Welcome to worship through First United Church!
There are so many ways to come close to the holy! We hope you make time regularly to refresh your spirit, learn some and commit some to being some of the visible presence of love in this world!
 
You can join us in the sanctuary in person each week or catch up with us on-line anytime. Worship is at 10:30 am, Sunday in person and live-streamed to You-Tube.  There are also a number of services and Godly Play stories already on line for you to check out. 
 
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 making time to nurture your spirit and add to the goodness in Creation!
 
You can read over the print version for our Sunday services below.
 
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. Worship and Godly Play videos can also be found on our You-Tube channel (firstunitedwetaskiwin). 

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 – November 24, 2024 
 
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 You-Tube beginning with announcements at 10:20 am and worship at 10:30 am, Sunday November 24, 2024. Link is provided below.
 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY

First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nehiyawewin, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.

We gather with gratitude for their stewardship of this land, and we acknowledge that we too are treaty people, called to live with respect in Creation as we undertake our responsibilities as members of Treaty Six.

 

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

God’s the center of all Creation.

As we orbit around the sun, so we are centered on God!

God is the surprising Grace that rises every morning.

As surprising as a sunrise amid winter!

God is as constant as the moon’s phases.

Always the same, yet always changing – God is amazing!

So let us worship God!

 

OPENING PRAYER

God, you have made with all Creation an Everlasting Covenant and ordered weather, season and ecosystems to balance one another. 

You also made an Everlasting Covenant with humans

to take care of one another and creation – in balance and in love. 

Like a good ruler of old, you take care of your people. 

Like a good, elected leader of today, you listen to your people. 

Help us open our hearts and minds to you this day – you our Creator, Center and Christ, Amen.

 

PASSING OF THE PEACE

“The peace of Christ be with you”

And also with you.

 

HYMN #605 Voices United “Jesus, Teacher, Brave and Bold”

               Jesus, teacher, brave and bold, let us serve you, young and old.

Let us faith-filled workers be, all around, your wisdom see. 

Let us play and dance and sing, your goodness find in everything.

               Jesus, friend, so strong and true, show us good, brave work to do.

Show us those who need a friend, all things broken help us mend. 

Free our minds and stretch our care, teach us to serve you everywhere.

 

PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION

God of all peoples, places and times, we open to you our hearts that yearn for comfort this day.  It is the time of long nights and short days, and we need reminding that you are always in our hearts.  Sometimes like a comforting warm dark blanket.  Sometimes like a thrilling hot light.  But always…with us.

We are sorry for the times this past week when we have forgotten to seek you out.  We forget to ask for help, guidance, nurture and support.  We are sorry for the times this past week when we have forgotten to help others, too.  For when they ask for help and nurture we are called and equipped to be your hands and feet.  Help us be your true people, centered always on love of other and care of self. 

 

DISCOVERY CIRCLE  ~~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu, The Trial and Death of Jesus, God’s Dream

 

HYMN #56 Voices United  “Jesus, Our Brother”

               Jesus, our brother, kind and good, was humbly born in a stable rude,

And the friendly beasts around him stood, Jesus our brother, kind and good.

               “I,”, said the donkey, shaggy and brown, “I carried the mother uphill and down;

I carried his mother to Bethlehem town; I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown.

               “I,” said the cow, all white and red, “I gave him my manger for his bed,

I gave him hay to pillow his head: I,” said the cow and white and red.

               “I,” said the sheep with curly horn, “I gave him my wool for his blanket warm.

He wore my coat on Christmas morn; I,” said the sheep, with curly horn.

               “I,” said the dove, from the rafters high, “I cooed him to sleep that he should not cry,

We cooed him to sleep, my mate and I; I,” said the dove, from rafters high.

               Thus all the beasts, by some good spell, in the stable dark were glad to tell

Of the gifts they gave Emmanuel, the gifts they gave Emmanuel.

 

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Psalm 95 Part One p. 814 VU with Refrain

Refrain  Come, let us bow down and worship; let us kneel before God our maker.

 

O come, let us sing to God,

               let us shout with joy to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving;

               let us joyously shout to God with songs of praise.  Refrain

 

For you are a great God,

               high sovereign above all gods.

