We are adding worship material for June & July in reverse order below, starting with June 20 through to July 18. You can find video versions of these services on our Facebook page https://facebook.com/firstunitedwetaskiwin/ and YouTube channel (First United Wetaskiwin) each week.
You can read over the print version of worship below. You can join us on our Facebook page or YouTube channel each Sunday, at 10:30 am or anytime for worship.
Exploring Worship – July 11 & 25 You’re invited to explore worship with another congregation or faith tradition.
Some links you might check out …
A celebration of the United Church of Canada, with leadership from across the country.
Catch up with friends and stay local … Grace Lutheran Church
https://www.facebook.com/Grace-Lutheran-Church-Wetaskiwin-1131743050279060/
https://www.facebook.com/Grace-Lutheran-Church-Wetaskiwin-1131743050279060/
Take a pew trip to Edmonton … St Paul’s United Church in Edmonton
or for You-tube viewing search StpaulsUCYEG
If you’re hankering for another First United, here’s the link to First United Church in Fort Saskatchewan
If you want to travel further afield …
The United Church of Canada offers a map of all the UCC congregations across Canada who are on-line.
Or check out a different faith … (both come recommended)
Temple Beth Ora
or Al Rashid Mosque
Wherever you experience the Holy Presence this summer, we wish you well and look forward to welcoming you later in the summer!
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 – July 18, 2021
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST A video of this service will be available on our Facebook page and You-Tube channel on Sunday, July 18 at 10:30 am.
COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT You’re invited to take a deep breath and make space for the Spirit…
HYMN #1 More Voices “Let us Build a House” verses 1, 4 & 5
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:
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 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
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
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
Into the presence of God, who has created and is creating
We come with excitement and expectation.
Into the presence of God, who becomes one of us in Christ Jesus –
We come with hunger and hope.
Into the presence of God, who works in us and others by the Spirit –
We come with amazement and joy.
Into the presence of God, who has created and is creating
We come with excitement and expectation.
Into the presence of God, who becomes one of us in Christ Jesus –
We come with hunger and hope.
Into the presence of God, who works in us and others by the Spirit –
We come with amazement and joy.
Look around you. God is present. Are you?
OPENING PRAYER [on our own and together]
God be in my head, and in my understanding. God be in my eyes, and my looking.
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking. God be in my heart, and in my thinking; God be with us now and always. Amen.
God be in my head, and in my understanding. God be in my eyes, and my looking.
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking. God be in my heart, and in my thinking; God be with us now and always. Amen.
DISCOVERY CIRCLE “Many Ways”
SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 84 p. 800 VU with Refrain, 2 Samuel 7:1 – 10, Mark 6:30 – 32
HYMN #672 Voices United “Take Time to be Holy”
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.
Take time to be holy, be calm in your soul, each thought and each motive beneath his control.
Thus led by his spirit to fountains of love, you soon shall be fitted for service above.
Thus led by his spirit to fountains of love, you soon shall be fitted for service above.
MESSAGE “Places of Prayer”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Holy Presence … may we dwell respectfully with all our relations.
Source of love, you are beyond all knowing yet known by each of us. Thank you for this day. Thank you for the opportunity to join our hearts and minds in worship. When we are tempted to leave you behind, Holy Presence … may we dwell respectfully with all our relations.
God of heaven and earth, you are not contained in word or space, yet through them we come close to you. Thank you for music that sets our heart soaring and stories that hold our tears. Thank you for the opportunity to gather in worship without fear of persecution or violence. For the gift of freedom to travel more easily as restrictions ease, to sleep through the night without the sounds of warfare or fear of abduction. Ground us deeply in your peace that we might be peace and justice-makers on your behalf. Holy Presence … may we dwell respectfully with all our relations.
Christ you call us to follow. We pray for your church, for lay leaders and volunteers, for overseas personnel, for General Council commissioners, who serve in between meetings, and staff, for all those who seek to build up the body of Christ. Take the labours of our lives and set us free to be your people. Holy Presence … may we dwell respectfully with all our relations.
