Welcome to worship through First United Church!
We are offering both in person and live-stream/online worship.
You can read over the print version of worship below.
We are live streaming to our Facebook page at 10:30 am each week. We start the stream with our announcements around 10:20 am. https://facebook.com/firstunitedwetaskiwin/
The service will also be posted to YouTube channel (First United Wetaskiwin) by 1 pm each Sunday.
Links to both sites will be available on this page, under the respective order of service by 1 pm each Sunday.
If you’re going to be traveling and want to check out other United Churches …
The United Church of Canada offers a map of all the UCC congregations across Canada who are on-line.
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 on this web page.
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. Find out more on “Contact Us – Donate”
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. Find out more on “Contact Us – Donate”
First United Church, Wetaskiwin ~ January 16th, 2022
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, or what you believe.
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST
This service will be live-streamed to our Face-book page at 10:30 am, Sunday, January 16 and then uploaded to our You-Tube channel with links provided on this site by 1 pm, Sunday.
WELCOMING THE LIGHT Breathe deeply of the Spirit’s presence.
GATHERING MUSIC #71 More Voices “When the Wind of Winter Blows” verses 1 & 2
When the wind of winter blows, bringing times of solitude,
Fill the silent icy night; be our hearts’ compassion.
When the wind of winter blows, bringing times of solitude,
Fill the silent icy night; be our hearts’ compassion.
Refrain Holy light, warm our night, warm the time of winter [repeat]
When we shiver in despair, when the chill of death comes near,
Hold us, Spirit, calm our fear, while the evening deepens. Refrain
Hold us, Spirit, calm our fear, while the evening deepens. Refrain
CALL TO WORSHIP
God sets a table called life before us. Will you feast with Me?
In the presence of enemies and friends, goodness and mercy sit side by side.
Lion and lamb, rich and poor, all are invited. Will you feast with Me?
In the presence of the Holy, water becomes wine, despair turns to hope.
You will need strength for the work that awaits. Will you feast with Me?
Yes God, gather us into community till our lives overflow with Your grace.
Let us feast together!
God sets a table called life before us. Will you feast with Me?
In the presence of enemies and friends, goodness and mercy sit side by side.
Lion and lamb, rich and poor, all are invited. Will you feast with Me?
In the presence of the Holy, water becomes wine, despair turns to hope.
You will need strength for the work that awaits. Will you feast with Me?
Yes God, gather us into community till our lives overflow with Your grace.
Let us feast together!
OPENING PRAYER [Together]
Heart’s Delight, thank You for Your generous Spirit and steadfast care. Open our eyes to notice the beauty that surrounds us. Deepen our appreciation of Your hospitality. Teach us to work with You – to heal what is hurt; to bring hope where there is grief. May this time of worship renew us in Your image. May we live kindness and practice acceptance. Amen.
Heart’s Delight, thank You for Your generous Spirit and steadfast care. Open our eyes to notice the beauty that surrounds us. Deepen our appreciation of Your hospitality. Teach us to work with You – to heal what is hurt; to bring hope where there is grief. May this time of worship renew us in Your image. May we live kindness and practice acceptance. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 78 p.792 Part 1 with Refrain John 2:1 – 12
HYMN #6 All God’s Children Sing “How Can We Name a Love” verses 1 & 3
How can we name a Love that wakens heart and mind,
In dwelling all we know or think or do or seek or find?
Within our daily world, in every human face,
Love’s echoes sound and God is found, hid in the common place.
How can we name a Love that wakens heart and mind,
In dwelling all we know or think or do or seek or find?
Within our daily world, in every human face,
Love’s echoes sound and God is found, hid in the common place.
When people share a task, and strength and skills unite
In projects old or new to make, or do with shared delight,
Our Friend and partner’s will is better understood,
That all should share, create, and care, and know that life is good.
In projects old or new to make, or do with shared delight,
Our Friend and partner’s will is better understood,
That all should share, create, and care, and know that life is good.
GOOD NEWS
PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
God of abundance… let Your Spirit overflow us.