In your hand are the depths of the earth;

               to you belong the heights of the mountains. 

The sea is yours, for you made it;

               your hands also formed the dry land.

You are indeed our God;

               we are your people, the flock that you shepherd. Refrain

 

Matthew 25:31-46

 

RESPONSE

May God bless our understanding of these words handed down from the Early Church.

 

SERMON – Rev. Karen Medland

 

HYMN #271 Voices United “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea;

There’s a kindness in God’s justice which is more than liberty.

               There is no place where earth’s sorrows are more felt than up in heaven;

there is no place where earth’s failings have such gracious judgement given.

               There is plentiful redemption in the blood that Christ has shed;

there is joy for all the members in the sorrows of the Head.

Troubled souls, why will you scatter like a crowd of frightened sheep?

Foolish hearts, why will you wander from a love so true and deep?

For the love of God is broader than the measures of the mind,

And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.

 

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

 

OFFERING RESPONSE HYMN #79 More Voices   “Spirit, Open My Heart” [Refrain only]

Refrain Spirit, Open my heart to the joy and pain of living.

As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving, Spirit, open my heart.

 

MISSION AND SERVICE STORIES – Gifts with Vision:  A Gift to All

 

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Gracious God, bless these gifts, and those we give at other times.   Bless all the baking, sewing, wrapping and loving we will do in the coming weeks too.  Transform all this energy into love made known in your world!  Use them as you will, for your work through Christ, Amen.

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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,

and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.

Amen.   

 

HYMN #173 More Voices   “Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands”

Put peace into each other’s hands and like a treasure hold it,

Protect it like a candle flame, with tenderness enfold it.

Put peace into each other’s hands with loving expectation;

Be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God’s creation.

Put peace into each other’s hands like bread we break for sharing;

Look people warmly in the eye: our life is meant for caring.

Give thanks for strong yet tender hands, held out in trust and blessing.

Where words fall short, let hands speak out, the heights of love expressing.

Reach out in friendship, stay with faith in touch with those around you.

Put peace into each other’s hands; the Peace that sought and found you.

 

CHANGING THE LIGHT

 

SENDING FORTH

God is the center of all Creation.

We are the arms and hands of Christ reaching out!

God is the surprising Grace that rises every morning.

We are the forgiven and freed children of God going out to serve God’s children.

God is as constant as the moon’s phases.

Always the same, yet always changing – God is amazing!

So let us too – grow, change and constantly live love!

We go in peace to serve and love our God!

 

HYMN #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.

               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. Thanks to Rev. James McTyre, The Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, TN, USA for the liturgy and Rev. Karen Medland, Chinook Winds Region Pastoral Relations Minister for the sermon.

 

 

First United Church, Wetaskiwin – November 17, 2024
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 You-Tube beginning with announcements at 10:20 am and worship at 10:30 am, Sunday November 17, 2024. Link is provided below.
 
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY

First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nehiyawewin, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.

We gather with gratitude for their stewardship of this land, and we acknowledge that we too are treaty people, called to live with respect in Creation as we undertake our responsibilities as members of Treaty Six.

 

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

On this Children’s Sunday, let’s come to this time of worship as family gathers around a table. Let’s come as children with our questions and curiosities.

May we embrace the joy of this moment.

Let’s come as sceptical youth, ready to challenge ideas and norms.

May we discern the evolving wisdom of our faith stories.

Let’s come as busy adults, holding space for schedules, jobs, family, and friends.

May we engage faithfully with head, heart, hands, and feet.

Let’s come as loving grandparents, keepers of our stories.

May we enter this time of worship as the whole people of God.

 

OPENING PRAYER [together]

Holy One, no matter who is present and who is absent around our table, we know your love embraces us all. Your Holy Spirit is present and accounted for in our curiosity, our questions, our caregiving, and our stories. May we be attentive to your Word among us, teaching us to love and trust one another. Bless our homes and families. Amen.

 

PASSING OF THE PEACE

The peace of Christ is knowing we are loved and held in grace just as we come. Let’s share that good news as we turn to one another with a gesture of welcome and the words:

“The peace of Christ be with you”

And also with you.

