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 – October 24, 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 service will be live-streamed to our Facebook page on Sunday, October 24 at 10:30 am. Links to Facebook and our You-Tube channel will be provided below and should be active by 1 pm, Sunday.
COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT You’re invited to breathe deeply of the Spirit’s presence.
HYMN #672 Voices United “Take Time to be Holy” verses 1 & 2
Take time to be holy, speak oft with your Lord; abide in him always, and feed on his word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, speak oft with your Lord; abide in him always, and feed on his word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, let him be your guide, and run not before him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord, and, looking to Jesus, still trust in his word.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord, and, looking to Jesus, still trust in his word.
CALL TO WORSHIP
In our singing, God show us the way of joy.
In our praying, Jesus show us the way of intention.
In our searching, Spirit show us the way of hope.
In our need, God show us the way of courage.
In our discipleship, Jesus show us the way of forgiveness.
In our worship, Spirit show us Your way to Live.
In our singing, God show us the way of joy.
In our praying, Jesus show us the way of intention.
In our searching, Spirit show us the way of hope.
In our need, God show us the way of courage.
In our discipleship, Jesus show us the way of forgiveness.
In our worship, Spirit show us Your way to Live.
OPENING PRAYER [Together]
Pilgrim God, we have wandered. Gather us in. You give us ten ways the world could flourish, and we would rather make our own rules. Through worship and service show us the best ways to be. Silence our excuses. Calm our fears. Enable us to recognize Your wisdom as ten ways to love each other, ten ways to change the world, ten ways to open up Your realm. Lead us into new life in Christ. Amen.
Pilgrim God, we have wandered. Gather us in. You give us ten ways the world could flourish, and we would rather make our own rules. Through worship and service show us the best ways to be. Silence our excuses. Calm our fears. Enable us to recognize Your wisdom as ten ways to love each other, ten ways to change the world, ten ways to open up Your realm. Lead us into new life in Christ. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS Exodus 20:1 – 17, Psalm 81 p. 796-7 VU Part 1 with Refrain #1
HYMN #56 All God’s Children’s Sing “Love Me for Who I Am”
Love me for who I am, not who you want me to be. Love me for who I am and we can get along.
Love me for who I am, not who you want me to be. Love me for who I am and we can get along.
If I like you and you like me then good friends we both can be.
If I like you and you like, then we can get along.
If I like you and you like, then we can get along.
If I like you and you like me then good friends we both can be.
If I like you and you like, then we can get along.
If I like you and you like, then we can get along.
Love me for who I am, not who you want me to be. Love me for who I am and we can get along.
GOOD NEWS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Holy Friend… show us your way.
We have wandered or rushed through this week, too often missing the beauty around us, too busy to call a friend, too lonely to ask for help. Still you surround us with love and call us together. Thank you God, for your love and companionship.
Holy Friend... show us your way.
Thank you for the freedoms we enjoy…
Freedom to choose… freedom to love… to worship… to gather without fear of persecution … freedom to live into all the possibilities with which you bless us. Help us to cherish such freedom. To choose wisely the best ways to live that others also might know such freedom. We pray for people who lay down their lives and their livelihoods in order that your love might reach into the violent and fearful places in our world and in our lives. We pray for the people of Syria and Afghanistan, who seek to find the balance of freedom and responsibility; for governments and agencies who offer leadership in times of uncertainty. Where human freedoms and rights are trampled, Holy Friend… show us your way.
We pray for relationships that have been broken, between parents and childrens, between siblings and spouses, between neighbours and friends. For the hurtful things we say, forgive us, from the hurt we carry release us. Pour your healing presence onto each one of us, that we might be whole in mind and body and spirit.
Holy Friend… show us your way.
Holy Friend… show us your way.
We have wandered or rushed through this week, too often missing the beauty around us, too busy to call a friend, too lonely to ask for help. Still you surround us with love and call us together. Thank you God, for your love and companionship.
Holy Friend... show us your way.
Thank you for the freedoms we enjoy…
Freedom to choose… freedom to love… to worship… to gather without fear of persecution … freedom to live into all the possibilities with which you bless us. Help us to cherish such freedom. To choose wisely the best ways to live that others also might know such freedom. We pray for people who lay down their lives and their livelihoods in order that your love might reach into the violent and fearful places in our world and in our lives. We pray for the people of Syria and Afghanistan, who seek to find the balance of freedom and responsibility; for governments and agencies who offer leadership in times of uncertainty. Where human freedoms and rights are trampled, Holy Friend… show us your way.