Creator of all, we pray for your world… for the people on evacuation notice, or living in shelters and refugee camps, for those who have no home; for those who have so much and are reluctant to share; For those who live in fear; for those who are grieving; for those who are ill, in body, mind or spirit. May we recognize your presence wherever justice speaks in places of power and calm caresses places of terror. Holy Presence … may we dwell respectfully with all our relations.
That we might be the body of Christ, in this place and beyond these walls. We pray together in the words of our ancestors in faith, saying, Our father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come… for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen
Holy Presence … may we dwell respectfully with all our relations.
Source of love, you are beyond all knowing yet known by each of us. Thank you for this day. Thank you for the opportunity to join our hearts and minds in worship. When we are tempted to leave you behind, Holy Presence … may we dwell respectfully with all our relations.
God of heaven and earth, you are not contained in word or space, yet through them we come close to you. Thank you for music that sets our heart soaring and stories that hold our tears. Thank you for the opportunity to gather in worship without fear of persecution or violence. For the gift of freedom to travel more easily as restrictions ease, to sleep through the night without the sounds of warfare or fear of abduction. Ground us deeply in your peace that we might be peace and justice-makers on your behalf. Holy Presence … may we dwell respectfully with all our relations.
Christ you call us to follow. We pray for your church, for lay leaders and volunteers, for overseas personnel, for General Council commissioners, who serve in between meetings, and staff, for all those who seek to build up the body of Christ. Take the labours of our lives and set us free to be your people. Holy Presence … may we dwell respectfully with all our relations.
Creator of all, we pray for your world… for the people on evacuation notice, or living in shelters and refugee camps, for those who have no home; for those who have so much and are reluctant to share; For those who live in fear; for those who are grieving; for those who are ill, in body, mind or spirit. May we recognize your presence wherever justice speaks in places of power and calm caresses places of terror. Holy Presence … may we dwell respectfully with all our relations.
That we might be the body of Christ, in this place and beyond these walls. We pray together in the words of our ancestors in faith, saying, Our father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come… for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen
MINUTE FOR MISSION “Guaranteed Liveable Income”
HYMN #356 Voices United “Seek Ye First the Kingdom”
Seek ye first he kingdom of God and God’s righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, hallelujah!
Seek ye first he kingdom of God and God’s righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, hallelujah!
Ask and it shall be given unto you; seek and you shall find;
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you. Hallelu, hallelujah!
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you. Hallelu, hallelujah!
We do not live by bread alone, but by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God. Hallelu, hallelujah!
That proceeds from the mouth of God. Hallelu, hallelujah!
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the light of Pentecost goes with you.
ON THE WAY
Go into the world that God loves. We go with excitement and expectation.
Take with you the healing peace of Christ. We go to those who hunger and hope.
Look around you. God is already present. We are ready to follow!
May the love of God watch over you; May the peace of Christ touch your heart;
May the presence of the Holy Spirit fill your life And speak in your dreams. Amen.
Go into the world that God loves. We go with excitement and expectation.
Take with you the healing peace of Christ. We go to those who hunger and hope.
Look around you. God is already present. We are ready to follow!
May the love of God watch over you; May the peace of Christ touch your heart;
May the presence of the Holy Spirit fill your life And speak in your dreams. Amen.
SENDING FORTH #223 More Voices “We will go with God”
We will go with God! Ho, ho, ho! We will go with God! [Repeat]
On this day of great joy we will go with God! On this day of great joy we will go with God!
We will go with God! Ho, ho, ho! We will go with God! [Repeat]
On this day of great joy we will go with God! On this day of great joy we will go with God!
Si zo ham ba na ye! Ho, ho, ho! Si zo ham ba na ye! [Repeat]
Ngo-mhla we-jna-bu-lo si-zo-ha-mba na-ye. Ngo-mhla we-jna-bu-lo si-zo-ha-mba na-ye.
Ngo-mhla we-jna-bu-lo si-zo-ha-mba na-ye. Ngo-mhla we-jna-bu-lo si-zo-ha-mba na-ye.
