ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19TH 2017-24TH 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: 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 24th Sunday in the Season after Pentecost

November 19th, 2017

Thoughts around which to gather:
Matthew 25:14–30 Jesus sends a message about being ready for the coming of God’s realm. The sense of urgency is represented in the three slaves who have been given money from their master, a wealthy landlord, and await his return. In the meantime, the three slaves make choices about how they will invest their master’s money. Our faith lives are a series of choices. If we choose to be complacent and content, we might fall into behaviours and patterns that don’t put God or the children of God first. Our choices should reflect God’s justice and compassion.

This week, start each day by naming one choice you will
make to reflect God’s love in the world saying, “I will……
for God.” (Examples: “I will be patient with the co-worker
who is annoying me” or “I will give lunch to the homeless
man outside my office.”)

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017, p. 9

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

Announcements         The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting 

As we now are in flu season, our greeting will be spoken only. We will resume handshaking and hugs in the spring.
One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

*Introit

Call to Worship 

One: As dry land thirsts for water. 
As budding plants reach for the sun. 
As dying leaves fall to the earth. 
All: Our longing souls call us to worship.
One: Come, let us worship together.

Opening Prayer

One: Today and every day, 
All: may we build each other up in love. 
One: Today and every day, 
All: may our faith protect us from despair. 
One: Today and every day, 
All: may our love for you and each other strengthen us. 
One: Today and every day, 
All: may our hope in the risen Christ give us the courage to move forward toward Christ’s coming reign. Amen.

*Hymn We Praise You, Creator VU 293

Prayer for Wholeness     

One: There is a thin line between playing it safe and being reckless. 
All: Help us to choose our actions wisely. 
One: There is a point when holding on to something too tightly can weaken our grasp. 
All: Help us to hold our convictions tenderly. 
One: There are moments when fear stops us from doing what we know to be right. 
All: Help us to practice our ministry boldly. 
One: There are words of scorn that can enslave us, feelings of disappointment that can unravel us. 
All: Help us to speak to each other lovingly.
One: Help us Loving God. Amen.

Words of Affirmation 

The good news is that God loves and forgives us, and forever invites us to return to the ways of wholeness. 
We can be new people—acting wisely, tenderly, boldly, lovingly. Thanks be to God!

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Judges 4:1–7 Judge Deborah speaks God’s word to General Barak.

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

Psalm 123 We lift our eyes to you, O God. VU847

*Hymn Small Things Count VU 360

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 25:14–30 The parable of the talents.

One: This is Good News. All: Thanks be to God. 

Opening the Word 2  

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Abide with Me VU 436

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Thank you for this community and for the responsibility of
being your people.
Forgive us for the times when we have tucked away and
hidden our gifts and talents from the world.
As a community, help us to support and encourage each
other so that we can share all of our gifts for and to your glory.
Bless these gifts, both seen and unseen, that they might be a blessing to others.  Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession    

Times of Silence will be offered for personal prayer.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Go to the World VU 420

*Commissioning and Blessing

Go, for the world is waiting and is in desperate need of what only you can offer.
Go, and don’t be afraid,
for the grace of God,
the love of Jesus, and
the friendship of the Holy Spirit
goes with us all.
All: Thanks be to God.

*Choral Amen