Sunday, August 23, 2020 - 12th Sunday After Pentecost

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Photo by Tim Mossholder, Unsplash.com

HOPE UNITED CHURCH
12th Sunday After Pentecost
August 23th, 2020  11:00am

Pastoral Charge Supervisor
Brian Stevens BA MDiv
Summer Student – Christopher Slusar

OPEN DOORS.  OPEN MINDS.
OPEN HEARTS.

WELCOME

Welcome everyone.  My name is Christopher Slusar and I am a candidate for ministry in the United Church. This morning It is my pleasure to welcome you to our worship, whether you are phoning in this morning, sitting wearing pajamas in your living room, or watching the recording at a later date off our website we are so happy that you have taken the time to join us this morning and we pray that wherever you are in life and faith that you may encounter the love of God in Jesus Christ today and always. 

Our musicians today are Brian and Suzanne. Gavin is our Zoom host, assisting with our sound and welcoming everyone. If you are calling in, please introduce yourself when the service has ended. We only see your phone number on the screen and we would love to connect. You can type hellos and greetings at any time in the chat. The bulletin and recording of the service will also be  available on our website  at HopeUnited.ca.  

Because all Christians worship the same Lord, we have included elements from  our brothers and sisters from different Christian traditions and cultures in today's service. It is our hope that you find it  both inspiring and renewing as we walk with God together.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND

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 VU # 575    “I’m Gonna Live so God Can Use Me” 

I’m gonna live so God can use me
Anywhere Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna live so God can use me
Anywhere Lord, anytime!

I’m gonna work so God can use me
Anywhere Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna work so God can use me
Anywhere Lord, anytime!

I’m gonna pray so God can use me
Anywhere Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna pray so God can use me
Anywhere Lord, anytime!

I’m gonna sing so God can use me
Anywhere Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna sing so God can use me
Anywhere Lord, anytime!

CALL TO WORSHIP
You, who are many, are transformed to become one...
To be one in Christ
We, who are many, are called to worship God,
The three in One.
We are called into your Hope, 
Into your Love,
Into your Vision.
You are the One we long for,
The One we seek here today,
The One who empowers our lives.
Come, Let us worship!

Let us worship God.

OPENING PRAYER
Jesus you are the Way of Life
Who is at the side of every creature in creation
Renew our lives that we may seek out and follow your will 
What is good and acceptable and perfect
Trusting in your promise and character.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.

LIGHTING OF CHRIST CANDLE
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”

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.

Assurance of Pardon, Adapted from Feasting on the Word
If it had not been the Lord who was at our side,

We would now be lost in sin but it is the Lord who is on our side. And so we are forgiven. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

“Gloria”  - Voices United # 37  

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

THE PEACE OF CHRIST(Christopher)
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
God of revelation,flesh and blood cannot reveal divine truth, only your Spirit can give that gift.Be in my breath and voice, be in our ears and understanding, that through these words your Word may be known.

Our First Reading comes from the book of  Exodus chapter 1 at the 8th verse

Many years later a new king came to power. He did not know what Joseph had done for Egypt, and he told the Egyptians:

There are too many of those Israelites in our country, and they are becoming more powerful than we are.  If we don’t outsmart them, their families will keep growing larger. And if our country goes to war, they could easily fight on the side of our enemies and escape from Egypt.

The Egyptians put slave bosses in charge of the people of Israel and tried to wear them down with hard work. Those bosses forced them to build the cities of Pye-thom and Rameses, where the king could store his supplies. 

But even though the Israelites were mistreated, their families grew larger, and they took over more land. Because of this, the Egyptians hated them worse than before and made them work so hard  that their lives were miserable. The Egyptians were cruel to the people of Israel and forced them to make bricks and to mix mortar and to work in the fields. Finally, the king called in Shifra and Puah, the two women who helped the Hebrew mothers when they gave birth.  

He told them, “If a Hebrew woman gives birth to a girl, let the child live. If the baby is a boy, kill him!” But the two women were faithful to God and did not kill the boys, even though the king had told them to. The king called them in again and asked, “Why are you letting those baby boys live?”

They answered, “Hebrew women have their babies much quicker than Egyptian women. By the time we arrive, their babies are already born.” God was good to the two women because they truly respected him, and he blessed them with children of their own.

The Hebrews kept increasing  until finally, the king gave a command to everyone in the nation, 

“As soon as a Hebrew boy is born, throw him into the Nile River! But you can let the girls live.” moses Is Born A man from the Levi tribe married a woman from the same tribe, and she later had a baby boy. 

He was a beautiful child, and she kept him inside for three months. But when she could no longer keep him hidden, she made a basket out of reeds and covered it with tar. She put him in the basket and placed it in the tall grass along the edge of the Nile River. The baby’s older sister stood off at a distance to see what would happen to him. About that time one of the king’s daughters came down to take a bath in the river, while her servant women walked along the river bank. She saw the basket in the tall grass and sent one of the young women to pull it out of the water. When the king’s daughter opened the basket, she saw the baby and felt sorry for him because he was crying. She said, “This must be one of the Hebrew babies.”

At once the baby’s older sister came up and asked, “Do you want me to get a Hebrew woman to take care of the baby for you?” “Yes,” the king’s daughter answered.

So the girl brought the baby’s mother,  and the king’s daughter told her, “Take care of this child, and I will pay you.” The baby’s mother carried him home and took care of him.  And when he was old enough, she took him to the king’s daughter, who adopted him. She named him Moses because she said, “I pulled him out of the water.”

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

Psalm 124 

Refrain: Our help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and Earth

If God had not been at our side
now let Israel say:
If God had not been on our side when mortals rose against us,
then they would have swallowed us alive
      when their fury was roused against us. 
Then the flood would have swept us away
and the torrent would have covered us.
Then the raging waters 
would have gone right over our heads. 

Refrain: Our help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and Earth

Our second reading comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans beginning at the 12 chapter

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. 

Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. 

But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t. If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church
Thanks be to God!

Hymn - “Seek ye First”

Seek Ye first the kingdom of God
And God’s righteousness,
And all these things
shall be added unto you
Hallelu, hallelujah.

Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and you shall find;
Knock and the door
shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, hallelujah.

We do not live by bread alone.
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God.
Hallelu, hallelujah

SERMON: “Content of character” - Christopher Slusar

OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND WORK

MINISTRY OF MUSIC:  “ Amazing Grace”

VU # 538  DOXOLOGY “For the Gift of Creation”

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
Almighty God you took a baby from the Nile and used him to lead your people to the promised land.
Take our offerings and use them for your people in this land and throughout your world.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Life-giving God, you equip your people with gifts to work for your kingdom, bringing justice and peace to every land and community. Through your Spirit, O God, you give the gift of prophecy. Help us to use this gift to speak words of justice and truth into situations where people are exploited or treated unfairly. Guide our actions so that we might influence change for good in the world, and bring hope to the hopeless.

You give the gift of serving, O God, in the example of your Son Jesus. Help us to use this gift to serve those who have been cast aside by structures of power and privilege. Increase our awareness of injustice and our dedication to work with those who suffer its effects. May the abundance we share in our country touch every life and community in this land.

God of wisdom, you give the gift of teaching. Help us to use this gift to ensure that every child has access to education and opportunity. Be with every teacher and every student in the coming months as schools adapt to the challenges of COVID-19. Support creative teaching and diligent learning in every school and centre for learning.

God of hope, you give the gift of encouragement. Help us to use this gift to hearten all who are struggling in these difficult days. Bless us with words and actions to bring comfort to all who morn, to those coping with mental or physical illness, and to any who feel isolated or left behind.

God of purpose and promise, you give the gift of leadership. Help us to use this skill to build up our communities and model respectful ways of living and loving. Show us how our churches can be places of support within our neighbourhoods.

God of love, you give the gift of kindness. Help us be kind to all who cross our paths, even those who anger or upset us. Teach us to be forgiving and reconciling in all our relationships.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray…

THE LORD’S PRAYER Voices United # 959

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

- Sandy is away this week for some well earned time off.

- This is our last Sunday that we will have Christopher with us. Thank you for your presence and contribution to the life of our congregation. Blessing in your studies this year.

- Church Board and Trustees will need to chat this week in regard to a potential re-opening date.

- Next Sunday, August 30th we will celebrate communion, as part of our on-line service at 11am.

- 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.

- Thank 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) adapted from the United Church of Canada Hymnary (The blue book) 1930, #434

Saviour, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Your tender care;
In your pleasant pastures feed us
We are Yours, do befriend us
Be the guardian of our way
Keep us from ill and from darkness defend us
Seek us when we go astray. 
Blessed Jesus in Your name we pray.

Closing Hymn  MV # 84 “Take, O Take Me as I Am”

Take, O take me as I  am
Summon out what I shall be
Set your seal upon my heart and live in me!

Take, O take me as I  am
Summon out what I shall be
Set your seal upon my heart and live in me
Live in me, Yes Live in me… Live in Me!

BENEDICTION and BLESSING
May the Lord who made heaven and Earth, the Christ who lived and died for all, and the Holy Spirit who renews our hearts and minds abide with you and all God’s people, now and forever.

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 “Guide me Thou, O Great Jehovah”

Sunday, August 16, 2020 - 11th Sunday After Pentecost

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

Sunday, August 9, 2020 - 10th Sunday After Pentecost

Disciples See Christ walk on water. By Henry Ossawa Tanner 1859-1937

HOPE UNITED CHURCH
10th Sunday After Pentecost
August 9nd, 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 worship leader at Hope United here in Toronto. We are so pleased to have you with us today.  Joining us today we also have Christopher Slusar, our summer student from Emmanuel College. 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 (Marion)
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

Opening Hymn: “Lead Me, Guide Me” (Sandy)

Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray,
Lord, let me walk each day with thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

I am weak and I need thy strength and power,
To help me over my weakest hour,
Help me through the darkness thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray,
Lord, let me walk each day with thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

Help me tread in the paths of righteousness,
Be my aid when darkness and sin oppress,
I am putting all my trust in thee,
Lead me, O Lord lead me.

Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray,
Lord, let me walk each day with thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

I am lost if you take your hand from me,
I am blind without thy light to see,
Lord, always let me thy servant be,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray,
Lord, let me walk each day with thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

CALL TO WORSHIP  (adapted from  “Feasting the Word” and Gen. 37, Ps. 105, UCC) (Brian and Suzanne)
Come; worship the Holy One who meets you where you are.
For God is our hope!
Come; open yourselves to the God who lifts us up.
For God is our hope!
Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
       They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
For God is our hope!
God lifts us from death to life and preserves us for God's purposes
For God is our hope!
With joy, praise the Lord! For the Holy Spirit guides us
The compassion of Christ Jesus holds us,
For God is our hope! Amen.

OPENING PRAYER (Marion)
God of Presence, as you walked upon the water to meet the disciples, meet us in the midst of the storms in our lives.

God of Renewal, as you lifted Peter from the water, lift us from despair to hope from distraction to focus,from death to life.

God of the Journey, direct us in your way,work out your purpose in and through our lives. 

We pray in the name of Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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 (Jimmy)
Lord Jesus, we call upon you. Save us!
We are overwhelmed by our circumstances,
distracted from your purposes,
drowning in doubt and fear.
We belittle others and boost up ourselves.
We envy the blessing of others.

Secretly despising their dreams.
We have hardened our hearts to the suffering of our brothers and sisters feeding ourselves in the face of the Injustice that holds them captive.
Lord Jesus, who searches our hearts,
lift us up from sin and help us to walk with you in faith, humility and love.

Assurance of Pardon (Brian)
Our God sees all, knows all, forgives all,
restores all through our Lord Jesus Christ.
No one who believes in him will be put to shame
for everyone who calls on the name
of the Lord shall be saved.

“Gloria” - Voices United # 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 illumination (Jimmy)
God of our present trouble and promise triumph,open our eyes to see you in the midst of our struggles.
Open our ears to hear your words of invitation and assurance.
Open our minds to recall your wonderful Works into miracles.
Open our hearts to glory and your nameand seek strength in your Word; through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

Our first reading is from The Book of Genesis Chapter 37 (Marion)

Jacob stayed and lived in the land of Canaan. This is the same land where his father had lived. This is the story of Jacob’s family.

Joseph was a young man, seventeen years old. His job was to take care of the sheep and the goats. Joseph did this work with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah. (Bilhah and Zilpah were his father’s wives.)

Joseph told his father about the bad things that his brothers did. Joseph was born at a time when his father Israel was very old, so Israel loved him more than he loved his other sons. Jacob gave him a special coat, which was long and very beautiful. When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than he loved them, they hated their brother because of this. They refused to say nice things to him.

One day Joseph’s brothers went to Shechem to care for their father’s sheep.  Jacob said to Joseph, “Go to Shechem. Your brothers are there with my sheep.” Joseph answered, “I will go.”His father said, “Go and see if your brothers are safe. Come back and tell me if my sheep are all fine.” So Joseph’s father sent him from the Valley of Hebron to Shechem.

At Shechem, Joseph got lost. A man found him wandering in the fields. The man said, “What are you looking for?”Joseph answered, “I am looking for my brothers. Can you tell me where they are with their sheep?” The man said, “They have already gone away. I heard them say that they were going to Dothan.” So Joseph followed his brothers and found them in Dothan.

Joseph Sold Into Slavery

Joseph’s brothers saw him coming from far away. They decided to make a plan to kill him.  They said to each other, “Here comes Joseph the dreamer. We should kill him now while we can. We could throw his body into one of the empty wells and tell our father that a wild animal killed him. Then we will show him that his dreams are useless.”

But Reuben wanted to save Joseph. He said, “Let’s not kill him.  We can put him into a well without hurting him.” Reuben planned to save Joseph and send him back to his father.  When Joseph came to his brothers, they attacked him and tore off his long and beautiful coat.  Then they threw him into an empty well that was dry.

While Joseph was in the well, the brothers sat down to eat. They looked up and saw a group of traders traveling from Gilead to Egypt. Their camels were carrying many different spices and riches.  So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we get if we kill our brother and hide his death?

We will profit more if we sell him to these traders. Then we will not be guilty of killing our own brother.” The other brothers agreed. When the Midianite traders came by, the brothers took Joseph out of the well and sold him to the traders for 20 pieces of silver. The traders took him to Egypt.

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

PSALM 105 (Sheldon and Rebekah, Sandy - Refrain)

Refrain: Bless God, my soul. Hallelujah.

Give thanks and call on God's name.
Make known to the nations what God has done.
Sing, O sing the songs of praise; tell of all God's wonderful Deeds.
Exalt in God's holy name;
let those who seek God Be Joyful in heart.
Bless God, my soul Hallelujah.
Turn for help to the One who is your strength;
seek God's presence continually.
Remember the marvels the Most High has done,
the wonders and judgments God has given,
O children of Abraham and Sarah, God's servants,
       O offspring of Israel, chosen of God.

Refrain: Bless God, my soul. Hallelujah.

You are the eternal God,
your justice reaches every corner of the earth.
You are ever mindful of your Covenant, the promise you gave to a thousand generations,
the covenant you made with Sarah and Abraham,
the oath you gave to Isaac.
You confirmed it for Jacob as binding.
To Israel your Everlasting Covenant you declared,
"to you I give the land of Canaan, as your appointed inheritance."

Refrain: Bless God, my soul. Hallelujah

This morning’s Gospel reading is the Good News according to Matthew Chapter 14 verses 22-33 (Brian)

Then Jesus made the followers get into the boat. He told them to go to the other side of the lake. He said he would come later. He stayed there to tell everyone they could go home.  After Jesus said goodbye to the people, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. It was late, and he was there alone.  By this time the boat was already a long way from shore. Since the wind was blowing against it, the boat was having trouble because of the waves.

Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus’ followers were still in the boat. Jesus came to them. He was walking on the water.  When they saw him walking on the water, it scared them. “It’s a ghost!” they said, screaming in fear.

But Jesus quickly spoke to them. He said, “Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid.”Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.”
Jesus said, “Come, Peter.”

Then Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. He was afraid and began sinking into the water. He shouted, “Lord, save me!”
Then Jesus caught Peter with his hand. He said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?”

After Peter and Jesus were in the boat, the wind stopped.  Then the followers in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God.”

The Good News of Christ!
Thanks be to God!

HYMN Before Sermon: VU # 636   “Give to the Winds Your Fears” (Sandy)

Give to the winds your fears,
Hope and be undismayed;
God hears your sighs and counts your tears,
God shall lift up your head,
God shall lift up your head.
Through waves and clouds and storms
God gently clears your way.
Wait for the time; so shall this night
Soon it will end in a joyous day.                    

Soon end in joyous day
Ev’n though you do not rule,
Yet Heav’n and earth and hell proclaim
God sits upon the throne,
and rules o'er all things well,
and rules o'er all things well.

Your everlasting truth, 
O God your ceaseless love, 
sees all your children's wants, 
and knows what best for each will prove,
what best for each will prove.

SERMON: “ Walking on Water” (Brian)

OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND WORK

MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Any Dream Will Do” (from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, words by Tim Rice)

I close my eyes, drew back the curtain
To see for certain what I thought I knew.
Far, far away, someone was weeping,
But the world was sleeping, any dream will do.

I wore my coat of golden lining,
Bright colours shining wonderful and new.
And in the east the dawn was breaking
And the world was waiting, any dream will do.

A crash of drums, a flash of light,
My golden coat flew out of sight,
The colours fading into darkness,
I was left alone.

May I return to the beginning
The light is dimming and the dream is too.
The world and I, we are still waiting still hesitating,
Any dream will do.

VU # 538  DOXOLOGY (Sandy) “For the Gift of Creation”
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 (Rebekah)
Faithful God, bless the gifts we bring to you today. Use them and us to plant seeds of faith, hope and love in the world so that your goodness will grow among your people, and your name be honoured for  Jesus Christ’s sake.
Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (Christopher, Marion, Jimmy, Sheldon, Brian)
(Christopher)
God of all people,
your love and grace sustain the world and all who live in it.
When we foolishly set up walls between people, you tear them down and draw us into one family, united in Christ and in compassion.
The pandemic has filled so many nations and neighbours with turmoil and fear.
So we come before you with prayers for the world you love.

Astonishing God, you surprise us. You come to us in unforeseen circumstances and in unexpected people.
We give you thanks for all the healers and heroes who have stepped forward during the pandemic to surprise us with kindness and courage.

We pray for all who still face upheaval and uncertainty because of COVID-19. Call out leaders with wisdom and imagination to address the fear and change we are facing. And fill our hearts with compassion and understanding for the most fearful.

