We will be adding new worship material on this page and on our Facebook page https://facebook.com/firstunitedwetaskiwin/ in the coming weeks.
Worship for July is on the “July Worship Services” page and our Facebook page. Thank you for your patience! We hope you come close to the holy today!
Thank you for worshiping with us. If you’d like to know more about First United, you can call our office at 780-352-2157; check us out on Facebook at First United, Wetaskiwin or at https:/firstunitedwetaskiwin.ca
First United Church is a registered charitable organization. This ministry is made possible by the generous donations of people like you! Tax receipts are issued for all contributions to this ministry.
First United Church is a registered charitable organization. This ministry is made possible by the generous donations of people like you! Tax receipts are issued for all contributions to this ministry.
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – August 9, 2020
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, how you self-identify, whom you love,
or what you believe.
Permission to post the music in this service has been obtained from One License with license A-605619. All liturgy is original and I give permission for it to be shared.
Permission to post the music in this service has been obtained from One License with license A-605619. All liturgy is original and I give permission for it to be shared.
A video link for this service is provided below.
WELCOME & COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT You’re invited to take a deep breath and make space for the Spirit, as we welcome the light.
HYMN #222 Voices United “Come, Let us Sing” verses 1 – 3
Come, let us sing to the Lord our song, we have stood silently too long;
surely the Lord deserves our praise, so joyfully thank God for our days.
Come, let us sing to the Lord our song, we have stood silently too long;
surely the Lord deserves our praise, so joyfully thank God for our days.
O thirsty soul, come drink at the well; God’s living waters will never fail.
Surely the Lord will help you to stand, strengthened and comforted by God’s hand.
Surely the Lord will help you to stand, strengthened and comforted by God’s hand.
You dwell among us and cause us to pray, and walk with each other following your way;
our precious brothers and sisters will grow in the fulfilling love they know.
our precious brothers and sisters will grow in the fulfilling love they know.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Jesus calls us from uncertainty to action. We venture out in trust.
Jesus calls us to rise from prayer and risk the storms of discipleship. We venture out in trust.
Jesus calls us from the weight of doubt to the wings of faith. We venture out in trust.
Come, Jesus says, from safety into miracle. We venture out in trust.
And God is already there.
Jesus calls us from uncertainty to action. We venture out in trust.
Jesus calls us to rise from prayer and risk the storms of discipleship. We venture out in trust.
Jesus calls us from the weight of doubt to the wings of faith. We venture out in trust.
Come, Jesus says, from safety into miracle. We venture out in trust.
And God is already there.
OPENING PRAYER
Creator God, Your voice echoes across the waters, teasing faith from the rushing of wind. In the tumult of our lives, calm us. Turn our fear to hope, our confusion to confidence. Into the unsettled waters of the world, send us in hope. Equipt us to dare the unknown, for there is nowhere we can go that is beyond Your presence. Amen.
Creator God, Your voice echoes across the waters, teasing faith from the rushing of wind. In the tumult of our lives, calm us. Turn our fear to hope, our confusion to confidence. Into the unsettled waters of the world, send us in hope. Equipt us to dare the unknown, for there is nowhere we can go that is beyond Your presence. Amen.
DISCOVERY CIRCLE What do you do when you’re afraid?
I wonder what frightens you?
I wonder what it’s like to be afraid and still do what God asks?
When Elijah was frightened he ran away, and God was with him.
When he was hungry and thirsty, God was with him.
When Elijah was very, very quiet, God was with him.
And God is with us…NO MATTER WHAT!
I wonder what frightens you?
I wonder what it’s like to be afraid and still do what God asks?
When Elijah was frightened he ran away, and God was with him.
When he was hungry and thirsty, God was with him.
When Elijah was very, very quiet, God was with him.
And God is with us…NO MATTER WHAT!
SCRIPTURE READINGS 1 Kings 19:4 – 14; Matthew 14:22 – 33
HYMN #636 Voices United “Give to the Wind Your Fears”
Give to the winds your fears. Hope and be undismayed.
God hears your sighs and counts your tears. God shall lift up your head,
God shall lift up your head.
Give to the winds your fears. Hope and be undismayed.
God hears your sighs and counts your tears. God shall lift up your head,
God shall lift up your head.
Through waves and clouds and storms, God gently clears your way.
Wait for the time, so shall this night soon end in joyous day, soon end in joyous day.
Wait for the time, so shall this night soon end in joyous day, soon end in joyous day.
GOOD NEWS “Fear and Faith”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Still, small voice… strengthen us for Your service.
