Opening Prayer 1

Faithful God, we come into Your presence with thanksgiving, deeply grateful for the unfailing love and faithfulness You have shown toward us, Your people. When we call out to You, You answer.  When we are exhausted, You give us the strength to go on.  When we find ourselves in trouble, You are there, standing beside us.  And so we come before You gratitude and praise, offering You the worship of our hearts and lives.  Open our eyes to see and know You here among us; open our ears to recognize Your voice.  And then send us out from here, to live and work in the world as Your faithful disciples.  In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit     “The Heavens”          Catherine Rollin

Call to Worship 2

Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you." Lord, as we search now, let us find you. As we knock, open the door to us. Let us know you, that we may praise you; and love you, that we may serve you.

Hymn 175  Seek Ye First

Prayer of Confession 3

God, when we tread a path to your door we find it open and welcoming.  When we make requests of you, even the most difficult, selfish or presumptuous, you give according to your grace and goodness.  Forgive what is twisted or dangerous in us when we make our requests and demands.  Restore us with the surprise of your willingness.  Teach us to offer ourselves in return to those who make requests of us.  Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Words of Assurance

ONE: Jesus knows our every weakness, and loves us still. Awaken to the promise of Christ's amazing grace. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

PEOPLE: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 314

Christ, be our light!

Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

Scripture Reading:  Luke 11:1-13

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem  “Everything”    Lauren Daigle, Paul Mabury, Jason Ingram

Sermon   "Pray Like You Can Count On It"   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 465     What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Invitation to the Offering 4

Our faith leads us to believe these things:  That night always gives way to the dawn; war always gives way to peace and that death is always shattered by life

God is doing a new thing every minute of every day. God is at work, around us and within us for the homeless, a place to live; for the hungry, a feast; for the thirsty, a cup of cold clean water that runneth over; for the weary, rest; for the lonely, a friend; for the sick, healing and wholeness.

And we are called to be a part of God's work of generosity.  We are called to give, to surrender our time, talent, and treasure to this God-work of making all things new.  Let us receive this morning's offering, either by putting your gifts in the basket here on the table now or later, or by mailing your gifts to the church.

Offertory    Sonatina in C Major: Adagio     Ludwig van Beethoven

Prayer of Dedication 4

Loving God, with these gifts we hope to help you make a whole new world.  With these gifts we hope to help make real what your prophets declare, that mourning and crying and pain will be no more.  With these offerings, help make a world where everyone is loved, a world where justice and compassion roll down like a mighty stream, a world where everyone has warm food, cool water, healthcare, and friends - a world where death is no more, where mourning and crying and pain are no more!  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 728  Somebody's Knocking at Your Door

Announcements

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     “Counting Every Blessing”          The Rend Collective/arr. Craig Bray

1 Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

2 David Beswick

3 Rev Dr Philippa Horrex of Wanganui

4 Elizabeth Myer Boulton, President, SALT Project

Opening Prayer 1

Lord God, we sometimes wonder why our lives take the paths they do. We seem to find ourselves in all sorts of situations we had never envisaged, and we wonder what You are doing with us. Keep close to us, we pray, and give us the faith to trust You, for whatever happens. Then, in Your providence, show us more of Your glory and grace, so that we may be encouraged, and praise You forever: Amen.

Welcome

Introit     

Call to Worship 2

ONE: Gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and blessed by God,

ALL: we come to worship one, holy God.

ONE: O God, our own God, how wonderful is your name in all the earth. Your majesty is the music of the starry skies. In the name of the Healer, the Provider and the Enabler let your gratitude and joy be made known.

ALL: O God, our own God, how wonderful is your name in all the earth!

Hymn 26  Earth and All Stars!

Prayer of Confession 3

Merciful God, we live in a society that focuses on gathering things. We collect, store, gather items, gadgets, even people. We focus our energies on our collections providing adequate room for them and yet we bar the door to the needs of others, of those who have little or nothing, of those for whom life has been a constant struggle. We are sorry for the ways in which we have failed you. Forgive us. Turn us around to look at the ways in which our wealth, both of substance and spirit, can be used for healing and hope. Enable us to be in ministry to those in need and to care for this world. For we ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Words of Assurance

ONE: Jesus knows our every weakness, and loves us still. Awaken to the promise of Christ's amazing grace. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

PEOPLE: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 314

Christ, be our light!

Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

Scripture Reading:  Luke 12:13-21

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon    "To Share or to Store"     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 716    God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

Invitation to the Offering 4

Our faith leads us to believe these things:  That night always gives way to the dawn; war always gives way to peace and that death is always shattered by life

God is doing a new thing every minute of every day. God is at work, around us and within us for the homeless, a place to live; for the hungry, a feast; for the thirsty, a cup of cold clean water that runneth over; for the weary, rest; for the lonely, a friend; for the sick, healing and wholeness.

And we are called to be a part of God's work of generosity.  We are called to give, to surrender our time, talent, and treasure to this God-work of making all things new.  Let us receive this morning's offering, either by putting your gifts in the basket here on the table now or later, or by mailing your gifts to the church.

Offertory    Cantabile in Bb Major          Frédéric Chopin

Prayer of Dedication 4

Loving God, with these gifts we hope to help you make a whole new world.  With these gifts we hope to help make real what your prophets declare, that mourning and crying and pain will be no more.  With these offerings, help make a world where everyone is loved, a world where justice and compassion roll down like a mighty stream, a world where everyone has warm food, cool water, healthcare, and friends - a world where death is no more, where mourning and crying and pain are no more!  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 700  I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

Announcements

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     “Summertime”     George Gershwin

1 www.prayerandbiblestudy.org

2 Bruce Prewer (adapted)

3 Nancy C. Townley Worship Connection

4 Elizabeth Myer Boulton, President, SALT Project

Opening Prayer 1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. We come convinced of many things but trusting very few. Holy God of limitless surprises, meet us here in this place as we touch that which we cannot see that which we have not dared to hope.

Welcome

Introit     

Call to Worship 2

ONE: A new day has begun.

ALL: Hope wins!

ONE: A fresh start is granted.

ALL: Faith wins!

ONE: Today we have the opportunity to do something new.

ALL: Hope wins!

ONE: Christ is entering our lives in a new way.

ALL: Faith wins!

ONE: Come, let us worship God, who is inviting us into life in a new way, a way that transcends death, a way of hope and faith.

ALL: Love wins! Let us worship Christ, who overcame death to give us new life!

Hymn 669  Let's Sing unto the Lord

Prayer of Confession 3

God of truth, we know we fall far short of your expectations for us – sometimes we fail even our own self-expectations.  We wander away from you in our daily routines; we ignore your commands, and in apathy turn our backs on those who are suffering.  Forgive our short-sighted vision, our constant focus on ourselves, and our discounting of future generations in our decision-making.  Help us to deepen our connections with you through prayer, praise and scripture, and with others through affirming, supportive relationships.  We pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the source of all grace, Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Words of Assurance

ONE: Jesus knows our every weakness, and loves us still. Awaken to the promise of Christ's amazing grace. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

PEOPLE: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 314

Christ, be our light!

Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

Scripture Reading:  Luke 12:32-40

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     “Thy Word”     Grant & Smith

Sermon      "Don't Miss the Blessing"     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 350    Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning

Invitation to the Offering 4

Our faith leads us to believe these things:  That night always gives way to the dawn; war always gives way to peace and that death is always shattered by life

God is doing a new thing every minute of every day. God is at work, around us and within us for the homeless, a place to live; for the hungry, a feast; for the thirsty, a cup of cold clean water that runneth over; for the weary, rest; for the lonely, a friend; for the sick, healing and wholeness.

We give in grateful thanksgiving for all that God has given us. In the upside down world of the gospel, we measure our wealth not by what we have, but what we can give away. Let us give away generously, in this offering, to bless your church, your people, your creation.

Offertory    “Sally's Garden”     Arr. Mark Hanson

Prayer of Dedication 5

Loving God, with these gifts we hope to help you make a whole new world.  With these gifts we hope to help make real what your prophets declare, that mourning and crying and pain will be no more.  With these offerings, help make a world where everyone is loved, a world where justice and compassion roll down like a mighty stream, a world where everyone has warm food, cool water, healthcare, and friends - a world where death is no more, where mourning and crying and pain are no more!  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Friends, this is the joyful feast of unity.  Christ has gathered his people around the earth to commune at this table.  Across political lines and economic lines, in places of powerfully protected affluence, and among the poorest of the poor, we share a meal, remembering and celebrating the One who proved shalom possible. And so, come: you from the East and you from the West, from the North and from the South. Come. Come with your doubts, come with your hopes, come with your inadequacies and with your strengths.  Come, for this is a table where all are invited and all are welcome.