We pray to the Lord…
Lord hear our prayer.

(Marion)
God of peace, you reassure us. You remind us not to be afraid when troubles arise. We pray for all people who live in precarious situations not related to the pandemic. Assure them they are not forgotten. We pray for those who struggle with illness, grief or depression. May they know your peace and strength.

We pray to the Lord…
Lord hear our prayer.

(Jimmy)
For the people of Lebanon, citizens of Beruit, once more their city has been torn apart, lives and families shredded in an instant. Fearsome, courageous stories emerge of helping, healing hands reaching out to all who have been injured. May we respond with generosity, care and compassion in their time of need. Equip us to reach out in every way we can to embody your love in our words and deeds

We pray to the Lord…
Lord hear our prayer.

(Sheldon)
Son of God, you walk on the waters of turmoil to meet us in the midst of your purposed journey for our lives. Help us to recognize your presence, remember your promise, rely on your power, and receive your peace through every storm.

We pray to the Lord…
Lord hear our prayer.

(Brian)
For those in need of your healing love...those we name aloud or hold quietly in our hearts

(mics opened for prayers and intentions)

For all those named….

For all those people and prayers held quietly in the sanctity of the hearts gather

We pray to the Lord…
Lord hear our prayer.

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

THE LORD’S PRAYER Voices United # 959

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 (Brian)

- We are still a few weeks away from returning to weekly on site services. The board and trustees made the decision to wait a few weeks post stage three to see how things go in the city.

- 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 16th will be online 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 (Gavin)
Holy God, you speak to us in a voice unexpected
and come to us in ways we do not recognize.
Never leaving us to our own devices
you are ever-present, all-powerful God.
Call us out in faith again and again,
until we learn to walk with you
in love and faithfulness and in peace.
In the name of him who comes to us upon the waters
Jesus Christ. Amen.

Closing Hymn “Because He Lives” (Sandy)

God sent his Son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon;
An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

And then one day I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain,
And then as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

BENEDICTION and BLESSING (Christopher and Brian)
(Christopher)
The word of faith is near you,
on your lips and in your heart.
How shall others here unless you proclaim it?
Go now in the generous grace and favour of our God.
How beautiful are the feet of you who bring good news!

(Brian)
May the generous blessing and favour
of our loving, abundant God
lift you, sustain you, and send you
to the world with the gift of life!

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

Sunday, August 2, 2020 - 9th Sunday After Pentecost

Icon of Christ Feeding the Multitude Vanderbilt University Library

Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

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

Sunday, July 26, 2020 - 8th Sunday After Pentecost

A Mustard Tree
“God’s Kingdom is like a mustard seed”

HOPE UNITED CHURCH
8th Sunday After Pentecost
July 26th , 2020  11:00am

Pastoral Charge Supervisor - Brian Stevens B.A. M.Div.
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.  

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND (Suzanne)
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.

“Opening Hymn” Voices United # 516 “Come, You Thankful People Come” (Sandy)      

Come, you thankful people, come,
raise the song of harvest home!
fruit and crops are gathered in
now, before the storms begin:
God our maker will provide
for our needs to be supplied;
come, with all his people, come,
raise the song of harvest home!

All the world is God's own field,
harvests for his praise to yield;
wheat and weeds together sown
here for joy or sorrow grown:
first the blade and then the ear,
then the full corn shall appear-
Lord of harvest, grant that we
wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come
and shall bring his harvest home;
He himself on that great day,
worthless things shall take away,
give his angels charge at last
in the fire the weeds to cast,
but the fruitful ears to store
in his care for evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come-
bring your final harvest home!
gather all your people in
free from sorrow, free from sin,
there together purified,
ever thankful at your side-
come, with all your angels, come,
bring that glorious harvest home!

CALL TO WORSHIP
(adapted from  “Feasting the Word”)
(Tess and Sheldon)

People of God, Let us gather
To worship and praise God’s name.
I give thanks to you, O God,
With my whole heart.
I will praise your name forever!
For great is your steadfast love for me.
You have delivered my soul from the depths.
God says “know that I am with you and will
Keep you wherever you go”.

OPENING PRAYER (Christopher)
Holy God,
We try and fix and fasten you, but you will not be swayed.
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 (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 adapted from Matthew 13.31-33, 44-52 (Gavin)
God of Mystery, God of Life,
We imagine that we are capable judges
Of power and wisdom and goodness.
We  trust our own standards:
We separate and categorize:
Marking the performance of others.
We fail to trust your power, hidden in all things.
We fail to watch you working out your purposes.
Gracious God, hidden and manifest
Transform our withered imaginations
Until we yield the judgments we trust,
To a love we cannot control.
Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE adapted from Romans 8.31-39 (Christopher)
What then are we to say about these things?
If God is for us, who is against us?
Sisters and brothers, nothing we have done
Nothing we will ever do,
Is enough to separate us from the love of God,
Made known through Jesus Christ
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Dare to believe this great good news
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)

Prayer for illumination Romans 8.26 (Marion)
Spirit of life
We do not know  how to pray as we ought.
Meet us in words written, words spoken:
Intercede for us with sighs too deep for words,
Until we shine with the hope that is hidden in our hearts
For we pray in the name of Jesus.
Amen.

Our first reading is from Paul’s letter to the Romans chapter 8 (Marion)

Also, the Spirit helps us. We are very weak, but the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself speaks to God for us. He begs God for us, speaking to him with feelings too deep for words.  God already knows our deepest thoughts. And he understands what the Spirit is saying, because the Spirit speaks for his people in the way that agrees with what God wants.

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan. God knew them before he made the world. And he decided that they would be like his Son. Then Jesus would be the firstborn of many brothers and sisters.  God planned for them to be like his Son. He chose them and made them right with him. And after he made them right, he gave them his glory.

God’s Love in Christ Jesus

So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us.  He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things.  Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right.  Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us.  Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from his love?  As the Scriptures say,

“For you we are in danger of death all the time.

People think we are worth no more than sheep to be killed.”

But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

VU # 828 PSALM 105 (Bruce and Jimmy - Text, Sandy - Refrain)

Refrain: Bless God, my soul. Hallelujah!

Give thanks and call on God’s name.
Make known to the nations what God has done.
                Sing, o sing the songs  of praise,
                Tell of all God’s wonderful deed.
Exult in God’s holy name
                Let those who seek God be joyful in heart

Refrain: Bless God, my soul. Hallelujah!

Turn for help to the One who is your strength;
Seek God’s presence continually.
                Remember the marvels the Most High has done,
                The wonders and judgments God has given,
O children of Abraham and Sarah, God’s servants,
                O offspring of Israel, chosen of God.

Refrain: Bless God, my soul. Hallelujah!

You are the eternal God,
                Your justice reached every corner of the earth.
You are ever mindful of your covenant,
The promise you gave for a thousand generations,
                The covenant you made with Sarah and Abraham,
                The oath you gave to Isaac.
You confirmed it for Jacob as binding.
To Israel your everlasting covenant you declared,
                “To you I give the land of Canaan,
As your appointed inheritance.”

Refrain: Bless God, my soul. Hallelujah!

This morning’s Gospel reading is the Good News according to Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 31-52, (Tess)

Then Jesus told the people another story: “God’s kingdom is like a mustard seed that a man plants in his field.  It is the smallest of all seeds. But when it grows, it is the largest of all garden plants. It becomes a tree big enough for the birds to come and make nests in its branches.” Then Jesus told them another story: “God’s kingdom is like yeast that a woman mixes into a big bowl of flour to make bread. The yeast makes all the dough rise. God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field. One day a man found the treasure. He hid it again and was so happy that he went and sold everything he owned and bought the field.

“Also, God’s kingdom is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  One day he found a very fine pearl. He went and sold everything he had to buy it. “Also, God’s kingdom is like a net that was put into the lake. The net caught many different kinds of fish.  It was full, so the fishermen pulled it to the shore. They sat down and put all the good fish in baskets. Then they threw away the bad fish.  It will be the same at the end of time. The angels will come and separate the evil people from the godly people. They will throw the evil people into the place of fire. There the people will cry and grind their teeth with pain.” Then Jesus asked his followers, “Do you understand all these things?”They said, “Yes, we understand.”Then Jesus said to the followers, “So every teacher of the law who has learned about God’s kingdom has some new things to teach. He is like the owner of a house. He has new things and old things saved in that house. And he brings out the new with the old.”

The Good News of Christ!

Thanks be to God!

VU # 555 “Our Parent, by Whose Name” (Sandy)

Our Parent, by whose name all parenthood is known,
Who in your love proclaim each family your own,
direct all parents, guarding well,
With constant love as sentinel,
The homes in which your people dwell.

O Jesus, who, a child within an earthly home,
With heart still undefiled did to adulthood come
Our children bless, in every place,
That they may all behold your face,
And, knowing you, may grow in grace.

O Spirit, who can bind our hearts in unity,
And teach us so to find the love from self-set free.
in all our hearts such love increase,
that every home, by this release,
May be the dwelling place of peace.

SERMON: (Christopher)

OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND WORK

MINISTRY OF MUSIC “Through it All” Andrae Crouch

I've had many tears and sorrows,
I've had questions for tomorrow,
there's been times I didn't know right from wrong.
But in every situation,
God gave me blessed consolation,
that my trials come to only make me strong.

Through it all, through it all,
I've learned to trust in Jesus,
I've learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all,
I've learned to depend upon His Word.

I've been to lots of places,
I've seen a lot of faces,
there's been times I felt so all alone.
But in my lonely hours, yes, those precious lonely hours,
Jesus lets me know that I was His own.

Through it all, through it all,
I've learned to trust in Jesus,
I've learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all,
I've learned to depend upon His Word.

I thank God for the mountains,
and I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.
For if I'd never had a problem,
I wouldn't know God could solve them,
I'd never know what faith in God could do.

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.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION
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.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
(Christopher, Verona, Sheldon , Suzanne, Jimmy)

(Christopher)
Good and generous God,
In Jesus Christ you came to us, promising us life in abundance.
We give you thanks today for the abundant gifts we receive in him:
Assurance of your love day by day;
Relief of mercy when we recognize our own failings;
Hope renewed when things seem bleak;
Peace that comes when we trust ourselves to your eternal keeping.
These are the gifts that matter, O God, so for all the times we experience these gifts we thank you in these moments of silence:
(Keep silence for at least 10 seconds)

(Verona)
Generous God, the world is going through difficult times this summer.
So we pray for all whose lives seem empty of joy:
Because plans have changed, and friends seem far away.
Because hearts are filled with disappointment and loneliness.
Because sorrow and grief rise up each day.
Support each one we name in this silence with your abundant compassion:
(Keep silence for at least 10 seconds)

(Sheldon)
Generous God, so many things must be rearranged because of the pandemic and what it has revealed.
We pray for those whose lives are empty of purpose,
and for those who do not know the respect of their neighbours:
Because they are without work.
Because they face discrimination and are devalued in our communities.
Because they have made poor choices and cannot find a way forward.
Support each one we name in this silence with your abundant mercy and show them signs of hope:
(Keep silence for at least 10 seconds)

(Suzanne)
Generous God,
We remember before you in silence those who lives are empty of peace and hope:
Because they struggle with illness or disability.
Because they are powerless in the face of violence.
Because old animosities rankle and opportunities for reconciliation are elusive.
(Keep silence for at least 10 seconds)
Send your dove of peace and promise to create new possibilities for each one.

(Jimmy)
Good and generous God, fill us with the energy and compassion of your Spirit to reach out to those facing difficult times. May we become the gift we have received in Jesus for it is in his name we pray, saying…

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Brian)

-Our re-opening committee will not meet again until we have a date for re-opening

-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 2nd 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)
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.

“Closing Hymn” MV # 79 “Spirit, Open My Heart” (Sandy)

Spirit open my heart,
to the joy and pain of living.
As You love, may I love;
in receiving and in giving.
Spirit open my heart.

God replace my stony heart,
with a heart kind and tender.
All my coldness and pain
to Your grace, I now surrender.

Spirit open my heart,
to the joy and pain of living.
As You love, may I love;
in receiving and in giving.
Spirit open my heart.

Write Your love upon my heart,
as my law, my goal, my story.
In each though, word and deed,
May my living be Your glory.

Spirit open my heart,
to the joy and pain of living.
As You love, may I love;
in receiving and in giving.
Spirit open my heart.

May I weep with those who weep;
share my joy with sisters, brothers.
In the Name of Christ,
May we welcome one another.

Spirit open my heart,
to the joy and pain of living.
As You love, may I love;
in receiving and in giving.
Spirit open my heart.

BENEDICTION and BLESSING (Brian)
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

Sunday, July 19, 2020 - 7th Sunday After Pentecost

July 19  2020 - 11:00am
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
The Congregation of Hope United Church
Pastoral Charge Supervisor - Brian Stevens  BA. MDiv
Summer Student – Christopher Slusar

WELCOME

Welcome everyone. My name is Brian Stevens, I am the Pastoral Charge Supervisor and Worship Leader at Hope United Church in Toronto. We are so pleased to have you with us today.  Our musicians 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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND (Verona)

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 (Christopher)

I greet you in the name of our risen Lord and welcome you to our on-line service of worship. Let us join together in the singing of our opening hymn “Spirit, Open My Heart”. The words will also appear on your screen and it is # 79 in Voices United.

“Opening Hymn” More Voices # 79 “Spirit, Open My Heart” (Sandy)

Spirit, open my heart
To the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love,
In receiving and in giving, 
Spirit, open my heart.

God, replace my stony heart
with a heart that's kind and tender.
All my coldness and fear
to your grace I now surrender.

Spirit, open my heart
To the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love,
In receiving and in giving, 
Spirit, open my heart.

Write your love upon my heart
as my law, my goal, my story.
In each thought, word, and deed,
may my living bring you glory.

Spirit, open my heart
To the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love,
In receiving and in giving, 
Spirit, open my heart.

May I weep with those who weep,
share the joy of sister, brother.
In the welcome of Christ,
may we welcome one another.

Spirit, open my heart
To the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love,
In receiving and in giving, 
Spirit, open my heart.

CALL TO WORSHIP (Sheldon and Gavin)

We come to celebrate God’s blessings to us.
People: Surely God is in this place!

We come to open ourselves to God’s guidance and love.
People: Surely God is in this place!

We come to see more clearly God’s presence in our lives.
People: Surely God is in this place!

We come to see God in this community of seekers.
People: Surely God is in this place!

We come to pray, praise, and offer ourselves to God.
People: Surely God is in this place! Let us worship!

OPENING PRAYER (Tess)

Holy One, you know us already. Help us to know you better. Open our eyes that we might see you all around us….that we might see you in everyone we encounter as we journey our days.
Fill our worship with your Spirit so that we may learn to recognize your presence, not only in this place, not only at this time, in all places and people. This is our prayer this summer morn.
Amen.

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE (Christopher)

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 (Marion)

Gracious God, in the fields of our lives, we strive to be fruitful, but we fall short. We get so comfortable that we sleep when we need to be vigilant about the errors in our own lives and the injustices around us.
We are so casual about wrongdoing that it creeps into our lives and threatens to overwhelm the good we do. We do not pay attention to the unjust systems which shape our lives, that we must work to transform so that your Beloved Community may come to be. Forgive us.Keep us awake so that we can produce the lives you call us to live.
Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE (Brian)

God’s grace is always with us. You are not God’s tenants or employees; you are God’s precious family. In the words of the apostle Paul, “You did not receive a spirit of servitude to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption.”
As God’s children, in God’s embrace, you are forgiven and free.

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   Genesis 28:10-19  (Bruce)

Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.  There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac.

I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying.  Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz.

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

VU # 861   PSALM 139  (Text - Tess and Jimmy   Sandy - Refrain)

Refrain: God, you have searched me,
you know me through and through.

O God, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
    You discern my path and the places I rest;
    You are familiar with all my ways
Before a word is on my tongue, you know it, O God completely.
You guard me from behind and before,
And lay your hand upon me.
    It is beyond my knowledge; it is a mystery I cannot fathom it.

Refrain: God, you have searched me,
you know me through and through.

Where can I escape from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
    If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
    If I lie down in the grave, you even are there.
If I take wing with the dawn and alight the sea’s farthest limits,
    There also your hand will be guiding me,
    Your powerful hand, holding me fast.
If I say, “let the darkness cover me and my day turn to night”
    Even darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day,
    For darkness is as light to you.

Refrain: God, you have searched me,
you know me through and through.

It was you who formed my inward parts;
You fashioned me in my mother’s womb.
    I praise you, for I am fearfully, wonderfully made.
    Wondrous are your works; that I know very well
My frame was not hidden fro you when I was being fashioned in secret,
Intricately woven in the mystery of clay
    Your eyes saw my substance  taking shape
    In your book my everyday was recorded,
    All my days were fashioned, even before they came to be.

Refrain: God, you have searched me,
you know me through and through.

How deep your designs are to me, O God! How great their number!
    I try to count them but they are more than the sand
    I come to the end- I am still with you.
Search me O God and know my heart
    Test me and know my thoughts.
Watch closely, lest I follow a path of error
    And guide me in the everlasting way.

Refrain: God, you have searched me,
you know me through and through.

SECOND READING        Romans 8: 12-25 (Suzanne)

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.  For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope  that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.  Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Hear the Good News of Christ!
Praise to you, O Christ.

“Surely God is in this Place”      (Diana Chappell)

Surely God is in this place help me notice,
Surely God is in this place help me see !
Surely God is in this place help me notice
Surely God is in this place help me see!

Open my eyes to your presence.
In my discomfort show your face.
I long to feel your loving arms around me,
Rest securely in your grace.

Surely God is in this place help me notice,
Surely God is in this place help me see!
Surely God is in this place help me notice,
Surely God is in this place help me see!

It's been so easy to deny you
And lose myself without a trace.
I long to share joy you bring each moment…
Spread your presence, live your grace!

Surely God is in this place help me notice,
Surely God is in this place help me see!
Surely God is in this place help me notice,
Surely God is in this place help me see!

Joined with the presence of your Spirit
Connected to this Holy space
Help me to savour every moment with you
Resting safely in your grace

Surely God is in this place help me notice,
Surely God is in this place help me see!
Surely God is in this place help me notice,
Surely God is in this place help me see!

SERMON:  “Embraced by God”  (Christopher)

MUSIC MINISTRY 

“Healer of our Every Ill”    Sung by Marion Burt

Healer of our every ill,
Light of each tomorrow,
Give us peace beyond our fear,
And hope beyond our sorrow.

