The Story of Joseph painted by John August Swanson 2005, from Art in the Christian Tradition Vanderbilt Library.
HOPE UNITED CHURCH
11th Sunday After Pentecost
August 16th, 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 a student at Emmanuel College, in the Master of Divinity program, and am pleased to be leading on-line worship for Hope United this morning. 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, United Church of Christ and United Church of Canada on-line worship resources.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND (Sheldon)
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 “Never Alone” I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. John 14: 18 (Sandy)
I've seen the lightning flashing and heard the thunder roll;
I've felt sin's breakers dashing, trying to conquer my soul;
I've heard the voice of Jesus telling me still to fight on;
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
Chorus
No, never alone! No, never alone!
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone;
No never alone! No, never alone!
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
The world's fierce winds are blowing, temptations are sharp and keen;
I feel a peace in knowing my Savior stands between--
He stands to shield me from danger when earthly friends are gone;
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.
Chorus
No, never alone! No, never alone!
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone;
No never alone! No, never alone!
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
When in affliction's valley I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry the cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness, earthly joys all flown;
My Savior whispers His promise, never to leave me alone!
Chorus
No, never alone! No, never alone!
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone;
No never alone! No, never alone!
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted from “Feasting the Word” and Gen. 37, Ps. 105, UCC) (Verona and Suzanne)
OPENING PRAYER (Sandra Cox)
Lord Jesus,Son of God, your blessings know no boundaries that faith cannot cross. Strengthen us to trust in your mercy, reach out for your healing and receive your reconciliation. Amen.
LIGHTING OF CHRIST CANDLE (Christopher)
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 Adapted from the Anglican Book of Alternative Services (Gavin)
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your son Jesus Christ have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may Delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen
Our God blesses us with kindness forgiving our sins, preserving our lives, and restoring our souls through the Abundant provision of our Lord Jesus Christ. Receive now that for which faith has hungered you are forgiven in the name of Jesus Christ.
Assurance of Pardon, Adapted from Feasting on the Word (Christopher)
Our God blesses us with kindness forgiving our sins, preserving our lives, and restoring our souls through the Abundant provision of our Lord Jesus Christ. Receive now that for which faith has hungered you are forgiven in the name of Jesus Christ.
“Gloria” - VU # 37 (Sandy)
Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis deo
Gloria, Gloria, Alleluia, Alleluia!
THE PEACE OF CHRIST (Brian)
The Peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
(mics will be unmuted so you may greet one another)
Prayer for understanding (Jimmy)
Merciful Saviour, your suffering has saved Our Lives, secured our future, and restored us to relationship with God. Remove the shame and fear that causes us to hide in your presence. By the power of your Spirit, open our eyes and hearts to your Word of love, Mercy, healing, and blessing; through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Our First Reading comes from the book of Genesis, chapter 45 (Rebekah)
Joseph could not control himself any longer. He cried in front of all the people who were there. Joseph said, “Tell everyone to leave here.” So all the people left. Only the brothers were left with Joseph. Then he told them who he was. Joseph continued to cry, and all the Egyptian people in Pharaoh’s house heard it. He said to his brothers, “I am your brother Joseph. Is my father doing well?” But the brothers did not answer him because they were confused and afraid.
So Joseph said to his brothers again, “Come here to me. I beg you, come here.” When the brothers went to him, he said to them, “I am your brother Joseph. I am the one you sold as a slave to Egypt. Now don’t be worried. Don’t be angry with yourselves for what you did. It was God’s plan for me to come here. I am here to save people’s lives.
This terrible famine has continued for two years now, and there will be five more years without planting or harvest. So God sent me here ahead of you so that I can save your people in this country. It was not your fault that I was sent here. It was God’s plan. God made me like a father to Pharaoh. I am the governor over all his house and over all Egypt.”
Joseph said, “Hurry up and go to my father. Tell him his son Joseph sent this message: ‘God made me the governor of Egypt. So come here to me quickly. Don’t wait. You can live near me in the land of Goshen. You, your children, your grandchildren, and all of your animals are welcome here. I will take care of you during the next five years of hunger. So you and your family will not lose everything you own.’
“Surely you can see that I really am Joseph. Even my brother Benjamin knows it is me, your brother, talking to you. So tell my father about the honor I have received here in Egypt. Tell him about everything you have seen here. Now hurry, go bring my father back to me.” Then Joseph hugged his brother Benjamin, and they both began crying. Then Joseph cried as he kissed all his brothers. After this, the brothers began talking with him.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 133 VU # 856 Behold How Pleasant (Verona and Gavin)
Verona
Refrain: Behold, how pleasant, how good it is! Behold, how pleasant, how good it is!
Gavin
How pleasant and harmonious when God's people are together
Verona
fragrant as precious oil when running fresh on Aaron's beard.
Gavin
Fresh like the morning dew that falls on Zion's Holy Hill.
Verona
There is where God bestows the blessing, life forever more.
Gavin
Refrain: Behold, how pleasant, how good it is! Behold, how pleasant, how good it is!
Gospel is Draw from Matthew 15:(10–20) (Suzanne)
Jesus called the people to him. He said, “Listen and understand what I am saying. It is not what people put in their mouth that makes them wrong. It is what comes out of their mouth that makes them wrong.” Then the followers came to Jesus and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees are upset about what you said?”
