ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2ND 2014

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.): Denis Bernard

Lay Reader (St. D.): Wanda Radford

Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Darren & Anne Louise Blundon

Greeters (St. D.): The Timmons Family

Collectors (St. D.): Bob Downard, Alicia Vink

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

Tuesday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

Wednesday 9-12 noon Nan at St. David’s, Jane at St. Mark’s

Thursday 9 – 12 noon Jane at St. Mark’s

Friday – Minister’s Day Off, 9-12 noon Jane at St. Mark’s

Food Bank donations are received on the last Sunday of the month.

They are also saving plastic grocery bags which can be dropped off at the Food Bank or given to one of the volunteers.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is November 16^th at 1:00 p.m.

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE:  

Canadian Church Calendar 2015

Cost: $6.00 (profit to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada) 

A beautiful calendar showcasing our own traditions with inspired photographs of Anglican and United churches from across Canada. Significant church dates and spiritually uplifting verses make it the perfect calendar to give or keep.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for Nov.-Dec. are available.

About Gifts with Vision

The United Church of Canada developed the giving catalogue Gifts with Vision in response to member requests to be able to give gifts to relatives, friends, and loved ones that are in direct support of the church’s Mission and Service partners across Canada and around the world.

If you are seeking inspiring new gift ideas or perhaps would rather not give family and friends the same old clothes/toys/chocolates, Gifts with Vision presents a new way to celebrate special occasions. Give a gift that can help change people’s lives! Print catalogues are now available in the entry to the church and gifts can also be purchased online at www.giftswithvision.ca

Anyone interested in Confirmation is asked to please contact the Church Office at 625-2229.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Mark’s Welcomes You!

Refreshments in the church hall following worship—please join us! There is a quiet nursery space above the stage in the hall—reached via the stairs by the church office door. There you will find toys, change table, crib, rocking chair for your use. We’re so glad you came today.

St. Mark’s Courtesy Car: Contact person for the Courtesy Car is Andy Palmer. His telephone number is 625-2748.

FundScrip Order Sundays will be November 9^th and 23^rd and Delivery Sundays will be November 2^nd, 16^th and 30^th. Promotions for November are as follows:

Petro-Canada               2.5%         (Regular 2%)

WaySpa                       13%          (Regular 10%)

Sears                          5%            (Regular 3%)

( Includes Home Outfitters & Hudson’s Bay)

 Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions about the program or if you wish to join the program.

Lay Readers:

Nov. 9^th – Bill Charlton

Nov. 16^th – Brenda Mac Innis

Nov. 23^rd – Vida Hood

Nov. 30^th – Connie Fowlie

November 18^th – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting.

St. Mark’s Bazaar on November 28^th from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

Nov. 9^th – Kevin Pierce

Nov. 16^th – Dave Pringle

Nov. 23 – Arnold Mac Lean

Nov. 30^th – Margie Mac Intyre

Hall Cleaners for November are Claudette Fox & Ashley Fox.

St. David’s Roast Beef Supper with Homemade Pies on Friday, November 7^th at Port Hastings Fire Hall from 4 to 6 pm.

Adults $12.00   Children $8.00 (Take outs available) Sponsored by St. David’s Board of Stewards

St. David's UCW meeting will be held on Wed. November 19/14 at the home of Sally Fox at 1:30 pm.

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

A meeting concerning the future of the Port Hastings Historical Society and Museum will be held at the Museum on Monday November 3rd at 7pm The meeting will focus on the future of the Society, the need for more volunteers to help run the organization and assist with events and fundraising. Everyone welcome  

++++++++++

Stella Maris Ladies Auxiliary will be holding the 2014 Fall Bazaar on Sunday, November 16, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the Creignish Recreation Center.  The bazaar will feature a bake table, crafts, fish-pond, cake walk, silent auction, parcel post, new to you items, bingo, and kids “make & take,  50/50 draw, Tea/Coffee/Dessert --- fun for the whole family. 