You who know our fears and sadness,
Grace us with your peace and gladness.
Spirit of all comfort,
fill our hearts.

Healer of our every ill,
Light of each tomorrow,
Give us peace beyond our fear,
And hope beyond our sorrow.

In the pain and joy beholding,
How your grace is still unfolding.
Give us all your vision,
fill our hearts.

Healer of our every ill,
Light of each tomorrow,
Give us peace beyond our fear,
And hope beyond our sorrow.

Give us strength to love each other,
Every sister, every brother.
Spirit of all kindness,
be our guide.

Healer of our every ill,
Light of each tomorrow,
Give us peace beyond our fear,
And hope beyond our sorrow.

You who know each thought and feeling,
teach us all your way of healing.
Spirit of compassion,
fill each heart.

Healer of our every ill,
Light of each tomorrow,
Give us peace beyond our fear,
And hope beyond our sorrow.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Brian)

Loving God, we offer back to you what we have been given:
our treasure, our time, and our lives.
Bless our gifts and multiply them for your purposes.
Amen.

Let us join our voices in thank as we sing “What Can I Do”. It is from More Voices # 191 and the words will also appear on the screen.

MV # 191  DOXOLOGY  “What Can I Do” (Sandy)

What can I do,
What can I bring,
What can I say,
What can I sing
I’ll sing with joy
I’ll say a prayer
I’ll bring my love
I’ll do my share.

PRAYERS OF THE DAY (Bruce/ Marion/Gavin/Brian)

(Bruce)
Let us centre ourselves prayer…
Our response to each prayer and intention: Lord, hear our prayer

For the Children of God

We are, one and all, children of God
Yet we do not always act like we have a great parent to guide us
A mentor to guide and hold us
A connective Spirit that animate us.

Open us Creator God to the abundance of creation,
To the guiding light of Jesus
To the inspiration of Spirit
That we might live into our true heritage
As children of God, moving with love and compassion,
In all we do and say

We pray to the Lord…
Lord, hear our prayer.

(Marion)
For this place

The place we call home is not home without you O Lord
For it is you who animates us
You are the potter, Abba Father, who shapes and molds us
May we draw this to mind each day as the sun rises
Each night as it sets,
May we remember that You God, are in this place
This place we call home
Rested upon our hearts
Remind us of your presence

We pray to the Lord
Lord, hear our prayer

(Gavin)
For the people of the world

The pandemic ranges on, touching untold lives
Revealing tragedy, revealing love
Revealing broken families, revealing boundless compassion
For what you do unto one,
You do unto me

Our unknown sisters and brothers on distant continents
Are drawn closer, for we must move together as one
Offering all that we have and more to care for those who struggle
For their next breath

Let not the lessons buried within this time be forgotten
The incredible care that has been shown to those who are ill
By those who hands were unknown to them

It has also been a time of great sadness as families have
Dissolved in the night, loosing the ones they love
Wake us up Lord,
That we might be Your face for those in need of your
Healing embrace

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

God in whom we live and move and have our being:
By your Spirit, tend your promise of new life
amid the current struggles in the world you love.
Where hope flickers, reignite its power;
Shine the light of Christ’s love into each life and renew our trust in you
as we pray together in the words that Jesus taught  as we sing together…

LORD’S PRAYER (Sung) (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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Brian)

•     Online Worship next Sunday July, 26 at 11:00am. 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?” Our working group will meet again this Monday at 2:00pm, July 20. We expect to take our recommendation and protocols, and suggested date for re-opening to the Church Board and Trustees this week.

•     Church Board and Trustees will meet following today’s service.

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

CLOSING PRAYER (Verona)

Surely God is in this place, and every place we journey. We know it in our hearts…we feel it in our bones…yet we often try to cover it up, and hid it from our very selves and those around us. God is in this place, let us rejoice and be glad , for Christ walks with us, Spirit animates us and our Creator God provides an incredible abundance if we but care and share, if we bravely don our true face, then all will know, that God is in this place. Amen.

Let us sing together “Hush,Hush”. The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in More Voices # 167.

“Hush,Hush” (Sandy)

Hush, all God’s children
Hush, won’t you listen
Somebody’s callin’ mah name
Hush, all God’s children
Hush, won’t you listen
Somebody’s callin’ mah name

Hush, all God’s children
Hush, won’t you listen
Somebody’s callin’ mah name
Oh mah Lawd, Oh mah Lawd,
What shall I do? What shall I do?

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING (Suzanne and Marion)

God’s spirit is always with you.
Wherever we go, God is there!
If you ascend to heaven, God is there.
If you settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
God is there.

In all places, God holds you fast.
Go forth knowing deeply the presence of God in your life
Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit.

And may you walk always in the light and love of Christ. 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 our musicians, Marion, Sandy and Diana.

Thank you to everyone who assisted with our Service of Worship.

Blessings to all and keep safe!

Hope United.ca

Sunday, July 12, 2020 - 6th Sunday After Pentecost

HOPE UNITED CHURCH
6th Sunday After Pentecost
July 12th, 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 musicians today are Sandy and myself. 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 emailed 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 (Suzanne)

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

Opening Hymn     “Spirit God, Be Our Breath”     MV # 150  (Sandy)   

Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Our world seems inward, defensive, withdrawn…
Spirit God, be our song.

Patient God: soothe our pride, calm our fear.
Comfort us when we know you are near
we grow more certain, our vision is clear.
Patient God, calm our fear.

Loving God: be our voice, be our prayer.
Reaching out, joining hands as we share,
We seek your guidance through friendship and care.
Loving God, be our prayer.

Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Through change, through challenge, we’ll greet the new dawn.
Spirit God, be our song.

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

Call to Worship (Psalm 119:105,111)

Your Word is a lamp to our feet
And a light to our path
Your Word is our heritage forever,
The joy of our hearts.
Guide us and inspire us
To follow Your Word as we journey. Amen

OPENING PRAYER (Sheldon) ps119.105

Author of Life, Living Word, Holy Breath,
We have stumbled through the week
And made our way to this place.
Light up the steps in front of us
And write your word on our hearts
For we carry the name of Jesus
And would walk in the light of His love.
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
Adapted from Matthew 13.1-9,18-23
(Jimmy)

Patient and persistent God,
We gather in your presence, polished and presentable,
As if we knew what to expect,
As if this were a predictable place to simply observe

Holy One, forgive our lukewarm expectations.
In the mystery of your love, overshadow us.
Plant the seeds of your saving good news in our hearts
Until we bloom
To serve a world that is hurting. Amen

ASSURANCE OF GRACE
Adapted from Romans 8.1
(Brian)
God’s grace is always with us. For those who are in Christ Jesus, the weight of sin is lifted, for the Spirit of God dwells in you. In the name of Jesus you are forgiven. Amen

“Gloria”  - VU # 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 Genesis 25:19-34 (Christopher)
This is the account of the family line of Abraham’s son Isaac. Abraham became the father of Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram[a] and sister of Laban the Aramean.

Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.
The Lord said to her,

“Two nations are in your womb,
    and two peoples from within you will be separated;
one people will be stronger than the other,
    and the older will serve the younger.”

When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb.The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them.

The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents.  Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.)
Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”
“Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”  But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.
So Esau despised his birthright.

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

Psalm 119 (VU # 841) (Marion and Suzanne, Sandy - Refrain)

Refrain:    Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light for my path.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light for my path.
    I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
    To keep your righteous judgments.
I am in deep distress,
Give me life, O God according to your word.
    Accept, O God, the willing tribute of my lips,
    And teach me your decrees.

Refrain:    Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light for my path.

I take my life into my hands continually,
Yet I never forget your law,
    The wicked have laid a snare for me,
    But I have not strayed from your precepts.
Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
The very joy of my heart.
    I have set my heart to fulfill your statutes,
Forever, even to the end.

Refrain:    Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light for my path.

GOSPEL    Matthew 13.1-9,18-23 (Marion)

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.  Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.  Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.  

The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time.

When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.  The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

The Good News of Christ!

Thanks be to God!

MV # 174  “Soil of God, You and I”     (Sandy)

Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear
Seeds of faith nourished by God’s tender care.
Growing in everyone for here God is found.
All stand together, we are…
Holy ground.

Soil of God, you and I, now ready to be
Part of God’s promise, for others to see.
Open to everyone for here God is found.
All stand together, we are…
Holy ground.

Soil of God, you and I, now called to rebirth,
Joining as partners with all of the earth.
Living in harmony for here God is found.
All stand together, this is…
Holy ground.

SERMON: “Rocky Soil ” (Brian)

The heat of these past few days left much of the soil, grass, plants and trees parched and yearning or water…until he heavens opened overnight on Friday and brought welcome relief of both heat and humidity. The soil cracked and dry, the grass mostly brown with a few green patches, will now revive as it drinks the living water into its cells and reinvigorates.

For our gardens and farmers fields, water is critical. as too is the quality of the soil. Rich fertile soil can produce great yields, feeding all who rely upon it to sustain them.  Yet without enough precipitation, that same soil becomes hard, dry, cracked and craggy, the top layer blows away revealing a rocky base that offers  little to plants trying to survive or new ones tying  to root..the soil becomes rocky, it becomes hard to work, and hard to nourish… as the dryer the soil, the less receptive it is to absorbing the very water it so desperately needs to once again be able to nourish life.

As Spirit tries to nourish us, tries to reinvigorate us, what kind of soil are we. Are we fertile, open to embracing the healing love that emanates form Spirit, are we interested in exploring the way of Jesus, a unique way of moving in the world, or are we dry, craggy and uninterested in learning anything new…interested only in what serves us at any particular moment. Such a way, I suggest is not life giving.

Can new ways of being be plated upon our heart, and souls? I suggest to you that this is always a possibility, if we set such an intention…an intention to allow nurture, to allow new ideas, to allow self-examination, then embark upon it

Like the farmer who discovers that the soil is too acidic for particular crop. Once the crop rotation is changes, the plants bloom and flourish.

Our gospel today tells us of a parable Jesus shared with those gathered ‘round him. Tossing seeds about, some root and grow strong, others hold their own for a little bit, others wither quickly. He talks about the quality of the soil and the difference it makes to the seeds.

Rocky soil is rocky soil..nothing grows…or does it?

I grew up in Nova Scotia….early years, summer were spent at the cottage in Shad bay, the shore was rocky and rugged, with a small sand beach at the bottom of what seemed like an enormous hill….as well thee would an annual  day trip to Peggy’s Cove, about a half hour drive away. There we would see massive glaciated rocks, with little ponds in between, scraggy trees…very little grew…yet in between the rocks as you hopped from section to section, sometimes you find the beautiful tiny tree or flower. 

The fearsome winds had blown soil into the crack between the rocks….a seed had also been caught by the wind and dropped on this very spot as if by miracle, and amongst these awesome giant boulders that were as tall as two story buildings, was this petite green tree or bright purple flower.

In the midst of all these uninhabitable boulders and rocky granular soil, that appeared impenetrable…the wind had gathered enough fertile soil to allow a singular seed to root.. and something to grow, standing strong in the salty air.

If we but open ourselves ever so slightly, to the possibility of spiritual growth, something happens, a little seed of faith and hope finds a corner in which to root, and when nourished begins to grow. Two thousand years later Jesus offers us the same opportunity that he offered the seeds as they scared across the soil…those that root in fertile grown, will flourish and grow, those that do not have  secure footing will flounder and shrivel up

We need to examine what type of soil we are…are we rocky and  craggy, not really interested in growing In new ways, or are we receptive to exploring new ways of being, welcoming the presence Spirit in our lives. For when we open ourselves, ever so slightly, interesting things may happen, the light of Christ creeps Into some of the those dark places where we like to hide and illuminates a new path for to journey upon, a path of healing and love of light and joy, a place where we allow ourselves to experience being embraces by Spirit each and every day. Amen.

OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND WORK

MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “HOLY SPIRIT COME”
  written and performed by Sandy Thorburn

Lord of light, shine on me day and night
Help me to find a way,
Teach me to trust and pray
Come to me.
Lord of might, guide me into your light,
Help me to know what’s true
While on my way to you,
Come to me.

Holy Spirit speak. Lord, I know I’m weak,
Give me the knowledge, The strength to acknowledge
That you are way.

Lord of light, shine through the dark of night
Help me to find the day
Breaking so far away
Come to me.
Lord I plead, show me a way to lead,
To give the ones who need
Some of your healing seed,
Come to me.

Holy Spirit come.
Lord, I know I’m numb,
Give me the insight
The strength to be forthright
In praising your name.

Life’s not long walking amid the throng
Come to me with your balm
So that I can be calm
Come to me
Lord of light, give me the gift of sight
Let me be here in you
So that my words are true
Come to me

Holy Spirit rise, Let me see the prize
Eternity beckons, The truth ever reckons
My heart ever true.

Come to me,
Come, Lord Jesus, come,
Come, Lord Jesus, come
O give me the insight,
The strength to be upright
In praising your name.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION  (Jimmy)

Giver of life,
As the sower casts seeds abundantly, hopefully,
So we long to participate in your seeding of the world.
Receive this gifts as part of our lives.
Send your cultivating spirit to work among us 
Until we grow and bear fruit in grace,
For we pray in the name of Jesus,
Who came out of love for the world.
Amen

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 PEOPLE
(Suzanne, Sheldon, Verona, Christopher)

(Suzanne)
Tender and loving God, you formed the earth to be a place of joy and abundance for all your creatures.
For food in all its variety and the people who grow it, transport it, and market it, we give you thanks.
These days of pandemic have shown us how much we depend on others.
We pray for those who do not have enough food, and for those whose agricultural supply is at risk through extreme weather, uncertain prices and social upheaval.
Help us care for the earth and its fruitfulness
And for each other in our common need of its fruits.
God, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

(Sheldon)
God of all the nations,
You gather people together in communities to care for each other and enjoy each other’s company and creativity.
Yet the pandemic has revealed there are so many vulnerable people, so many places where resources are not shared fairly.
Where there is division, bring unity and peace with justice;
Where people are distracted, give wisdom to see what is important;
Where people are tired and anxious, bring strength and courage.
God, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

(Verona)
God of compassion, You call us to be communities held together by prayer and love for our neighbours.
Where people mourn loss of any kind, provide comfort;
Where there is illness and pain, bring healing;
Where there is distress or discouragement, transform fear into hope.
By your Spirit, equip us to serve one another in Christ’s name so that your compassion touches lives with love and mercy.
God, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

(Christopher)
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)-  VU # 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

- Our re-opening committee will meet on line on Monday July 13th  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 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, July19  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 (Marion)

We rejoice, O Christ, for in your tender compassion you shoulder our burdens and ease our heavy hearts.
Give us the strength to carry each other as you have carried us. Amen.

Closing Hymn VU # 660 “How Firm a Foundation” (recorded)

How firm a foundation, you servants of God
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you  has been said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed;
for I am your God, and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake.

BENEDICTION and BLESSING
(Christopher)

May you go forth sowing the seed of God’s new world
And give thanks…. for God will supply the growth.
Go forth in joy and be led back in peace….
This day and always.

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

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

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:

We pray to the Lord
Lord hear our prayer.

(Sheldon)
We pray for those who suffer from the influence of anger, jealousy, resentment or bitterness, their own or from others. Work among us by your Spirit to create mutual respect and good relations.

We pray to the Lord
Lord hear our prayer.

(Marion)
God of compassion and justice be with those who live daily with injustice, disease, and poverty as their companion. Especially with Indigenous peoples who have and are denied your justice and rights that all others in this country. 

Help us to live into the right relationships and eliminate cruelty where it is found. Strengthen those who seek equity for all. Grant that everyone may enjoy a fair portion of the abundance of this land.

We pray to the Lord
Lord Hear our Prayer. 

(Bruce)
Sovereign God, bless our Queen Elizabeth and all who serve in authority under her, that they may order all things in wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace, to the honor of your name, through Christ, 

We pray to the Lord
Lord hear our prayer.

(Suzanne)
We pray for your healing for those who are ill or in chronic pain, for those grieving the many losses of the pandemic, and for all who feel afraid for the future.

Work among us by your Spirit to renew hope and sustain our support for each other.

We pray to the Lord
Lord hear our prayer.

(Jimmy)

We pray for those whose workplaces are recovering from the lockdowns and economic shock during the pandemic.

Give courage to those who have lost so much, and creativity to those reorganizing their lives. Work among us by your Spirit to rebuild common life with an eye to the most vulnerable.

We pray to the Lord
Lord hear our prayer.

(Brian)
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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

- Our re-opening committee will meet on line on Monday July 6th  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 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, July12  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)

We rejoice, O Christ, for in your tender compassion you shoulder our burdens and ease our heavy hearts.

Give us the strength to carry each other as you have carried us. Amen.

“Jesus Shall Reign” Voices United # 330 (Sandy)

Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
does its successive journeys run,
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore, 
till moons shall wax and wane no more.

People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.

Blessings abound where’er he reigns,
and prisoners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.

Let every creature rise and bring
peculiar honours to our King,
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud Amen!

BENEDICTION and BLESSING
(Brian)
Go forth in trust  to live into
Jesus’ most joyful command: 
Come to me!
And may we follow him into a rest that bears fruit in justice, love and peace
for each of us, and all of us.

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  - “The Northwest Passage” By Stan Rogers

Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea,
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea.

Westward from the Davis Strait 'tis there 'twas said to lie
The sea route to the Orient for which so many died.
Seeking gold and glory, leaving weathered, broken bones
And a long-forgotten lonely cairn of stones.

Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea.

Three centuries thereafter, I take passage overland
In the footsteps of brave Kelso, where his Sea of Flowers began.
Watching cities rise before me, then behind me sink again
This tardiest explorer, driving hard across the plain.

Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea.

And through the night, behind the wheel, the mileage clicking west
I think upon Mackenzie, David Thompson and the rest.
Who cracked the mountain ramparts and did show a path for me
To race the roaring Fraser to the sea.

Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea.

How then am I so different from the first men through this way?
Like them, I left a settled life, I threw it all away
To seek a Northwest Passage at the call of many men
To find there but the road back home again.

Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea.

Sunday, June 28, 2020 - Pride Sunday

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.”

Sunday, June 21, 2020 - 2020 Indigenous Day of Prayer

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

Sunday, June 14, 2020 - Second Sunday after Pentecost

June 14, 2020 - 11:00am

Second Sunday after Pentecost

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 Church in Toronto. We are so pleased to have you with us today.  Our musicians today are Marion, 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

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.

