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First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE AND THE PEACE CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP
As we come before you this day O God, we are welcome.
You welcome us all, friend, stranger, outcast.
As we come before you this day O God, we are known.
As well as we know ourselves, we are also known to you.
As we come before you this day O God, we are loved.
We are welcome, we are known, we are loved. Thanks be to God
OPENING PRAYER
GATHERING MUSIC #64 Then Let Us Sing “There’s a wild hope in the wind”
There’s a wild hope in the wind: her whisper is heard on the breeze.
The gale is her shout that is calling us out.
There’s a wild hope in the wind. O God in the wind, come gather us in,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
There’s a wild hope in the skies: her gown is the blue of forever.
The purple of night is her heart’s pure delight.
There’s a wild hope in the skies. O God in the skies, come open our eyes,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
There’s a wild hope in the earth: her body provides us with nurture.
The dark underground is where life can abound.
There’s a wild hope in the earth. O God in the earth, come aid our rebirth,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
Please remains standing after the hymn for the Passing of the Peace.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
The Peace of Christ be with you
And also with you
PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION
HYMN #30 Then Let Us Sing “We’re the light of all the world (We Are a Rainbow)”
We’re the light of all the world, we are a city on a hill,
we’re a candle on a stand proclaiming light,
we will not hide our lamp beneath a bushel anymore,
we will shine a ray of hope that’s burning bright.
Refrain We are a rainbow, sign of covenant and
peace for the flood of tears will fin’lly cease to be,
come shine your rainbow, splash your hues across the
sky, paint the world in colours proud and bold and free.
We’re a coat of many colours, sewn from many diff’rent threads,
cov’ring all in warmth, in welcome and in grace,
God said “Let there be light”, created every varied shade,
in the rainbow each of us can find a place. Refrain
We are hope to still believe in tomorrow’s better day,
we are peace in a world that’s torn apart,
we are joy that will last in all the struggles that we face
we are love that blooms and grows in every heart. Refrain
When we face the storms of life, we will never be alone,
for our God will be with us on the way,
here we are, side by side, we won’t be frightened any more,
as the mourning night of tears breaks into day. Refrain
Paint the world in colours proud and bold and free.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S VOICE
Loving God, you speak to us in so many ways.
Speak to us now through the reading of the scriptures.
SCRIPTURE READING
Genesis 22:1-14
This is the trustworthy witness of God’s faithful people through the ages,
The divine word to us today. Amen.
SERMON – Rev. Alwin Maben
HYMN #145 More Voices “Draw the Circle Wide”
Refrain Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider still.
Let this be our song, no one stands alone,
Standing side by side, draw the circle wide.
God the still point of the circle, round whom all creation turns.
Nothing lost but held forever in God’s gracious arms. Refrain
Let our hearts touch far horizons, so encompass great and small;
Let our loving know no borders, faithful to God’s call. Refrain
Let the dreams we dream be larger, than we’ve ever dreamed before;
Let the dream of Christ be in us, open every door. Refrain
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND IN FAITH AND HOPE
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
MISSION AND SERVICE STORY
OFFERTORY HYMN #510 Voices United “We Have this Ministry” verse 2
O Christ, the treat of life, our end and our beginning,
We grow to fullest flower when rooted in your love.
Brothers, sisters, clergy, lay, called to service by your grace,
Different cultures, different gifts, the young and old a place.
We have this ministry, O God, receive our giving.
Please remain standing for the Prayer of Dedication.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
…As we work for change in the world, let us remind ourselves of the prayer Jesus taught us to pray…
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
READING ~ from “The Tales of the Glen” by Victoria Beata
WE GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE
CHANGING THE LIGHT
SENDING FORTH
Now ends our time of worship
And begins our time of service. Amen
ON THE WAY #212 More Voices “Sent out in Jesus’ Name”
Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now to make the world a place in which the kingdom comes.
Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now to make the world a 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.
This service of worship was initially prepared by Together We Worship and has been revised to fit practices of Wetaskiwin First United Church. Thanks to Rev. Alwin Maben, Osgoode-Kars United, Ottawa, ON for th
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – Sunday, June 21, 2026
God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, however you self-identify, whom you love,
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY
First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
HONOURING THE CHRIST CANDLE AND PEACE CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 86)
There is no one like our God,
No works are like the works God does!