Give us pause this day to notice Your gift of beauty. Snow drifts sculpted and sparkling in the sunlight; the laughter of friends, the lines of wisdom on an elder’s face. Thank You for the gift of life, breath that flows, minds and bodies that enable us savour so much. We give thanks for Your gift of love. Free us to share it generously. God of abundance… let Your Spirit overflow us.
We give thanks for time to gather in worship and community. We pray for people who feel alone or lost. Help us to reach out with compassion to those who grieve. You know the names near and dear to our hearts. You know the names of so many beyond our knowing. Bless our acts of kindness, till goodness turns meanness into respect. God of abundance… let Your Spirit overflow us.
Christ who turns the tables on power, May we walk with those who work for justice. We pray especially for the prisoners of conscience, those detained without cause or imprisoned without trial. We give thanks for people who share their gifts for the common good through groups like Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity and the International Accompaniers. Empower us to use our gifts as graciously. God of abundance… let Your Spirit overflow us.
Spirit of life, You know our hearts and our situations. Strengthen us to be Your people in this world You love. We offer these prayers and those too deep for words into Your care. We add our voices to generations of the faithful 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, forever and ever. Amen.
God of abundance… let Your Spirit overflow us.
Give us pause this day to notice Your gift of beauty. Snow drifts sculpted and sparkling in the sunlight; the laughter of friends, the lines of wisdom on an elder’s face. Thank You for the gift of life, breath that flows, minds and bodies that enable us savour so much. We give thanks for Your gift of love. Free us to share it generously. God of abundance… let Your Spirit overflow us.
We give thanks for time to gather in worship and community. We pray for people who feel alone or lost. Help us to reach out with compassion to those who grieve. You know the names near and dear to our hearts. You know the names of so many beyond our knowing. Bless our acts of kindness, till goodness turns meanness into respect. God of abundance… let Your Spirit overflow us.
Christ who turns the tables on power, May we walk with those who work for justice. We pray especially for the prisoners of conscience, those detained without cause or imprisoned without trial. We give thanks for people who share their gifts for the common good through groups like Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity and the International Accompaniers. Empower us to use our gifts as graciously. God of abundance… let Your Spirit overflow us.
Spirit of life, You know our hearts and our situations. Strengthen us to be Your people in this world You love. We offer these prayers and those too deep for words into Your care. We add our voices to generations of the faithful 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, forever and ever. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION “Thank you!”
HYMN #372 Voices United “Though I May Speak”
Though I may speak with bravest fire, and have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love, my words are vain, as sounding brass, and hopeless gain.
Though I may speak with bravest fire, and have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love, my words are vain, as sounding brass, and hopeless gain.
Though I may give all I possess, and striving so my love profess,
But not be given by love within, the profit soon turns strangely thin.
But not be given by love within, the profit soon turns strangely thin.
Come Spirit, come, our hearts control, our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed; by this we worship and are freed.
Let inward love guide every deed; by this we worship and are freed.
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the Light goes with you.
SENDING FORTH
God of all blessing, You are light to our path; Music for our voices; Gospel for our hearts;
Courage for our faith; Purpose for our lives; Compassion for our hands; The Way we journey.
Go and be radiant with the glory of God. Go and search diligently for Christ in those you meet.
We go to live our lives as good news! Amen and amen.
God of all blessing, You are light to our path; Music for our voices; Gospel for our hearts;
Courage for our faith; Purpose for our lives; Compassion for our hands; The Way we journey.
Go and be radiant with the glory of God. Go and search diligently for Christ in those you meet.
We go to live our lives as good news! Amen and amen.
ON THE WAY #87 Voices United “I am the Light of the World” verses 1 & 4
Refrain I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!
If you follow and love, you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.
Refrain I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!
If you follow and love, you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.
When the song of the angels is done, when the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and the shepherds have found their way home, the work of Christmas is begun. Refrain
When the kings and the shepherds have found their way home, the work of Christmas is begun. Refrain
To bring hope to every task you do, to dance at a baby’s new birth,
To make music in an old person’s heart, and sing to the colours of the earth! Refrain
To make music in an old person’s heart, and sing to the colours of the earth! Refrain
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – January 9, 2022
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, or what you believe.