GREETING (Brian)

I greet you in the name of our risen Lord and welcome you to our on-line service of worship. Let us join together in the singing of our opening hymn “How Great Thou Art”  

The words will also appear on your screen and it is # 238 in Voices United.

VU 238   “How Great Thou Art” (Sandy)

O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy Hand hath made.
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander
I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

But when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in.
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And lead me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow with humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

CALL TO WORSHIP (Marion and Suzanne)

Come and give thanks to our God. 

Sing praises to the holy name.

With the melody of the lute and the harp

With joyful songs in our hearts.

Let us declare God’s steadfast love in the morning

And faithfulness at night.

God’s works make us glad.

Your works are great, O God. 

We sing our praises of joy to you. 

OPENING PRAYER (Jimmy)

We gather in your name O Lord, at this time, not in one place. Yet we are of one heart, joined together in joyful worship and praise. Joined together as one by Christ, our light and beacon of hope in a world of darkness.

Let us not lose hope or faith, let us not be betrayed by those who seek dominance and power, rather than peace and co-operation. Guide us Lord to walk in your light, this day and always. 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 (Suzanne)

Let us take a moment of silence and reflect on our own lives, on our limitations, on the moments when we have not been our best selves

Moment of silence….

Gracious God, you are indeed generous. 

You gave us the gifts of the spirit which enabled us

to have so much. 

We forget, however, that we have been recipients

of other people’s generosity.                                    

Believing that what we have is ours,

we forget that all we have is yours. 

Forgive us….

Help us to remember that being made in your image,

we should be as generous as you.  Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE (Bruce)

Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’
After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.

As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’

When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them;
If you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ 

Christ assures us of grace and forgiveness as we journey

And of His peace rested upon our hearts. 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 5:1-8        (Sandra Cox)

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

VU 732         PSALM 116

(Text- Tess and Bruce   Sandy - Refrain)

Refrain: How can I repay you God,

  for all the goodness you show to me?

I love you, God, because you heard my voice when I made supplication,

Because you turned your ear to me, when I called upon your name.

The cords of death entangled me, and the pangs of the grace laid hold on me;

I suffered distress and anguish.

Then I called upon the name of God;

       “O God, I pray, save my life.”

Refrain: How can I repay you God,

  for all the goodness you show to me?

How can I repay you God, for all the good things you have done for me?

I will take up the cup of salvation,

And call upon the name of God.

I will pay my vows in the presence of all God’s people.

Refrain: How can I repay you God,

  for all the goodness you show to me?

Precious in the sight of God is the death of the saints.

       O God, I am your servant;

I am your servant, the child of your maidservant.

       You have freed me from my bonds

I will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

       And will call upon the name of God.

I will pay my vows in the presence of all God’s people.

In the courts of the house of God, in your midst, O Jerusalem.

Refrain: How can I repay you God,

  for all the goodness you show to me?

GOSPEL READING        Matthew 9:35-10:8 (Brian)

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.  Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.  As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

VU 508   “Just As I Am”     (Sandy)

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me.
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind,
Sight, riches, healing of the mind.
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about,
With many a conflict, many a doubt.
Fighting and fears within without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thy love unknown,
Has broken every barrier down.
Now to be thine, yea thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

REFLECTION:  “Sheep Without a Shepherd”     (Brian)

MUSIC MINISTRY 

“Ordinary Miracle” by Glen Ballard and David Allan Stewart

   Sung by Marion Burt and Suzanne Oryschak

ORDINARY MIRACLE

It's not that unusual 

when everything is beautiful 

it's just another ordinary miracle today.

The sky knows when it's time to snow, 

don't need to teach a seed to grow;

it's just another ordinary miracle today.

Life is like a gift they say,

wrapped up for you every day,

Open up and find a way to give some of your own.

Isn't it remarkable

that every time a raindrop falls,

it's just another ordinary miracle today.

Birds in winter have their fling,

but always make it home by spring;

it's just another ordinary miracle today.

When you wake up every day,

please don't throw your dreams away,

Hold them close to your heart

'cause we are all a part of the ordinary miracle.

Ordinary miracle

Do you always see a miracle?

It seems so exceptional

that things just work out after all,

it's just another ordinary miracle today.

The sun comes up and shines so bright,

and disappears again at night,

it's just another ordinary miracle today.

Ooh, ooh, it's just another ordinary miracle today.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Gavin)

You have been exceedingly generous to us, O God. 

We return a portion of what we have to you

in grateful thanksgiving. 

Bless our offerings that they will nurture the seeds

of hope and healing in this community and beyond.  Amen.

Let us join our voices in thank 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/Gavin/Marion/Suzanne)

(Brian)

Let us centre ourselves prayer…

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

God ever creating, God ever loving, God ever leading:

We turn to you in uncertain times, trusting in your steadfast love.

Wherever people are anxious about the future,

overwhelmed by their responsibilities,

or worried because of the upheavals the pandemic has caused,

Bring peace and hope, we pray,

We pray to the lord

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Gavin)

God of all compassion: Where people are lonely or isolated, longing for love, where people are trapped in unhealthy relationships or facing violence each day, where people are grieving the loss of routines or purpose in their lives, or the loss of someone beloved: Bring courage and hope, we pray,

We pray to the lord

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Marion)

God of tender strength:

Where people feel pain in their bodies, in their minds or spirits,

where people seek healing or help,

where illness has eroded hope and desperation fills each day:

Bring healing and hope,

We pray to the lord

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Suzanne)

God of trustworthy truth:

Where leaders work to guide the world and their communities to renewed life,

where professionals discern scientific, medical and economic insights to protect and restore the quality of life after the pandemic,

where individuals still strive to care for the earth and its vulnerable inhabitants:

Bring wisdom and hope,

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

God in whom we live and move and have our being:

By your Spirit, tend your promise of new life

amid the current struggles in the world you love.

Where hope flickers, reignite its power;

Shine the light of Christ’s love into each life and renew our trust in you

as we pray together in the words that Jesus taught  as we sing together…

LORD’S PRAYER (Sung) (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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Brian)

•     Online Worship next Sunday June, 21 at 11:00am. 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.

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

CLOSING PRAYER (Brian)

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 “Come, O Fount of Every Blessing”

The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 559

“Come, O Fount of every blessing” (Sandy)

Come, O Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing your grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount I'm fixed upon it
Mount of God's unfailing love.

Here I pause in my sojourning;
Giving thanks for having come;
Come to trust at every turning,
God will guide me safely home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
Came to rescue me from danger,
Precious presence, precious blood.

Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I am drawn anew!
Let that grave now, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to you:
Prone to wander, I can feel it,
Wander from the love I’ve known
Here's my heart, O take and seal it;
Seal it for thy your very own.

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING (Suzanne and Marion)

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 our musicians, Marion, Sandy and Suzanne

Thank you to everyone who assisted with our Service of Worship.

Blessings to all and keep safe!

Hope United.ca

Sunday, June 7, 2020 - Trinity Sunday

June 7, 2020 - 11:00am

Trinity Sunday

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 sand Worship Leader at Hope United here in Toronto. We am 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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND

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

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 “Let All Things Now Living”. The words will also appear on your screen and it is # 242 in More Voices.

VU # 242   “Let All Things Now Living”

Let all things now living

a song of thanksgiving

To God the creator triumphantly raise.

Who fashioned and made us,

protected and stayed us,

Who still guides us on to the end of our days.

His banners are o'er us,

His light goes before us,

A pillar of fire shining forth in the night.

Till shadows have vanished

and darkness is banished

As forward we travel from light into light.

His law he enforces,

the stars in their courses

And sun in its orbit obediently shine;

The hills and the mountains,

the rivers and fountains,

The deeps of the ocean proclaim him divine.

We too should be voicing our

love and rejoicing;

With glad adoration

a song let us raise

Till all things now living

unite in thanksgiving:

To God in the highest,

Hosanna and praise!

CALL TO WORSHIP

In the beginning

God created the heavens and the earth.

In the beginning was the Word

and the Word was with God

and the Word was God. 

In the beginning the Spirit of God

swept over the face of the waters.

In the beginning God said,

“Let us make humankind in our image.”

And so we came into being,

created by God who exists in community.

We are here as God’s community

to worship the Source of our being.

OPENING PRAYER

Holy Mother you have birthed us into life,

Holy Father you have nurtured us along our way,

In you we have live and move and have our being.

To you we bring our offering of praise and thanksgiving. We open ourselves to your presence in this time of worship.

Fill us with resolve and purpose, to be your community and to expand our boundaries until all of creation is renewed and all people are welcomed and blessed.

This we ask through the risen and ascended Christ who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

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, “Candle of Light”. The words will appear on your screen.

“Touch us with Your Light”

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

Holy God, we were created in your image, an image of mutuality and respect for one another; an image of a dance ever moving, ever in tune one with others; an image of community with shared blessing and mission. You have given us dominion over the work of your hands. You have charged us to be fruitful and multiply, to make disciples of all nations.

Forgive us God; we have denied our purpose.

We have abused the earth’s resources for our own selfish gain  and the consequences wreak havoc upon the fish of the sea,  the birds of the air and every living thing that moves upon the earth.

Forgive us God; we have defiled your image. 

We have regarded some of your children as “other” and therefore, beyond the reach of your love and care because their professed faith in you, or lack thereof, is different from our own.

Forgive us God; for we have sinned.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

God desires to see broken relationships restored and has heard our prayer. In the name of Jesus the Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God.

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   Genesis 1:1-2:4

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.  God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.”

And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.  God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good.  And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”  So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.”  And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.”

And it was so.  God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

So God created mankind in his own image,  in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.  And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.  Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

VU # 732         PSALM 8

(Marion and Suzanne- Text    Sandy - Refrain)

Refrain – O God, our God, how glorious is your name in all the earth

O God, our God how glorious is your name in all the earth. From the lips of infants and children your praises reach up to the heavens

You have set up a stronghold against your foes, to quell the enemy and the avenger.

Refrain – O God, our God, how glorious is your name in all the earth

When I look to the heavens, the work of your fingers

The moon and the stars you have set in their places

What are we mortals that you should be mindful of us, mere human beings that you should care for us?

Refrain – O God, our God, how glorious is your name in all the earth

You have made us little less than divines

And crowned us with glory and honour.

You have made us rulers over all your creation and put all things under our feet.

All sheep and cattle, all creatures of the wild

The birds of the air and the fish in the sea

And all that made their way through the waters.

Refrain – O God, our God, how glorious is your name in all the earth

GOSPEL READING        Matthew 28:16-20

The Great Commission

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

MV # 97    “Listen, God is calling” (Sandy)

Listen, God is calling,

through the Word inviting,

offering forgiveness,

comfort and joy.

REFLECTION:  “Making Disciples”  (Brian)

Making Disciples…

That is what Jesus did… that is what Jesus asked the disciples and his followers to do… that is what Jesus asks of us. It is a tall task…it is a small task… it is a joyful task…it is an arduous task….it is a life long journey.

So what is the recipe? A little bit of joy…a touch of faith… a sprinkle of tragedy…some humour… a supportive mom and dad…or just lot’s of luck?

There is no one magic or distinct formula or way of doing it…it is  way of being …lead by example… stepping up to the plate…taking responsibility for self and others…holding and living into the joy and success of others…holding each other when we struggle…

How do we or might we shape or invite someone to become a disciple, a believer, a follower of the Jesus way? I suggest that it is no more difficult or simple than moving in the world with a joyful, thankful heart…moving, walking, being, as if you are in conversation with Jesus each moment of your day… for then we will mind our manners, hold our tongue, show empathy and compassion for others, stand up for silenced voices and demand that every man woman and child be treated as equals before the law and before God…for this is the Jesus way… the way of the followers of The Christ, the son of man, the Saviour of the world.

It means being a beacon of light for those around you. It means insisting that the light of Christ is a source of healing, love and care. That Jesus can and does offer healing to all those in need…to all who open their hearts and lift the veil.

In our first reading  we here the iconic words of genesis…we hear the beginning of the beginning….it unfolds for us the power and majesty of our creator God. These words also affirm the abundance with which humankind has been blessed…the geography upon which we live, the air and water that sustain us….

The unifying force in our Trinitarian theology  is also described and laid before us. Father Son and Holy Spirit…Creator God, Christ among us and the Spirit that binds us. It is important for us not to get caught by specific, literal language. These texts stretch across the centuries for good reason… they have something to offer every age. The language in Genesis does not justify in our world attitudes of injustice or inequality based on race or gender. U urge you to bring you life experience to these texts and discover where your journey intersects with them. How they lift you up and inspire and move you. Like a great concert heard by many, each every person will have a different lived experience of the music; influenced by our life’s journey, family experience, the very country into which we have been born or chosen to live.

We are human, we have much in common, we have many differences…however the path laid before us, upon which we are invited to journey with Christ is one that invites us to be one, united in Spirit, inspired by the teachings of Christ and the prophets before him, caretakers of creation. And when we stray from this path, we often discover the world to be overwhelming, unfair and unjust.

We discover that power over other people has become a goal and virtue…this is not the way of Jesus… The strong quiet voice, calling for peace and reconciliations, calling us to listen to one another, calling us to seek out a consensus as to how we can be together instead of dominance: care and compassion, empathy and heart…

For when we open our ears with our heart..when we open our eyes with our heart.. when we open our minds with our heart….those around us will feel the power of spirit, hear the message of Jesus in our voice and recognize that we are but caretakers of God’s great and amazing creation…

Then we are making disciples…for we are leading by example… we are letting spirit reach through us to others…we are leading others to the edge of the path, that they might set a foot upon it and discover a new way of travelling in the world…The way that disciples of Jesus: care, compassion, empathy and love… echoing a call of justice and equality for all.. for that is the Jesus Way. Amen

MUSIC MINISTRY 

“Wind Beneath My Wings”

It must have been cold there in my shadow

To never have sunlight on your face,

You were content to let me shine, that's your way

You always walked a step behind,

So I was the one with all the glory,

While you were the one with all the strength;

A beautiful face without a name for so long,

A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you're my hero

And everything I would like to be?

I can fly higher than an eagle,

For you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed

But I've got it all here in my heart

I want you to know I know the truth,

of course I know it

I would be nothing without you.

Did you ever know that you're my hero?

You're everything I wish I could be

I could fly higher than an eagle

For you are the wind beneath my wings.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Receive these gifts, even our very lives for your service. Multiply them and our effort to meet the need.  We are yours God, use us we pray, Amen

Let us join our voices in thank as we sing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”. It is the first verse from Voices United # 541 and the words will also appear on the screen

VU # 541  DOXOLOGY  “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (Sandy)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God, all creatures high and low;

Give thanks to God in love made known;

Creator, Word, and Spirit, One.

PRAYERS OF THE DAY

Let us centre ourselves prayer…

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

We bind unto ourselves today
The strong name of the Trinity
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One, and One in Three.
Of whom all nature has creation;
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of our salvation;
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.  Amen.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

Grant us, Lord God, a vision of your world as your love would have it: a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor; a world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them; a world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect; a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love. Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

Prayer for Peace

O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace:Let the design of your great love lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows:
and give peace to your Church, peace among nations, peace in our dwellings, and peace in our hearts. It is easy for us to gaze to the south and affirm how great  a place Canada is... so peaceful, so egalitarian…yet we must lift the veil and clear our sight, for we to have been unjust, allowing systems to marginalize segments of our population. We have a colonial hangover that has lasted over 150 years. Let us lift our collective voice and live into our call for justice and equality for all… this is our soulfilled prayer through your Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

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 conclude our time of prayer with the words Jesus taught us to pray…

LORD’S PRAYER (Sung)

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

•     Online Worship next Sunday June, 14 at 11:00am. 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

•     If you are a senior or know of seniors who needs assistance with groceries, you can call 211 for assistance.

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

CLOSING PRAYER

God calls us from this time of worship to share the hope of abundant life in the presence of hardship, relationship that transcends the barriers of isolation, and to do what we can, where we are,to be the body of Christ.

Amen

Let us sing together “Go to the World”

The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 420

VU # 420   “Go to the world”(Sandy)

Go to the world! Go into all the earth;

Go preach the cross

where Christ renews life’s worth,

Baptizing as the sign of our rebirth. Alleluia.

Go to the world! Go into every place;

Go live the word of God’s redeeming grace;

Go seek God’s presence

in each time and space. Alleluia.

Go to the world! Go struggle, bless, and pray;

The nights of tears give way to joyful day.

As servant Church,

you follow Christ’s own way. Alleluia.

Go to the World!

Go as the ones I send,

For I am with you till the age shall end,

When all the host of glory cry, “Amen.” Alleluia.

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING

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

Sunday, May 31, 2020 - Easter VIII

May 31, 2020 - 11:00am - Easter VIII

Pentecost Sunday

The Congregation of Hope United Church

Pastoral Charge Supervisor - Brian Stevens  BA. MDiv

PRELUDE  TIME

Welcome everyone to our online ZOOM Sunday worship. As you arrive, mics will be unmuted so that you may say hello. When we begin the service, all  mics will be muted. As we move through the service,  those who are reading or leading a song will be unmuted. Gavin will unmute.

WELCOME

Welcome everyone. My name is Brian Stevens, I am the Pastoral Charge Supervisor sand Worship Leader at Hope United here in Toronto. We am so pleased to have you with us today.  Our musicians today are Sandy, Sandra 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

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.

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 “Come, O Holy Spirit “. The words will also appear on your screen and it is # 23 in More Voices.

MV # 23       “Come, O Holy Spirit” (Brian)

Come O Holy Spirit,

Set the Church on fire

Strike it as the lighting

Hits a posing spire;

Burn away the structures, and consume the sham

Of our holy systems: come in Jesus name!

Come, come, come in Jesus’ name

Take our hearts by storm,

All the world lies open

Pentecost is now!

Come, come, come in Jesus’ name

Take our hearts by storm,

All the world lies open

Pentecost is now!

Blow away the cobwebs

Of our stubborn past,

Come send, flying from us,

Myths unfit to last.

Wind of change, refresh us

And disturb our calm,

Teach us what true love is

Take our hearts by storm!

Come, come, come in Jesus’ name,

Take our hearts by storm,

All the world lies open,

Pentecost is now!

Come, come, come in Jesus’ name,

Take our hearts by storm,

All the world lies open,

Pentecost is now!

Free us from the bubble

Of our Babel mind.

Spark in us a language

All can understand.

Lighten then our darkness,

Come and show us how,

All the world lies open:

Pentecost is now!

Come, come, come in Jesus’ name,

Take our hearts by storm,

All the world lies open,

Pentecost is now!