Preparation of the Table

LEADER: The Lord be with you

PEOPLE: And also with you

LEADER: Lift up your hearts

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord

LEADER: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

PEOPLE: It is right to give our thanks and praise

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Prayers of the People

The 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 360  Christ Is Coming!

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude    “In the Secret”     Andy Park

1 Katherine Hawker, Liturgies Outside

2 Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution

3 The Presbyterian Church in Canada

4 Rev. Quentin Chin, United Church of Christ

5 Elizabeth Myer Boulton, President, SALT Project

Opening Prayer 1

There is much to remind us, O God, of Your constant attention, of Your tireless care; the sparrow flies with joyful abandon, unconcerned and secure in Your watchfulness. The flower stands to its full height and parades its colours, proud and unashamed. When we take the time to see, when we stop long enough to listen, the sight of the carefree ones cuts through our fear. The sound of Your reassuring words quiets the frightened child within us. And so we praise You for Your unfailing love, O God, and thank You that You never stop reminding us that our lives are in Your hands. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     

Call to Worship 1

ONE: It seems to us that things would be much easier if you would just do what we ask, Jesus; If you were more compliant and co-operative, more flexible and adaptable, more open to follow agendas other than your own;

ALL: But, frustratingly, you refuse to be tamed, Jesus; you won't be domesticated into leaving our brokenness untouched, undisturbed, unruffled;

ONE: No – you prod and provoke, unafraid of the pain it might cause us, of the comfort we may have to relinquish.  You are a Wild God, Jesus, and we are afraid of such a God, but we choose to praise you anyway, because a domesticated deity, a tame grace is not what we need;

ALL: You are a Wild God, and we praise you that you are, because any other God would be unworthy of the name.

ONE: Let us worship this God who calls us to participate in the wildness of life!

Hymn 815  Give to the Winds Thy Fears

Prayer of Confession 1

When we choose to believe that Your Kingdom is no bigger than our bigotry; when we reduce Your Presence to the ambience in our favourite meeting place; when we see Your people as no one other than our people; when we believe that we have the authority to distribute Your grace as we see fit; when we use Your word to justify the way we withhold Your blessing from others; when we enlist You as an enforcer of our particular ideology; when in any way, O God, we make You in our image, when we create our own Kingdoms and call them Yours, we have failed You, and we have kept others away from You. Forgive us, change us, and humble us, we pray; keep us always aware of how Your grace has rescued us, and keep us always aware of those who seek Your grace in us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Words of Assurance

ONE: Jesus knows our every weakness, and loves us still. Awaken to the promise of Christ's amazing grace. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

PEOPLE: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 314

Christ, be our light!

Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

Scripture Reading:  Hebrews 11:29 -12:2

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     

Sermon      Remembering is Key     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 730    I Sing a Song of the Saints of God

Invitation to the Offering 2

Our faith leads us to believe these things:  That night always gives way to the dawn; war always gives way to peace and that death is always shattered by life

God is doing a new thing every minute of every day. God is at work, around us and within us for the homeless, a place to live; for the hungry, a feast; for the thirsty, a cup of cold clean water that runneth over; for the weary, rest; for the lonely, a friend; for the sick, healing and wholeness.

We give in grateful thanksgiving for all that God has given us. In the upside down world of the gospel, we measure our wealth not by what we have, but what we can give away. Let us give away generously, in this offering, to bless your church, your people, your creation.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 3

Loving God, with these gifts we hope to help you make a whole new world.  With these gifts we hope to help make real what your prophets declare, that mourning and crying and pain will be no more.  With these offerings, help make a world where everyone is loved, a world where justice and compassion roll down like a mighty stream, a world where everyone has warm food, cool water, healthcare, and friends - a world where death is no more, where mourning and crying and pain are no more!  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayers of the People 1

We may not be able to confront queens, or challenge presidents; we may not have the capacity to divert resources, or uplift communities; we may not have the voice to silence the noise of war, or the words to negotiate peace between armies; but, as we follow you, O Christ, we are able to do something. And so, we pray that you would inspire us to commit to and act on the small difference we can make: May we bring peace through small acts of gentleness and reconciliation; May we bring wealth through small contributions and collaborations; May we bring safety through small acts of consideration and acceptance; May we bring wholeness through small acts of care and service. And in the small ways, O God, may our small difference make a big contribution to your saving work in our world. Amen.