The world echoes with God’s glory!
We join our voices to sing God’s praise!
Let us give thanks to God with our whole heart!
Let us glorify the Lord forever!
OPENING PRAYER
GATHERING MUSIC #64 Then Let Us Sing “There’s a wild hope in the wind”
There’s a wild hope in the wind: her whisper is heard on the breeze.
The gale is her shout that is calling us out.
There’s a wild hope in the wind. O God in the wind, come gather us in,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
There’s a wild hope in the skies: her gown is the blue of forever.
The purple of night is her heart’s pure delight.
There’s a wild hope in the skies. O God in the skies, come open our eyes,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
There’s a wild hope in the earth: her body provides us with nurture.
The dark underground is where life can abound.
There’s a wild hope in the earth. O God in the earth, come aid our rebirth,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
Please remains standing after the hymn for the Passing of the Peace.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
The Peace of Christ be with you
And also with you
PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION
ASSURANCE OF GRACE
HYMN #395 Voices United “Come in, Come in and Sit Down”
Refrain Come in, come in and sit down; you are a part of the family.
We are lost and we are found, and we are a part of the family.
You know the reason why you came, yet no reason can explain;
So share in the laughter and cry in the pain, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
God is with us in this place, like a mother’s warm embrace.
We’re all forgiven by God’s grace, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
There’s life to be shared in the bread and the wine; we are the branches, Christ is the vine.
This is God’s temple, it’s not yours or mine, but we are part of the family. Refrain
There’s rest for the weary and health for us all; there’s a yoke that is easy, and a burden that’s small.
So come in and worship and answer the call, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S VOICE
Loving God, you speak to us in so many ways.
Speak to us now through the reading of the scriptures.
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 10:24-39
This is the trustworthy witness of God’s faithful people through the ages,
The divine word to us today. Amen.
SERMON – Rev. Tracy Robertson
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND IN FAITH AND HOPE
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
MISSION AND SERVICE STORY
OFFERTORY HYMN #510 Voices United “We Have this Ministry” verse 2
O Christ, the treat of life, our end and our beginning,
We grow to fullest flower when rooted in your love.
Brothers, sisters, clergy, lay, called to service by your grace,
Different cultures, different gifts, the young and old a place.
We have this ministry, O God, receive our giving.
Please remain standing for the Prayer of Dedication.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
…God in Your mercy
Hear our prayers…
we pray the prayer that Jesus taught us, each in the language of our hearts:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
WE GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE
CHANGING THE LIGHT
SENDING FORTH
Now ends our time of worship
And begins our time of service. Amen
ON THE WAY #212 More Voices “Sent out in Jesus’ Name”
Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now to make the world a place in which the kingdom comes.
Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now to make the world a 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.
This service of worship was initially prepared by Together We Worship and has been revised to fit practices of Wetaskiwin First United Church. Thanks to Rev. Tracy Robertson, St. Thomas United, Calgary or the sermon, Rev. Aaron Miller, University United, Vancouver for the liturgy.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY
First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE AND PEACE CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19)
You, God, have heard me when I cry out.
Therefore I will worship the Holy One my whole life.
I will remember God’s saving love.
I will do my duty to care for God’s people.
I am your servant, O God of All.
I will give thanks to you my whole life.
OPENING PRAYER (inspired by Matthew 9:35-10:8)
GATHERING MUSIC #64 Then Let Us Sing “There’s a wild hope in the wind”
There’s a wild hope in the wind: her whisper is heard on the breeze.
The gale is her shout that is calling us out.
There’s a wild hope in the wind. O God in the wind, come gather us in,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
There’s a wild hope in the skies: her gown is the blue of forever.
The purple of night is her heart’s pure delight.
There’s a wild hope in the skies. O God in the skies, come open our eyes,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
There’s a wild hope in the earth: her body provides us with nurture.
The dark underground is where life can abound.
There’s a wild hope in the earth. O God in the earth, come aid our rebirth,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
Please remains standing after the hymn for the Passing of the Peace.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
The Peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you!