Come, come, come in Jesus’ name,

Take our hearts by storm,

All the world lies open,

Pentecost is now! Amen!

CALL TO WORSHIP (Tess and Gavin)

When the Feast of Pentecost came,

they were all together in one place.

Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—

no one could tell where it came from.

It filled the whole building.

Like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks,

Spirit prompted them to start speaking in a number of different languages

Like a wildfire, we proclaim the Holy Spirit is with us at this moment.

We praise God for the Holy Spirit which fills us at this moment. Amen

OPENING PRAYER – (Marion)

Dear Creator of heaven and earth

be with us as we worship and praise your name.

Be with us as we gather as a community of God,

asking that the Holy Spirit to descend on us

as it did in that upper room of our ancestors

so many years ago. 
Holy Spirit, sustains us each and every day as we journey these challenging times

In the Name of Jesus we pray. 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, “Candle of Light”. The words will appear on your screen.

“Touch us with Your Light”

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 ()

Let us join our hearts as one in our prayer of confession…

We humbly come before you, authentically and fully as your children, including all that has separated us from you and each other. We asked for the healing of forgiveness for the ways in which we fall short. Amen

ASSURANCE OF GRACE (Brian)

Thank you Lord for the assurance of forgiveness as we resolve to do better as a family of God with you and with one another.  In Jesus Name. 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      Numbers 11:24-30  ( Marion)

So Moses went out and told the people what the Lord had said. He brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the tent. Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took some of the power of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but did not do so again.

However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.”

Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”

But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” Then Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

VU # 827               PSALM 104  (Verona and Bruce- Text    Sandy - Refrain)

Refrain – Bless, O my soul, the Almighty who rules all creation.

O God, how manifold are your works

With Wisdom at your side you made them all

The earth is full of your creatures.   R

Refrain – Bless, O my soul, the Almighty who rules all creation.

There lies the great and mighty Sea,

Teeming with living things both great and small

Upon it sails the ships

And there is Leviathan, the monster you made to play in it

All these look to you

To give them their food in due season.

          What you give them they gather up

          When you open your hand

          You fill them with good things.

But when you hide your face they despair

When you take away their breath, they die, and return to dust

          But when you send out Your Spirit, they live again

          And you renew the face of the earth.  R

Refrain – Bless O my soul, the Almighty who rules all creation.

May your glory, o God, endure forever

          May you rejoice, O God in your works,

When you look at the earth it trembles,

          When you touch the mountains they smoke.

I will sing to God as long as I live,

          I will praise my God while I have being. R

Refrain – Bless, O my soul, the Almighty who rules all creation.

SECOND READING          1 Corinthians 12:3-13  ( Brian)

Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

VU # 372     “ Though I May Speak” (Sandy)

Though I may speak with bravest fire,

And have the gift to all inspire,

And have not love, my words are vain,

As sounding brass, and hopeless gain.

Though I may give all I possess,

And striving so my love profess,

But not be given by love within,

The profit soon turns strangely thin.

Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,

Our spirits long to be made whole.

Let inward love guide every deed;

By this we worship, and are freed.

REFLECTION:  “Gifts”  (Brian)

MUSIC MINISTRY  “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban, sung by Sandra Cox

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Brian)

Lord, we lay our gifts and offerings before you on this day as well celebration Pentecost. May the fire of your Spirit infuse these gifts with your healing love and vibrant presence. We pray in Jesus name, who gave us the greatest gift possible, his life for our salvation. For this we are ever thankful. Amen

Let us join our voices in thank as we sing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”. It is the first verse from Voices United 541 and the words will also appear on the screen

VU # 541  DOXOLOGY     “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (Sandy)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God, all creatures high and low;

Give thanks to God in love made known;

Creator, Word, and Spirit, One.

PRAYERS OF THE DAY  (Brian)

Let us centre ourselves prayer…

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

May the Gifts of the Holy Spirit bring fire to the earth so that the presence of God may be seen in a new light, in new places, and  in new ways.

May our own hearts burst into flame so that no obstacle, no matter how great, ever obstructs the message
of the God within each of us.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

May we come to trust the Word of God in our heart, to speak it with courage, to follow it faithfully and to fan it to flame in others.

May the Jesus who filled women with his Holy Spirit fill the world and the church with new respect for women’s power and presence.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For the family of George Floyd, for the citizens of Minneapolis, a life has been lost and has ignited a nation…the death of George Floyd has pulled back the veil and reminded us all that racism continues to haunt our society.  It reminds us of the importance of living into justice and equality for all, not just when it is convenient, but at every moment of our collective journey...for peace in the land, for the healing of wounded and broken hearts, for the hearing of once silenced voices.

For the gifts of the many who touch our lives…we offer thanks and pray for their continued safekeeping as they share their talents and  their gifts to keep us safe, to feed us, to care for us and our loved ones when we are unwell, for we do not see or know them, yet provide us with care and help us to be well. May we continue to do what we can to keep them well and safe…

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

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 conclude our time of prayer with the words Jesus taught us to pray…

LORD’S PRAYER Sung (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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Brian)

•         Online Worship next Sunday June, 7 at 11:00am. 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

•         If you are a senior or know of seniors who needs assistance with groceries, you can call 211 for assistance.

•         We are excited to announce that we have received funding through the Canada Jobs for Youth program. Chris Slusar, our student from last summer will be returning for 8 weeks. He will join us on June 15. Welcome back Chris!

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

CLOSING PRAYER ( Brian)

Thank you, God, for the renewing strength of the Holy Spirit. May the Spirit sustain us as we go forward this week. Guide us Dear God to be a witness for Justice and Love especially in these times. May the Holy Spirit fuel us with courage and comfort in Jesus’ Name.  Amen

Let us sing together “Breathe on me, Breath of God”

The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 382

VU # 382     “Breathe on me, Breath of God”      (Sandy)

Breathe on me, breath of God:

Fill me with life anew,

That I may love what thou dost love

And do what thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, breath of God,

Until my heart is pure,

Until my will is one with thine

To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God;

’til I am wholly thine,

Until this earthly part of me

Glows with thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God;

So shall I never die,

But live with thee the perfect life

Of thine eternity.

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING ( Brian)

Go in Peace in the Name God.

who created us,

who redeemed us

who sustains us. Amen   

And the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ

be with you this day and always

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

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

Sunday, May 24, 2020 - Easter VII - Ascension Sunday

May 24, 2020 - 11:00am - Easter VII

Ascension Sunday

The Congregation of Hope United Church

Pastoral Charge Supervisor - Brian Stevens  BA. MDiv

PRELUDE  TIME

Welcome everyone to our online ZOOM Sunday worship. As you arrive mics will be unmuted so that you may say hello. When we begin the service, all the mics, except those who are reading or leading a song.

WELCOME

Welcome everyone. My name is Brian Stevens, I am the minister at Hope United. I am so pleased to have you with us today.  Our musicians today are Myself and Sandy. 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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND (Marion)

With respect, we acknowledge the worldviews, 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 honor 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 “Come in, Come in and Sit Down” The words will also appear on your screen and it is # 395 in Voices United

VU # 395     “Come in, Come in and Sit Down” (Sandy)

Chorus:  Come in come in and sit down
You are a part of the family
We are lost and we are found
And we are a part of the family.

1.     You know the reason why you came,
Yet no reason can explain,
So, share in the laughter and cry in the pain,
For we are a part of the family.

Chorus:  Come in come in and sit down
You are a part of the family
We are lost and we are found
And we are a part of the family.

2.    God is with us in this place
Like a Mother's warm embrace
We're all forgiven by God's grace
For we are a part of the family.

Chorus:  Come in come in and sit down
You are a part of the family
We are lost and we are found
And we are a part of the family.

3.    There's life to be shared in the bread and the wine
We are the branches Christ is the vine
This is God's temple it's not yours or mine
But we are a part of the family.

Chorus:  Come in come in and sit down
You are a part of the family
We are lost and we are found
And we are a part of the family.

4.    There's rest for the weary and health for us all
There's a yoke that is easy
And a burden that's small
So come in and worship and answer the call
For we are a part of the family.

Chorus:  Come in come in and sit down
You are a part of the family
We are lost and we are found
And we are a part of the family.

CALL TO WORSHIP  ( Marion & Verona)

We shout for joy, to God who rides upon the clouds!

We sing praises to our awe-inspiring God,
before whom the earth quakes,
and whose abundant blessings provide for all in need!

God is Sovereign over the earth,
Defender of the defenseless, and Parent to orphans;
God creates families for those who are alone,
Leads captives to freedom and breaks the yoke of oppression.

God goes forth before the people,
bringing forth restoration and justice.
Sing praise to God,
Rider of the ancient skies,
who dwells in holiness.

Proclaim the power of God!
O God, how awesome you are in your sanctuary!
You give power and strength to your people.

Let us worship God! Amen

OPENING PRAYER – (Bruce)

Almighty God,
through Jesus Christ,
you revealed to us a power
that has no parallel.
May the eyes of our heart
be enlightened to this power
and all it has done in our lives.
Pour out your Spirit of power upon us,
that we may proclaim your glory
and your grace. 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, “Candle of Light”. The words will appear on your screen.

“Touch us with Your Light”

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 (Tess)

Let us join our hearts as one in our prayer of confession…

Lord Jesus Christ, in you we see awesome power.
Yet, we often fail to acknowledge this power in our lives.
We see violence in the world.
We see injustice in our communities.
We see hunger and need among our neighbors.
We see longing for something more.
We see failures and faults in our lives.
In all these things, we feel powerless.
Forgive our hesitance to call upon you.
Forgive our propensity to rely upon ourselves.
Forgive our reluctance to acknowledge your  healing power and unconditional love
May your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen..

ASSURANCE OF GRACE (Brian)

May God grant us the spirit of wisdom and revelation,
that the power  and presence of Jesus Christ be visible in your life.
For it is by the grace of Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
We are Your humble servants  Lord,

We ask that you touch us with your grace

As we journey these days ahead. 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      Acts 1:6-14 ( Marion)

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”  He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.  “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.  When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.  They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

VU # 787               PSALM 68  (Gavin and Bruce)

Refrain – God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.

Arise, O God, and let your enemies be scattered;

Let those who hate you fee before you.

Like drifting smoke disperse them,

Like wax melting in the fire,

Let the wicked perish at your presence, O God.

But let the righteous be glad and exult before you;

Let them rejoice with exceeding joy.

Sing praises to God’s holy name;

Make a highway for the One who rides the clouds,

By joyful and exult in God’s presence    R

Refrain – God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.

Guardian of orphans, protector of widows,

O God, in your holy dwelling,

You give the lonely a home in which to live,

You lead the prisoners out to prosperity,

But the rebels must live in a wasteland.

When you went out at the head of your people

When you marched through the wilderness,

The earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain

Before you, God is Sinai, God of Israel.

You sent down a generous rain,

You refreshed your heritage when it languished.

There your people found a home,

Which in your goodness you provided or the poor.    R

Refrain – God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.

Sing to God, dominions of the earth;

Praise the One who has dominion,

The One who rides through the heavens, even the primal heavens,

The One whose voice is the mighty thunder,

Acknowledge the power that is God’s,

Whose majesty is over Israel, whose strength is in the skies,

You are awesome, O God, as you leave your sanctuary,

Bringing power and strength to your people.

Blessed are you, God of Israel

Blessed are you.      R

Refrain – God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.

GOSPEL            John 17:1-11  ( Brian)

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.  For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.  And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.  I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.  I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

MV # 144     “ Like a Healing Stream” (Sandy)

Like a healing stream in a barren desert,

Spirit water bringing life to dusty earth,

God is trickling through our lives as in a dream unfolding,

Promising revival and rebirth…

Like a healing stream.

Like a gentle rain on a thirsty garden,

Spirit water come to nourish tiny seed,

God is bubbling through the soil to coax a new creation,

Yearning for an end to want and need…

Like a gentle rain.

Like a river strong with a restless current,

Spirit water rushing on to distant shore,

God is carving out a channel in a new direction,

Calling for an end to hate and war…

Like a river strong.

Like a mighty sea reaching far horizons,

Spirit water with a love both deep and wide,

God is working in our hearts to shape a new tomorrow;

God will always challenge and provide!

Like a mighty sea,

Like a river strong,

Like a gentle rain,

Like a healing stream.

REFLECTION:  “May We be One”   

MUSIC MINISTRY

“Family of Friends ” By Brian Stevens

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING ( Tess)

Ever-present and loving God,
your Word tells us to cast our cares on you because you care for us.
In faith and trust we present these gifts, and ourselves, to you.
Bless and multiply them to meet the needs,
both hidden and apparent, of your beloved ones.
Inspire each of us to live as Christ’s witnesses,
today and ever more.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.

Let us join our voices in thank as we sing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”. It is the first verse from Voices United # 541 and the words will also appear on the screen.

VU # 541  DOXOLOGY     “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” ( Sandy)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God, all creatures high and low;

Give thanks to God in love made known;

Creator, Word, and Spirit, One.

PRAYERS OF THE DAY  (Marion & Bruce)

Let us centre ourselves prayer…

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

(Marion)

Spring is bursting forth from every corner of our city. May the blooming flowers and the tuneful birds, the greening of the branches, the cherry blossoms in their splendour, refresh our spirits and bring joy to our hearts. For this is the song of creation that is at play once again in the world, renewing our hope, inspiring our souls

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Bruce)

Lord,  we offer thanks for Your benevolent nature. Your Son has ascended into heaven, yet  His blessings here on earth surround and embrace us still . Let us not take for granted the blessings that You have given us, instead let them be received with thankful hearts.  On this ascension Sunday, we offer glory, honor and praise because of who You are and because of all that You have done, in Jesus’ Name,…

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Marion)

Lord, we offer thanks for the blessings you have bestowed upon this congregation and Brian Stevens our student minister. We ask your constant blessings and guidance upon him as he assumes his new role of Pastoral Charge Supervisor. We offer thanks for the presence of Rev. Karen  Dale who has been with us these past two years. May continued blessings rest upon her in her ministry at Beach United Church.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Bruce)

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

(Marion)

We conclude our time of prayer with the words Jesus taught us to pray…

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

VU # 402     “We Are One”

We are one, as we come, joyful to be here

In the praise, on our lips

There’s a sense that God is near!

We are one, as we sing

As we seek, we are found,

And we come needful of God’s grace,

As we meet, together in this place.

We are one, as we share,

As we share, brokenness and fear,

In the touch, of a hand

There’s a sense that God is here.

We are one, as we care,

As we heal, we are healed,

And we share warmth in God’s embrace,

As we pray together in this place.

We are one, as we feast

As we feast, peace becomes the sign

In the bread, and the wine

There’s a sense of love divine.

We are one as we come

As we feed, we are fed

And we feel God’s refreshing grace

As we meet at table in this place.

SERVICE OF COMMUNION

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

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 ( Sanctus and Benedictus)

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!

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:

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.

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!

Sing Christ has died and Christ is risen,

Christ will come a-gain!

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

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

Amen, amen O Holy One!

Hosanna and Amen!

Amen, amen O Holy One!

Hosanna and Amen!

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Brian)

•        Online Worship next Sunday, May 31 at 11:00am. 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

•         If you are a senior or know of seniors who needs assistance with groceries, you can call 211 for assistance.

•         A Special thanks to Rev. Karen Dale who has been our Pastoral Charge Supervisor for the last two years. Blessings in your continued work at Beach United. We are ever thankful for your time with us at Hope United.

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

CLOSING PRAYER (Brian)

As we go back into the world from which we have come

Let love be true and freely given.

Be encouraged and feel the blessings of God, Christ and Spirit

whose love warms and surrounds you like the sun.

For God is with us always,

as close as our beating hearts. Amen.

Let us sing together ““What a Friend We Have in Jesus””

The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 664

VU # 664     “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” (Sandy)

1.     What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

2.    Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3.    Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

4.    Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING (Brian)

Continue to be faithful, remain committed, be witnesses for Christ.
For the God of all grace has called you to eternal glory
through Jesus Christ,
and will fulfill, restore, strengthen, and establish you
through suffering and struggle.
Be empowered by Christ’s love,
          keeping Christ’s name on your lips,
          the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit in your mind,
          God’s love in your hearts,
          God’s beloved ones always in your sight, and
          God’s still speaking voice in your ear. 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

Sunday, May 17, 2020 - Easter VI

May 17, 2020 - 11:00am - Easter VI

The Congregation of Hope United Church

Worship Leader - Brian Stevens  BA. MDiv

Supervising Minister – Rev. Karen Dale

PRELUDE  TIME

Welcome everyone to our online ZOOM Sunday worship. As you arrive mics will be unmuted so that you may say hello. When we begin the service, all the mics, except those who are reading or leading a song.

WELCOME

Welcome everyone. My name is Brian Stevens, I am the minister at Hope United. I am so pleased to have you with us today.  Our musicians today are Sandy and Gavin. 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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND (Verona)

With respect, we acknowledge the worldviews, 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 honor 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 “Draw the Circle Wide” The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in More Voices  # 145

MV # 145       “Draw the Circle Wide” ( Sandy)

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still.

Let this be our song: no one stands alone.

Standing side by side, draw the circle wide.

God the still-point of the circle

‘Round whom all creation turns;

Nothing lost, but held forever,

in God's gracious arms.

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still.

Let this be our song: no one stands alone.

Standing side by side, draw the circle wide.

Let our hearts touch far horizons,

So encompass great and small;

Let our loving know no borders,

Faithful to God's call.

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still.

Let this be our song: no one stands alone.

Standing side by side, draw the circle wide.

Let the dreams we dream be larger,

Than we've ever dreamed before;

Let the dream of Christ be in us,

Open every door!

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still.

Let this be our song: no one stands alone.

Standing side by side, draw the circle wide.

CALL TO WORSHIP  ( Bruce & Gavin)

(Living on the Path of Respect- UCC))

Creator has placed each and every one of us here with purpose!

Let us praise Creator for the earth below our feet.

For Mother Earth sustains us, and all creation cries out for justice.

Creator has given us the eastern direction: the direction of vision, children, and the sun that rises on us each day.

          Let us view the world with child-like wonder—full of awe and humility.

Thankful for the new day that dawns on us each and every morning,

we give thanks for God who gives us new mercies every day..

Creator has given us the southern direction:the direction of honesty, adolescence, and growth

          Help us to speak only the truth, and open our hearts to hear the stories of others.

Inspire us to grow in the image of Christ who teaches us to walk the good path

Creator has given us the western direction:the direction of adulthood, harvesting, and deep spiritual understanding.