++++++++++

MAD Computers and Sandi’s Barbershop have launched a joint campaign called Family Needs.  The purpose of this endeavor is to provide good quality used outerwear to needy families.  There are many families in the Strait Area struggling, especially in winter to make ends meet.  The rising cost of fuel and electricity make it difficult for families to feed and clothe their families plus pay their bills. 

Anne, Sandi, and Angie have begun collecting snowsuits, winter jackets, coats, boots and skates at both establishments.  Sizes range from infant to youth and teens to early 20s or college age. 

If you have items for this project, please drop them off at MAD Computers, 3 Summit Drive Port Hawkesbury or Sandi’s Barbershop at the Town Center (Chediac Plaza) Reeves St.  Phone numbers are as follows:  MAD Computers – 625-0894 and Sandi’s Barbershop – 625-1500.

     If you do not have items of clothing but would still like to help, please pick up a gift certificate from one of the local consignment shops.  This will be used in lieu of garments.  Also, if you have clothing which is not suitable for the project, but you wish to donate, you may take them to one of the consignment shops and tell the shop staff that you would like to donate the revenue from the garments to Family Needs.  When the garments are sold, the money will be credited to Family Needs and may be redeemed by Anne, Sandi, or Angela.  If a family is in need one of us will contact the consignment shop and we will present the family with a voucher which may be redeemed at the shop.

     If you know someone who is in need, please ask them to call one of the individuals listed above. 

The businesses involved are delighted to be working together and hope that you will join us in assisting Strait families in need.  Also, please like us on FaceBook and Share our page so that others in the Strait Area will become aware of the existence of this service

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2ND 2014

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers: The Whole People of God

Ministers: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

November 2^nd, 2014—21^st Sunday after Pentecost

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting

One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit

*Introit Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow VU 541

*Call to Worship

Come as the gathered of God, brought into God’s storied presence and saving love.

Give thanks to God, whose steadfast love endures forever.

Come from and with your wanderings and searchings.

Give thanks to God, who companions us on our way.

Come with your thirst and hunger for that which is good, and that which brings good.

Give thanks to God, whose goodness does not fail.

Come as those who would be encouraged and transformed by God. Give thanks to God, whose purpose is life renewed and redeemed. Come and worship God.

*Opening Prayer

God, we carry your teaching in and out of this special place.

We carry your teaching in our hearts and our minds.

We carry your teaching in our hands and in our feet in service.

We carry your teaching on our lips.

Carry us now into the joy of your steadfast love as we worship. Amen.

*Hymn           Come, Let Us Sing                   VU 222

Affirmation of Faith              A New Creed           VU 918

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Joshua 3:7–17 Joshua leads the people across the River Jordan.

One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 107 God’s steadfast love endures forever Pts. 1, 4, VU 831

Hymn Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love VU 593

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 23:1–12 The greatest one will be the servant.

One: The gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Hymn Precious Lord, Take My Hand VU 670

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

We respond because we have been touched by your good news, by your Spirit, and by your grace, O God. May what we offer in money, time, and talents bring good news, bear faithful witness, and be a beacon of hope in this world. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

*Hymn              Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Give Thanks         VU 179

* Commissioning and Benediction

Those whom God has gathered, God now sends forth.

We are blessed to go in the presence of God who leads us.

As long as we follow in the way God is leading –

we know God’s realm will surely appear.

Go then as the people of God, encouraged and empowered by God who goes with us. 

 *Choral Amen

FundScrip Cards Update for November

FundScrip Order Sundays will be November 9^th and 23^rd and Delivery Sundays will be November 2^nd, 16^th and 30^th.

Promotions for November are as follows:

Petro-Canada               2.5%         (Regular 2%)

WaySpa                      13%          (Regular 10%)

Sears                          5%            (Regular 3%)

( Includes Home Outfitters

& Hudson’s Bay)

Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions about the program or if you wish to join the program.