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST This service was live-streamed to our Facebook page on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at 10:30 am. Links to Facebook and our You-Tube channel are available below and You-tube should be active by 1 pm, Sunday.
Facebook https://fb.watch/aqXDsqc1T0/
You-Tube https://youtu.be/kOC3LEGCif8
WELCOMING THE LIGHT Breathe deeply of the Spirit’s presence.
GATHERING MUSIC #71 More Voices “When the Wind of Winter Blows” verses 1 & 2
When the wind of winter blows, bringing times of solitude,
Fill the silent icy night; be our hearts’ compassion.
When the wind of winter blows, bringing times of solitude,
Fill the silent icy night; be our hearts’ compassion.
Refrain Holy light, warm our night, warm the time of winter [repeat]
When we shiver in despair, when the chill of death comes near,
Hold us, Spirit, calm our fear, while the evening deepens. Refrain
Hold us, Spirit, calm our fear, while the evening deepens. Refrain
CALL TO WORSHIP
Through thundering waters, raging prophets and the still small voice
God speaks to us across time and space – Do not fear, for I have rescued you.
Before time, beyond time, but always in time, God calls us each by name
We belong to God.
In Spirit like a dove, a voice named Jesus, beloved child.
In this time and place, with the thunder of prophets and the whisper of feathered wings,
God calls us to service.
We are beloved and called to love.
Let us worship together with gratitude and hope.
Through thundering waters, raging prophets and the still small voice
God speaks to us across time and space – Do not fear, for I have rescued you.
Before time, beyond time, but always in time, God calls us each by name
We belong to God.
In Spirit like a dove, a voice named Jesus, beloved child.
In this time and place, with the thunder of prophets and the whisper of feathered wings,
God calls us to service.
We are beloved and called to love.
Let us worship together with gratitude and hope.
OPENING PRAYER [Together]
From the beginning, Holy One, You redeem us. In this gathering time, call us again by name, that we might remember whose we are. Be with us when we pass through the turbulence and storms of our lives. When we feel overwhelmed, breathe Your peace upon us. In all our endings and beginnings, You are there, and it is enough. Amen.
From the beginning, Holy One, You redeem us. In this gathering time, call us again by name, that we might remember whose we are. Be with us when we pass through the turbulence and storms of our lives. When we feel overwhelmed, breathe Your peace upon us. In all our endings and beginnings, You are there, and it is enough. Amen.
HYMN #99 Voices United “Christ, When for Us You were Baptized”
Christ, when for us you were baptized, God’s Spirit on you came,
As peaceful as a dove and yet as urgent as a flame.
Christ, when for us you were baptized, God’s Spirit on you came,
As peaceful as a dove and yet as urgent as a flame.
God called you, “My beloved Son,” called you, “My servant true,”
Sent you God’s kingdom to proclaim, God’s holy will to do.
Sent you God’s kingdom to proclaim, God’s holy will to do.
Straightway and steadfast until death you then obeyed the call
Freely as Son of Man to serve and give your life for all.
Freely as Son of Man to serve and give your life for all.
Baptize us with Your Spirit now, Your cross on us be signed,
That likewise in God’s service we may perfect freedom find.
That likewise in God’s service we may perfect freedom find.
SCRIPTURE READINGS Isaiah 43:1 – 7 Luke 3:1 – 22
REMEMBER YOUR BAPTISM
From the beginning of the first communities of faith, Christians have used water as a symbol of God’s grace. Adults chose baptism as a response to the joy they discovered following Jesus’ way. Whole households were baptised as part of their commitment to live a new life in Christ. From time to time as a congregation, we too remember the gift and grace that is ours because God calls us. Today you’re invited to remember the power of God’s love to mend and make new. Whether you’ve been baptised or not, you are loved by God.
(You’re invited to make the sign of the cross, with water, on your forehead or hand)
Before conscious thought or action on our part,
We were born into the goodness and the broken-ness of this world.
Before conscious thought or action on our part,
We are surrounded by God’s redeeming love.