          Give us the tools we need to act on the knowledge we are gathering,

allowing us to act with maturity and grace.

Creator has given us the northern direction: the direction of Elders, achievement, and a deep connection to spirituality.

Empower us to learn from the past, and to move forward to create your companionship of empowerment* here on Mother Earth.

Holy Spirit, give us the teachings we need to correct any wrongs, and to live lives full of love, peace, and hope.

Be with us now, Creator, as we worship you in awe-filled praise. Amen.

OPENING PRAYER – (Marion)

(United Church of Christ)

Ever-Present One,
we have come here today for many reasons,
each with our own story.
May these reasons and stories be immersed in your Sacred Story,
finding ourselves caught up in the drama and beauty
of Jesus’ teachings, life, and ministry.
Enable us to move boldly into the future
and to fulfill the hope of love that Jesus taught. 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, “Candle of Light”. The words will appear on your screen.

“Touch us with Your Light”

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 (Tess)

Let us join our hearts as one in our prayer of confession…

Holy One,
It seems, at times, we forget that you know us at our very depth.
We become anxious and afraid that you are not with us,
in these days of isolation and worry.

Yet even now you call us to the work of imagination,
generosity and patience, which are possible when we remember Whose we are.
By your mercy, help us to live out the commandments of Christ
within these walls, beyond this hour.

May we become for the world  the very presence of justice, hope and peace. Amen

ASSURANCE OF GRACE(Brian)

All of us have been created and called to be in community
Which today takes many forms!
Know this, but more importantly, live this:
As God’s children we are loved and equipped for great ministry.
Follow Jesus’ commandment to love boldly, even in solitude,
as you are held in the grace and love of God. 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        1 Peter 3: 14-22 (Marion)

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.  

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—  to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,  who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

VU # 784                 PSALM 66  (Sandy)

Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.

Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;

Sing to the Honour of God’s name;

Make glorious the praise of God.

How awesome are your deeds!

So great is your strength, your foes wilt before you.

For all the world shall worship you,

Shall sing to you and praise your name.  R

Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.

O come and see what God has done,

A work that is awesome to all earth’s children.

God turned the sea into dry land;

They crossed the river on foot.

There we rejoiced in God,

Who rules in power forever,

Whose eyes keep watch on the nations.

Let not the rebellious lift up their heads.   R

Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.

Bless our God, all people,

And let the sound of praise be heard.

God has preserved us among the living,

And kept our feet from stumbling.

For you, O God, have tested us;

You have tried us as silver is tried.

You led us into the desert,

You laid a burden upon our back,

You let sickness furrow our brow,

We passed through fire and water;

But you brought us out to a land of plenty.    R

Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.

I will come to your house with burnt offerings;

I will pay you my vows,

The vows which I made with my lips

And swore with my mouth when I was in trouble.

I will offer fat beasts in sacrifice,

A savoury offering of rams;

I will prepare you an offering of bulls and goats.    R

Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.

Come then and listen, all you that fear God,

While I tell what God has done for me.

I cried aloud to God;

High praise was ready on my tongue.

If I cherished evil in my heart,

God would not have heard me.

But truly God has heard me,

Has given heed to the voice of my prayer.

Blessed are you, O God,

For you have not rejected my prayer,

Nor withdrawn from me your steadfast love.    R

Refrain – God of all, to you we raise this out song of joyful praise.

GOSPEL             John 14:15-21  ( Brian)

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—  the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.  Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

MV # 48         “I Can Feel You Near Me God” (Sandy)

I can feel you near me God, I can feel you near;
Yes I know you’re with me God, I feel you here.
I can feel you near me God, I can feel you near;
Yes I know you’re with me God, Heaven is here.

And I’ll jump for joy I’m singing Alleluia
Jump for joy for you
I will jump for joy I’m singing Alleluia
Jump for joy for you.

I can feel you loving me, yes I know you care,
God I know you’re loving me, always everywhere.
I can feel you loving me, yes, I know you care,
God I know you’re loving me I know you’re there.

And I’ll jump for joy, I’m singing Alleluia!
Jump for joy for you;
I will jump for joy, I’m singing Alleluia!
Jump for joy for you.

REFLECTION:  “The Spirit of Truth”    

MUSIC MINISTRY

“Believe in You” By Amanda Marshall Sung by Gavin Penny

Somewhere there's a river
Looking for a stream
Somewhere there's a dreamer
Looking for a dream
Somewhere there's a drifter
Trying to find his way
Somewhere someone's waiting
To hear somebody say

I believe in you
I can't even count the ways that
I believe in you
And all I want to do is help you to
Believe in you

Somewhere there's an angel
Trying to earn his wings
Somewhere there's a silent voice
Learning how to sing
Some of us can't move ahead
We're paralyzed with fear
And everybody's listening
'Cause we all need to hear

I believe in you
I can't even count the ways that
I believe in you
And all I want to do is help you to
Believe in you

I will hold you up
I will help you stand
I will comfort you when you need a friend
I will…

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING ( Tess)

As Children of God, you are called
to share in the love and work of Jesus.
We, as the gathered Church, the Body of Christ,
continue in our day to witness and work on behalf of our Lord,
returning our gifts, and offerings.

Bless them with your loving, healing hands Lord,

That all who are touched by them, will know your grace and care Amen

Let us join our voices in thank as we sing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”. It is the first verse from Voices United # 541 and the words will also appear on the screen

VU # 541  DOXOLOGY  “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” ( Sandy)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God, all creatures high and low;

Give thanks to God in love made known;

Creator, Word, and Spirit, One.

PRAYERS OF THE DAY  (Brian)

Let us centre ourselves prayer…

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

(Brian)

The beautiful sunshine and colours of spring have arrived, we thank you God for Creation…Creator God, we worship you. In the beginning you said, “Let there be light”; and the light shone, piercing the darkness. You have made the vast universe and amidst its movements and glories, your Spirit is at work. Scattering the stars and moulding the hills, you have made a world full of beauty. You have made humankind in your own image, stewards of the earth, partners in Creation. Remind us of our responsibility and give us the courage to be good stewards… We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

We become upset with others and find it easier to reject them than to seek to understand and to love them. We struggle with the almost impossible command to love our enemies. We become driven to meet our own needs and become blind to the needs of others. We are driven to succeed which becomes all consuming and trumps our command to love.

Forgive us our foolish ways. Help us to keep in our awareness of this command to love which Jesus repeated so many times. Help us especially to hear it in those hard times when it is most difficult to love. We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

Lord, for our congregation and community, as we set forth in new directions

We ask that you guide, us, hold, and challenge us,

That we may live into your call to be all that  you have set upon our hearts,

That we may discern clearly our missions and Main and Danforth

And live into it with bold and courageous hearts

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

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 lift now our voices in joyous song with the words Jesus taught us to pray…

VU # 959 LORD’S PRAYER (sung)

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,

Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ( Brian)

•       Online Worship next Sunday, May 24 at 11:00am. 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

•         If you are a senior or know of seniors who needs assistance with groceries, you can call 211 for assistance.

•         Immediately following our service this morning  we will hold an on-line Zoom Congregational Meeting to approve our Community of Faith Profile. We hope that you can stay with us for this brief meeting

•         A Special thanks to Walter who has been tending to our gardens. The flowers have exploded with colour and the vibrancy of spring!

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

CLOSING PRAYER ( Brian)

(United Church of Christ)

As we go back into the world from which we have come

Let love be true and freely given.

Be encouraged and feel the blessings of God, Christ and Spirit

whose love warms and surrounds you like the sun.

For God is with us always,

as close as our beating hearts. Amen.

Let us sing together “Immortal, invisible, God Only Wise”

The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 264

VU # 264           “Immortal, invisible, God Only Wise”

                   (Brian & Sandy)

Immortal, invisible, God only wise;

In light inaccessible hid from our eyes;

Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,

Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render, O help us to see:
'Tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee!

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING ( Brian)

(Nathan Nettleton)

Go now and walk in the light of God’s glory.
Love Christ and keep his word.
Do not let your hearts be troubled,
but lead others to the waters of life.

And may God’s face shine on you with favour;
May Christ Jesus mark you out as his own;
And may the Holy Spirit lead you into all truth and peace.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. 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

Then we shall gather for our congregational meeting

Thank you to everyone who assisted with our Service of Worship.

Blessings to all and keep safe! 

Hope United.ca

Sunday, May 10, 2020 - Easter V

May 10, 2020 - 11:00am - Easter V

The Congregation of Hope United Church

Worship Leader - Brian Stevens  BA. MDiv

Supervising Minister – Rev. Karen Dale

PRELUDE  TIME

Welcome everyone to our online ZOOM Sunday worship. As you arrive mics will be unmuted so that you may say hello. When we begin the service, all the mics will be muted, except those who are reading or leading a song.

WELCOME

Welcome everyone. My name is Brian Stevens, I am the minister at Hope United. I am so pleased to have you with us today.  Our musicians today are Sandy and Suzanne. 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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND( Zoltan)

With respect, we acknowledge the worldviews, 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 honor 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 “Let Us Build a House” The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in More Voices  # 1.

MV # 1           “Let Us Build a House” ( Sandy)

Let us build a house where love can dwell
and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell
how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where prophets speak,
and words are strong and true,
where all God’s children dare to seek
to dream God’s reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness
and as symbol of God’s grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where love is found
in water, wine and wheat:
a banquet hall on holy ground
where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus,
is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that frees us.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where hands will reach
beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
and live the Word they’ve known.
Here the outcast and the stranger
bear the image of God’s face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where all are named,
their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed
as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter,
prayers of faith and songs of grace,
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

CALL TO WORSHIP  ( Brian & Marion)

(Presbyterian Church in Canada)

Do not let your hearts be troubled.
We are not troubled. We believe in God!

God’s house has many dwelling places.
Christ himself has gone to prepare a place for us.

We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

For us, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

Let us worship God,

Made known to us in Christ Jesus. Amen

OPENING PRAYER ( Bruce)

(Presbyterian Church in Canada)

Steadfast and loving God,

you are our refuge in times of trouble and our shelter when we are afraid.

In you alone we trust.

In you we see our way forward and discover what is authentic.

In you we find abundant life.

And so we offer you our worship and love

as the God who creates and gives life to the world,

as the Son who preached the truth of the good news,

and the Holy Spirit who guides us; this day and always. 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, “Candle of Light”. The words will appear on your screen.

“Touch us with Your Light”

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 (Marion)

Let us join our voices in our prayer of confession…

Steadfast and loving God, we confess that while we know Christ is the way, the truth and the life, we have often failed to follow him. We sometimes doubt his wisdom and truth. Rather than live the life he offers, we carve out our own paths and pursue our own desires. Forgive us for the many ways we have fallen short of your purpose for our lives. Give us courage to follow Jesus, who continues to show us the way.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE( Brian)

Gracious God, as we listen to the words of Scripture, open our hearts and minds with the gift of your Holy Spirit. By the Spirit’s power, move in us so that we follow your way more closely, know your truth more fully, and share in your gift of life more abundantly, through Christ, your Living Word. Do not let your hearts be troubled; know that, in Christ, you are forgiven. Accept God’s grace and forgiveness this day, and extend it to others for Jesus’ sake. 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

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        Acts 7:55-60 (Bruce)

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

VU # 758                 PSALM 31  (Sandy & Suzanne – Recorded)

Refrain – I trust in you, you are my God.

In you. O God, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame

Deliver me in your righteousness

Incline your ear; come quickly to my rescue

Refrain – I trust in you, you are my God.

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to keep me safe

             You are indeed my rock and fortress

             Lead me and guide me for your own name’s sake.

Release me from the net that they hid for me, for you are my protector

Into your hands I commend my spirit

  For you have redeemed me, O God of truth

Refrain – I trust in you, you are my God.

Have mercy on me, God for I am in trouble

My eyes are wasted with grief, my soul and my body also

             My life is worn out with sorrow, and my years with sighing

             My strength fails me in my misery, my bones are wasted away

I am the scorn of my enemies, yes, even of my neighbours.

             My acquaintances shudder at the sight of me;

             When they see me in the street, they shrink away

I have passed out of mind like one who is dead.

I have become like a broken vessel.

             I hear the whispering of many, fear is on every side

             While they conspire against me, and plot to take my life.

Refrain – I trust in you, you are my God.

My times are in your hands

Deliver me from the hands of my enemies, those who pursue me

             Let your face shine on your servant

             And save me, for your mercy’s sake.

Refrain – I trust in you, you are my God.

GOSPEL             John 14:1-14 ( Zoltan)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?  Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.  Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

MV # 92         “Like a Rock” ( Sandy)

                       (sung twice)

Like a rock, like a rock, God is under our feet.

Like the starry night sky,  God is over our head.

Like the sun on the horizon,  God is ever before

Like the river runs to ocean, Our home is in God evermore.

REFLECTION:  “God’s House”    

MUSIC MINISTRY

“How Great Thou Art” Sung by Suzanne Oryschak

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING ( Tess)

Generous God, we bless you for your gift of life renewed through Christ’s love and through springtime growth in fields and gardens. Bless the gifts we bring to you. May they offer hope and renewal in the world you love as we serve in the name of your greatest gift, Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord. Amen.

Let us join our voices in thank as we sing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”. It is the first verse from Voices United # 541 and the words will also appear on the screen.

VU # 541  DOXOLOGY  “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” ( Sandy)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God, all creatures high and low;

Give thanks to God in love made known;

Creator, Word, and Spirit, One.

PRAYERS OF THE DAY  ( Brian and Marion)

Let us centre ourselves prayer…

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

(Brian)

God of power and might, who raised Jesus from the dead,

you free our hearts from trouble

and prepare a place of joyful for all your children.

And so we thank you for your promise and your peace which we need so desperately these days.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Marion)

In Christ, we know you as the way.

You deliver all who turn to you in moments of challenge or uncertainty.

We pray for those who feel lost or alone,

those who live with great anxiety and doubt

and any who are fearful of what tomorrow might bring.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Brian)

God of the Way, open the eyes of those who are struggling

so that they can see that there is a new way filled with hope for them,

with the promise of rest and renewal.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Marion)

In Christ, we know you as the truth.

You reveal the falsehood and lies that ensnare us in these confusing times.

We pray for those who have put their faith in false hope and flimsy promises,

those who are deceived by the fabrications of the power hungry

and any who are misled by distortions and twisted claims that circulate each day:

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Brian)

In Christ, we know you as the life.

You promise to overcome all that is rooted in death and decay

by your resurrecting power.

We pray for people who struggle with illness or grief

and all who live with deep sadness, depression or hopelessness.

We pray for those for whom each day seems like a chore,

and those for whom opportunities for abundant life are cut down by acts of discrimination or the loss of what seemed like security just weeks ago.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Marion)

Good and Gentle God,
we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women of theory who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life. You who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings.
Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly.
Give them the faithful support of husband, family and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children.
Give them joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of motherhood. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

(Brian)

For those in need of your healing love O Lord

those we name aloud) or those we hold silently in our Hearts

(mics will be unmuted, please say name or intention)

Moment of Silence

For all those named…For all intentions offered

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer 

(Marion)

Lord, may our prayers and intentions fall gently upon your ear, grant them O Lord, as you see fit in time, in ways, in blessing and care.

(Brian)

Help each of us and your whole church to follow in the footsteps of Christ

so that in our living and loving, your kingdom of justice and love is revealed.

This we pray in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray, as we say…

VU # 910 LORD’S PRAYER (spoken)

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread and  forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory

Forever and ever. Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Brian)

•         Happy Mothers day to all of our mothers and those who have mothered us and offered us their care.

•         Online Worship next Sunday, May 17 at 11:00am. 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

•         If you are a senior or know of seniors who needs assistance with groceries, you can call 211 for assistance.

•         We will hold an on-line Zoom Congregational Meeting to approve our Community of Faith Profile on Sunday, May 17, 2020 following our service. This is our second and final notice of this meeting.

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

CLOSING PRAYER (Brian)

(Author unknown)

There are times when only a mother's love
Can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappoints
And calm all of our fears.
There are times when only a mother's love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we've dreamed about
Quite suddenly is real.
There are times when only a mother's faith
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us the confidence
We need from day to day.
For a mother's heart and a mother's faith
And a mother's steadfast love
Were fashioned by the angels
And sent from God above.

Let us sing together “How Firm a Foundation” The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 660

VU # 660        “How Firm a Foundation” (Sandy)

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.”

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!”

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING (Marion)

Once you were not a people,
but now you are a people bound together in God’s mercy
and united in Christ’s service.
Depart in peace and confidence,
to love and serve in the name of Jesus the Christ,
the living representation of God
– our way, our truth, our life. 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

Sunday, May 3, 2020 - Easter IV

May 3, 2020 - 11:00am - Easter IV

The Congregation of Hope United Church

Worship Leader - Brian Stevens  BA. MDiv

Supervising Minister – Rev. Karen Dale

PRELUDE  TIME

Welcome everyone to our online ZOOM Sunday worship. As you arrive I will leave mics unmuted so that you may say hello. When we begin the service, I will mute all the mics except those who are reading or leading a song.

WELCOME

Welcome everyone. My name is Brian Stevens, I am the minister at Hope United. I am so pleased to have you with us today.  Our musicians today are Sandy and Claire. 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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND

With respect, we acknowledge the worldviews, spirituality, history and stewardship of the Mississauga of the New Credit on whose traditional lands our church resides.  We thank and honour the other indigenous peoples who share this land.  We affirm our commitment as Canadian Treaty people to work in right relation toward reconciliation.

GREETING

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 “I Have Called You by Your Name” The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in More Voices  # 161.

MV #161       “I Have Called You by Your Name”

I have called you by your name, you are mine

I have gifted you and ask you now to shine

I will not abandon you: all my promises are true.

You are gifted, called and chosen; you are mine.

I will help you learn my name as you go;

Read it written in my people, help them grow.

Pour the water in my name, speak the word your soul can claim

Offer Jesus’ body given long ago.

I know you will need my touch as you go.

Feel it pulsing in creation’s ebb and flow.

Like the woman reaching out, choosing faith in spite of doubt,

Go and tell my precious people they are mine.

I have given you a name, it is mine

I have given you my Spirit as a sign

With my wonder in your soul, make my wounded children whole

Go and tell my precious people they are mine.

CALL TO WORSHIP

( Based on Psalm 23)

Jesus, you are our shepherd.  
We shall never want.  

You make us lie down in green pastures; 
you lead us beside the still waters. 
You restore our souls. 

