First United Church, Wetaskiwin – June 7th, 2020
God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, how you self-identify,
God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, how you self-identify,
whom you love, or what you believe.
Permission to post the music in this service has been obtained from One License with
license A-605619. All liturgy is original and is shared with permission.
Thanks to the Stewardship Team for offering leadership in worship.
A video link for this service will be available on June 7, 2020.
WELCOME COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT
You are invited to breathe deeply, and make space for the Spirit.
GATHERING MUSIC #154 More Voices “Deep in Our Hearts” verses 1 & 2
Deep in our hearts, there is a common vision;
Deep in our hearts, there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story,
Telling creation that we are one.
Deep in our hearts, there is a common vision;
Deep in our hearts, there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story,
Telling creation that we are one.
Deep in our hearts there is a common purpose;
Deep in our hearts is a common goal;
Deep in our hearts there is a sacred message,
Justice and peace in harmony.
Deep in our hearts is a common goal;
Deep in our hearts there is a sacred message,
Justice and peace in harmony.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Jesus reminds us: “God sends rain on the just and the unjust.”
Yet we seek to be a people who uphold the just ways of God.
Jesus asks us: “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you?”
Yet we seek to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.
Jesus ponders: “If you welcome only your loved ones, how can you be seen doing anything more than other people?”
Yet we seek to be hospitable to all, and caring to everyone we meet.
Jesus invites us here to gather in worship as a community of faith.
We come together to worship God as followers of Jesus’s way.
Jesus reminds us: “God sends rain on the just and the unjust.”
Yet we seek to be a people who uphold the just ways of God.
Jesus asks us: “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you?”
Yet we seek to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.
Jesus ponders: “If you welcome only your loved ones, how can you be seen doing anything more than other people?”
Yet we seek to be hospitable to all, and caring to everyone we meet.
Jesus invites us here to gather in worship as a community of faith.
We come together to worship God as followers of Jesus’s way.
OPENING PRAYER
God of surprises, your presence can be evident in the ordinary events of life and your truth can be seen in the many challenges we face. Wherever we are, and whatever we do, we are open to your Spirit, which empowers us. Inspire us to look for ways to reach out in love and understanding; give us the insight to serve in ways that nurture and encourage others. Set us on a path of wholeness as we honour the well-being of all we meet. Be our guide and our source of purpose so we may be generous in spirit, giving of our time, talent, and treasure to make real your mission of peace, hope and love. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
God of surprises, your presence can be evident in the ordinary events of life and your truth can be seen in the many challenges we face. Wherever we are, and whatever we do, we are open to your Spirit, which empowers us. Inspire us to look for ways to reach out in love and understanding; give us the insight to serve in ways that nurture and encourage others. Set us on a path of wholeness as we honour the well-being of all we meet. Be our guide and our source of purpose so we may be generous in spirit, giving of our time, talent, and treasure to make real your mission of peace, hope and love. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
SINGING FROM OUR HEART #509 Voices United “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky” verses 1 & 3
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?
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 will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame,
I will set a 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.
I will set a 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.
SCRIPTURE READINGS Micah 6:6-8 Matthew 5:43-48
GOOD NEWS “Moving at God’s Speed”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
Holy One, we come into this time of worship, aware of the goodness of creation, surrounded by the beauty of the world and gifts that you have provided to each one of us in our lives. You have made us in your image—a people who are both creative and creating; a people who lovingly give and lovingly receive. In our journey we look for ways to fulfill our calling as a faithful people. We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
God of promise, we are always looking for new ways to live our faith. We do not have all the answers, but we know that we can bring our questions to you. In your spirit we are directed to what we should do, or say, or share, or offer for the good of others. You have encouraged us, God, to be agents of hope and change in all that we do. We are not alone in our journey. You point the way, God, in our sharing and caring. We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
Your mission, God, is to touch all humanity. You offer up to us ways to make real the concern you have for all people. You support all of those who look beyond themselves to the needs of those around them. You mobilize us to be agents of significant change through the example of Jesus Christ. You call us, in particular, into places where the future seems bleak and uncertain. We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