Jesus answered, “Every plant that my Father in heaven has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Stay away from the Pharisees. They lead the people, but they are like blind men leading other blind men. And if a blind man leads another blind man, both of them will fall into a ditch.”
Peter said, “Explain to us what you said earlier to the people.”
Jesus said, “Do you still have trouble understanding? Surely you know that all the food that enters the mouth goes into the stomach. Then it goes out of the body. But the bad things people say with their mouth come from the way they think. And that’s what can make people wrong.
All these bad things begin in the mind: evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual sins, stealing, lying, and insulting people. These are the things that make people wrong. Eating without washing their hands will never make people unacceptable to God.”
Jesus went from there to the area of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that area came out and began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, please help me! My daughter has a demon inside her, and she is suffering very much.”
But Jesus did not answer her. So the followers came to him and said, “Tell her to go away. She keeps crying out and will not leave us alone.” Jesus answered, “God sent me only to the lost people of Israel.” Then the woman came over to Jesus and bowed before him. She said, “Lord, help me!”
He answered her with this saying: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and give it to the dogs.”
The woman said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the pieces of food that fall from their master’s table.”
Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! You will get what you asked for.” And right then the woman’s daughter was healed.
Hear the Good News of Jesus!
Thanks be to God!
HYMN Before Sermon: MV # 82 “Bathe Me in Your Light” (Sandy)
Bathe me in your light, O God of All, Creator,
Let it shine upon my soul with healing and with grace,
Be to me a beacon bright through shadows of life’s wounding,
Showing me the way to live in faith, in your embrace.
Bathe me in your light, O Source of Awe and Wonder,
Help me walk the sacred path of harmony and peace,
May I be attentive to the musings of your presence,
Drinking from the well of hope that brings the heart release.
Bathe me in your grace, O One of Spirit’s longing;
Teach me of your gentle ways that fill the soul with strength.
Guide me on the pilgrimage that leads to truth and wholeness,
Fill me with your promise of a love that knows no length.
SERMON: “A Posture of Protest” (Christopher)
OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND WORK
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)” by Thomas Salter
Arranged and performed by Sandy Thorburn
Don’t give up,
it’s just the weight of the world
When your heart’s heavy I’ll
I will lift it for you.
Don’t give up.
Because you want to be heard.
If silence keeps you,
I, I will break it for you.
Everybody wants to be understood.
Well, I can hear you.
Everybody wants to be loved
Don’t give up because
You are loved.
Don’t give up,
It‘s just the hurt that you hide
When you’re lost inside I’ll
I’ll be there to find you
Don’t give up,
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you I,
I will shine to guide you.
Everybody wants to be understood
Well, I can hear you.
Everybody wants to be loved
Don’t give up because
You are loved.
Don’t give up
Of the world
Don’t give up
Everyone needs to be heard
Don’t give up
You are loved
You are loved
Don’t give up.
VU # 538 DOXOLOGY “For the Gift of Creation” (Sandy)
For the gift of creation,
The gift of your love
And the gift of the Spirit
By which we live
We thank you and give you
The fruit of our hands
May your grace be proclaimed
By the gifts that we bring.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Sandra Cox)
O God, we place our hope and trust in your loving kindness, leaning on you for all our needs. Because we want to praise you with more than mere words, we bring our gifts to support Christ’s mission in the world. Bless these gifts and use our energy for your good purposes, so that all the world will know your loving kindness. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (Sandy, Suzanne, Jimmy, Rebekah, Sheldon, Christopher)
Sandy
Living Christ, so many different people reached out to you in times of desperation with so many different needs. Yet you had compassion for them all. Lord Jesus, we know both struggle and joy in our lives, too.
This day we set before you our many different hopes and concerns.
Fill us with your compassion as we pray.
For all that we are and all that we do, all we wish we could do and all we long for…
(silence for 10 seconds)
Suzanne
We pray for everything we work for in our church and community, and everything we hope for in the face of so much change…
(silence for 10 seconds)
Jimmy
We pray for the choices we face in our country and community, in our homes and workplaces, and for all the responsibilities we bear in our different roles…
(silence for 10 seconds)
Rebekah
We pray for the troubles that weary us, the situations that puzzle us and the uncertainty that surrounds us…
(silence for 10 seconds)
Sheldon
We remember before you each situation that worries us and each person we care about…
(silence for 10 seconds)
Christopher
Living Christ, you are the Source of peace and new possibility for us all.
Help us trust in your grace for today and tomorrow. Fill us with the strength and hope we need to walk with you, united in your love.
For it is as your loyal followers we dare to pray the words you taught us:
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 driver 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 23th 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 (Christopher)
Closing Hymn “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” African American Heritage Hymnal # 404 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever Hebrews 13:8 (Sandy)
Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Covet not this world’s vain riches
That so rapidly decay,
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,
They will never pass away.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
When your journey is completed,
If to God you have been true,
Fair and bright the home in glory
Your enraptured soul will view.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
BENEDICTION and BLESSING (Christopher)
The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. God has gifted you with forgiveness and Grace you with reconciliation. Go now and share God's gifts with the distressed and estranged Jesus has called you close to him and healed you from hardship. Go now and call others to receive Jesus' mercy and healing.
And know The God Who forgives, reconciles, heals, and blesses is with you today and forever more. 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