The 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 543  God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude    

1 John van de Laar

2  Rev. Quentin Chin, United Church of Christ

3 Elizabeth Myer Boulton, President, SALT Project

Opening Prayer 1

There is much to remind us, O God, of Your constant attention, of Your tireless care; the sparrow flies with joyful abandon, unconcerned and secure in Your watchfulness. The flower stands to its full height and parades its colours, proud and unashamed. When we take the time to see, when we stop long enough to listen, the sight of the carefree ones cuts through our fear. The sound of Your reassuring words quiets the frightened child within us. And so we praise You for Your unfailing love, O God, and thank You that You never stop reminding us that our lives are in Your hands. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     

Call to Worship 2

ONE:   We have come to worship God, the living God,

ALL:    Who calls prophets and teachers to bear witness.

ONE:   We have come to praise God, the almighty God,

ALL:    Who answers the forces of hatred and hurt with the power of grace.

ONE:   We have come to worship God, all-gracious God,

ALL:    Who chooses even you and me, to receive and carry the Word of life and hope. All glory to God!

Hymn 396  Brethren We Have Met to Worship

Prayer of Confession 3

The law is easy, Jesus, lists to be made, items ticked as each is fulfilled; love is messy, people to be heard and seen, consequences and compassion to be considered; but we've lived too long by law – the law of the sword taking lives to achieve our goals; the law of the market seeking gain without thought of the impact, the law of religion handing out judgement in your name; but, the poor and the weak, the diseased and the lonely, the rejected and the sinful find no healing in our laws; so teach us to love, Jesus, as you do, enough to defend the helpless and overturn the tables of the powerful; enough to sacrifice ourselves so others may live. Teach us to love, Jesus, as you do. Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Words of Assurance

ONE: Jesus knows our every weakness, and loves us still. Awaken to the promise of Christ's amazing grace. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

PEOPLE: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 314

Christ, be our light!

Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

Scripture Reading:  Jeremiah 1:4-10

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     

Sermon     "Many as One"    Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 722    Lord, Speak to Me, for I Am Yours

Invitation to the Offering 4, 5

Our faith leads us to believe these things:  That night always gives way to the dawn; war always gives way to peace and that death is always shattered by life

God is doing a new thing every minute of every day. God is at work, around us and within us for the homeless, a place to live; for the hungry, a feast; for the thirsty, a cup of cold clean water that runneth over; for the weary, rest; for the lonely, a friend; for the sick, healing and wholeness. 4

We give in grateful thanksgiving for all that God has given us. In the upside down world of the gospel, we measure our wealth not by what we have, but what we can give away. Let us give away generously, in this offering, to bless your church, your people, your creation. 5

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 6

Loving God, with these gifts we hope to help you make a whole new world.  With these gifts we hope to help make real what your prophets declare, that mourning and crying and pain will be no more.  With these offerings, help make a world where everyone is loved, a world where justice and compassion roll down like a mighty stream, a world where everyone has warm food, cool water, healthcare, and friends - a world where death is no more, where mourning and crying and pain are no more!  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayers of the People 1

We may not be able to confront queens, or challenge presidents; we may not have the capacity to divert resources, or uplift communities; we may not have the voice to silence the noise of war, or the words to negotiate peace between armies; but, as we follow you, O Christ, we are able to do something. And so, we pray that you would inspire us to commit to and act on the small difference we can make: May we bring peace through small acts of gentleness and reconciliation; May we bring wealth through small contributions and collaborations; May we bring safety through small acts of consideration and acceptance; May we bring wholeness through small acts of care and service. And in the small ways, O God, may our small difference make a big contribution to your saving work in our world. Amen.

The 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 295  Go to the World!