God of wind and wave, we are amazed and perplexed by Your great love for us. We wonder at your persistence and are grateful that You work in us and through us. We ask Your guidance and blessing on the lives of those who face difficult decisions. Comfort those who mourn. Breathe Your spirit into families who are faced with terminal or chronic illness. Help us to be good friends and neighbours when relationships fall apart, when alcohol or drugs replace You as the source of life. For all the endings and beginnings in our lives and in the lives of those we care for, we ask for strength and Your healing touch. Help us to care for others and ourselves.
Still, small voice…strengthen us for Your service.
God of all times and places, we live in a world where suffering and pain so easily overwhelm Your promise of hope and life. Help us to name the evils and injustice which threaten to turn us from following You. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your way amidst the many temptations of greed, money and power which come our way. We pray for the people of Beirut, for those countries severely affected by illness and lack of leadership; wherever and whenever human life is de-valued or expendable. We pray for all Your creatures and eco-systems affected by pollution and waste. Still, small voice…strengthen us for Your service.
We pray, gathering our hearts and voices together in the words Jesus taught his friends, Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Your names. Your kin-dom come. Your 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen
Still, small voice… strengthen us for Your service.
God of wind and wave, we are amazed and perplexed by Your great love for us. We wonder at your persistence and are grateful that You work in us and through us. We ask Your guidance and blessing on the lives of those who face difficult decisions. Comfort those who mourn. Breathe Your spirit into families who are faced with terminal or chronic illness. Help us to be good friends and neighbours when relationships fall apart, when alcohol or drugs replace You as the source of life. For all the endings and beginnings in our lives and in the lives of those we care for, we ask for strength and Your healing touch. Help us to care for others and ourselves.
Still, small voice…strengthen us for Your service.
God of all times and places, we live in a world where suffering and pain so easily overwhelm Your promise of hope and life. Help us to name the evils and injustice which threaten to turn us from following You. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your way amidst the many temptations of greed, money and power which come our way. We pray for the people of Beirut, for those countries severely affected by illness and lack of leadership; wherever and whenever human life is de-valued or expendable. We pray for all Your creatures and eco-systems affected by pollution and waste. Still, small voice…strengthen us for Your service.
We pray, gathering our hearts and voices together in the words Jesus taught his friends, Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Your names. Your kin-dom come. Your 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen
HYMN #562 Voices United “Jesus Calls Us” Verses 1, 3 – 5
Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult of our life’s wild restless sea,
day by day his clear voice sounding, saying, ‘Christian, follow me.’
Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult of our life’s wild restless sea,
day by day his clear voice sounding, saying, ‘Christian, follow me.’
Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world’s golden store,
from each idol that would keep us, saying, ‘Christian, love me more.’
from each idol that would keep us, saying, ‘Christian, love me more.’
In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease,
still he calls, in cares and pleasures, “Christian, love me more than these.’
still he calls, in cares and pleasures, “Christian, love me more than these.’
Jesus calls us: by your mercies, Saviour, may we hear your call,
give our hearts to your obedience, serve and love you best of all.
give our hearts to your obedience, serve and love you best of all.
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the light of goes with you.
SENDING FORTH
In the midst of fears and anxiety, God is with us.
In the gusts of grief and the rainbows that follow them, God is with us.
God is in all things and contained by no thing. Into this world which God loves, we are sent.
In the midst of fears and anxiety, God is with us.
In the gusts of grief and the rainbows that follow them, God is with us.
God is in all things and contained by no thing. Into this world which God loves, we are sent.
God is with us.
Trust the faith God has given you! Live the grace Christ has freed in you!
Share the blessings of the Spirit in all you say and do. Amen and amen.
Trust the faith God has given you! Live the grace Christ has freed in you!
Share the blessings of the Spirit in all you say and do. Amen and amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
First United Church is a charitable organization. All of our ministry is made possible through donations. If you would like to find out more, please contact the office or check our web-site. Monetary donations will be issued a tax receipt at the end of the year. God bless and take care of each other!
“Seeds to Saints” is our 2020 Vacation Bible Camp Theme. We’ll be offering a combination of interactive on-line, pre-recorded and at home activities for children and their families. You will need to pre-register if you want to Zoom with us, or contact the office to receive the Camper’s kit of supplies and info. We’ll be offering two sessions Monday, Aug. 17, 24 and 31, 10 – 11:30 am and 7 – 8:30 pm (same session different times, only register for one) so we can include more time with the campers.