As we gather ourselves together once again, let us prepare to continue our worship as we join our hearts together and pray.

 

HYMN #556 Voices United “Would You Bless our Homes and Families”

               Would you bless our homes and families, Source of life who calls us here;

in our world of stress and tension teach us love that conquers fear.

Help us learn to love each other with a love that constant stays;

Teach us when we face our troubles, love’s expressed in many ways.

               When our way is undemanding, let us use the time that’s ours

To delight in simple pleasures, sharing joys in gentle hours.

When our way is anxious walking and a heavy path we plod,

Teach us trust in one another and in you, our gracious God.

               From the homes in which we’re nurtured, with the love that shapes us there,

Teach us, God, to claim as family every one whose life we share.

And through all that life may offer, may we in your love remain;

May the love we share in families be alive to praise your name.

               Let us reach beyond the boundaries of our daily thought and care

Till the family you have chosen spills its love out everywhere.

Help us learn to love each other with a love that constant stays;

Teach us when we face our troubles love’s expressed in many ways.  

 

PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION

 

DISCOVERY CIRCLE

 

HYMN #173 More Voices   “Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands”

Put peace into each other’s hands and like a treasure hold it,

Protect it like a candle flame, with tenderness enfold it.

Put peace into each other’s hands with loving expectation;

Be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God’s creation.

Put peace into each other’s hands like bread we break for sharing;

Look people warmly in the eye: our life is meant for caring.

Give thanks for strong yet tender hands, held out in trust and blessing.

Where words fall short, let hands speak out, the heights of love expressing.

Reach out in friendship, stay with faith in touch with those around you.

Put peace into each other’s hands; the Peace that sought and found you.

 

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.

 

1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Common English Bible)

 

This is the trustworthy witness of God’s faithful people through the ages,

The divine word to us today. Amen.

 

SERMON – Rev. MiYeon Kim

 

HYMN #120 More Voices “My Soul Cries Out “

               My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great,

And my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.

You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn,

So from east to west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn!

               Though I am small, my God, my all, you work great things in me,

And your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.

Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,

You will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. Refrain

From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears ev’ry tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;

There are tables spread, ev’ry mouth be fed for the world is about to turn. Refrain

               Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast;

God’s mercy must deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.

This saving word that our forebears heard, is the promise that holds us bound;

‘Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God who is turning the world around. Refrain

 

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

 

OFFERING RESPONSE HYMN #191 More Voices “What Can I Do?”

               What can I do? What can I bring? What can I say? What can I sing?

I’ll sing with joy. I’ll say a prayer. I’ll bring my love. I’ll do my share.

               What can I do? What can I bring? What can I say? What can I sing?

I’ll sing with joy. I’ll say a prayer. I’ll bring my love. I’ll do my share.

 

YOUR GENEROSITY MATTERS (MINUTE FOR MISSION) – Supporting Community Resilience in Zimbabwe

 

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

…Please join me as we say together the words that Jesus taught his friends:

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, and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever.  Amen

 

HYMN #288 VU “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

               Great is thy faithfulness, God our Creator; There is not shadow of turning with thee;

Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not; as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Refrain Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness ever to me!

               Summer and winter and spring time and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Refrain

               Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,

Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow, wondrous the portion, thy blessings provide. Refrain

 

CHANGING THE LIGHT

 

SENDING FORTH

 

ON THE WAY HYMN #209 More Voices   “Go Make a Diff’rence”

Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.

Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.

We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see the love of God for you and me.

We are the light of the world, not to be hidden but be seen. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain

We are the hands of Christ, reaching out to those in need, the face of God for all to see.

We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain

              

This service of worship was initially prepared by Together We Worship and has been revised to fit practices of Wetaskiwin First United. Thanks to Rev. MiYeon Kim, Granum and Trinity United Churches in Fort McLeod for the sermon and Nancy Chegus, Sunnybrook United, Red Deer, AB for the liturgy.

First United Church, Wetaskiwin – November 10, 2024
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 You-Tube beginning with announcements at 10:20 am and worship at 10:30 am,  Sunday, November 10, 2024. Link is provided below.  We apologize but due to a technical issue the sound did not come through on the stream or the recording.
 