Baptism makes visible what already exists, the nurturing, sustaining, and transforming power of God’s love.
In baptism, we pour out our grateful acceptance of that grace.
In baptism, God gives us new birth by water and the Spirit.
In baptism, we commit ourselves to discipleship in Christ’s name.
May this water remind us of our immersion in the love of God, and our belonging to this great cloud of witnesses.
From the beginning of the first communities of faith, Christians have used water as a symbol of God’s grace. Adults chose baptism as a response to the joy they discovered following Jesus’ way. Whole households were baptised as part of their commitment to live a new life in Christ. From time to time as a congregation, we too remember the gift and grace that is ours because God calls us. Today you’re invited to remember the power of God’s love to mend and make new. Whether you’ve been baptised or not, you are loved by God.
(You’re invited to make the sign of the cross, with water, on your forehead or hand)
Before conscious thought or action on our part,
We were born into the goodness and the broken-ness of this world.
Before conscious thought or action on our part,
We are surrounded by God’s redeeming love.
Baptism makes visible what already exists, the nurturing, sustaining, and transforming power of God’s love.
In baptism, we pour out our grateful acceptance of that grace.
In baptism, God gives us new birth by water and the Spirit.
In baptism, we commit ourselves to discipleship in Christ’s name.
May this water remind us of our immersion in the love of God, and our belonging to this great cloud of witnesses.
A NEW CREED P. 918 VU
HYMN #96 Voices United “Will You Come and See the Light” verses 1, 2 & 4
Will you come and see the light from the stable door?
It is shining newly bright, though it shone before.
It will be your guiding star, it will show you who you are; will you hide or decide to meet the light?
Will you come and see the light from the stable door?
It is shining newly bright, though it shone before.
It will be your guiding star, it will show you who you are; will you hide or decide to meet the light?
Will you step into the light that can free the slave?
It will stand for what is right, it ill heal and save.
By the pyramids of greed there’s a longing to be freed, will you hide or decide to meet the light?
It will stand for what is right, it ill heal and save.
By the pyramids of greed there’s a longing to be freed, will you hide or decide to meet the light?
Will you join the hope, alight in the young girl’s eyes, of the mighty put to flight by a baby’s cries?
When the lowest and the least are the foremost at the feast, will you hide or decide to meet the light?
When the lowest and the least are the foremost at the feast, will you hide or decide to meet the light?
GOOD NEWS “What a Difference…”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Heart of Love … live through us.
Spirit of life and love, we give thanks for your presence. Calm our fears, relieve our doubts, wash away our pride, give us courage to speak your peace and justice, when we are tempted to keep silent. Help us keep silent when other voices need to be heard. Together may we work for the healing of creation. Heart of Love … live through us.
Companion of the way, lead us into this new year… to risk discipleship in your name; to change our over-consuming ways; to share more generously; to be earth-wise in our purchases and waste; to learn our own bias; and increase our curiosity. We remember the volunteers and staff of NOW, Hope Mission, the Mobile Crisis Unit, our police and ems people, all those who accompany others through difficult times, who speak peace in the midst of fear. Heart of Love … live through us.
Healing and Anointing One, pour out your Spirit upon us. Guide us this day and in the year ahead, as we seek to be your people. Help us speak comfort to those who grieve, offer hope to those who despair, celebrate our differences and embrace the adventure that this year holds. We offer prayers in the silence of our hearts … time for silent prayer … Heart of Love … live through us.
Spirit of life, you know our hearts and our situations. Strengthen us to be your people in this world you love. We offer these prayers and those too deep for words into your care, using the words Jesus’ taught his friends saying, 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. 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 forever and ever. Amen.
Heart of Love … live through us.
Spirit of life and love, we give thanks for your presence. Calm our fears, relieve our doubts, wash away our pride, give us courage to speak your peace and justice, when we are tempted to keep silent. Help us keep silent when other voices need to be heard. Together may we work for the healing of creation. Heart of Love … live through us.