INVITATION TO PRAYER
PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION (inspired by Romans 5:1-8)
THEME TIME
HYMN #12 More Voices “Come Touch Our Hearts (Come Touch and Bless)”
Come touch our hearts that we may know compassion, from failing embers build a blazing fire;
Love strong enough to overturn injustice, to seek a world more gracious, come touch and bless our hearts.
Come touch our souls that we may know and love you, your quiet presence all our fears dispel;
Create a space for Spirit to grow in us, let life and beauty fill us, come touch and bless our souls.
Come touch our minds and teach us how to reason, set free our thoughts to wonder and to dream;
Help us to o-pen doors of understanding, to welcome truth and wisdom, come touch and bless our minds.
Come touch us in the moments we are fragile, and in our weakness your great strength reveal;
That we may rise to follow and to serve, steady now our nerve, come touch and bless our wills.
Come touch us now, this people who are gathered, to break the bread and share the cup of peace.
That we may love you with our heart, our soul, our mind, our strength, our all, come touch us with your grace.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S VOICE
Loving God, you speak to us in so many ways.
Speak to us now through the reading of the scriptures.
SCRIPTURE READING
Genesis 18:1-15
This is the word of our spiritual ancestors…
The divine word to us today. Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC ~ SUNDAY SINGERS ~ HYMN #32 Then Let Us Sing “As we are”
SERMON – Rev. Rob Shearer
HYMN #598 Voices United AWhen Pain of the World Surrounds Us@
When pain of the world surrounds us, with darkness and despair;
When searching just confounds us with false hopes everywhere,
When lives are starved for meaning and destiny is bare,
We are called to follow Jesus and let God=s healing flow through us.
We see with fear and trembling our aching world in need,
Confessing to each other our wastefulness and greed.
May we with steadfast caring the hungry children feed.
We are called to follow Jesus and let God=s justice flow through us.
The church is a holy vessel the living waters fill
To nourish all its people, God=s purpose to fulfill.
May we with humble courage be open to God=s will.
We are called to follow Jesus and let God=s spirit flow through us.
We praise you for our journey and your abundant grace,
Your saving word that guided a struggling human race.
O God, with all creation, your future we embrace.
We are called to follow Jesus and let God=s changes flow through us.
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND IN FAITH AND HOPE
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
MISSION AND SERVICE STORY
OFFERTORY HYMN #510 Voices United “We Have this Ministry” verse 2
O Christ, the treat of life, our end and our beginning,
We grow to fullest flower when rooted in your love.
Brothers, sisters, clergy, lay, called to service by your grace,
Different cultures, different gifts, the young and old a place.
We have this ministry, O God, receive our giving.
Please remain standing for the Prayer of Dedication.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION (inspired by Genesis 18:1-15)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
HYMN #420 Voices United “Go To The World”
Go to the world! Go into all the earth. Go preach the cross where Christ renews life’s worth.
Baptising as the sign of our rebirth, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Go to the world! Go into every place. Go live the Word of God’s redeeming grace.
Go seek God’s presence in each time and space. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Go to the World! Go struggle, bless and pray; the nights of tears give way to joyous day.
As servant Church, you follow Christ’s own way, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Go to the World! Go as the ones I send, for I am with you ‘til the age shall end,
When all the hosts of glory cry “Amen!” Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
WE GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE
CHANGING THE LIGHT
SENDING FORTH
The harvest is ready but the workers are few.
May we each do our part to spread God’s hope.
God’s blessed community is near at hand.
May we see it emerging among us each day.
There is still much need for healing.
May we be a nurturing presence in God’s world. Amen.
BLESSING (based on Romans 15:13, 33)
Now ends our time of worship
And begins our time of service. Amen
ON THE WAY #212 More Voices “Sent out in Jesus’ Name”
Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now to make the world a place in which the kingdom comes.
Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now to make the world a 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.
This service of worship was initially prepared by Together We Worship and has been revised to fit practices of Wetaskiwin First United Church. Thanks to Rev. Rob Shearer, Regional Minister, Pacific Mountain Region for the sermon, Rev. Pax Speer, Calgary for the liturgy.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY
First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE AND PEACE CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP
This is the day that God has made.