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY

First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nehiyawewin, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.

We gather with gratitude for their stewardship of this land and we acknowledge that we too are treaty people, called to live with respect in Creation as we undertake our responsibilities as members of Treaty Six.

 

COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT

As we gather today we bring the Light of Christ to this place of worship.

This is Christ’s light before us, behind us and all around us. We are heartened by its light and promise to be bearers of the hope this flame brings into our lives.

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

We are here, some of us happy, some of us sad.

God is here too, ready to celebrate, ready to heal.

We are here, some of us tired, some filled with energy.

God is here too, giving us strength, giving us purpose.

We are here, some of us feeling right with God, some of us feeling repentant.

God is here too, full of grace, full of forgiveness.

Some of us are here with our questions, others are sure of their faith.

God is here too, present in doubt, present in assurance.

 

HYMN #374 Voices United “Come and Find the Quiet Centre”

               Come and find the quiet centre in the crowded life we lead.

Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed;

Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes that we may see

All the things that really matter, be at peace and simply be.

               Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace;

God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, face to face,

Making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun,

Raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun.

               In the Spirit let us travel, open to each other’s pain;

Let our loves and fears unravel, celebrate the space we gain;

There’s a place for deepest dreaming, there’s a time for heart to care,

In the Spirit’s lively scheming there is always room to spare!

 

DISCOVERY CIRCLE  – Remembering Forward

 

HYMN #33 More Voices  “Jesus Came Bringing Us Hope”

               Jesus came bringing us hope, Jesus came bring us hope,

Jesus came bringing us hope, hallelujah forever more!

               Jesus came bringing us peace, Jesus came bring us peace,

Jesus came bringing us peace, hallelujah forever more!

               Jesus came bringing us love, Jesus came bring us love,

Jesus came bringing us love, hallelujah forever more!

               Jesus came bringing us joy, Jesus came bring us joy,

Jesus came bringing us joy, hallelujah forever more!

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Proverbs 2:1-11

Luke 1:39-55

 

SERMON – Called to Hope

 

HYMN #598 Voices United   “When 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.

 

YOUR GENEROSITY MATTERS – “Overcoming Obstacles”

 

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, and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever.  Amen

 

INVITATION TO THE TABLE

 

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

God be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift our hearts in prayer.

Let us give thanks to God

It is good to give God thanks and praise.

 

HYMN AS THE BREAD AND CUP ARE SHARED

HYMN #466 Voices United    “Eat This Bread”

Eat this bread, drink this cup  

Come to me and never be hungry.

Eat this bread, drink this cup,

Trust in me and you will not thirst.

 

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Gracious God, may your gifts of love transform and enliven us,

that new may live lives of thanksgiving.

May your presence among us provoke such longing for your realm,

that we will never be satisfied until the whole Earth knows your hope,

your peace, and your love.

In Christ’s name we pray.

Amen.

 

HYMN #173 More Voices   “Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands”

Put peace into each other’s hands and like a treasure hold it,

Protect it like a candle flame, with tenderness enfold it.

Put peace into each other’s hands with loving expectation;

Be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God’s creation.

Put peace into each other’s hands like bread we break for sharing;

Look people warmly in the eye: our life is meant for caring.

As at communion, shape your hands into a waiting cradle;

The gift of Christ receive, revere, united round the table.

Put Christ into each other’s hands, he is love’s deepest measure;

In love make peace, give peace a chance, and share it like a treasure.

 

THE LIGHT CHANGES

As we pray to go from this time of worship, we snuff the candle.

The smoke rises, taking the light of Christ out to our hearts.

We will carry this light and share it with all whom we meet.

 

BLESSING

 

AMEN HYMN #974 Voices United

Amen! Amen! Hallelujah, amen!

Amen! Amen! Hallelujah, amen!

Amen! Amen! Hallelujah, amen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

First United Church, Wetaskiwin – November 3, 2024
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 You-Tube beginning with announcements at 10:20 am and worship at 10:30 am, Sunday November 3, 2024. Link is provided below.
 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY

 

COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT

This candle is a symbol of hope for us and for the world.