Companion of the way, lead us into this new year… to risk discipleship in your name; to change our over-consuming ways; to share more generously; to be earth-wise in our purchases and waste; to learn our own bias; and increase our curiosity. We remember the volunteers and staff of NOW, Hope Mission, the Mobile Crisis Unit, our police and ems people, all those who accompany others through difficult times, who speak peace in the midst of fear. Heart of Love … live through us.
Healing and Anointing One, pour out your Spirit upon us. Guide us this day and in the year ahead, as we seek to be your people. Help us speak comfort to those who grieve, offer hope to those who despair, celebrate our differences and embrace the adventure that this year holds. We offer prayers in the silence of our hearts … time for silent prayer … Heart of Love … live through us.
Spirit of life, you know our hearts and our situations. Strengthen us to be your people in this world you love. We offer these prayers and those too deep for words into your care, using the words Jesus’ taught his friends saying, 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. 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 forever and ever. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION “One Water Project at a Time”
HYMN #87 Voices United “I am the Light of the World” verses 1 & 2
Refrain I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!
If you follow and love, you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.
Refrain I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!
If you follow and love, you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.
When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and the shepherds have found their way home, the work of Christmas is begun: Refrain
When the kings and the shepherds have found their way home, the work of Christmas is begun: Refrain
To find the lost and lonely one, to heal the broken soul with love,
To feed the hungry children with warmth and good food, to feel the earth below, the sky above! Refrain
To feed the hungry children with warmth and good food, to feel the earth below, the sky above! Refrain
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the Light goes with you.
SENDING FORTH
Say your name. … God is calling you. Say your name. … All is forgiven.
Say your name. … You are filled with grace. SILENCE Forgiven not forgotten
We go out reconciled, renewed, remembered
Go and be radiant with the glory of God. Go and search diligently for Christ in those you meet.
We go to live our lives as good news! Amen and amen.
Say your name. … God is calling you. Say your name. … All is forgiven.
Say your name. … You are filled with grace. SILENCE Forgiven not forgotten
We go out reconciled, renewed, remembered
Go and be radiant with the glory of God. Go and search diligently for Christ in those you meet.
We go to live our lives as good news! Amen and amen.
ON THE WAY #87 Voices United “I am the Light of the World” verses 3 & 4
Refrain I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!
If you follow and love, you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.
Refrain I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!
If you follow and love, you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.
To free the prisoner from all chains, to make the powerful care,
To rebuild the nations with strength of good will, to see God’s children everywhere! Refrain
To rebuild the nations with strength of good will, to see God’s children everywhere! Refrain
To bring hope to every task you do, to dance at a baby’s new birth,
To make music in an old person’s heart, and sing to the colours of the earth! Refrain
To make music in an old person’s heart, and sing to the colours of the earth! Refrain
Thank you for making time to nurture your spirit!
First United Church, Wetaskiwin ~ January 2nd, 2022
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, or what you believe.
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST
This service will be posted/uploaded to our Face-book page and You-Tube Channel at 10:30 am, Sunday, January 2, 2022. Links will be available below and should be active by 1 pm, Sunday. Thanks to Susan Silverthorne for providing worship leadership.
Facebook https://fb.watch/ahD2YSexTh/
You-Tube https://youtu.be/MXCdFKEPKfA
Welcome to the January 2 service from First United Church in Wetaskiwin serving the City of Wetaskiwin and surrounding areas as well as all those who chose to connect virtually from far and wide. Our commitment at First United is to avoid telling others what to believe, but to walk with others on their spiritual journey and to always choose love over hurt, intolerance and condemnation. Our hope is to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully. Whether you are worshiping with us for the first time or one of many, it is my hope that you will feel the Spirit’s presence through participating in this service.
COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT In the Book of John we are told that Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
HYMN #59 Voices United “Joy to the World” verses 1, 2 & 4
Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing
Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing
Joy to the world! The Savior reigns. Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy; repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy; repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove,
The glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love and wonders of His love, and wonders, wonders of His love
The glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love and wonders of His love, and wonders, wonders of His love
CALL TO WORSHIP [adapted from “Song of Faith” 2006 UCC]
Made in the image of God, we yearn for the fulfillment that is life in God.
