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
April 29th, 2018-5th of Easter
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
GreetingThe peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.
*Introit Come, Let Us Sing verse 1 VU 222
Call to Worship
One: In some parts of the world, today feels like spring.
All: We worship the God of new life.
One: In some parts of the world, today feels like summer.
All: We worship the God of growth.
One: In some parts of the world, today feels like autumn.
All: We worship the God of the harvest.
One: In some parts of the world, today feels like winter.
All: We worship the God of rest.
One: We worship the God that is with us around the globe and here in this place.
All: We worship the God of all seasons.
Opening Prayer
Guide us in our worship today, Holy Spirit. As we hear words of love and challenge; move through us calling us to act upon them. As we sing praises, may our hearts be lightened. Inspire us to reconnect with you in ways we never imagined possible; to be changed because we have been here to worship our God. Amen.
*Hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah VU 651
Prayer for Wholeness
You call us beloved, and tell us to love one another…the growth process that takes. We would rather go our own ways than be cultivated to grow in your way.
Forgive our resistance to your work. Help us to yield to your will. May we see the areas where we need to be pruned, and accept that work gracefully. May we offer your love to all, not just those we think deserve it. Give us true words to speak when we proclaim your love. Amend our lives so that the fruit we bear in you is sweet for all who encounter it. Amen.
Words of Assurance
The good news of this day is that we are called to a new and different life in Jesus Christ, and Christ freely gives us the reconciliation we need to enter into that life. It is through Christ that we are forgiven.
The good news of this day is that we are always God’s children, we are always in God’s family, and God always welcomes us home. In Jesus Christ we find forgiveness. Thanks be to God.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Acts 8:26–40 Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.One: This is the witness of the early church. All: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 22 Praise God who has heard our call. Pts. 3 & 4, VU 746
*Hymn For the Beauty of the Earth VU 226
Opening the Word & the Lord’s Prayer
The Gospel Acclamation
John 15:1–8 A Retelling in 2 Voices: Jesus is the true vine.
One: The gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Opening the Word 2
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth VU 320Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God
*Offering Hymn We Praise You, O God verse 3 only VU 218
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Response: One: O God All: grant our prayers.
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
* Hymn How Firm a Foundation VU 660*Commissioning & Choral Amen