We lift up in prayer, God, the partners with whom we seek to carry out your mission. We pray for those who support people seeking justice; we are encouraged by those who show loving kindness; we are blessed to be in the presence of those who walk humbly in your presence, O God. Remind us that prayer is a time of inner renewal so we may outwardly make a difference. Give us the courage to confront the powers of evil and selfishness, and to lift up the hope of those who despair in circumstances not of their making. Activate our desire for justice and peace so we may be change-makers in this life. We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
O God, you give us reason to be renewed. You provide us with examples of how precious life is. As you have been generous in the gift of life itself, motivate us to be generous people, bearing gifts for the good of others, sharing joy for the peace of others, providing life’s necessities for the fulfillment of others. We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
Let us grow as disciples of Jesus in whose name we 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
We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
Holy One, we come into this time of worship, aware of the goodness of creation, surrounded by the beauty of the world and gifts that you have provided to each one of us in our lives. You have made us in your image—a people who are both creative and creating; a people who lovingly give and lovingly receive. In our journey we look for ways to fulfill our calling as a faithful people. We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
God of promise, we are always looking for new ways to live our faith. We do not have all the answers, but we know that we can bring our questions to you. In your spirit we are directed to what we should do, or say, or share, or offer for the good of others. You have encouraged us, God, to be agents of hope and change in all that we do. We are not alone in our journey. You point the way, God, in our sharing and caring. We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
Your mission, God, is to touch all humanity. You offer up to us ways to make real the concern you have for all people. You support all of those who look beyond themselves to the needs of those around them. You mobilize us to be agents of significant change through the example of Jesus Christ. You call us, in particular, into places where the future seems bleak and uncertain. We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
We lift up in prayer, God, the partners with whom we seek to carry out your mission. We pray for those who support people seeking justice; we are encouraged by those who show loving kindness; we are blessed to be in the presence of those who walk humbly in your presence, O God. Remind us that prayer is a time of inner renewal so we may outwardly make a difference. Give us the courage to confront the powers of evil and selfishness, and to lift up the hope of those who despair in circumstances not of their making. Activate our desire for justice and peace so we may be change-makers in this life. We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
O God, you give us reason to be renewed. You provide us with examples of how precious life is. As you have been generous in the gift of life itself, motivate us to be generous people, bearing gifts for the good of others, sharing joy for the peace of others, providing life’s necessities for the fulfillment of others. We seek to do what you require, O God. Your will be done, be done on earth.
Let us grow as disciples of Jesus in whose name we 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
CLOSING SONG 209 More Voices “Go, Make a Diff’rence”
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world. (X4)
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world. (X4)
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the Light goes with you.
SENDING FORTH
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Amen.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Amen.
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – May 31st, 2020 – Pentecost
God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, how you self-identify,
whom you love, or what you believe.
Permission to post the music in this service has been obtained from One License with
license A-605619. All liturgy is original and is shared with permission.
A video link for this service is provided below.
WELCOME COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT
You are invited to breathe deeply, and make space for the Spirit.
You are invited to breathe deeply, and make space for the Spirit.
GATHERING MUSIC #23 More Voices “Come, O Holy Spirit” verses 1 & 2
Come, O Holy Spirit, set the Church on fire; strike it as the lightning hits a posing spire.
Burn away the structures and consume the shame of our holy systems:
Come, in Jesus’ name!
Come, O Holy Spirit, set the Church on fire; strike it as the lightning hits a posing spire.
Burn away the structures and consume the shame of our holy systems:
Come, in Jesus’ name!
Refrain Come, come, come, in Jesus’ name! Take our hearts by storm.
All the world lies open now, Pentecost is now!
I said, Come, come, come, in Jesus’ name! Take our hearts by storm.
All the world lies open now, Pentecost is now!
All the world lies open now, Pentecost is now!
I said, Come, come, come, in Jesus’ name! Take our hearts by storm.
All the world lies open now, Pentecost is now!
Blow away the cobwebs of our stubborn past. Come, send flying from us myths unfit to last.