We pray for relationships that have been broken, between parents and childrens, between siblings and spouses, between neighbours and friends. For the hurtful things we say, forgive us, from the hurt we carry release us. Pour your healing presence onto each one of us, that we might be whole in mind and body and spirit.
Holy Friend… show us your way.
We ask in your name. And we pray together in the words you taught us… 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 Why I Give – Beatrix Schirner & Ruth Lumax
HYMN #686 Voices United “God of Grace and God of Glory” verses 1 – 3
God of grace and God of glory, on your people pour your power;
Now fulfil your church’s story; bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour.
God of grace and God of glory, on your people pour your power;
Now fulfil your church’s story; bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour.
Lo, the hosts of evil round us scorn your Christ, assail your ways;
Fears and doubts too long have bound us, free our hearts to work and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.
Fears and doubts too long have bound us, free our hearts to work and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.
Cure your children’s warring madness, bend our pride to your control,
Shame our wanton selfish gladness, rich in goods and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.
Shame our wanton selfish gladness, rich in goods and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the light goes with you.
ON THE WAY
Love is not the destination, love is the way.
Love is not the reward, love is the task.
Go into the world to love what God loves, to seek the lost and comfort the broken-hearted.
God awaits us. Christ goes with us. The Spirit sustains us!
Love is not the destination, love is the way.
Love is not the reward, love is the task.
Go into the world to love what God loves, to seek the lost and comfort the broken-hearted.
God awaits us. Christ goes with us. The Spirit sustains us!
SENDING FORTH #209 More Voices “Go Make a Difference” Vs 2
Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world. (Repeat)
Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world. (Repeat)
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
We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
First United Church, Wetaskiwin ~ October 17, 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.
October 17 is the 29th United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Parts of today’s service and the Good News are shared with permission and
© 2021 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike Licence.
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST
This service was live-streamed to our Face-book page at 10:30 am, Sunday, October 17, 2021. The video was uploaded to our You-Tube Channel and links are available below. You-Tube will be active by 1 pm, Sunday.
Facebook https://fb.watch/8I7BHCVWd4/
You-Tube https://youtu.be/1MnYwk9oo4c
COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT You’re invited to breathe deeply of the Spirit’s presence.
HYMN #697 Voices United “O For a World” verses 1 – 3
O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.
O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.
O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved,
Where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.
Where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.
We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice
That opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.
That opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather on sacred ground,
On this bountiful earth that nourishes us,
Under the great awning of sky that replenishes us.
We are gathered by the One who calls us by name,
Who bids us follow and love and learn the mystery.
With our seeking and living, our wondering and acting, we offer thanks to God!
We gather on sacred ground,
On this bountiful earth that nourishes us,
Under the great awning of sky that replenishes us.
We are gathered by the One who calls us by name,
Who bids us follow and love and learn the mystery.
With our seeking and living, our wondering and acting, we offer thanks to God!
OPENING PRAYER [Together]
Bread of Life, Your presence is feast for our souls, manna in the wilderness, water from the rock, miracle of loaves and fish. May this time of worship sow seeds of gratitude and kindness for the abundance in our lives. By Your Spirit, inspire us to share that abundance generously; to set right the inequities; to live more humbly with all Your relations. Amen.
Bread of Life, Your presence is feast for our souls, manna in the wilderness, water from the rock, miracle of loaves and fish. May this time of worship sow seeds of gratitude and kindness for the abundance in our lives. By Your Spirit, inspire us to share that abundance generously; to set right the inequities; to live more humbly with all Your relations. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 136 p.857 VU Sung
Matthew 13:1 – 9
Psalm 136 p.857 VU Sung
Matthew 13:1 – 9
HYMN #131 Voices United “If Our God had Simply Saved Us” verses 1, 11, 14 & 15
If our God has simply saved us, merely brought us out of Egypt,
only opened up our prison, Dayeinu!
If our God has simply saved us, merely brought us out of Egypt,
only opened up our prison, Dayeinu!
Refrain Da-dayeinu, Da-dayeinu, Da-dayeinu, Dayeinu, Dayeinu, Dayeinu!
Da-dayeinu, Da-dayeinu, Da-dayeinu, Dayeinu, Dayeinu!
Da-dayeinu, Da-dayeinu, Da-dayeinu, Dayeinu, Dayeinu!
