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: stmarksuc@gmail.com
Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/
Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca
Ministers: The Whole People of God Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.
Minister of Music: Al Fougere
February 12th, 2017-6th Sunday after Epiphany
A thought around which to gather as we worship—Life is full of choices and opportunities. In Deuteronomy 30:15–20 and Sirach 15:15–20 (two of the readings for today) we learn that God’s laws bring life. These choices are similar to the Hindu concept of Karma, which talks about cause and effect and how our actions, our choices, bring about certain actions and reactions in the world.
Karma is a Sanskrit word meaning “deed” or “act.” Karma is something that we do. In the Hindu religion it is the belief that “if one sows goodness, one will reap goodness; and if one sows evil, one will reap evil.” In other words, when you do good deeds, good deeds come back to you. And if you do bad deeds, bad deeds come back to you.
Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Advent • Christmas • Epiphany 2016–2017
Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016, p. 174
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 Sent Out in Jesus’ Name MV 212
Refrain: Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready nowto 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. R
Call to Worship
As we gather let us feel God’s love in our midst—love that forgives and renews us,
love that enables us to reach out in love to others.
Come, let us worship God together!
Let us give thanks for God’s amazing love
poured out on each one of us.
Opening Prayer
God of our deepest yearnings, give us devoted hearts that seekto listen, think, and feel anew. Open in us the wisdom of Jesus, with the courage needed to travel his life-giving path. Amen
*Hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You VU 232
A Prayer for Reconciliation (Confession) #
One: Bring us together, Loving God: show us the path to reconciliation.All: Where hasty or untruthful words have hurt,
bring us together in peace, to give and accept apology.
One: Bring us together, Loving God, show us the path to reconciliation.
All: Where the sting of rejection has caused hard feelings,
bring us together with friendship to make a fresh start.
One: Bring us together, Loving God, show us the path to reconciliation.
All: Where life has been smooth sailing for one and hell for another,
bring us together to listen to the stories, and to support those sorely tested.
One: Bring us together, Loving God, show us the path to reconciliation.
All: Where division has split the Christian community,
bring us together with faith, to pray and work together. Amen.
An Assurance of Forgiveness
One: God’s amazing love blots out our sins and shortcomings.God’s gift of pardon and peace is ours.
All: Thanks be to God.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Deuteronomy 30:15–20 I set before you life and death; choose life.One: Herein is Wisdom. All: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 119 Happy are those who walk in God’s ways Pt. 1, VU 838
* Hymn In the Bulb There Is a Flower VU 703
Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer
Responsive Reading Based on Sirach 15:15-20
RS: If you so choose, treasure God’s law of lifeand be attuned to God’s wise heart.
LS: God has set fire and water before you;
reach out your hand to whichever you prefer.
RS: Each of us has choices to make
we can choose to live in ways that generate life.
LS: For deep and wide is the River of Wisdom;
all pervasive and seeing is our God.
RS: The eyes of God rest well on those who are wise,
motivation and action are noticed.
LS: The law was not given to hinder or harm
but to offer goodness and peace for all.
1 Corinthians 3:1-9 For you are God’s field, God’s building
Opening the Word 2
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn Jesus Bids Us Shine VU 585
Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God
* Offering Prayer
Generous and loving God,we thank you for your goodness to us.
We open our hearts and hands
to share your blessings with others. Amen.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
* Hymn Let All Things Now Living VU 242
*Commissioning and Benediction #
One: You have life choices before you, as you leave this church.All: We will choose the life that is joyful and fullfilling;
we will choose the life that goes beyond the well–known borders;
we will choose the life that seeks the way of reconciliation;
we will choose the life that contributes to community;
we will choose the life that shares with generosity;
we will choose the life that is lived as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
# Prayers from Prayers to Share Year A by David Sparks (Wood Lake Books)