Wind of change refresh us and disturb our calm; teach us what true love is,
Take our hearts by storm! Refrain
Wind of change refresh us and disturb our calm; teach us what true love is,
Take our hearts by storm! Refrain
CALL TO WORSHIP
In the beginning is nothing but God,
Restless emptiness, Waters of Chaos and God said: Come Holy Spirit, Come
And the Spirit brooded upon the waters and there was life,
And God said: Come Holy Spirit, Come
And the Spirit filled the life with abundance and God`s image
And God said: Come Holy Spirit, Come
And the Spirit came to rest upon a young man from Nazareth, bringing healing and freedom,
In the beginning is nothing but God,
Restless emptiness, Waters of Chaos and God said: Come Holy Spirit, Come
And the Spirit brooded upon the waters and there was life,
And God said: Come Holy Spirit, Come
And the Spirit filled the life with abundance and God`s image
And God said: Come Holy Spirit, Come
And the Spirit came to rest upon a young man from Nazareth, bringing healing and freedom,
And God said: Come Holy Spirit, Come
And the Spirit came upon the friends of Jesus as they lamented his death, And God said:
Come Holy Spirit, Come
And filled with the Spirit, we gather to worship and pour forth in service to God`s glory. And we say:
Come Holy Spirit, Come
And the Spirit came upon the friends of Jesus as they lamented his death, And God said:
Come Holy Spirit, Come
And filled with the Spirit, we gather to worship and pour forth in service to God`s glory. And we say:
Come Holy Spirit, Come
OPENING PRAYER
God of wisdom and vision, fill us with Your Spirit as we worship. What is broken, make whole. What is divided, reconcile. What is lost, draw into Your circle of love. Sweep us out to proclaim good news. Life, hope, peace, justice to all who yearn. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
God of wisdom and vision, fill us with Your Spirit as we worship. What is broken, make whole. What is divided, reconcile. What is lost, draw into Your circle of love. Sweep us out to proclaim good news. Life, hope, peace, justice to all who yearn. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 104, p.826-27 VU with refrain #1
Acts 2:1 – 18
HYMN #79 More Voices “Spirit, Open My Heart” verses 1 & 2
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.
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.
God, replace my stony heart with a heart that’s kind and tender,
All my coldness and fear, to your grace I now surrender. Refrain
All my coldness and fear, to your grace I now surrender. Refrain
Write your love upon my heart as my law, my goal, my story.
In each thought, word, and deed, may my living bring your glory. Refrain
In each thought, word, and deed, may my living bring your glory. Refrain
GOOD NEWS “Community Spirit”
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Spirit of the living God… Fall upon us all.
Loving God, long ago your spirit brooded over creation, calling life out of nothing, order out of chaos. Thank you for the beauty of this world. For the variety and wonder of living creatures, for the joy and meaning we find in relationships. Thank you for your continued presence that brings beauty out of the broken, scattered parts of our living. Spirit of the living God… Fall upon us all.
God of all times and places, you move among your people bringing understanding. We pray for those who are grieving. May we reach out with compassion. We pray for those who have been wounded by abuse or addictions. May we listen to understand. We remember those whose lives are trampled by war or violence; those who live with prejudice and the hatred of racism; those who are beaten or imprisoned.
Spirit of the living God… Fall upon us all.
Christ who calls us to love one another, send your Holy Spirit upon us this day. May we continue the work of reconciliation with our first nations brothers and sisters. May we learn from music the gift of harmony, despite different voices. May we speak and act with love for the healing of creation.
Spirit of the living God… Fall upon us all.
We offer these prayers we have spoken and those too deep for words, to you Holy One. Amen
Spirit of the living God… Fall upon us all.
Loving God, long ago your spirit brooded over creation, calling life out of nothing, order out of chaos. Thank you for the beauty of this world. For the variety and wonder of living creatures, for the joy and meaning we find in relationships. Thank you for your continued presence that brings beauty out of the broken, scattered parts of our living. Spirit of the living God… Fall upon us all.
God of all times and places, you move among your people bringing understanding. We pray for those who are grieving. May we reach out with compassion. We pray for those who have been wounded by abuse or addictions. May we listen to understand. We remember those whose lives are trampled by war or violence; those who live with prejudice and the hatred of racism; those who are beaten or imprisoned.
Spirit of the living God… Fall upon us all.
Christ who calls us to love one another, send your Holy Spirit upon us this day. May we continue the work of reconciliation with our first nations brothers and sisters. May we learn from music the gift of harmony, despite different voices. May we speak and act with love for the healing of creation.
Spirit of the living God… Fall upon us all.
We offer these prayers we have spoken and those too deep for words, to you Holy One. Amen
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH A New Creed
We are not alone. We live in God’s world.
We believe in God, who has created and is creating;
Who has come in Jesus, the word made flesh, to reconcile and make new;
Who works in us and in others by the Spirit. We trust in God.