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude    

1 Sacredise.com

2  United Church of Christ's Worship Ways Archive

3 Sacredise.com

4 Elizabeth Myer Boulton, President, SALT Project

5 Rev. Quentin Chin

6 Elizabeth Myer Boulton, President, SALT Project

Opening Prayer 1

It's not always comfortable, God, but it is certainly good, that you go straight for the heart. You do not allow us to skate over the surface of life, filling our days with dry legality, and pretend righteousness; no, you come at us from the inside, challenging our thoughts and attitudes, our motives and perceptions; and shaping them into the fuel for change that gives us hearts like yours, and lives that are lived from the inside out. We praise you, O God, for your uncomfortable grace, your transforming Spirit, and for the gift of lives lived with integrity and compassion from the inside out. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     “Still”     Ola Gjeilo

Call to Worship 2

Like bread that feeds us, wine that quenches our thirst, like fire that warms us, a blanket that wraps around us, like the nurture of a mother, the attention of a lover, Your Word whispers into our souls, nourishing, strengthening, empowering. We praise you, Jesus, Word of God, Bread of Life, for your kindness to us; and for the words you give us to speak, to live, which fill the world with kindness, and life.   Let us worship this life giving, life changing God, together!

Hymn 402    How Lovely, Lord

Prayer of Confession 3

ONE: Knowing that our God walks with us in our confusion, our doubts, our failings, our struggles, we now come humbly before God to ask for mercy. For the times we fail to offer hospitality to those in our world who suffer injustice, oppression, and poverty, we pray:

ALL: God, have mercy on us and your people.

ONE: For the times we lack courage to address the causes of injustice, oppression and poverty, we pray to our God:

ALL: God, have mercy on us and on your people.

ONE: For the times we give in to despair and resignation when confronted with the injustice of our world, we pray to our God:

ALL: God, have mercy on us and on your people.

ONE: For the times we allow our fears to triumph over the call to solidarity, we pray to our God:

ALL: God, have mercy on us and on your people. Merciful God, receive our petitions. Heal the brokenness in our hearts and in our world caused by injustice, indifference, selfishness and fear. Open our hearts to hear the cries of your suffering people. Support us as we seek to respond in solidarity and with hospitality. Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Words of Assurance

ONE: Jesus knows where we fall short of loving as Jesus would, and turn to easier ways to relate to people in our lives.  Jesus knows our every weakness, and loves us still. Awaken to the promise of Christ's amazing grace. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

ALL: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 314

Christ, be our light!

Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

Scripture Reading:  Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     "Blessed Be Your Name"     Matt & Beth Redman

Sermon      "Demonstrate Mutual Love"   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 300    We Are One in the Spirit

Invitation to the Offering 4

Our faith leads us to believe these things:  That night always gives way to the dawn; war always gives way to peace and that death is always shattered by life

God is doing a new thing every minute of every day. God is at work, around us and within us for the homeless, a place to live; for the hungry, a feast; for the thirsty, a cup of cold clean water that runneth over; for the weary, rest; for the lonely, a friend; for the sick, healing and wholeness.

We give in grateful thanksgiving for all that God has given us. In the upside down world of the gospel, we measure our wealth not by what we have, but what we can give away. Let us give away generously, in this offering, to bless your church, your people, your creation.

Offertory   “Prayer”     Ludwig van Beethoven

Prayer of Dedication 5

Loving God, with these gifts we hope to help you make a whole new world.  With these gifts we hope to help make real what your prophets declare, that mourning and crying and pain will be no more.  With these offerings, help make a world where everyone is loved, a world where justice and compassion roll down like a mighty stream, a world where everyone has warm food, cool water, healthcare, and friends - a world where death is no more, where mourning and crying and pain are no more!  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 306  Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude    "Build Your Kingdom Here"          Llewellyn, Gilkeson, Herron

1 Inside Out

2 Word of God

3 Offering Hospitality to Refugees compiled by Loreto Conroy

4 Rev. Quentin Chin

6 Elizabeth Myer Boulton, President, SALT Project

Opening Prayer 1

God the Holy Spirit, you are the restless breath of love that sweeps through the world.  You move where you will, breaking down barriers, stirring hearts to change, making all things possible. Inspire each one of us to hunger and thirst for justice! Come, Spirit of God, sweep through our world bringing great change. May the bounty of your goodness be shared more justly, so all may share in the rich blessings of your creation. And, for us, bring transformation in our praying and living, so that we may act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you all the days of our lives.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit     “Just a Closer Walk With Thee”     Trad. Gospel,  Arr. Anon     

Call to Worship 2

ONE: Holy One, dwell within us.

ALL: Whisper in our ears;

ONE: Glimmer in our vision;

ALL: Write upon our hearts.

ONE: We wait

ALL: with open ears, open eyes, open hearts. Amen.