Yet, at times, we choose to turn away from God. At times, we surrender ourselves to sin,
A disposition revealed in selfishness, cowardice, or apathy, becoming bound and complacent in a web of false desires and wrong choices, we bring harm to ourselves and others.
Open our eyes and our hearts, Holy One.
Enable us to love more fully, that all can bask in the light of your love
Made in the image of God, we yearn for the fulfillment that is life in God.
Yet, at times, we choose to turn away from God. At times, we surrender ourselves to sin,
A disposition revealed in selfishness, cowardice, or apathy, becoming bound and complacent in a web of false desires and wrong choices, we bring harm to ourselves and others.
Open our eyes and our hearts, Holy One.
Enable us to love more fully, that all can bask in the light of your love
OPENING PRAYER
Keeper of the years and of all eternity, as we enter this new year, we confess that although the body is willing the spirit can be weak and we do not always make decisions thinking of the importance of sharing, we sometimes do not fully support vulnerable members of our community and sometimes, we simply turn a blind eye to those in need. We ask that you instill in us a sense of generosity, a thirst for justice, the courage to look into the faces of others in need and the energy to provide assistance. Amen.
Keeper of the years and of all eternity, as we enter this new year, we confess that although the body is willing the spirit can be weak and we do not always make decisions thinking of the importance of sharing, we sometimes do not fully support vulnerable members of our community and sometimes, we simply turn a blind eye to those in need. We ask that you instill in us a sense of generosity, a thirst for justice, the courage to look into the faces of others in need and the energy to provide assistance. Amen.
HYMN #382 Voices United “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”
Breathe on me, breath of God; fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou dost love and do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure,
Until with thee I will one will, to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God; fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou dost love and do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure,
Until with thee I will one will, to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God, till I am wholly thine,
Until this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine
Breathe on me, breath of God, so shall I never die,
but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity
Until this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine
Breathe on me, breath of God, so shall I never die,
but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity
SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 147:12–20, 2 John 2:1:1 – 13
GOOD NEWS
HYMN “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love”
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord [repeat]
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord [repeat]
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored
Refrain And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love
Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love
We will work with each other, we will work side by side [Repeat]
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride Refrain
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride Refrain
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand. [Repeat]
And together we will spread the news that God is in our land. Refrain
And together we will spread the news that God is in our land. Refrain
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
CHANGING THE LIGHT
Again, we refer to the Book of John where we are told that Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Again, we refer to the Book of John where we are told that Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Go now following the inextinguishable light of Christ.
SENDING FORTH
ON THE WAY #7 Voices United “Hope is a Star” verses 1 – 3
Hope is a star, that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.
Hope is a star, that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.
Refrain When God is a child, there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first, and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth. Refrain
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Saviour is born. Refrain
WORDS FOR THE JOURNEY Go now in peace and may the love of God surround you!
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – December 26, 2021
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, or what you believe.
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST This worship service will be on our Facebook page and You-Tube channel at 10:30 am on Sunday, December 26, 2021. Links to You-Tube and Facebook are available below and live after 10:30 am, Sunday.
You-Tube https://youtu.be/mndbGNGNnzU
Facebook https://fb.watch/a8nQxq3-WL/
WELCOMING THE LIGHT Breathe deeply of the Spirit’s presence.
GATHERING MUSIC #36 Voices United “Angels from the Realms of Glory” verses 1, 3 & 4
Angels from the realms of glroy, wing your flight o’er all the earth;
ye who sang creation’s story, no proclaim Messiah’s birth.
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the new born King!
ye who sang creation’s story, no proclaim Messiah’s birth.
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the new born King!
Sages, leave your contemplations; brigher visions beam afar;
Seek the great desire of nations; ye have seen his natal star:
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the new born King!
Saints before the altar bending, watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord descending, in his temple shall appear:
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the new born King!
Suddenly the Lord descending, in his temple shall appear:
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the new born King!
CALL TO WORSHIP
Creator God, You are the source of wisdom and love. Teach us to listen, Holy One.
You speak to us in friends and neighbours, asking for acceptance.
Teach us to listen, Holy One.
