A thought around which to gather as we worship: “Communities are at the core of God's realm: 'Wherever two or more are gathered....' God's realm requires relationships: being in a loving relationship with God while at the same time being in loving relationships with the people who form our communities: 'Love the Lord your God...[and] love your neighbour as yourself.' (Matthew 22:37-39) It is in this dynamic set of relationships that we have an opportunity to work toward healthy communities where the people in them can also be healthy.” Restoring Communities to Live In: A Community Engagement Handbook©The United Church of Canada, Etobicoke, Ontario:1997
We Gather to Worship God
Welcome and
Announcements
Greeting one
another with the Peace of Christ.
One: The
Peace of Christ be with you.
All: And with your spirit
Introit O Canada VU524
Call to Worship
One: This is God's land. From coast to
coast, from the far off reaches of the north, to the windswept shores of east
and west, to the border with our southern neighbour, God is present in this
land.
All: This is God's land. We are the
people of this land.
One: Here are God's people. From Aboriginal
Nations to recent immigrants, from fifth generation farmers to newly arrived
professionals, God's people surround us.
All: We are the
people of this land.
One: Now is God's
time. In summer retreats and in holiday places, amid bird song, salt spray, or
farm scented air, in cathedral sanctuaries and in parkland gatherings, we
honour this holy day together.
All: This is a time to honour God. Let us give God thanks
and praise.
Hymn Come to My Heart VU661
Opening Prayer (together)
O God, as we gather again in worship on this Canada Day, we
reflect on our nation, the people within it, and our ways of building and being
community. We look for ways to be your people in this community, this country.
We seek a renewed understanding of what it means to be a country of compassion
and to form a land of principles, integrity and justice. May we live with
confidence and hope in our service to one another, strengthened for this
service by the gifts of your Spirit, this weekend and every day of the year
ahead. Amen.
We Listen for God’s Word
Deuteronomy 10:12-22 What
the Lord requires of you
Psalm 130 Up From the Depths I Cry
to God (sung) VU852
Hymn Jesus' Hands Were Kind Hands VU570
Time with young people
You Embrace All
Peoples VU525 & The Lord's Prayer
The Gospel Acclamation
Matthew 22:35-39 The Great Commandment
Reflection on the Word
We Respond in Faith
Hymn I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me VU575
Prayer
of Thanksgiving Back of
bulletin
Minute for
Mission –Faith in Action
Offering
Our Gifts to God
Offering Song/Doxology In
Gratitude and Humble Trust VU544
We Go to Serve God
Hymn What a
Friend We Have in Jesus VU664
Commissioning
and Benediction
Go. Bless and be blessed. Love and be loved. Renew and be renewed.
Go. Build community, build Canada, build God's vision of Shalom.
All: We will go with God’s blessing for the world.
Choral Amen
