St. Mark’s United Church – Port Hawkesbury
DLM-R/MDiv Student – Barb MacNaughton
(902-625-0407)
Guest Minister – Jim MacNaughton, DLM-R
(902-302-5923)
Pianist – Adam Cooke
Office Administrator- Jane MacKinnon
Ministry – The Whole Congregation
Sunday July 25 th, 2021 – 9th after Pentecost
Welcome and Announcements
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Today we light our Christ Candle as a reminder that we are called to be followers of Jesus, to bring light to a darkened world, to help one another in our quest for goodness and justice. May our lights shine forever. Amen.
Introit ♫: Rise Up, Rise Up 130 MV (x2)
Call to Worship: (reading responsively)
We are a privileged people who for the most part have enough of everything to have a full life. But what happens when we think we need even more than this?
Some of us have serious health problems, some of us can barely pay all our bills, some of us are alone and afraid, so why shouldn’t we be entitled to ask for more?
Our seeking more for ourselves needs to be in partnership with what is it that we can do for those who have far less than we do. Are we content with a balanced life where we take care of ourselves and then following what we think God asks of us?
On this day we come together as a Christian family being concerned for all people of this community, this country and this world. We look for ways to walk into our future, not just with humankind but with the Creation we live on and in faith with the God who calls us now. Come people of God let us worship together on this day!
Hymn ♫: We have this Ministry 510 VU
Prayer of Approach: (In Unison)
Gracious and Loving Spirit of God with us this day, we come in prayer seeking the mandate of who we claim to be as Christians in a world that is so diverse that sometimes we are rejected even by our own for pushing for a just and healing society. We have the opportunity in this God/Human relationship to do great things in this world if only we do not lose sight of the bigger picture that still calls us to be a servant people, just as Christ called himself to be the servant of all people. Looking at all the things we hope to achieve, we seek a balance of equity for all. Bless us O God as continue this Spiritual journey in our human form, as we pray for guidance and Grace, in Jesus name we pray. Amen
Centering Prayer: ♫ Lord Listen to your Children Praying 400 VU
The Word: Larry Evans
Scriptures:
OT-2 Samuel 11:1-15
RR- Psalm 14; page 735 VU
NT- Ephesians 2:14-21
Hymn ♫: Christ has no body now but yours 171 MV
Gospel: John 6:1-21
L: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church through these words today.
All: Thanks Be to God!
Prayer before Message: God of thundering voice and quiet whisper, May the words which I speak, become by your Spirit, the words which you want each of us to hear. May our minds and our ears be quieted as we listen to hear your words of affirmation and acceptance. Amen
Message: Falling from the High Wire or “When is enough, enough?”
Hymn: One more step along the world I go 639 VU
Minute for Mission: Anna Marie Langley
Offering our gifts
Offering Prayer:
our offering will have been brought forward
Bread of Life, you are our constant nourishment for our hungry souls. Bless these offerings, that they may become sustenance for our bodies, minds and spirits. May we use all of these gifts with compassion, justice and common sense. Amen
Our Joys and Concerns and Lighting the candle of caring:
As one heart is lifted
May we share its celebration
As one heart is burdened
May we share the pain it knows
And so, we take this flame and light our special care candle... in all our joys and in all our concerns, may we be ever mindful of the present-ness of God among us.
Prayers for the people and Lord’s Prayer
Hymn: ♫ Wherever You may Go 216 MV
Commissioning/Benediction
Closing Strathdee Choral Amen ♫ (3x)
Music Licence # A-401486
Ministering through leadership this morning are:
Guest Minister: Jim MacNaughton
Pianist: Adam Cooke
Lay Reader: Larry Evans
Mission Moment: Anna Marie Langley
Collectors: Clark Brander, Yvonne Fox
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This is Jim’s last Sunday with us as our guest Minister, Barb will be in the pulpit for our service on August 1st and she is excited to be back into her role as your Minister!
Office Hours: Thursday & Fridays 8-12 noon.
Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.
Lay Readers:
August 1st – Jean Mac Pherson
August 8th – Barb Mac Intyre
August 15th – Wayne Simpson
August 22nd – Archie Noseworthy
August 29th – Iaian Langley
Minute for Mission Readers:
August 1st – Yvonne Fox
August 8th – Linda Howlett
August 15th – Larry Evans
August 22nd – Barb MacIntyre
August 29th – Anna Marie Langley
Collection Counters/Recorders Needed – Please sign up. The load gets lighter when many helping hands participate.