Spirit of Reconciliation, You call to us in the pleas for forgiveness, in the cries of anguish.
Teach us to listen, Holy One.
In the still, small voice within, in noise and in silence, Teach us to listen, Holy One,
That we might know You better.
OPENING PRAYER
Living God, You are the light to our path, the life that makes all things new, the joy that makes the multi-verse good. Alert our senses to find You in unlikely places and open our hearts to welcome You into our lives. May we learn to listen, and in listening, learn from one another. Amen
Living God, You are the light to our path, the life that makes all things new, the joy that makes the multi-verse good. Alert our senses to find You in unlikely places and open our hearts to welcome You into our lives. May we learn to listen, and in listening, learn from one another. Amen
SPECIAL MUSIC “Calypso Carol”
SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 146 p. 868 VU with Refrain Luke 2:41 – 52
HYMN #70 All God’s Children Sing “Mary She Sang a Love Song” verses 1 – 4
Mary, she sang a love song, (x 3) She sang a love song to her baby.
Mary, she sang a love song, (x 3) She sang a love song to her baby.
Lamplight on the table walls, shadows in the cattle stalls,
A song of love on a Mamma’s words, she sings the song which first she heard,
And Mary, she sang a love song, (x 3) She sang a love song to her baby.
A song of love on a Mamma’s words, she sings the song which first she heard,
And Mary, she sang a love song, (x 3) She sang a love song to her baby.
Twelve years old and finally found, talking the Temple grounds.
Son, how could you do this thing? Mamma you taught me to sing and,
Jesus, he sang a love song (x 3) he sang a love song to his mamma.
Son, how could you do this thing? Mamma you taught me to sing and,
Jesus, he sang a love song (x 3) he sang a love song to his mamma.
Thirty years and by the shore, tell me what you’re fishing for.
Leave your nets and come along, I’ll teach you my fishing song, and
Jesus he sang a long song (x 3), he sang a long song to the fisherfolk.
Leave your nets and come along, I’ll teach you my fishing song, and
Jesus he sang a long song (x 3), he sang a long song to the fisherfolk.
Thirty-three and through the pain, Jesus sang it once again.
Stark against a falling sky. The song went up on a single cry, and
Jesus, he sang a love song (x 3), he sang a love song to ev’ry body.
Stark against a falling sky. The song went up on a single cry, and
Jesus, he sang a love song (x 3), he sang a love song to ev’ry body.
GOOD NEWS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Young, Growing God, Stir our curiosity.
Searcher of Hearts, we come to You a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. Sometimes we linger in the past, forgetting to live. We carry it as burden rather than gift. Grant us grace and courage to learn from the experience it has given us, both hurt and remembered joy; to Deepen our understanding of ourselves and those around us. May we learn the wisdom that leads us to You. We ask your compassion to let go that which keeps us from the abundant life you promise, guilt, fear, regret, bitterness, denial. May we in turn offer your grace to others. Young, Growing God, Stir our curiosity.
Binder of Wounds we pray for: the families and friends of those affected by violence, in our homes, in our communities, around the world; teach us the wisdom of peacable words and actions; We pray for those affected by extreme weather, who are grieving, re-building, re-locating following flooding, tsunami’s, drought; Deepen our understanding of our place in the web of life and strengthen our commitment to living respectfully in Creation. Young, Growing God, Stir our curiosity.
Teacher of Peace, we ask for strength to listen rather than to judge, to trust rather than to fear, to try again and again to make peace even when peace eludes us. We ask, O God, for the grace to be our best selves. We ask for the vision to be builders of the human community rather than its destroyers.
We ask for the humility as a people to understand the fears and hopes of other peoples.
We ask for the love it takes to bequeath to the children of the world to become more
than the failure of our own making. We offer you ourselves in return, to be part of Your mission.
Young, Growing God, Stir our curiosity.
Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, hold us in Your warmth. In the midst of a world such as ours, Emmanuel – God You are with us. We ask in Jesus’ name, and we pray together in the words he taught his friends saying, 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Young, Growing God, Stir our curiosity.