If our God had only given seventh day for joy and gladness without all the rest to help us: Dayeinu! Refrain
If our God had fed us only; feasted us upon the mountain – not inviting all the neighbours: Dayeinu! Refrain
But, our God, who holds the banquet, calls the whole world into freedom,
Opens up the new creation: Dayeinu! Refrain
Opens up the new creation: Dayeinu! Refrain
GOOD NEWS “Live Your Mission”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Seed scattering God grow through us.
Creator God, You bless us. We give thanks for all those who labour to feed others: farmers, fishers, gatherers, hunters, migrant workers; for all those who process, transport, distribute and prepare our food; for those who supply or volunteer with breakfast programs, community kitchens, shared gardens, food banks and agricultural training programs. We give thanks for the meals we have shared, the relationships that have sustained us, the conversations that happen over coffee, at the kitchen table, in the cafeteria. Seed scattering God grow through us.
Loaves and fishes God, we have not always shared as you intend. We have benefitted from systems that widen the gap between those who have too much and those who do not. We have hoarded and consumed and shopped without counting the cost to creation or to others. Restore your vision within us, that we might choose differently and more wisely. Spark your creativity and commitment to work through us to ensure that all your children have enough. Enough food for the belly, shelter for the body, respect for the living and dignity for our being.
Seed scattering God grow through us.
Parable-speaking Wisdom, teach us the politics of justice and equity. We pray for all who struggle to make ends meet; who face the choice between paying rent and buying groceries; for communities without access to clean drinking water or adequate health care; for those who grieve the death of love ones, the loss of species, the loss of community; of meaningful employment. We pray for our political leaders – that they might listen to understand, act to strengthen dignity and promote acceptance that enables healthy community.
Seed scattering God grow through us.
We ask this in Jesus’ name who taught us to live and to pray together 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 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.
Seed scattering God grow through us.
Creator God, You bless us. We give thanks for all those who labour to feed others: farmers, fishers, gatherers, hunters, migrant workers; for all those who process, transport, distribute and prepare our food; for those who supply or volunteer with breakfast programs, community kitchens, shared gardens, food banks and agricultural training programs. We give thanks for the meals we have shared, the relationships that have sustained us, the conversations that happen over coffee, at the kitchen table, in the cafeteria. Seed scattering God grow through us.
Loaves and fishes God, we have not always shared as you intend. We have benefitted from systems that widen the gap between those who have too much and those who do not. We have hoarded and consumed and shopped without counting the cost to creation or to others. Restore your vision within us, that we might choose differently and more wisely. Spark your creativity and commitment to work through us to ensure that all your children have enough. Enough food for the belly, shelter for the body, respect for the living and dignity for our being.
Seed scattering God grow through us.
Parable-speaking Wisdom, teach us the politics of justice and equity. We pray for all who struggle to make ends meet; who face the choice between paying rent and buying groceries; for communities without access to clean drinking water or adequate health care; for those who grieve the death of love ones, the loss of species, the loss of community; of meaningful employment. We pray for our political leaders – that they might listen to understand, act to strengthen dignity and promote acceptance that enables healthy community.
Seed scattering God grow through us.
We ask this in Jesus’ name who taught us to live and to pray together 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 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.
MINUTE FOR MISSION “Why I Give” Gaie Goin
HYMN #701 Voices United “What Does the Lord Require of Us [Round]
What does the Lord require of us? What does the Lord require of us.
Justice, kindness, walk humbly with our God.
To seek justice, and love kindness and walk humbly with our God.
What does the Lord require of us? What does the Lord require of us.
Justice, kindness, walk humbly with our God.
To seek justice, and love kindness and walk humbly with our God.
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the Light goes with you.
ON THE WAY
Go into the world as a blessed and a blessing people.
As you find joy, We will share it.
As you find love, We will nurture it.
As you find God,
We will be renewed in hope.
May the God of all blessing grant us the grace to be like fruitful trees,
Greening in the presence of the Spirit, rooted in Christ’s living water,
And bearing fruit for God’s glory,
Today and always. Amen.
Go into the world as a blessed and a blessing people.
As you find joy, We will share it.
As you find love, We will nurture it.
As you find God,
We will be renewed in hope.
May the God of all blessing grant us the grace to be like fruitful trees,
Greening in the presence of the Spirit, rooted in Christ’s living water,
And bearing fruit for God’s glory,
Today and always. Amen.
