Christopher)

- Although we are not using the building the costs of the Church continue with utilities & insurance costs as well we have chosen not to lay off 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, August 9th  will be on-line at 11:00am

- Thanks you to everyone who read and assisted in leading our service of worship this morning

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

CLOSING PRAYER (Marion)
We rejoice in  you Jesus, for in your tender kindness you shoulder our burdens and ease our heavy hearts.
Give us the strength to carry each other as you have carried us. Amen.

HYMN VU # 278 “In the Quiet Curve of Evening” (Sandy)
In the quiet curve of evening,
in the sinking of the days,
in the silky void of darkness, you are there.
In the lapses of my breathing,
in the space between my ways,
in the crater carved by sadness, you are there.
You are there, you are there, you are there.

In the rests between the phrases,
in the cracks between the stars,
in the gaps between the meaning, you are there.
In the melting down of endings,
in the cooling of the sun,
in the solstice of the winter, you are there.
You are there, you are there, you are there.

In the mystery of my hungers,
in the silence of my rooms,
in the cloud of my unknowing, you are there.
In the empty cave of grieving,
in the desert of my dreams,
in the tunnel of my sorrow, you are there.
You are there, you are there, you are there.

BENEDICTION and BLESSING (Christopher)
Go as seed and yeast, willing to lose your life in the larger purpose of God
Go as fishermen and treasure seekers,
Pouring out your days in search of hidden grace.

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