You guide us in the paths of righteousness for your name’s sake.
Even though we may walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
we fear no evil, for you, Christ, comfort us.

Jesus has prepared a table for us in the presence of our foes; 
Jesus has anointed us with the oil of salvation; 
our cup runs over!  

Surely, goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives,
And we will dwell in the house of our Holy Savior forever and ever.  Amen.

OPENING PRAYER

(from United Church of Christ)

Incarnate God,
You are the one who comes to us in Jesus Christ.
Holy One, 
You are the one who comes to us in the Holy Spirit.
Sovereign of Earth and Heaven, 
You are the one who calls us to recognize you today and every day
As splendid Mystery.
Gather our hearts and minds this day.
Kindle our God-consciousness.
Let us worship you in awe and wonder!!

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

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, “Candle of Light”. The words will appear on your screen.

“Touch us with Your Light”

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

Let us join our voices in our prayer of confession…

Merciful and Loving God, we ask forgiveness 
because our consciousness of you 
is dimmed by everyday desires and needs.

Response: Raise our consciousness of you, O God.

We forget that we are a reflection of your image.  
We act as though you are a Sunday-only event.  

Response: Increase our mindfulness of you, O God.

Help us to a greater common awareness 
of your deep mystery and infinite presence.  

Response: Rouse our awareness of you, God.

Open our eyes from surface focus to depth perception.
Turn our heads from shallow concerns to eternal truths.  

Response:  Awaken us from faint-heartedness, O God.

Forgive us for our narrow and selfish ways.  
Save us from cheap grace with your amazing grace.  

Response: Forgive us, O God.  We ask in Jesus’ precious name.  Amen.

 ASSURANCE OF GRACE

Holy, Forgiving God, we are your sheep.  
You keep us awake and aware.  
You can increase our God-consciousness every day of our lives.  
Bless you and praise you for forgiving us 
when we are barely mindful enough to ask.  
Help us to enter by the door 
when we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd.  
We hear your voice of pardon. 
Through Christ’s grace we are forgiven this morning, and we go in. 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”   (sung three times through)

Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis deo

Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia!

THE PEACE OF CHRIST

May the Peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

Let us take a moment to greet one another! Please type your greetings into the chat

FIRST READING        Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common. 

They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

VU #749                 PSALM 23

Refrain – The God of love my shepherd is; what can I want or need.

God is my shepherd

             There is nothing I shall lack.

You, God make me lie down in green pastures,

             You lead me beside the peaceful waters

You revive my spirit:

             You guide me in the right pathways for you name’s sake

Refrain – The God of love my shepherd is; what can I want or need.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me.

             Your rod and staff are my comfort.

Your spread a table for me is the sight of my enemies

             You anoint my head with oil, my cup is overflowing.

Surely you goodness and mercy shall; follow me all the days of your life.

             And I will dwell in God’s house, my whole life long.

Refrain – The God of love my shepherd is; what can I want or need.

GOSPEL              John 10:1-10

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.  The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”  Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.  I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

VU #747        “ The Lord’s My Shepherd”

The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again,
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
Even for His own name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill;
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod
And staff my comfort still.

My table Thou hast furnished me
In presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house forevermore,
My dwelling place shall be.

REFLECTION:  “A Joyous Entrance through the Shepherd’s Gate”

MUSIC MINISTRY

“ In the Garden” Sung by Claire Olanow

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Good Shepherd of the Sheep, 
you have opened the door to new life for us 
through your dedication and your sacrifice.  
May we reflect your love for us 
by opening the doors of our hearts to you and your church 
in the act of giving our offerings.

We thank you, Risen Christ, 
for moving the hearts of the people to give of themselves. 
May our offerings of service and financial support 
give voice to your work for justice and peace in this world. 
May we grow more mindful of you through our giving and our living.  Amen.

Let us join our voices in thank as we sing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”. It is the first verse from Voices United 541 and the words will also appear on the screen.

VU #541  DOXOLOGY  “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God, all creatures high and low;

Give thanks to God in love made known;

Creator, Word, and Spirit, One.

PRAYERS OF THE DAY

Let us centre ourselves prayer…

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

We draw our hearts again to the people of Nova Scotia, family and friends who have lost loved ones in the tragic helicopter crash. Our hearts go our to you. Still reeling from the events of last week, yet another tragedy has been laid upon your hearts. Know that you are embraced by the healing love and grace of Jesus…may it sustain you and hold you in the difficult days and months ahead.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For our seniors, for those living in shelters…for those living in instructional settings…those in oru prisons and jails….we have failed you…we did not ensure that in your vulnerability, you were kept safe….forgive us…now that our eyes and hearts have been opened wide, may we not forget again, that we are only as well and safe as our most vulnerable. Push us to action, for that is our call.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

We pray for our essential workers…those who feed us…those who care for us….those protect us…who keep us safe, yet we do not even  know them by name…they courageously show us each day for work, that we might be safe, be tended to, be protected….let us do our part to keep them safe.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For countries around the world who continue to struggle under the weight of Covid19…Lord touch the hearts of the leaders and politicians, that they make decisions and offer guidance that is the interest of all, unburdened or directed by political aspirations, for it is creation  and your people that need care, not ego, nor ballots in a box…open hearts, eyes, ears and minds that all may work together for the well being of all rather than the few….we also offer thanks for your abundant care and blessing O Lord, in these darkest of days, for you offer hope, light, love and grace to carry us through the night…let us be thankful.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For those in need of your healing love O Lord

those we name aloud) or those we hold silently in our Hearts

(mics will be unmuted, please say name or intention)

Moment of Silence

For all those named…For all intentions offered

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer 

Lord, may our prayers and intentions fall gently upon your ear, grant them O Lord, as you see fit in time, in ways, in blessing and care. Amen

Let us join our hearts and voices as we sing The Lord’s Prayer. The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 959

VU #959 LORD’S PRAYER (sung)

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name,

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sin,

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

•         Online Worship next Sunday, May 10 at 11:00am. 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.

•         If you are a senior or know of seniors who needs assistance with groceries, you can call 211 for assistance.

•         Thank you to everyone who participated in our Congregational Consultation on Thursday. Lots of great ideas and suggestions.

•         We are completing the final edits on our Community of Faith profile. We will hold an on-line Zoom Congregational meeting to approve it on Sunday, May 17,2020 following our service.

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

CLOSING PRAYER

(Prayer of St. Richard)

Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits thou hast given me,
For all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful redeemer and friend,
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly, day by day.
Amen.

Let us sing together “I Heard the Voice of Jesus”. The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in More Voices # 626

VU #626        “I Heard the Voice of Jesus”

I heard the voice of Jesus say

“Come unto me and rest

Lay down, O weary one, lay down

Your head upon my breast.”

I came to Jesus as I was

Weary and worn and sad

I found in Him a resting place

And he has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say

“Behold, I freely give,

The living water, thirsty one

Stoop down, and drink and live.”

I came to Jesus, and I drank

Of that life-giving stream,

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived

And now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“I am this dark world’s light,

Look unto me, your morn shall rise,

And all your day be bright

I looked to Jesus, and I found

In Him my star, my sun

And in that light of Life I’ll walk

Till traveling days are done.

Let us say together our responsive Benediction

BENEDICTION

You are called for a purpose: 
for the sake of knowing and drawing close toward God
a person bears up under sorrows.
All: We are not here by chance.

You are choice and precious in the sight of God,
and as living stones, your lives are being built up 
into a spiritual sanctuary where the justice and mercy and peace 
of the Risen Christ may dwell. 
All: We are not here by chance.

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,
and they follow me; 
and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; 
and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Jesus, we are the sheep of your pasture.
You have chosen us.
We have chosen you.
We are not here by chance. Amen

BLESSING

May the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ

Be with you this day

And evermore. 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

Sunday, April 26, 2020 - Easter III

April 26, 2020 -11:00am -Easter III

The Congregation of Hope United Church

Worship Leader - Brian Stevens  BA. MDiv

Supervising Minister – Rev. Karen Dale

PRELUDE TIME

Welcome everyone to our online ZOOM Sunday worship. As you arrive I will leave mics unmuted so that you may say hello. When we begin the service, I will mute all the mics except those who are reading or leading a song.

WELCOME

Welcome everyone. My name is Brian Stevens, I am the minister at Hope United. I am so pleased to have you with us today. Our musician today is Sandy. 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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND

With respect, we acknowledge the worldviews, spirituality, history and stewardship of the Mississauga of the New Credit on whose traditional lands our church resides.  We thank and honour the other indigenous peoples who share this land.  We affirm our commitment as Canadian Treaty people to work in right relation toward reconciliation.

GREETING

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 “Open My Eyes, that I May See”. The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 371.

VU 371 “Open My Eyes, that I May See”

Open my eyes, that I may see,

Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;

Place in my hands the wonderful key,

That shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready my God, Thy will to see,

Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open my ears, that I may hear

Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;

And while the wave notes fall on my ear,

Everything false will disappear.

Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready my God, Thy will to see,

Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open my mouth, and let me bear,

Gladly the warm truth everywhere;

Open my heart and let me prepare

Love with Thy children thus to share.

Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready my God, Thy will to see,

Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

CALL TO WORSHIP

We call out to the Spirit who teaches

Come...teach...our ears are open!

We call out to the Spirit who comforts

Come..hold us...our hearts are open!

We call out to the Spirit that guides us...

Come...lead us...our eyes are open! Amen

OPENING PRAYER -

(adapted from the United Church of Christ)

Loving God, we welcome your living presence in our midst. Share our joy and our thanks for the life you give us. with us! Dance among us! Pray with us! Shower us with your love! Help us to seek out the light of Christ, to lift the veil of darkness that we find once more find ourselves Bathed in your healing love and light. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

We light this candle as a symbol of Christ’s light in the world. May it burn brightly within us all. Amen

“ Candle of Light” by Brian Stevens

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

Heavenly Stranger, our Companion on the Way, we yearn for your love and grace. We seek your wisdom and guidance. We relish the joy which burns within our hearts when you are with us. Yet, sometimes we would cling to you, hoard the blessings of relationship with you, and not share your love with others. Forgive us, Dear One. Remind us that your love is to be carried throughout the world. Press us to share the hope and joy of your love, so that someone who hungers for spiritual food may be filled by our witness to your grace. Shine the light of your Spirit through us, so that we may show Your Way those who long for peace and help to revive those in whom hope has died. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

God may come to us, unrecognized, as a stranger. Enwrapped in a simple gesture of kindness or comforting word or boldly as an unexpected miracle laid before our very eyes. The Risen Christ reaches out to us in unexpected ways as we travel our own Emmaus roads. May the Word of our Still-speaking God continue to burn in our hearts. 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”   (SUNG THREE TIMES THROUGH)

Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis deo

Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia!

THE PEACE OF CHRIST

May the Peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

Let us take a moment to greet one another! Please type your greetings into the chat.

MUSIC MINISTRY

“In Christ Alone” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

FIRST READING

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

VU 836                 PSALM  116

Refrain - How can I repay you God, for all the goodness you show to me?

I love you, God, because you heard my voice when I made supplication

Because you turned your ear to me,

When I called your name.

The cords of death entangled me

And the pangs of the Grave laid hold on me

I suffered distress and anguish

Then I called upon the name of God:

“O God, I pray, save my life”

Refrain – How can I repay you God, for all the goodness you show to me?

How can I repay you, God

For all the good things you have done for me?

I will take the cup of salvation

And call upon the name of God

I will pay my vows in the presence of all God’s people.

Refrain – How can I repay you God, for all the goodness you show to me?

Precious in the sight of God is the death of the saints

O God I am your servant,

I am your servant, the child of your maidservant.

You have freed me from my bonds

I will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving

And will call upon the name of God

I will pay my vows to God in the presence of all God’s people

In the courts of the house of God, in your midst, O Jerusalem

Refrain – How can I repay you God, for all the goodness you show to me?

GOSPEL  

Luke 24:13-35

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

MUSIC MINISTRY

“ All in the April Evening” sung by Marion Burt

REFLECTION: “DO WE RECOGNIZE JESUS?”

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Jesus, God has made you both Sovereign and Christ. Therefore we pray your blessing upon the gifts we offer. We pray your blessing upon the abundance of creation. We pray your blessing upon us, and all those whose lives will benefit from the gifts shared this day. May your victory over death empower all whom you call to trust in God. In faith and hope we pray. Amen.

Let us join our voices in thanks as we sing “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”.

VU 541 DOXOLOGY   “PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW “

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God, all creatures high and low;

Give thanks to God in love made known;

Creator, Word, and Spirit, One.

PRAYERS OF THE DAY

Let us centre ourselves prayer...

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

We pray for the people of Nova Scotia, family and friends who have lost loved ones in the tragic shooting this week, the officers who lost their lives, and our first responders as we struggle to make sense out of this senseless act. Lives and been changed and altered...families will never be the same...a quiet village will wrestle always in the dark of night that such an event could take place in their town, is incomprehensible. Guide us Lord to place, to a time, to a way of living that no longer requires guns...Our hearts are broken...move us to hold and care for those left behind to pick up the pieces of lives splintered and fractured by this tragedy....

We pray to the Lord...

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For our seniors, for those living in shelters...we have heard a call to action...they are so vulnerable Lord, and we must ensure that they too are cared for, that they are safe, that every effort is made to make their homes and shelters as safe as our own. Lord, forgive us for we have been complacent, letting “others do the work”, letting others “bear the responsibility”, yet it rest upon all of our shoulders, for we walk Christ’s path, one of unconditional love and care...remind us and cajole us into action ...

We pray to the Lord...

Lord, Hear our Prayer

We pray again, we pray constantly for all who care for us...the people of the world, doctors and nurses, social workers, cleaners and caretakers, personal care assistants, cashiers and shelf stockers, police and fire workers, ambulance attendants, lab technicians and so many more that should also be named. Like Jesus, they place their life upon a cross each day for us...people they may not know nor meet, yet are ready to offer their hands and skills in our care...keep them safe, bless those who have lost their lives and welcome them to your embrace O Lord...

We pray to the Lord...

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For countries around the world who continue to struggle under the weight of Covid19...Ecuador, Brazil, the United States, Italy, Spain, France, Iran, The United Kingdom, and for those who fear that which lies before them...the countries of Africa, Russia and Asia

We pray to the Lord...

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For those in need of your healing love O Lord

those we name aloud (please unmute and say name or intention) or those we hold silently in our Hearts

Moment of Silence

For all those named...For all intentions offered

We pray to the Lord...

Lord, Hear our Prayer

Lord, may our prayers and intentions fall gently upon your ear, grant them O Lord, as you see fit in time, in ways, in blessing and care. Amen

Let us join our hearts and voices as we sing The Lord’s Prayer. The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in Voices United # 959

VU 959 LORD’S PRAYER (SUNG)

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name,

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sin,

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

•         Online Worship next Sunday, May 3 at 11:00am

•         The draft of our Community of Faith Profile is ready for your review. It was attached in the email with the order of services and is also posted on our website HopeUnited.ca. We would now need your comments, ideas, input and questions. Please send them via email to HopeUnitedChurch@gmail.com or call Brian Stevens at 647-825-5136

•         If you are a senior or know of seniors who need assistance with groceries, you can call 211 for assistance.

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

CLOSING PRAYER

Friends, rejoice in the mothering and fathering love of God! Rejoice in the victorious life of our Risen Saviour! Rejoice in the power of the Spirit! Go, living in the love of Christ! Go, serving in the name of Christ! Let your love of God embrace all whom you encounter....Those who are afar off...Those who are strangers met on the road...May your lives praise the Lord! AMEN.

Let us sing together “And On this Path”. The words will also appear on your screen and it is also in More Voices # 8

MV # 8 “And On this Path”

And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide,

And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide,

And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide

Open wide, open wide, open wide the gates are open wide.

So enter in, the gates of holiness are open wide,

So enter in, the gates of holiness are open wide,

So enter in, the gates of holiness are open wide,

Enter in, Enter in, Enter in, the gates are open wide

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING

Go forth into the world

Walking in the light and love

Of the Risen Christ

Moving with compassion and care

Sustained by the unconditional love of Christ

And may the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Our Creator God and Holy Spirit…

Be with you this day and evermore. 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

Sunday, April 19, 2020 - Easter II

April 19, 2020

11:00am

Easter II

The Congregation of Hope United Church

Worship Leader - Brian Stevens  BA. MDiv

Supervising Minister – Rev. Karen Dale

PRELUDE  & WELCOME

Welcome everyone to our online ZOOM Sunday worship. My name is Brian Stevens. Our musician today is Sandy Thorburn. Except when you are reading a prayer or leading a song, I would ask that you please keep your mic muted. You can type hello’s and greetings at anytime. A copy of the order of service was mailed out with your invitation. It is also available on our website HopeUnited.ca

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND

With respect, we acknowledge the worldviews, spirituality, history and stewardship of the Mississauga of the New Credit on whose traditional lands our church resides.  We thank and honour the other indigenous peoples who share this land.  We affirm our commitment as Canadian Treaty people to work in right relation toward reconciliation.

GREETING

I greet you in the name of our risen Lord and welcome you to our service of worship. Our opening song is “Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Give Thanks!”. It is found in Voices United # 178 and the words will also appear on your screen.

VU 178        “HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, GIVE THANKS!”

Hallelujah, hallelujah, Give thanks to the risen Christ

Hallelujah, hallelujah! Give praise to His name.

Jesus is Lord of all the earth

Firstborn of all creation.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, Give thanks to the risen Christ

Hallelujah, hallelujah! Give praise to His name.

Spread the good news o’er all the earth

Jesus has died and is risen.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, Give thanks to the risen Christ

Hallelujah, hallelujah! Give praise to His name.

We have been crucified with Christ

Now we shall live for ever.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, Give thanks to the risen Christ

Hallelujah, hallelujah! Give praise to His name.

Come let us praise the living God

Joyfully sing to our Saviour.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, Give thanks to the risen Christ

Hallelujah, hallelujah! Give praise to His name.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Sing a new song!
A springtime shout-out to life!

Sing praise to our joyful Easter God
Whose power brings new life out of death!

Immerse doubt and despair in the fountain of new birth
Find refreshment and strength for a future of hope!

For God has taken ordinary things
And made them extraordinary:

Sing a New Song!

OPENING PRAYER – (TESS)

(United Church of Christ)

Holy God, 
Nothing is beyond your power to transform!
In a gray dawn, you coax songs of Alleluia!
From the tombs of despair we take refuge in
You call us to wake up and work. 
We praise you for this amazing day! 
Come, Risen Christ, 
in newness and hope on this Eastertide morning. Amen.