Hymn 451    Open My Eyes, That I May See

Prayer of Confession 3

ONE: Knowing that our God walks with us in our confusion, our doubts, our failings, our struggles, we now come humbly before God to ask for mercy. For the times we fail to offer hospitality to those in our world who suffer injustice, oppression, and poverty, we pray:

ALL: God, have mercy on us and your people.

ONE: For the times we lack courage to address the causes of injustice, oppression and poverty, we pray to our God:

ALL: God, have mercy on us and on your people.

ONE: For the times we give in to despair and resignation when confronted with the injustice of our world, we pray to our God:

ALL: God, have mercy on us and on your people.

ONE: For the times we allow our fears to triumph over the call to solidarity, we pray to our God:

ALL: God, have mercy on us and on your people. Merciful God, receive our petitions. Heal the brokenness in our hearts and in our world caused by injustice, indifference, selfishness and fear. Open our hearts to hear the cries of your suffering people. Support us as we seek to respond in solidarity and with hospitality. Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart:

Nothing can be hidden.

Words of Assurance

ONE: Jesus knows where we fall short of loving as Jesus would, and turn to easier ways to relate to people in our lives.  Jesus knows our every weakness, and loves us still. Awaken to the promise of Christ's amazing grace. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

ALL: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 314

Christ, be our light!

Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

Scripture Reading:  Philemon 1:1-21

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

ALL:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     Il Giorni     Ludovico Einaudi

Sermon        "What Does It Take?"  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 767    Together We Serve

Invitation to the Offering 4

Our faith leads us to believe these things:  That night always gives way to the dawn; war always gives way to peace and that death is always shattered by life

God is doing a new thing every minute of every day. God is at work, around us and within us for the homeless, a place to live; for the hungry, a feast; for the thirsty, a cup of cold clean water that runneth over; for the weary, rest; for the lonely, a friend; for the sick, healing and wholeness.

We give in grateful thanksgiving for all that God has given us. In the upside down world of the gospel, we measure our wealth not by what we have, but what we can give away. Let us give away generously, in this offering, to bless your church, your people, your creation.

Offertory   “Be Thou My Vision”     Trad. Irish, Arr. Marcia Wells

Prayer of Dedication 5

Loving God, with these gifts we hope to help you make a whole new world.  With these gifts we hope to help make real what your prophets declare, that mourning and crying and pain will be no more.  With these offerings, help make a world where everyone is loved, a world where justice and compassion roll down like a mighty stream, a world where everyone has warm food, cool water, healthcare, and friends - a world where death is no more, where mourning and crying and pain are no more!  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Sacrament of Holy Communion 6

Welcome to the delight that is this table.  Our Lord's table.  Welcome to the table where the love of God meets Humanity.  We welcome everyone to this table, no matter your church background, your knowledge of biblical ideas, no matter your sexual orientation or gender truth, no matter your mood.  Wherever and whoever you are you are welcome here, you belong, you are worthy.  

“This is for you, but it may change you from one who is anxiously concerned about their own redemption into one who knows that Christ's body is the earth and all who walk upon it, are one in Christ.  Into knowing that we are not redeemed by our being good but by our being connected.  Into knowing that daring to eat at the table of Jesus Christ has unimaginable consequences.

So come, come to be made whole, and to participate in the work of making us one with Him and each other.

Preparation of the Table

LEADER: The Lord be with you

PEOPLE: And also with you

LEADER: Lift up your hearts

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord

LEADER: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

PEOPLE: It is right to give our thanks and praise

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Prayers of the People

The 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 494  Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude    "Golden Gate Waltz"     Barbara Arens

Announcements

1 Third Space Blog

2 Joanna Harader

3 Offering Hospitality to Refugees compiled by Loreto Conroy

4 Rev. Quentin Chin

5 Elizabeth Myer Boulton, President, SALT Project

6 Ann Siddall

Opening Prayer 1

Holy God, Creator of Life, you call us out of our dark places, offering us the grace of new life. When we see nothing but hopelessness, you surprise us with the breath of your spirit. Call us out of our complacency and routines, set us free from our self-imposed bonds, and fill us with your spirit of life, compassion, and peace, In the name of Jesus, your anointed one, we pray. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     "Holy Spirit"     Bryan and Katie Torwal

Call to Worship 2

ONE: O come let us worship and lift our hearts . . .

ALL: Not because the world is good and last week was awesome, but because the earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the God of the whole Earth.