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY OCTOBER 26TH 2014

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.): Dave Chapman

Lay Reader (St. D.): Arnold Mac Lean

Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Gladys Knight, Vida Hood

Greeters (St. D.): Sally & George Fox

Collectors (St. D.): Curtis Fox, Lisa Rhynold

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

Tuesday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

Wednesday 9-12 noon Nan at St. David’s, Jane at St. Mark’s

Thursday 9 – 12 noon Jane at St. Mark’s

Friday – Minister’s Day Off, 9-12 noon Jane at St. Mark’s

Food Bank donations are received on the last Sunday of the month.

They are also saving plastic grocery bags which can be dropped off at the Food Bank or given to one of the volunteers.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is November 16^th at 1:00 p.m.

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE:  

Canadian Church Calendar 2015

Cost: $6.00 (profit to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada) 

A beautiful calendar showcasing our own traditions with inspired photographs of Anglican and United churches from across Canada. Significant church dates and spiritually uplifting verses make it the perfect calendar to give or keep.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for Nov.-Dec. are available.

About Gifts with Vision

The United Church of Canada developed the giving catalogue Gifts with Vision in response to member requests to be able to give gifts to relatives, friends, and loved ones that are in direct support of the church’s Mission and Service partners across Canada and around the world.

If you are seeking inspiring new gift ideas or perhaps would rather not give family and friends the same old clothes/toys/chocolates, Gifts with Vision presents a new way to celebrate special occasions. Give a gift that can help change people’s lives! Print catalogues are now available in the entry to the church and gifts can also be purchased online at www.giftswithvision.ca

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Mark’s Welcomes You!

Refreshments in the church hall following worship—please join us! There is a quiet nursery space above the stage in the hall—reached via the stairs by the church office door. There you will find toys, change table, crib, rocking chair for your use. We’re so glad you came today.

St. Mark’s Courtesy Car: Contact person for the Courtesy Car is Andy Palmer. His telephone number is 625-2748.

FundScrip Order Sunday will be October 26^th and Delivery Sunday will be November 5^th. We are pleased to inform you that gift cards from Walmart are now available. New order forms are in the green folders in the narthex and choir room. Promotions for October are as follows:

  SpaFinder 15%  ( Regular 10%)

la Vie en Rose   10% ( Regular 8%)

HBC (Valid at: Hudson’s Bay,   5% ( Regular 3%)

Home Outfitters)

Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions.

10,000 VILLAGES – The Sale this year made $8000. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped in any way.

Lay Readers:

Nov. 2^nd – Denis Bernard

Nov. 9^th – Bill Charlton

Nov. 16^th – Brenda Mac Innis

Nov. 23^rd – Vida Hood

Nov. 30^th – Connie Fowlie

October 29^th – 10:30 a.m. – Service at the Nursing Home

St. Mark’s Bazaar on November 28^th from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY St. David’s Session Meeting following Worship.

Lay Readers:

Nov. 2nd – Wanda Radford

Nov. 9^th – Kevin Pierce

Nov. 16^th – Dave Pringle

Nov. 23 – Arnold Mac Lean

Nov. 30^th – Margie Mac Intyre

Hall Cleaners for October are Wanda Harb & Florence Timmons.

St. David’s Roast Beef Supper with Homemade Pies on Friday, November 7^th at Port Hastings Fire Hall from 4 to 6 pm.

Adults $12.00   Children $8.00 (Take outs available) Sponsored by St. David’s Board of Stewards

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Trinity United Church Flea Market and Bake Sale, Saturday, November 1st:  9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon.  439 MacLeod St. Mulgrave.  Come early for best items.

MAD Computers and Sandi’s Barbershop have launched a joint campaign called Family Needs.  The purpose of this endeavor is to provide good quality used outerwear to needy families.  There are many families in the Strait Area struggling, especially in winter to make ends meet.  The rising cost of fuel and electricity make it difficult for families to feed and clothe their families plus pay their bills. 

Anne, Sandi, and Angie have begun collecting snowsuits, winter jackets, coats, boots and skates at both establishments.  Sizes range from infant to youth and teens to early 20s or college age. 