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

We light this candle as a symbol of Christ’s light in the world.

May it burn brightly within us all. Amen

“ Candle of Light” by Brian Stevens (sung twice)

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

Redeeming God, 
with you there is always more life, more hope, more joy. 

When doubt assails us, and we fail to recognize you at work in our lives, 
Lord, have mercy!

When fear impairs our faith, and our eyes and ears and hearts 
do not know you, Christ, have mercy! 

When anger and sorrow stop us from doing the risky work of love, 
Lord, have mercy!

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

Within every kernel of doubt, there is a spark of life and hope. 
In those times when our faith falters, 
when we cannot recognize the presence of the Holy among us, 
God takes our faith and transforms it, 
patiently showing us the many ways Christ walks among us. 
Look around you: 
as close as your own beating heart, 
and in the eyes of your nearest neighbor, 
grace abounds at the heart of all life. 
You are all God’s children, loved without condition, 
go in that peace. Amen.

VU 37 “GLORIA”   (SUNG THREE TIMES THROUGH)

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.

FIRST READING          ACTS 2:14A, 22–32

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.

Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.  But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.  David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,  you will not let your holy one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

“Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day.  But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay.  God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

VU 738                 PSALM  16

Refrain - Psalm 16 - M. Christian T. Strover 1973

“Protect me, God: I trust in you.”

Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

I have said to God, “You are my God;

from you alone comes all my prosperity.”

All my delight is in the faithful who dwell in the land,

and in those who excel in virtue.

But as for those who run after other gods,

their troubles shall be multiplied.

Libations of blood I will not offer to those gods,

nor will I take their names upon my lips. R

You, God, are my allotted portion and my cup;

you yourself have cast my lot.

My boundaries enclose a pleasant land;

indeed I have a noble heritage.

I will thank you, God, for giving me counsel;

at night also you teach my heart.

I keep you always before me;

you are on my right hand, therefore I shall not fall. R

So my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;

for my body shall also rest in safety.

For you will not surrender me to the Grave,

nor suffer your beloved to see the Abyss.

You will show me the path of life.

In your presence is fullness of joy;

and from your right hand flow delights for evermore. R

GOSPEL          JOHN 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side.

Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.  Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

But Thomas (who was called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”  Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

MV 84 “IN YOU THERE IS A REFUGE”

In you, there is a refuge; in you we find our peace.

When all we know is chaos may our trust in you increase.

In you there is a silence, in you our minds are clear.

When all we hear is discord may your quiet draw us near

In you there is a vision, in you we learn to dream.

When All we see is desert my you be our living stream

In you there is a future, in you we find our way.

When hope has shed its brightness may you show us a new way.

REFLECTION:  “BLESSING AND FORGIVENESS”     BRIAN STEVENS BA MDIV

MUSIC MINISTRY  “ ALL IN AN APRIL EVENING” SUNG BY MARION BURTG

DOXOLOGY VU 541  “PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW “

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God, all creatures high and low;

Give thanks to God in love made known;

Creator, Word, and Spirit, One.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Loving God, can a  generous prayer be lifted up to you this Eastertide? 
Can these gifts, given with love, 
be further transformed like echoes of grace, 
delighting all who receive their blessings? 
May it be so, through the surprising  power of your Holy Spirit!
May our lives speak of a loving God, 
full of Easter surprises. Amen.

 VU 959 LORD’S PRAYER (SUNG)

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name,

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sin,

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

PRAYERS OF THE DAY

Response:  Lord, Hear our Prayer

We pray for patience, care and compassion. My they be the cornerstone of how we move in the world each day. Patience to remain at home and keep others safe, care for all those in need, and compassion for all those who struggle

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For the blessing that is spring…..soon to be upon us, the renewal and refreshing of creation , our spirit and our very souls. Stirred by the risen Lord, may we welcome the rebirth of nature into our hearts and minds, every thankful of the incredible abundance that is creation. Looking forward to the buds and leave son the trees and the glorious fruits and vegetables that begin to spout, open and rise again.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

We pray again and cons tartly for all who care for the people of the world, doctors and nurses, social workers, cleaners and caretakers, personal care assistants, cashiers and shelf stockers , police and fire workers, Ambulance attendants, lab technicians and so many more that should also be named. Like Jesus, they place their life upon a cross each day for us…people they may not know nor meet, yet are ready to offer their hands and skills in our care…keep them safe, bless those who have lost their lives and welcome them to your embrace O Lord

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For countries around the world who continue to struggle under the weight of covid 19… for residents and staff of long term care and seniors facilities. The tragic cost to vulnerable has been high…hold the families and caregivers in the palm of your hand O GOD

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For those in need of your healing love O Lord

those we name aloud ( please unmute and say name or intention) or those we hold silently in our hearts.

Moment of Silence

For all those named…For all intentions offered

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

•         Online Worship next Sunday, April 26 at 11:00am

•         For Pastoral emergencies contact Brian Stevens at 647-825-5136

•         We will need to schedule an Online congregational and annual meeting in the coming weeks/month

•         We will need your feedback on our Community of Faith Profile over the next two weeks.  It will be available shortly on our website: HopeUnited.ca . We can email or mail a copy. Please let us know how you would like to receive it

•         If you are a senior or know of a seniors who needs assistance with groceries, you can call 211 for assistance.

CLOSING PRAYER

God of new Life, Christ came speaking words of peace and understanding.

Thank you for strengthening our faith

and empowering us to live with hope and trust in you day by day.

We are grateful that you give us courage to face our fears and struggles, patience to endure moments when the way ahead is not clear,

and resilience in the face of new realities.

MV  212 “SENT OUT IN JESUS’ NAME”      

Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now

To make the world the place in which the kingdom comes

Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now

To make the world the place in which the kingdom comes

The angels cannot change a world of hurt and pain

Into a world of love, of justice and of peace

The task is ours to do,

To set it really free, O help us to obey,

And carry out your will.

The angels cannot change a world of hurt and pain

Into a world of love, of justice and of peace

The task is ours to do,

To set it really free, O help us to obey,

And carry out your will.

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING

Go forth into the world

Walking in the light and love

Of the Risen Christ

Moving with compassion and care

Sustained by the unconditional love of Christ

And may the blessing of our

Lord Jesus Christ,

Our Creator God and

Holy Spirit…

Be with you this day and evermore. 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

 

Thank you to everyone who assisted with our  Service of Worship.

Easter Blessings to all and keep safe!

Hope United.ca

Sunday, April 12, 2020 - Easter Sunday

April 12, 2020

11:00am

Easter Sunday

The Congregation of Hope United Church

Worship Leader - Brian Stevens  BA. MDiv

Supervising Minister – Rev. Karen Dale

PRELUDE  & WELCOME

Welcome everyone to our very first online ZOOM Sunday worship. My name is Brian Stevens. Our musician today is Sandy Thorburn. Except when you are reading a prayer or leading a song, I would ask that you please keep your mic muted. You can type hello’s and greetings at anytime. A copy of the order of service was mailed out with your invitation. It is also available on our website HopeUnited.ca

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND

With respect, we acknowledge the worldviews, spirituality, history and stewardship of the Mississauga of the New Credit on whose traditional lands our church resides.  We thank and honour the other indigenous peoples who share this land.  We affirm our commitment as Canadian Treaty people to work in right relation toward reconciliation.

GREETING

I greet you in the name of our risen Lord and welcome you to our service of worship. Our opening song is Christ is Risen from the dead. It is found in Voices United # 167 and the words will also appear on your screen.

VU 167        “Christ is Risen from the Dead!”

Christ is risen from the dead, glory, hallelujah ( 2X)

Jesus Christ is risen, glory, hallelujah  (2X)

God the Spirit dwells within us, glory, hallelujah (2X)

God the Spirit with us glory, hallelujah ( 2X)

CALL TO WORSHIP

We come to this place,
seeking Jesus in the familiar story of our faith.
Do not meet us only here, O Living Christ, 
but surprise us with Resurrection power
in all the places of our lives!

We gather together to sing and pray the story we know by heart, 
a story of loving triumph and powerful grace.
This story of “Alleluia!” means great joy 
for the One who lives and the ones who witness to this new life in all the places of our lives!

We rejoice and thank you for the life of your son, 
resurrected by the power of your loving, vibrant Spirit.
Let this same Spirit fill all the places of our lives, 
that we may know the truth of resurrection for the rest of our lives!

We join our hearts in song and sing  “Alleluia! Gracious Jesus!”  for Christ is living and so are we!
Alleluia indeed!

OPENING PRAYER

Good News God, your angels appeared to the faithful women of Jesus’  company, 
bringing them news more wonderful and awe-inspiring than they could imagine –  Christ is Risen! 
Surely your angels can interrupt our lives, too,  breaking into our losses and sorrows 
and offering a message of tremendous joy to change our lives! 

Come this Easter morning, we pray, and fill us with the joy of the women disciples, 
the first witnesses to your resurrection, that our lives may also be renewed in hope and glory. 
Let us roll back the stone of the grave and sing Alleluia once again! 
In Christ we pray, Amen. 

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

We light this candle as a symbol of Christ’s light in the world. May it burn brightly within us all. Amen

 PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God, we confess to you 
that while we know well the story of your victory over the grave, 
it is not a story we always live. 
We are dragged down by all manner of death – 
Fear may suffocate us: the loss of dreams and hopes 
for ourselves, our families, our communities and our nation. 
Sorrow may wall us off like a grave, 
isolating us with anger, frustration, and grief. 

Silence

Yet the stories of our faith are inscribed 
not with the marks of death, 
but with the word, “Alleluia!” 
So on this Easter morning, 
we pray that you will fill us with “fear and great joy” 
so that, like those women who came to the tomb expecting death, 
we may instead find the radiant new life 
that is ever before us in your Resurrection! Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

Just as Christ did not come to condemn but to liberate, 
so too is Christ raised from death not to judge but to celebrate. 
Cast off the yoke of sorrow and instead raise up the scepter of joy – 
Christ lives! We live! All is made new on this Resurrection morning!
Response: Alleluia and amen!

“Gloria”   Voices United # 37 ( sung three times through)

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.

“ Draw the Circle Wide”  More Voices # 145

Refrain:

Draw the circle wide,

Draw it wider still.

Let this be our song,

No one stands alone,

Standing side by side,

Draw the circle wide.

God the still-point of the circle,

‘Round whom all creation turns;

Nothing lost, but held forever,

In God’s gracious arms

Refrain:

Draw the circle wide,

Draw it wider still.

Let this be our song,

No one stands alone,

Standing side by side,

Draw the circle wide

Let our hearts touch far horizons

So encompass great and small;

Let our loving know no borders,

Faithful to God’s call.

Refrain:

Draw the circle wide,

Draw it wider still.

Let this be our song,

No one stands alone,

Standing side by side,

Draw the circle wide.

Let the dreams we dream be larger,

Than we’ve ever dreamed before;

Let the dream of Christ be in us,

Open every door.

Refrain:

Draw the circle wide,

Draw it wider still.

Let this be our song,

No one stands alone,

Standing side by side,

Draw the circle wide.

FIRST READING        Colossians 3: 1-4

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

PSALM 118 VU 837

Refrain:      Hallelujah, hallelujah!!

Let Israel say:

          “God’s love endures forever”

Let the House of Aaron say:

          “God’s love endures forever”

Let those who fear God say:

          “God’s love endures forever”

Refrain:      Hallelujah, hallelujah!

God is my strength and my song. God has become my salvation.

          There are shouts of joy and deliverance in the tents of the righteous

The right hand of God does mighty things, the right hand of God raises up

          The right hand of God does mighty things

I shall not die, but live, and I shall proclaim what God has done

          God indeed punished me, but did not give me over to death.

 Refrain:      Hallelujah, hallelujah!

Open to me the gates of the temple, that I may enter and give thanks to God

          This is the gate of God, through it the righteous shall enter

I thank you for you have answered me, you have become my salvation

          The stone which the builders rejected

          Has become the cornerstone

This is God’s doing, marvelous in our eyes

          This is the day that God has made

          Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Refrain:      Hallelujah, hallelujah!

Save us, O GOD, we pray

          God, we pray, give us success

Blessed is the one who come sin the name of God

          We bless you from the house of God

God, our God has given us light

          With palm branches in hand let us march to the altar

You are my God , and I will thank you

          You are my God, and I will extol you

Refrain:      Hallelujah, hallelujah!

GOSPEL             Matthew 28: 1-10

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.  Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

“Where Two or Three are Gathered”  More Voices  # 14

( sung three times)

Where two or three are gathered in my name,

I am there, I am there.

REFLECTION:  “Love One Another” Brian Stevens BA MDiv

Once again I would like to welcome everyone and thank them for being with us this morning. By this time we would usually have completed our first service and had an Easter breakfast together. These are not usual time. This is an Easter unlike any other we all have journeyed through. The parallels with COVID 19 and the world within Christ moved on a daily basis have much to teach us.

Tragedy and high death due to disease were not uncommon…to have many without access to medicine, to have shortages of food and basics need to sustain life….the descriptors ,equipment and foodstuffs may have changed, but out basic needs have not….

I offer daily prayers of thanks that I/ we are blessed to live in Canada, knowing or imagining that if I or one of our congregants were to fall ill, they would be offered the very best care that is available, regardless of which neighborhood we call home, that the ambulance will take us even if we don’t have private insurance or a visa card with a $10,000 limit…in this matter we are truly blessed

Yet we can do more…. we can do better.

There are vulnerable sections of our population who are at risk, many who provide us with essential services have risked much these past weeks…at first not having gloves and masks or partitions in grocery stores at the cash….our front line health care workers in hospitals’, long term care facilities , shelters not having the PPE to work safe, keep safe and ensure their clients and patients are kept safe.

Now is a time of care….now is a time of extraordinary generosity…the weeks and months ahead will strain us…yet we must press on, sharing our stories, listening with both heart and ears, little gestures really count…each piece of kindness that you can add to the abundance of good will is a joyous event. Check up on each other…check up on family, neighbours and friends, minimize our travels and keep safe distance. Our patience is being tested….Jesus did not give up on us…we must not give up on each other

Jesus laid down his life for us, and in this extraordinary gesture he called upon us to love one another…we have no time to wait…the time is now….love one another….be creative…be thoughtful….rejoice…for Christ is Risen this day. It is an extraordinary day and we are so blessed with your company and care. Amen

MUSIC MINISTRY   No One Heard and Angel Sing

DOXOLOGY    Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow  Voices United  # 541

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God, all creatures high and low;

Give thanks to God in love made known;

Creator, Word, and Spirit, One.

 PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Lord we are ever thankful for the abundance of creation,

the gifts of each other,

the gift of your presence in our lives.

Bless our ministry of care with heartfelt compassion

In Jesus name we pray. Amen

 LORD’S PRAYER (sung) Voices United # 959

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be Your name,

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us 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.

PRAYERS OF THE DAY

Response:  Lord, Hear our Prayer

When our faith stands at the grave, grieving for a stone that's rolled away,
forgive us. When our faith is short of understanding,  though the truth is there to see,
forgive us.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

When our faith, beset by doubt, sees no further than an empty tomb today,
forgive us.Bring to mind the cry of Mary, ‘I have seen the Lord!'
and grant us faith to believe!

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For all who care for the people of the world, doctors and nurses, social workers, cleaners and caretakers, personal care assistants, cashiers and shelf stockers , police and fire workers, Ambulance attendants, lab technicians and so many more that should also be named. Like Jesus, they place their life upon a cross each day for us…people they may not know nor meet, yet are ready to offer their hands and skills in our care…keep them safe, bless those who have lost their lives and welcome them to your embrace O Lord.

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer 

For countries around the world who struggle under the weight of COVID 19, Italy, Spain, France, United Kingdom, Iran, Ecuador, The United States, Germany ( please name others) we offer our prayers and support. Stir us to action…

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer

For those in need of your healing love O Lord,

those we name aloud ( please type into chat) or those we hold silently in our hearts

Moment of Silence

For all those named…

We pray to the Lord…

Lord, Hear our Prayer 

“One Bread, One Body”      Voices United # 467

Refrain:

One bread, one body, one Lord of all,

One cup of blessing which we bless

And we, though many, throughout the earth,

we are one body in this one Lord.

Gentile or Jew,

servant or free,

woman or man,

no more.

Refrain:

One bread, one body, one Lord of all,

One cup of blessing which we bless

And we, though many, throughout the earth,

we are one body in this one Lord.

Many the gifts,

many the works,

one in the Lord

of all.

Refrain:

One bread, one body, one Lord of all,

One cup of blessing which we bless

And we, though many, throughout the earth,

we are one body in this one Lord.

Grain for the fields,

scattered and grown,

gathered to one,

for all.

Refrain:

One bread, one body, one Lord of all,

One cup of blessing which we bless

And we, though many, throughout the earth,

we are one body in this one Lord.

SERVICE OF COMMUNION

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

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:

More Voices #203

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,

     Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

     Hosanna in the highest,

blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord

     Hosanna in the highest                

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:

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.

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:

More Voices # 204 ( sung twice)

Sing Christ has died,  Christ has risen.  Christ will come again

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

Sharing the bread and cup

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

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.

Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us,

So that we, and all your children, may be free,

And all creation lived to praise your name.

Great Amen

More Voices # 205

Amen, amen O Holy One, Hosanna and Amen!

Amen, amen O Holy One, Hosanna and Amen!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

“Jesus Christ is Risen Today”     Voices United  # 155

Jesus Christ is risen today, Hallelujah! our triumphant holy day, Hallelujah!

who did once upon the cross, Hallelujah! suffer to redeem our loss, Hallelujah!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Hallelujah! Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Hallelujah!

who endured the cross and grave, Hallelujah! Sinners to redeem and save, Hallelujah!

But the pains which he endured, Hallelujah! Our salvation have procured, Hallelujah!

now above the sky he’s King, Hallelujah! Where the angels ever sing, Hallelujah!

Sing we to our God above, Hallelujah! Praise eternal as God’s love, Hallelujah!

praise our God, ye heavenly host, Hallelujah! Praise the Son and Holy Ghost, Hallelujah!

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING

Go forth into the world

Walking in the light and love

Of the Risen Christ

Moving with compassion and care

Sustained by the unconditional love of Christ

And may the blessing of our

Lord Jesus Christ,

Our Creator God and

Holy Spirit…

Be with you this Easter Day. 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

Thank you to everyone who assisted with our Easter Worship.

Easter Blessings to all and keep safe!

Hope United.ca