SENDING FORTH #209 More Voices “Go Make a Difference” Vs 2
Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world. (Repeat)
Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world. (Repeat)
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
We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – October 10, 2021
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST This worship service was live-streamed to our Facebook page at 10:30 am on Sunday, October 10 at 10:30 am. Links to You-Tube and Facebook are provided below. We had some new inhouse technical learning!
You-Tube https://youtu.be/LJlJNqX5laM
Facebook https://fb.watch/8z9QYeN5Jp/
COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT You’re invited to breathe deeply of the Spirit’s presence.
CALL TO WORSHIP #516 Voices United “Come, You Thankful People, Come” verses 1 & 2
Come, you thankful people, come. Raise the song of harvest home.
All is safely gathered in, safe before the storms come in.
God our maker does provide for our needs to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.
All is safely gathered in, safe before the storms come in.
God our maker does provide for our needs to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.
All the world is God’s own field, harvests for God’s praise to yield;
Wheat and weeds together sown, here for joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Harvest giver, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.
OPENING PRAYER [Together]
God of all earth and sky and sea, You shaped us from Your Holy Ground. You breathed spirit into our souls. Your heartbeat echoes in the rhythms of Creation. You burn around us in unexpected places. May we turn aside in this time of worship to know You better. Teach us to live with respect in Your good creation. Call us once again to service in Christ’s name. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS Exodus 3:1 – 14, Psalm 27 p. 754 VU with Refrain
HYMN #25 All God’s Children’s Sing “Thank You, God”
(Think of 3 things for which you’re thankful and add them in when we sing verse 3)
(Think of 3 things for which you’re thankful and add them in when we sing verse 3)
Thank You, God, for giving us life (x 3) right where we are!
Refrain Alleluia, praise our God (x 3) right where we are.
Refrain Alleluia, praise our God (x 3) right where we are.
Thank You, God, for giving us love (x 3) right where we are. Refrain
Thank You, God, for giving us …. (X 3) right where we are Refrain
GOOD NEWS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Wilderness wandering God, Help us to hear the cries of creation.
Lover of colours You caress the earth in the vivid red and yellow of fall. You sing to us in the wild geese flight and whisper peace in the chill frost of dawn. For Your bountiful gifts of creation and Your willingness to share them with us, we give thanks. Sometimes we take for granted the resilience and fragility of this earth. Teach us respect for the interdependence of all our relations. Thank You for bodies that enable us to savour, touch and embrace the gift that is life.
Wilderness wandering God, Help us to hear the cries of creation.
Holy Companion of the least and the lost, may our actions reflect your justice. Help us to listen with empathy to those who are vulnerable to abuse of power, our children, our elders, the sick or differently abled. Increase our acceptance of those on the margins of our communities, who speak a different language, practice a different faith. Teach us Your measure of justice that we might shift our thinking from punishment to restoration, from causing more pain to beginning the healing process. Expand our capacity for hearing the truth and responding with kindness, until all Your children live in safety and well-being.
Wilderness wandering God, Help us to hear the cries of creation.
Peace Loving God we still have much to learn. We have kept silent when we could have spoken out. Sometimes we do not ask for help, when life is hard. We pray especially for those farmers and business people who wait on the brink of financial struggles; for those of us who suffer in silence rather than seek a friendly ear. We pray for those who are grieving, or longing for some sign of hope. May we always remember we need each other, and we need you Holy One, this day and all days
Wilderness wandering God, Help us to hear the cries of creation.
We pause in silence, for those prayers to deep for words, and to wait upon Your Word.
Time for silent prayer
Wilderness wandering God, Help us to hear the cries of creation.
Peace Loving God we still have much to learn. We have kept silent when we could have spoken out. Sometimes we do not ask for help, when life is hard. We pray especially for those farmers and business people who wait on the brink of financial struggles; for those of us who suffer in silence rather than seek a friendly ear. We pray for those who are grieving, or longing for some sign of hope. May we always remember we need each other, and we need you Holy One, this day and all days
Wilderness wandering God, Help us to hear the cries of creation.
We pause in silence, for those prayers to deep for words, and to wait upon Your Word.
Time for silent prayer
Wilderness wandering God, Help us to hear the cries of creation.
We ask this in Jesus’ name who taught us to live and to pray together 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, for ever and ever. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION “Why I Give” Pat Hughes
HYMN #307 Voices United “Touch the Earth Lightly” verses 1 & 4
Touch the earth lightly, use the earth gently, nourish the life of the world in our care.