If you have items for this project, please drop them off at MAD Computers, 3 Summit Drive Port Hawkesbury or Sandi’s Barbershop at the Town Center (Chediac Plaza) Reeves St.  Phone numbers are as follows:  MAD Computers – 625-0894 and Sandi’s Barbershop – 625-1500.

     If you do not have items of clothing but would still like to help, please pick up a gift certificate from one of the local consignment shops.  This will be used in lieu of garments.  Also, if you have clothing which is not suitable for the project, but you wish to donate, you may take them to one of the consignment shops and tell the shop staff that you would like to donate the revenue from the garments to Family Needs.  When the garments are sold, the money will be credited to Family Needs and may be redeemed by the Anne, Sandi, or Angela.  If a family is in need one of us will contact the consignment shop and we will present the family with a voucher which may be redeemed at the shop.

     If you know someone who is in need, please ask them to call one of the individuals listed above. 

The businesses involved are delighted to be working together and hope that you will join us in assisting Strait families in need.  Also, please like us on FaceBook and Share our page so that others in the Strait Area will become aware of the existence of this service

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY OCTOBER 26TH 2014-20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers: The Whole People of God

Ministers: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

October 26^th, 2014—20^th Sunday after Pentecost

* please stand as able

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting

One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit

*Introit Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow VU 541

*Call to Worship

One: Here we are in our newness, in our oldness,

carrying our baggage, our discoveries and our treasures

that we may pore over them and sift through them

to discover that special gift, that bright light,

that signpost in fresh new soil for you to lead us into life.

All: Here we are seeking your guidance and wisdom, God. Lead us in your ways.

*Opening Prayer

One: God, your seeds of life burst into newness

from the dead husks and burnt places.

All: We praise you, and look for the life-signs.

One: Through joy-filled and sorrowful stories,

you shape a people to live and to love.

All: We praise you, and seek your wise guiding.

One: When we least expect it,

and when we have known well in advance,

you open us to new possibilities.

All: We praise and honour you

in the true worship of our lives. Amen.

*Hymn             Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven           VU 240

Prayer for Wholeness (guided breath prayer)

Words of Assurance

One: God’s love is steadfast. God does not hold our

shortcomings against us. We are loved, forgiven, and set free.

All: We will let go again and again.

We start over, renewed in love. Amen.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Deuteronomy 34:1–12 Moses dies and is buried in Moab.

One: Here is Wisdom. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 90             O God, our help in ages past.              VU 805

Hymn              I Love to Tell the Story                  VU 343

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 22:34–46 Love God; love your neighbour as yourself.

One: Here is Good News. All: Praise be to God.

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Hymn          He Came Singing Love                        VU 359

Minute for Mission & Blessing of Comfort Cushions and Caps

Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer (back of order of service)

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

*Hymn              Walk with Me                     VU 649

* Commissioning and Benediction

We step onto a path beginning where others have ended.

Shaped and guided we travel with God into life. 

*Choral Amen

NOW AVAILABLE-GIFTS WITH VISION CATALOGUES

About Gifts with Vision

The United Church of Canada developed the giving catalogue Gifts with Vision in response to member requests to be able to give gifts to relatives, friends, and loved ones that are in direct support of the church’s Mission and Service Fund partners across Canada and around the world.

If you are seeking inspiring new gift ideas or perhaps would rather not give family and friends the same old clothes/toys/chocolates, Gifts with Vision presents a new way to celebrate special occasions. Give a gift that can help change people’s lives!

Paper copies of the catalogue are available in the entry to the church. Online version is at
http://www.giftswithvision.ca/

ST. DAVID'S 129TH ANNIVERSARY OCTOBER 19TH 2014

ANNOUNCEMENTS OCTOBER 19TH 2014

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Guest Preacher: Rev. Janice MacLean

Organist: Al Fougere

Lay Reader: Susan Langley

Greeters: Sally & George Fox

Collectors: Curtis Fox, Lisa Rhynold

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

Tuesday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

Wednesday 9-12 noon Nan at St. David’s, Jane at St. Mark’s

Thursday 9 – 12 noon Jane at St. Mark’s

Friday – Minister’s Day Off, 9-12 noon Jane at St. Mark’s

Food Bank donations are received on the last Sunday of the month.

