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: Whole People of God
Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M. Minister of Music: Al Fougere
The Season after Pentecost-Creation Time 1
September 17th 2017-Land Sunday
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| Raised vegetable bed at the manse this summer ‘Let the field exult and everything in it’. Psalm 96:12 |
Thoughts around which to gather as we worship: This week, listen to or read the news paying special attention to stories that talk about land. For example, development, disputes, conservation, displacement, or issues related to borders and cultural or national identity. Spend time praying for those who are caught in the middle of these news-stories.
Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2014 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013, p. 12
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 Know That God Is Good MV 104
Call to WorshipOne: From many different lands we gather
on this land, in this place, at this time.
All: You are with us,
God of the earth, the land, the sky.
One: In difficult times,
in difficult places,
in strange and unknown lands
people gather to worship God in spirit and truth
All: and God is always here...always near...
watching...waiting...
listening...breathing...
in spirit and in truth.
Opening Prayer
In holy presence we gather: We come with the land…We lift our voice with the voice of the land:
seeking from God what makes for life,
crying out for the violence that has been done,
longing and working for creation’s redemption.
We listen with the land for vibrations of God’s presence,
grounding all in the deep assurance
that God is and will be in this place. Amen.
*Hymn Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet VU245
Prayer for Wholeness
Assurance of ForgivenessOne: Even where the consequences for wrong are almost beyond enduring, the psalmist reminds us that there is no one and nowhere outside or beyond the reach of God’s care.
All: God’s loving grace is abundant. God’s gift of forgiveness opens the way for transformation and life. Thanks be to God, for the possibility of love.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Genesis 3:14–19; 4:8–16 Earth bears the curse for usOne: This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 139 How deep your designs are to me parts 1 & 2, VU861
*Hymn This Is God's Wondrous World VU296
Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer
Gospel Acclamation
Matthew 5:1-12 Blessed are the meek; they shall inherit the earth
One: This is the witness of the early church. All: Thanks be to God.
Opening the Word 2
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn Touch the Earth Lightly VU307
Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God
*Offering PrayerGod of abundance,
We offer these gifts in gratitude:
gratitude for your watchful presence,
gratitude for your constant support,
gratitude for your gentle prodding,
and gratitude for your love without condition
and acceptance without limit.
May we always have thankful hearts and giving hands.
Amen!
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession Response: One: Hear our prayers. All: Hear our prayers, O God...
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
* Hymn Let All Things Now Living VU242
*Commissioning and Blessing
Go from this place into the land beloved of God.Tread lightly on the land that your footprints may not harm.
Touch gently with your hands that healing may bring hope.
Tremble softly in anticipation of the Spirit’s presence,
transforming life with love in every time and place.