Gift of great wonder, ours to surrender, trust for the children tomorrow will bear.
Touch the earth lightly, use the earth gently, nourish the life of the world in our care.
Gift of great wonder, ours to surrender, trust for the children tomorrow will bear.
God of all living, God of all loving, God of the seedling, the snow and the sun,
Teach us, deflect us, Christ reconnect us, using us gently and making us one.
Teach us, deflect us, Christ reconnect us, using us gently and making us one.
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the light goes with you.
ON THE WAY with thanks to Mark Wilcott
May the Spirit bless you with discomfort at easy answers,
half truths and superficial relationships so that you will live deep in your heart.
May the Spirit bless you with anger at injustice and oppression, the exploitation of people and earth so that you will work for justice, equity and peace.
May the Spirit bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them.
May the Spirit bless you with foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world so that you will do the things which others say cannot be done.
Let love be genuine. We will hold fast to what is good.
Rejoice in hope. God grace us with patience in our suffering.
Persevere in prayer.
We do so with the peace of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
May the Spirit bless you with discomfort at easy answers,
half truths and superficial relationships so that you will live deep in your heart.
May the Spirit bless you with anger at injustice and oppression, the exploitation of people and earth so that you will work for justice, equity and peace.
May the Spirit bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them.
May the Spirit bless you with foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world so that you will do the things which others say cannot be done.
Let love be genuine. We will hold fast to what is good.
Rejoice in hope. God grace us with patience in our suffering.
Persevere in prayer.
We do so with the peace of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
SENDING FORTH #209 More Voices “Go Make a Difference” Vs 2
Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world. (Repeat)
Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world. (Repeat)
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
We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
First United Church, Wetaskiwin ~ October 3rd, 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.
This service was live-streamed to our Face-book page at 10:30 am on Sunday, October 3, 2021.
Links to the video for either Facebook or our You-Tube channel is available below and will be active by 1 pm, Sunday. As we continue to manage risk involved with in person worship and rising local positive numbers, this service is a bit shorter than previous weeks.
Facebook https://fb.watch/8pFQQastI9/
You-Tube https://youtu.be/EBefrACUvCs
This service includes the Sacrament of Communion. You may choose to have your elements ready if you’re tuning in on-line!
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST
COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT You’re invited to breathe deeply of the Spirit’s presence.
HYMN #27 More Voices “Creator God You Gave us Life” Vs 1
Creator God You gave us life, your image formed within our souls,
Yet through the mist of time and space, we search for that which makes us whole
Refrain Through hands that paint majestic skies, and voices chanting melody,
With words that reach beyond the page, we comprehend your mystery.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Shepherding God You call us together –
To restore our souls and to feast us on justice and peace.
Shepherding God, You call us together –
To know ourselves found and loved.
Shepherding God, You call us together –
Shepherding God, You call us together –
And we grow strong, in heart, and mind and Spirit.
Connected in our worship and service because, Shepherding God, You call us together.
OPENING PRAYER [Together]
Giver of Life, You bless the earth with colour and abundance. With gifts of diversity and creativity, You call us into communion with You and with one another. Lead us in the paths of goodness. Teach us the ways of Love. May this time of worship empower us to act boldly for justice; and strengthen our resolve to care for Your earth as tenaciously as You hold us in Your heart. In Christ’s name, Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 36 p. 762 VU with Refrain, John 10:11 – 17
GOOD NEWS
WELCOME TO THE TABLE
This is the table of the Good Shepherd. Who goes before us to show us the way, who calls us to follow. …The Good Shepherd invites all of creation to gather at this table. And at this table all means all…. Let us greet one another in the name of the One who calls us each by name.
The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
HYMN #178 Voices United “Who is My Mother” verses 1 – 3
Who is my mother, who is my brother? All those who gather round Jesus Christ:
Spirit blown people born from the Gospel sit at the table round Jesus Christ.
Who is my mother, who is my brother? All those who gather round Jesus Christ:
Spirit blown people born from the Gospel sit at the table round Jesus Christ.
Differently abled, differently labelled, widen the circle round Jesus Christ.
Crutches and stigmas, culture’s enigma’s, all come together round Jesus Christ.
Crutches and stigmas, culture’s enigma’s, all come together round Jesus Christ.