They are also saving plastic grocery bags which can be dropped off at the Food Bank or given to one of the volunteers.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is October 20^th at 1:00 p.m.

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE:  

Canadian Church Calendar 2015

Cost: $6.00 (profit to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada) 

A beautiful calendar showcasing our own traditions with inspired photographs of Anglican and United churches from across Canada. Significant church dates and spiritually uplifting verses make it the perfect calendar to give or keep.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for Nov.-Dec. are available.

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY After lunch: St. David’s and St. Mark’s congregation members are invited to a time of conversation with Janice MacLean, Christian Nurture and Enrichment Minister, Maritime Conference, and each other about future possibilities: a follow-up to “We All Drank from the Same Teapot”!

St. David’s Session Meeting – October 26^th following Worship.

Lay Readers:

Oct. 26^th – Arnold Mac Lean Nov. 2nd – Wanda Radford

Nov. 9^th – Kevin Pierce Nov. 16^th – Dave Pringle

Nov. 23 – Arnold Mac Lean Nov. 30^th – Margie Mac Intyre

Hall Cleaners for October are Wanda Harb & Florence Timmons.

St. David’s Roast Beef Supper on Friday, November 7^th at Port Hastings Fire Hall.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Mark’s Courtesy Car: Contact person for the Courtesy Car is Andy Palmer. His telephone number is 625-2748.

FundScrip Order Sunday will be October 26^th and Delivery Sundays will be October 19^th and November 5^th. We are pleased to inform you that gift cards from Walmart are now available. New order forms are in the green folders in the narthex and choir room. Promotions for October are as follows:

  SpaFinder 15%  ( Regular 10%)

la Vie en Rose    10% ( Regular 8%)

HBC (Valid at: Hudson’s Bay,   5% ( Regular 3%)

Home Outfitters)

Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions.

Lay Readers:

Oct. 26^th – David Chapman Nov. 2^nd – Denis Bernard

Nov. 9^th – Bill Charlton Nov. 16^th – Brenda Mac Innis

Nov. 23^rd – Vida Hood Nov. 30^th – Connie Fowlie

Tuesday, October 21^st – Congregational Board Meeting: 6:30 p.m. – Executive, 7:00 p.m. – Committees, 8:00 p.m. – Combined Board

October 29^th – 10:30 a.m. – Service at the Nursing Home

St. Mark’s Bazaar on November 28^th from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Joseph Parish Confirmation Group and the Sisters of St. Martha
invite you to an afternoon of music starring The Shining Lights, from
Halifax, 2pm, Sunday, October 19th, St. Joseph's Church, Port
Hawkesbury. The members of this singing group have either been homeless or at the risk of being homeless. They are friends of the Sisters of St. Martha's Street Ministry. There is only one other group like them and that is in Montreal. No admission fee. If you wish, you can make a donation for the Sisters' Street Ministry

Port Hawkesbury School of Gaelic (Sgoil Ghaidhlig Bhaile a’ Chlamhain) 2014/15 classes will start October 20, 2014, 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Knight of Columbus Hall, P.H. Cost of 20 week session is $100.00. Weekly payment option available. All levels of learners  and beginners welcome. Come out to be a part of the resurgence of the Gaelic language. Thig air chèilidh oirnn (Come visit us). Phone George at 902-631-3201 for more information.