May it also bring light and hope into the lives of others.  Amen.

 

GATHERING MUSIC #1 More Voices  “Let us Build a House”

               Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live,

A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.

Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace;

Here the love of Christ shall end divisions:

               Refrain   All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place!

               Let us build a house where prophets speak, and words are strong and true,

Where all God’s children dare to seek to dream God’s reign anew.

Here the cross shall stand as witness and as symbol of God’s grace;

Here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:  Refrain

               Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine and wheat;

A banquet hall on holy ground, where peace and justice meet,

Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space;

As we share in Christ the feast that frees us:  Refrain

               Let us build a house where hands will reach beyond the wood and stone

To heal and strengthen, serve and teach, and live the Word they’ve known.

Here the outcast the stranger bear the image of God’s face:

Let us bring an end to fear and danger: Refrain

               Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard

And loved and treasured, taught and chimed as words within the Word.

Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace;

Let this house proclaim from floor to rafter: Refrain

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Ruth said to Naomi:

Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge;
your people shall be my people,
   and your God my God.

We come to worship the God of Naomi and Ruth.

Jesus calls to us saying:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,

I will give you rest.”

We come to worship the God of Jesus Christ and truly find rest.

God hears us calling and responds.

God leads me beside still waters.

God restores my soul.

We come to worship

– following our ancestors, following Jesus

and finding rest in God, our Beloved Creator.

 

OPENING PRAYER

God of all time and space, we come following the saints, the teachers of our faith.

They wrote their wisdom in our Scriptures,

they taught us in Sunday School,

they sit beside us today.

One said to Jesus after hearing him teach:

“You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘God is one, and besides God there is no other’; and ‘to love God with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength.’

We echo that wisdom and proclaim that the commandment to love God and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself’—is much more important than any sacrifices.

Help us honour the wisdom of the saints, the teachers of our faith.

Help us become saints and teach others of our faith in Jesus in whose name we pray, Amen.

 

HYMN #216 More Voices   “Wherever You May Go I Will Follow”

Refrain Wherever you may go, I will follow, and your people shall be my people too.

Wherever you may go, I will follow, for I would be faithful, loyal and true.

               Say the word and I will stay, I will never go away.

We will travel side by said, and God’s love will be our guide. Refrain

               From beginning to the end, I will always be your friend,

When you need me I’ll be there, you can trust my faithful care. Refrain

 

PASSING OF THE PEACE

“The peace of Christ be with you” …. And also with you.

 

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Loving God, you speak to us in so many ways.

Speak to us now through the reading of the scriptures.

 

Ruth 1:1-18

Mark 12:28-34 (Common English Bible)

 

DISCOVERY TIME

 

GOOD NEWS – Rev. Leigh Sinclair

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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, and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever.  Amen

 

 

HYMN #509 Voices United “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky”

               I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in deepest sin, my hand will save.

I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Refrain Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

               I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain,

I have wept for love of them, they turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain

               I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame,

I will set at feast for them; my hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.

I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain

YOUR GENEROSITY MATTERS – “Accompanying Young Adults Through Transformative Years”

 

HYMN  #538 Voices United “For the Gift of Creation”

For the gift of creation, the gift of your love,

and the gift of the Spirit by which we live,

we thank you and give you the fruit of our hands. 

May your grace be proclaimed by the gifts that we give.

 

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

CHANGING THE LIGHT 

 

Sending Forth

Jesus calls to us saying:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens.

I will give you rest.”

We have rested and been comforted by this worship.

Now God is leading us out into the world again.

God leads us out, restoring our souls for service.

We go to serve and love

following our ancestors, following Jesus and loving God and neighbour.

 

ON THE WAY #298 Voices United “When You Walk from Here”

               When you walk from here, when you walk from here,

Walk with justice, walk with mercy, and with God’s humble care. (3x)

              

This service of worship was initially prepared by Together We Worship and has been revised to fit practices of Wetaskiwin First United. Thanks to Rev. Leigh Sinclair, St. David’s United, Leduc, AB for the Liturgy and Sermon.