Love will relate us colour or status can’t segregate us round Jesus Christ.
Family failings, human derailings all come together round Jesus Christ.
Family failings, human derailings all come together round Jesus Christ.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
God of our ancestors and children … Lead us in thanksgiving and service. …
We thank You God, for all good things – light and dark, warmth and moisture, times of growth and rest – all work together to sustain life. May we honour Your intentions for abundant life in all we say and do. Stretch our gratitude beyond one holy day to a life grounded in thanksgiving.
God of our ancestors and children … Lead us in thanksgiving and service.
God who comes amongst us in Jesus, touch our hurts with Your healing grace. Pour out Your peace upon our troubled spirits. As we gather at table, in our work places, while others feast, may we remember the many blessings that You freely share. We pray for people and places around the world where life is a struggle. Grant wisdom to the leaders of nations, to political candidates on campaign, to those who vote and those who choose to follow.
God of our ancestors and children … Lead us in thanksgiving and service.
Spirit of life, we give thanks for the people those past and present who help make this place a sanctuary of hope. We gather our hearts and minds with those around the world, in many languages who have chosen to answer the Good Shepherd’s call. Pour out Your Spirit upon these gifts of field and vine and upon all who share in their labour. May we taste and know Your presence, finding strength to answer Christ’s call. We pray together in the words he taught his friends, saying, Our Father who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name… For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
God of our ancestors and children … Lead us in thanksgiving and service. …
We thank You God, for all good things – light and dark, warmth and moisture, times of growth and rest – all work together to sustain life. May we honour Your intentions for abundant life in all we say and do. Stretch our gratitude beyond one holy day to a life grounded in thanksgiving.
God of our ancestors and children … Lead us in thanksgiving and service.
God who comes amongst us in Jesus, touch our hurts with Your healing grace. Pour out Your peace upon our troubled spirits. As we gather at table, in our work places, while others feast, may we remember the many blessings that You freely share. We pray for people and places around the world where life is a struggle. Grant wisdom to the leaders of nations, to political candidates on campaign, to those who vote and those who choose to follow.
God of our ancestors and children … Lead us in thanksgiving and service.
Spirit of life, we give thanks for the people those past and present who help make this place a sanctuary of hope. We gather our hearts and minds with those around the world, in many languages who have chosen to answer the Good Shepherd’s call. Pour out Your Spirit upon these gifts of field and vine and upon all who share in their labour. May we taste and know Your presence, finding strength to answer Christ’s call. We pray together in the words he taught his friends, saying, Our Father who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name… For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
SHARING AT TABLE
…These are the gifts of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Let us feast at the welcome table!
…These are the gifts of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Let us feast at the welcome table!
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Through these gifts, Good Shepherd, You make us one with you and with one another. May we carry your love in all we say, in all we do, and in all are. Send us into the world as Your hope-filled people; rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our companion and friend. Amen.
Through these gifts, Good Shepherd, You make us one with you and with one another. May we carry your love in all we say, in all we do, and in all are. Send us into the world as Your hope-filled people; rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our companion and friend. Amen.
HYMN #271 Voices United “There’s a Wideness to God’s Mercy” verses 1, 4 & 5
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’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.
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?
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.
And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the light goes with you.
ON THE WAY
Shepherding God, You send us out – To share in the healing of creation.
Shepherding God, You send us out – With all Your hopes and dreams for a better world.
Shepherding God, You send us out – That we might love one another as we have been loved,
Shepherding God, You send us out – With Christ to walk beside us,
And the Spirit to guide us, and we are blessed because,
Shepherding God, You send us out! Amen!
Shepherding God, You send us out – To share in the healing of creation.
Shepherding God, You send us out – With all Your hopes and dreams for a better world.
Shepherding God, You send us out – That we might love one another as we have been loved,
Shepherding God, You send us out – With Christ to walk beside us,
And the Spirit to guide us, and we are blessed because,
Shepherding God, You send us out! Amen!
SENDING FORTH #143 More Voices “We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky” vs 3
God calls humanity to join as partners in creating
A future free from want or fear, Life’s goodness celebrating
That new world beckons from afar, invites our shared endeavour,
That all may have abundant life and peace endure forever.
God calls humanity to join as partners in creating
A future free from want or fear, Life’s goodness celebrating
That new world beckons from afar, invites our shared endeavour,
That all may have abundant life and peace endure forever.
Thank you for worshiping with us! God bless, be well and look after each other.