Trinity United Church Flea Market and Bake Sale, Saturday, November 1st:  9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon.  439 MacLeod St. Mulgrave.  Come early for best items.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY OCTOBER 19TH 2014 129TH ANNIVERSARY ST. DAVID'S

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers: The Whole People of God

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M. Guest: Rev. Janice MacLean

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

October 19^th, 2014-129^th Anniversary St. David’s United Church

Thoughts around which to gather as we worship:

In this week’s readings the presence of God is experienced in creation, through the Spirit, and in human experience. The God of history is also the God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This is reality for us, where our lived experience confirms again and again the presence of God in the heartbeat of life. What are the personal and communal practices that hold us while we deepen into the mystery and certainty of God’s presence with us?  

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2014 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013, p. 106

Announcements         The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting

One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit

*Introit            Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow       VU 541

*Call to Worship & Candle Lighting  (based on Exodus 33:12-23)

One: In this sacred place we leave behind

the unanimity we experience in the world

and we hear the voice of God say to each one of us,

Two: I know you by name.

All: Show us your glory, O God. (a candle is lit)

One: In this sacred place we encounter sign and symbol

in cross and candles, font and pulpit, bread broken and shared,

and we hear the voice of God say to us,

Two: My presence goes with you, and I will give you rest.

All: Show us your glory, O God.  (a candle is lit)

One: In this sacred place we give thanks

for this community of faith bound together

by a common ministry and affirmed by God who says,

Two: You have found favour in my sight.

All: Show us your glory, O God.  (a candle is lit)

One: In this sacred place we remember our history

and experience anew the protective shelter of the hand

of the Holy One who tells us

Two: I will make all my goodness pass before you.

All: Show us your glory, O God.  (a candle is lit)

One & Two: In this sacred place

glimpses of God's glory break through into our lives and

All: we come to worship God. (centre candle is lit)

*Opening Prayer 

God of glory, you call us by name

and shape us into a living message.

Affirm your presence in our lives

and in this, your community,

so we can become strong and faithful witnesses

to your way in this world. Amen.

*Hymn            Joyful, Joyful We Adore You                           VU 232 

An Affirmation of Faith          An Excerpt from “A Song of Faith”

            We sing of a church

                        seeking to continue the story of Jesus

                        by embodying Christ’s presence in the world.

We are called together by Christ

   as a community of broken but hopeful believers,

   loving what he loved,

   living what he taught,

   striving to be faithful servants of God

   in our time and place.

            Our ancestors in faith

                        bequeath to us experiences of their faithful living;

                        upon their lives our lives are built.

Our living of the gospel makes us a part of this communion of saints,

   experiencing the fulfillment of God’s reign

   even as we actively anticipate a new heaven and a new earth.

            The church has not always lived up to its vision.

                        It requires the Spirit to reorient it,

            helping it to live an emerging faith while honouring tradition,

                        challenging it to live by grace rather than entitlement,

                        for we are called to be a blessing to the earth.

We sing of God’s good news lived out,

a church with purpose:

   faith nurtured and hearts comforted,

   gifts shared for the good of all,

   resistance to the forces that exploit and marginalize,

   fierce love in the face of violence,

            human dignity defended,

                        members of a community held and inspired by God,

                        corrected and comforted,

                        instrument of the loving Spirit of Christ,

                        creation’s mending.

We sing of God’s mission.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD 

Exodus 33:12–23        God speaks to Moses as a friend.

This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 99         God is a ruler who delights in justice.                 VU 819

*Hymn            Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying           VU 400

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 22:15–22     Give to God the things that are God’s.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Hymn                 Though I May Speak                                  VU 372 

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer 

We offer ourselves to you, loving God. Receive our work, receive our hopes, receive our dreams. We dedicate ourselves to the work of seeking justice for your people, the work of providing food for all, and recommit ourselves to journey with one another in your way.  Amen.

Dedication of Memorial Gifts-Advent and Lenten Candles

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

*Hymn:           Go to the World                                              VU 420

* Commissioning and Benediction

One: Put your faith into practice, live love,

and share in the hope that Jesus Christ brings.

All: May we always remember that

God loves us and has chosen us to be God’s own.

One: Go in peace with God’s blessing.

*Choral Amen