In the Creator, we find our refuge.
Come with open hearts and minds.
We gather to Worship, refreshing our hearts and minds in the Love of God.
OPENING PRAYER
GATHERING MUSIC #64 Then Let Us Sing “There’s a wild hope in the wind”
There’s a wild hope in the wind: her whisper is heard on the breeze.
The gale is her shout that is calling us out.
There’s a wild hope in the wind. O God in the wind, come gather us in,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
There’s a wild hope in the skies: her gown is the blue of forever.
The purple of night is her heart’s pure delight.
There’s a wild hope in the skies. O God in the skies, come open our eyes,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
There’s a wild hope in the earth: her body provides us with nurture.
The dark underground is where life can abound.
There’s a wild hope in the earth. O God in the earth, come aid our rebirth,
be our courage and promise.
The future is dim, but we want to live into a wild, wild hope.
Please remains standing after the hymn for the Passing of the Peace.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
The Peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you!
PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION
Holy One, Mysterious Three, as we lean into you, we deepen our breathing and rest in your Love. It hard not to give-in to heaviness that surrounds us. Open us to new ways of being your children in this world of war and confusion. Keep our hearts open wide to one another that true peace may be shared. Let kindness and Love be our way. Amen
ASSURANCE
THEME TIME
VIDEO “Happy Pride: A Message of Apology, Healing & Radical Belonging” A Message from the Moderator
~used with permission from The United Church of Canada’s YouTube channel; Creative Commons Attribution licence (reuse allowed)
VIDEO “Being in Right Relations” (short version) from 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism
~used with permission from The United Church of Canada’s YouTube channel; Creative Commons Attribution licence (reuse allowed)
HYMN #113 More Voices “Jesus Saw Them Fishing (Fish with Me)”
Jesus saw them fishing by the shore of Galilee, casting out their nets into the sea.
Simon Peter, Andrew and the sons of Zebedee, waiting in their boats so patiently.
Refrain And Jesus said, “Oh, come and follow me. Oh, leave behind your nets. I call you. Oh, come and fish with me, and your life will never be the same again.
A rich young person came to Jesus looking for advice. “How can I obtain eternal life?”
Jesus told him, “Honour the commandments of God. Then sell off all your riches for the poor.” Refrain
“If you want to follow me, deny your very self. Take up your cross and walk the walk with me.
This might seem a hardship, an impossibility, but nothing is impossible with God.” Refrain
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S VOICE
Loving God, you speak to us in so many ways.
Speak to us now through the reading of the scriptures.
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
This is the word of our spiritual ancestors…
The divine word to us today. Amen.
SERMON – Rev. Hilde Seal
HYMN #154 More Voices “Deep in Our Hearts”
Deep in our hearts there is a common vision: Deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story, telling Creation that we are one.
Deep in our hearts there is a common purpose; deep in our hearts there is a common goal;
Deep in our hearts there is a sacred message, justice and peace in harmony.
Deep in our hearts there is a common longing; deep in our hearts there is a common theme;
Deep in our hearts there is a common current, flowing to freedom like a stream.
Deep in our hearts there is a common vision; deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story, telling Creation that we are one.
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND IN FAITH AND HOPE
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
MISSION AND SERVICE STORY
Our offerings will now be received.
OFFERTORY HYMN #510 Voices United “We Have this Ministry” verse 2
O Christ, the treat of life, our end and our beginning,
We grow to fullest flower when rooted in your love.
Brothers, sisters, clergy, lay, called to service by your grace,
Different cultures, different gifts, the young and old a place.
We have this ministry, O God, receive our giving.
Please remain standing for the Prayer of Dedication.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
WE GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE
CHANGING THE LIGHT
SENDING FORTH
Now ends our time of worship
And begins our time of service. Amen
ON THE WAY #212 More Voices “Sent out in Jesus’ Name”
Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now to make the world a place in which the kingdom comes.
Sent out in Jesus’ name, our hands are ready now to make the world a 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.
This service of worship was initially prepared by Together We Worship and has been revised to fit practices of Wetaskiwin First United Church. Thanks to Rev. Hilde Seal, Sydney, BC for the sermon and Liturgy.