ONE: O come let us worship and raise our hands . . .

ALL: Not because our lives are all sweetness and light, but because even those who walk in darkness can see a great light, the Bright and Morning Star

ONE: O come let us worship and bow down . . .

ALL: Not because God gives us what we want, but because God gives us what we need – the holy child Jesus, God's Unspeakable Gift. Let us worship together!

Hymn 710    We Lift Our Voices

Statement of Faith 3

We are not alone, we live in God's world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church:  to celebrate God's presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.

Response Hymn 616

Our God is an awesome God

Who reigns from Heaven above

With wisdom, power and love

Our God is an awesome God!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 466

Come and fill our hearts with your peace.

You alone, O Lord, are holy.

Come and fill our hearts with your peace.  Alleluia!

Scripture Reading:  Exodus 32:7-14

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     "Reminding Ourselves"     Craig Bray

Sermon      "The Comma"   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 720    Jesus Calls Us

Invitation to the Offering 4

Our faith leads us to believe these things:  That night always gives way to the dawn; war always gives way to peace and that death is always shattered by life

God is doing a new thing every minute of every day. God is at work, around us and within us for the homeless, a place to live; for the hungry, a feast; for the thirsty, a cup of cold clean water that runneth over; for the weary, rest; for the lonely, a friend; for the sick, healing and wholeness.

We give in grateful thanksgiving for all that God has given us. In the upside down world of the gospel, we measure our wealth not by what we have, but what we can give away. Let us give away generously, in this offering, to bless your church, your people, your creation.

Offertory   My Shepherd Will Supply My Need/Gymnopedie No. 1

                    American Folk Tune/Erik Satie, Arr. J. Reddell-Popovich

Prayer of Dedication

God of grace and truth, you touch our lives with extravagant mercy and we offer these gifts in response to such generosity. We pray that we may be bearers of a like mercy and grace in all our dealings with people. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Prayers of the People

The 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 620  Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude    “Go Down, Moses”     Trad., Arr. Fishel Pustilnik

1 Rev. Nancy J.

2 Leonard Sweet

3 New Creed of 1968, United Church of Canada

4 Rev. Quentin Chin

Opening Prayer 1

Holy God, Creator of Life, you call us out of our dark places, offering us the grace of new life. When we see nothing but hopelessness, you surprise us with the breath of your spirit. Call us out of our complacency and routines, set us free from our self-imposed bonds, and fill us with your spirit of life, compassion, and peace, In the name of Jesus, your anointed one, we pray. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     “Heart of Worship”          Matt Redman

Call to Worship 2

Come, let us worship the one who calls us here. We gather to worship with joy and in hope. Come, let us worship the one who desires our hearts. We bring our whole selves in worship to our God. Come, let us set aside all that distracts us from true worship. We come as we are and ask the Spirit to gather us in and direct our vision. Come, let us worship the one who calls us here. We are here to worship with all that we are.

Hymn 386    Come, Worship God

Statement of Faith 3

We are not alone, we live in God's world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church:  to celebrate God's presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.

Response Hymn 616

Our God is an awesome God

Who reigns from Heaven above

With wisdom, power and love

Our God is an awesome God!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 466

Come and fill our hearts with your peace.

You alone, O Lord, are holy.

Come and fill our hearts with your peace.  Alleluia!

Scripture Reading:  Luke 16:1-13

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     “Down to the River to Pray"     Trad. Spiritual, Arr. Sheldon Curry

Sermon      Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 697    Take My Life

Invitation to the Offering

The Christian life is marked by the offering of one's self to God. In worship, God presents us with the costly self-offering of Jesus Christ, who has claimed us and set us free. In response to God's love in Christ we offer our lives, our gifts, our abilities, and our material goods for God's service. The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. (Psalm 24:1).  Let us return to God the offerings of our life and the gifts of the earth.

Offertory  “Lord, to Thee We Turn”     Orlando di Lasso

Prayer of Dedication 4

God of grace and truth, you touch our lives with extravagant mercy and we offer these gifts in response to such generosity. We pray that we may be bearers of a like mercy and grace in all our dealings with people. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Prayers of the People

The 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 700  I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude    “We Are”     Butler, Cash, Tealy, McBride

1 Rev. Nancy J.

2 Derek C. Weber, February 2022

3 New Creed of 1968, United Church of Canada

4 Rev. Quentin Chin