Searcher of Hearts, we come to You a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. Sometimes we linger in the past, forgetting to live. We carry it as burden rather than gift. Grant us grace and courage to learn from the experience it has given us, both hurt and remembered joy; to Deepen our understanding of ourselves and those around us. May we learn the wisdom that leads us to You. We ask your compassion to let go that which keeps us from the abundant life you promise, guilt, fear, regret, bitterness, denial. May we in turn offer your grace to others. Young, Growing God, Stir our curiosity.
Binder of Wounds we pray for: the families and friends of those affected by violence, in our homes, in our communities, around the world; teach us the wisdom of peacable words and actions; We pray for those affected by extreme weather, who are grieving, re-building, re-locating following flooding, tsunami’s, drought; Deepen our understanding of our place in the web of life and strengthen our commitment to living respectfully in Creation. Young, Growing God, Stir our curiosity.
Teacher of Peace, we ask for strength to listen rather than to judge, to trust rather than to fear, to try again and again to make peace even when peace eludes us. We ask, O God, for the grace to be our best selves. We ask for the vision to be builders of the human community rather than its destroyers.
We ask for the humility as a people to understand the fears and hopes of other peoples.
We ask for the love it takes to bequeath to the children of the world to become more
than the failure of our own making. We offer you ourselves in return, to be part of Your mission.
Young, Growing God, Stir our curiosity.
Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, hold us in Your warmth. In the midst of a world such as ours, Emmanuel – God You are with us. We ask in Jesus’ name, and we pray together in the words he taught his friends saying, 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION “Share Your Light”
HYMN #28 Voices United “Herald Sound the Note of Gladness” verses 1 – 3
Herald! Sound the note of gladness! Tell the news that Christ is here;
Make a pathway through the desert for the one who brings God near.
Herald! Sound the note of gladness! Tell the news that Christ is here;
Make a pathway through the desert for the one who brings God near.
Refrain Herald the trumpet! Tell the Message! Christ the Saving One has come!
Herald! Sound the note of judgment, warning us of right and wrong,
Turning us from sin and sadness till once more we sing the song. Refrain
Turning us from sin and sadness till once more we sing the song. Refrain
Herald! Sound the note of pardon! Those repenting are forgive;
God receives these wayward children, and to all new life is given. Refrain
God receives these wayward children, and to all new life is given. Refrain
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the Light goes with you.
SENDING FORTH
God calls us into the world to know and be known.
Spirit guide us in the ways of wisdom.
Go and be radiant with the glory of God. Go and search diligently for Christ in the people you meet.
God calls us into the world to know and be known.
Spirit guide us in the ways of wisdom.
Go and be radiant with the glory of God. Go and search diligently for Christ in the people you meet.
We go to live our lives as good news! Amen and amen.
ON THE WAY #78 Voices United “Sing Till Sundown”
Sing till sundown, hum your joy, dress in starlight, girl and boy.
Man and woman climb the hill, warmed beyond December’s chill,
Reeling, clapping, touch the air: is that fragrant music there?
Come the glory, gone the gloom: in a wondrous huddled room.
Christ the Word we’ve longed to know calls us dancing through the snow.
Sing till sundown, hum your joy, dress in starlight, girl and boy.
Man and woman climb the hill, warmed beyond December’s chill,
Reeling, clapping, touch the air: is that fragrant music there?
Come the glory, gone the gloom: in a wondrous huddled room.
Christ the Word we’ve longed to know calls us dancing through the snow.
Gladness deepens into grace, weaves in light on every face.
Let us wake the sleeping earth, celebrate the sweetest birth,
Pierce the night with festive cry, bloom in colours of the sky.
Bring the flute, the tambourine, wave the branch of evergreen.
Lost we were a grief ago, now we’re dancing through the snow.
Let us wake the sleeping earth, celebrate the sweetest birth,
Pierce the night with festive cry, bloom in colours of the sky.
Bring the flute, the tambourine, wave the branch of evergreen.
Lost we were a grief ago, now we’re dancing through the snow.
Wishing you a wondrous and healthy New Year!
Thank you for worshiping with us! God bless, be well and look after each other.