We are called to be the church: To celebrate God’s presence; To live with respect in creation;
To love and serve others; To seek justice and resist evil;
To love and serve others; To seek justice and resist evil;
To proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death God is with us.
We are not alone. Thanks be to God!
MINUTE FOR MISSION “Our Generation”
in 2011, a gathering of youth delegates presented a vision for the future of their church and their place in it. The result of those first ideas was a song that has since inspired many people. Thanks to M & S grant, the song was recorded and “Our Generation” has become a theme song for the M & S Music video.
Seven of those youth delegates came together with their instruments and rehearsal. When they arrived at Black Earth Music’s Area 51 recording studio the nervous excitement was thick in the air, especially when they met their producer, Michael Jack, who has produced records for Rush and Pink Floyd. Thanks to Michael’s help, the group became more confident and creative with their voices and instruments. They supported one another experiment adding vocals and guitar riffs.
If Mission & Service is already a regular part of your giving, Thank You! If you have not given, please join me in making Mission & Service a regular part of your generousity. Loving our neighbour is at the heart of our Mission & Service.
GRATITUDES
We are part of such a great cloud of witnesses. People who responded to God’s call, heart, soul, mind and body. Today we celebrate and give thanks for the many people who work in manufacturing, assembly line, factory, meat packing, egg candling, all those jobs we don’t notice until they don’t happen. I wonder how you will say thank you?
We are part of such a great cloud of witnesses. People who responded to God’s call, heart, soul, mind and body. Today we celebrate and give thanks for the many people who work in manufacturing, assembly line, factory, meat packing, egg candling, all those jobs we don’t notice until they don’t happen. I wonder how you will say thank you?
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the Light of Pentecost goes with you.
BLESSING FOR THE WAY
Spirit of Joy – send us dancing into this day.
Spirit of Truth – Speak through us.
Spirit of Life – rekindle compassion in us.
Spirit of Hope – burn within us.
Spirit of Love – overflow us.
Spirit of Wisdom – guide us.
Spirit of Peace – dwell amongst us.
As Spirit – filled people go – into the world that waits.
We go to answer God’s call with joy and hope! Amen.
Spirit of Joy – send us dancing into this day.
Spirit of Truth – Speak through us.
Spirit of Life – rekindle compassion in us.
Spirit of Hope – burn within us.
Spirit of Love – overflow us.
Spirit of Wisdom – guide us.
Spirit of Peace – dwell amongst us.
As Spirit – filled people go – into the world that waits.
We go to answer God’s call with joy and hope! Amen.
COMMISSIONING SONG #156 More Voices “Dance with the Spirit”
Dance with the Spirit early in the mornin’, Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day.
Work and hope for the new life a bornin’, listen to the Spirit to show you the way.
Dance with the Spirit early in the mornin’, Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day.
Work and hope for the new life a bornin’, listen to the Spirit to show you the way.
Sing with the Spirit sitting down at mid day, Share with the Spirit wherever you go
Serve and laugh while you’re shaping a new way, Learn from the Spirit to go with the flow
Serve and laugh while you’re shaping a new way, Learn from the Spirit to go with the flow
Search for the Spirit later in the evening, Rest with the Spirit, it’s calling your name
Pause and grow there’s a mystery of meaning, Play with the Spirit it’s rarely the same.
Pause and grow there’s a mystery of meaning, Play with the Spirit it’s rarely the same.
Wait for the Spirit whispering at midnight. Trust in the Spirit to comfort your fear
Watch and hope in the silence of starlight, Love with the spirit till heaven draws near.
Watch and hope in the silence of starlight, Love with the spirit till heaven draws near.
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – May 24th, 2020 – 7th Sunday in Easter
Permission to post the music in this service has been obtained from One License with license A-605619. All liturgy is shared with permission of the author.
A video link for this service is available below.
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – May 17th, 2020 – 6th Sunday in Easter
Permission to post the music in this service has been obtained from One License with license A-605619 . All liturgy is original and I give permission for it to be shared.
A link for this worship video is provided below.
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – May 10th, 2020 – Christian Family Sunday
Permission to post the music in this service has been obtained from One License with license A-605619 . All liturgy is original and I give permission for it to be shared.
A video link for this service is provided below.
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – May 3rd, 2020 – 4th Easter
To watch a video of this service, please click on the link below.
Permission to post the music in this service has been obtained from One License with license A-605619 . All liturgy is original and I give permission for it to be shared.