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – August 2, 2020
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST We live among and to the north of the People of the Plains, the People of the Sundance Culture. As people arrived from other continents, they said, “Come in, you are welcome here, there’s room for all.” Those who have come to this land and their descendants have much to learn from the people who were here long before we arrived. We all have things to learn from each other. We have learned that the most effective way we can be true partners with one another is to live with sensitivity for both the gifts we all bring, and the burdens we all bear, as people of Creator.
Permission to post the music in this service has been obtained from One License with license A-605619. All liturgy is original and I give permission for it to be shared.
A link to this worship video is provided below.
COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT You’re invited to take a deep breath and make space for the Spirit, as we welcome the light.
HYMN #415 Voices United “God, We Praise You for the Morning” verses 1 – 4
God we praise you for the morning; hope springs forth with each new day;
New beginning, prayer, and promise, joy in work and in play.
God we praise you for the morning; hope springs forth with each new day;
New beginning, prayer, and promise, joy in work and in play.
God, we praise you for creation, mountains, seas and prairie lands,
Waking souls find joy and healing in your bountiful hand.
Waking souls find joy and healing in your bountiful hand.
God, we praise you for compassion, all the loving that You show;
human touching, tears, and laughter, help your children to grow.
human touching, tears, and laughter, help your children to grow.
God, we praise you for your spirit, Comforter and daily friend,
Restless search, gentle teacher, strength and courage you send.
Restless search, gentle teacher, strength and courage you send.
CALL TO WORSHIP
God, who strengthens the faint of heart, calls us into a community of faith –
Where we find courage to befriend our enemies and practice reconciliation.
Christ who makes the broken whole, calls us into the communities where we live –
To touch grief with comfort; To speak hope to despair.
We gather in the Spirit’s embrace – To be blessed and a blessing, whole and healing.
OPENING PRAYER
God of the exile and immigrant, You are at home everywhere and nowhere. Make Your home in us this day. Grant us courage to wrestle with what we do not understand. Open our hearts to respond with thoughtful and lasting change. Teach us patience and respect as we care for others and ourselves. Mark us with Your love that we might live as signs of Your kin-dom come. Amen.
DISCOVERY CIRCLE
I wonder how many people there are in your family?
I am old enough to have 3 children by choice and a grandchild.
I am young enough to have two older brothers of my own.
I wonder how you get along with your siblings?
We know Jacob and Esau did not get along very well growing up… or at least they were very different. Esau liked to be outside, looking after the animals, tending the fields or hunting. Jacob was more a home body, learning to cook and perhaps sharing stories with others. You can read more about them in the book of Genesis in the Bible, or listen for the story of Jacob in the Godly Play room.
We know they had a few disagreements, and Jacob tricked Esau, and Esau was angry. Angry enough that Jacob ran away.
But now they are old enough to have children of their own, perhaps even grand children and after years of not seeing one another, they are about to come together again.
I wonder how you might tell the story of their meeting?
I am old enough to have 3 children by choice and a grandchild.
I am young enough to have two older brothers of my own.
I wonder how you get along with your siblings?
We know Jacob and Esau did not get along very well growing up… or at least they were very different. Esau liked to be outside, looking after the animals, tending the fields or hunting. Jacob was more a home body, learning to cook and perhaps sharing stories with others. You can read more about them in the book of Genesis in the Bible, or listen for the story of Jacob in the Godly Play room.
We know they had a few disagreements, and Jacob tricked Esau, and Esau was angry. Angry enough that Jacob ran away.
But now they are old enough to have children of their own, perhaps even grand children and after years of not seeing one another, they are about to come together again.
I wonder how you might tell the story of their meeting?
SCRIPTURE READINGS Genesis 32:3 – 8; 33:1 – 4
Psalm 17 p.739 VU with refrain
HYMN #278 Voices United “In the Quiet Curve of Evening”
In the quiet curve of evening, in the sinking of the days, in the silky void of darkness, you are there.
In the lapses of my breathing, in the space between my ways, in the crater carved by sadness,
you are there. You are there, you are there, you are there.
In the quiet curve of evening, in the sinking of the days, in the silky void of darkness, you are there.
In the lapses of my breathing, in the space between my ways, in the crater carved by sadness,
you are there. You are there, you are there, you are there.
In the rests between the phrases, in the cracks between the stars,
in the gaps between the meaning, you are there.
In the melting down of endings, in the cooling of the sun, in the solstice of the winter, you are there.
You are there, you are there, you are there.
in the gaps between the meaning, you are there.
In the melting down of endings, in the cooling of the sun, in the solstice of the winter, you are there.
You are there, you are there, you are there.
In the mystery of my hungers, in the silence of my rooms,
in the cloud of my unknowing, you are there.
In the empty cave of grieving, in the desert of my dreams, in the tunnel of my sorrow, you are there.
You are there, you are there, you are there.
in the cloud of my unknowing, you are there.
In the empty cave of grieving, in the desert of my dreams, in the tunnel of my sorrow, you are there.
You are there, you are there, you are there.
GOOD NEWS “Day & Night”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
God of Restless Nights… teach us to be peace.
We are weary of our fears and isolation. We wrestle with anxiety or expectations. It is easy to get lost in what we have missed or cancelled or cannot do. Grace us with courage to look around and notice how good it is to be alive, here and now. When we become distracted or discouraged,
God of Restless Nights… teach us to be peace.
Christ who comes not to judge but to reconcile, we pray for relationships that have been broken, between siblings, parents and children, between spouses, neighbours and nations. For the hurtful things we say, forgive us; from the hurt we carry release us. In the grief that weighs upon us, comfort and strengthen us, that we in turn might comfort others. Pour your healing presence onto each one of us, that we might be whole in mind and body and spirit. Grant us strength to choose love and seek justice even in the midst of uncertainty or fear.
God of Restless Nights… teach us to be peace.
Healer of our every ill, we add our voices to those who cry out for justice and for compassion. We pray especially for people and places where violence has become an acceptable response to diversity; for people who are targeted because of skin colour or ethnicity or gender expression; for those who struggle to make ends meet; for those who live with mental illness. In the midst of doubt and despair, may we speak words of faith and hope; in the midst of hatred and betrayal, may we share the gift of understanding and forgiveness;
God of Restless Nights… teach us to be peace.
Holy Holy Holy, are you, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer God.
You create us in your image, love us into being and equip us to share your love. We thank you for the privilege and responsibility of being your people. Thank you for laughter that eases tension; for green spaces that refresh us and this earth; for the smell of fresh cut hay, the taste of new potatoes, for all the cycles and systems of creatures and creation on this planet we call home. May we share it with good grace.
God of Restless Nights… teach us to be peace.
We pray, gathering our hearts and voices together in the words Jesus taught his friends, Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Your names. Your kin-dom come. Your 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen
God of Restless Nights… teach us to be peace.
We are weary of our fears and isolation. We wrestle with anxiety or expectations. It is easy to get lost in what we have missed or cancelled or cannot do. Grace us with courage to look around and notice how good it is to be alive, here and now. When we become distracted or discouraged,
God of Restless Nights… teach us to be peace.
Christ who comes not to judge but to reconcile, we pray for relationships that have been broken, between siblings, parents and children, between spouses, neighbours and nations. For the hurtful things we say, forgive us; from the hurt we carry release us. In the grief that weighs upon us, comfort and strengthen us, that we in turn might comfort others. Pour your healing presence onto each one of us, that we might be whole in mind and body and spirit. Grant us strength to choose love and seek justice even in the midst of uncertainty or fear.
God of Restless Nights… teach us to be peace.
Healer of our every ill, we add our voices to those who cry out for justice and for compassion. We pray especially for people and places where violence has become an acceptable response to diversity; for people who are targeted because of skin colour or ethnicity or gender expression; for those who struggle to make ends meet; for those who live with mental illness. In the midst of doubt and despair, may we speak words of faith and hope; in the midst of hatred and betrayal, may we share the gift of understanding and forgiveness;
God of Restless Nights… teach us to be peace.
Holy Holy Holy, are you, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer God.
You create us in your image, love us into being and equip us to share your love. We thank you for the privilege and responsibility of being your people. Thank you for laughter that eases tension; for green spaces that refresh us and this earth; for the smell of fresh cut hay, the taste of new potatoes, for all the cycles and systems of creatures and creation on this planet we call home. May we share it with good grace.
God of Restless Nights… teach us to be peace.
We pray, gathering our hearts and voices together in the words Jesus taught his friends, Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Your names. Your kin-dom come. Your 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen
HYMN #266 Voices United “Amazing Grace” verses 1 – 3
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
’tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
’tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the light of goes with you.
SENDING FORTH
The joys and challenges of discipleship await us.
We carry the light of Christ. We bring the courage of community.
Wrestle with God’s blessing. Watch for signs of hope.
Work with reconciliation and humility, filled with the Spirit’s joy. Amen and amen!
The joys and challenges of discipleship await us.
We carry the light of Christ. We bring the courage of community.
Wrestle with God’s blessing. Watch for signs of hope.
Work with reconciliation and humility, filled with the Spirit’s joy. Amen and amen!
Thank you for worshiping with us! God bless and be well.