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – July 4th, 2021
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST
This service will be available on Sunday morning on Facebook and You-Tube at 10:30 am, Sunday July 4, 2021. Thanks to Susan Silverthorne for preparing and sharing leadership!
WELCOMING THE LIGHT You are invited to remember that our journey through life is illuminated by the light of Christ.
HYMN #87 Voices United “I am the Light of the World”
Refrain I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me.
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.
To find the lost and lonely one, to heal that broken soul with love,
To feed the hungry children with warmth and good food, to feel the earth below the sky above! Refrain
To free the prisoner from his chains, to make the powerful care,
To rebuild the nations with strength and goodwill, to call a man your brother everywhere. Refrain
To rebuild the nations with strength and goodwill, to call a man your brother everywhere. Refrain
To bring hope to every task you do, to dance at a baby’s new birth,
To make music in an old man’s heart, and sing to the colours of the earth! Refrain
To make music in an old man’s heart, and sing to the colours of the earth! Refrain
CALL TO WORSHIP Our call to worship is taken from the 2006 United Church Song of Faith.
We sing of the Creator, who made humans to live and move and have their being in God.
In and with God, we can direct our lives toward right relationship with each other and with God.
We can discover our place as one strand in the web of life.
We can grow in wisdom and compassion.
We can recognize all people as kin.
We can accept our mortality and finitude, not as a curse, but as a challenge to make our lives and choices matter.
In and with God, we can direct our lives toward right relationship with each other and with God.
We can discover our place as one strand in the web of life.
We can grow in wisdom and compassion.
We can recognize all people as kin.
We can accept our mortality and finitude, not as a curse, but as a challenge to make our lives and choices matter.
OPENING PRAYER [Together]
Holy God, Sustainer, Father, Mother, Friend, Source of Life, we come to you grateful for awareness of your many faces and many places in our lives. We celebrate your presence, yearning for hearts that are open to the Spirit, yearning to be doers of your word and not just listeners. Help us to shed the mantle of self interest and see that life is richer when we all thrive. Help us to love unconditionally – to love you, to love our neighbour, to love our friend and most difficult, to love those who oppose us. Amen.
Holy God, Sustainer, Father, Mother, Friend, Source of Life, we come to you grateful for awareness of your many faces and many places in our lives. We celebrate your presence, yearning for hearts that are open to the Spirit, yearning to be doers of your word and not just listeners. Help us to shed the mantle of self interest and see that life is richer when we all thrive. Help us to love unconditionally – to love you, to love our neighbour, to love our friend and most difficult, to love those who oppose us. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING Mark 6:1-13
HYMN #154 More Voices “Deep in Our Hearts” Verses 1 – 3
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 there is a common goal; Deep in our hearts there is a sacred message, justice and peace in harmony.
Deep in our hearts there is a common longing; deep in our hearts there is a common theme; Deep in our hearts there is a common current, flowing like freedom to a stream.
GOOD NEWS “Can we see it?”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
We come to you today as individuals or in small gatherings of families or friends, many of us enjoying the abundance of having a permanent home, while there are some in our community who do not have the privilege of having a mailing address. Many of us sit with a cup of coffee or tea as we participate in this service, some of us having recently eaten a satisfying meal, while there are some in our community who are hungry and suffer chronic fear that in the coming days there will not be enough eat. Spirit, help us to be healers in a wounded world.
We pray that you will open our eyes that we will see vulnerabilities in the fabric of our communities, that we might support each other in a generous manner. Help us to be healers in a wounded world.
Strengthen our trust in you. Help us remember that you have you provided abundance in your creation, but that through greed and hoarding, those resources are not equally shared. Help us to be agents of change, strengthening bonds in our community. Help us come together to take action to restore and heal relationships for the common good. Help us to be healers in a wounded world.
We come to you to you today, joining together with the prayer that Jesus taught . . .
Creator, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kin-dom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil, for thou art the kin-dom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen
We come to you today as individuals or in small gatherings of families or friends, many of us enjoying the abundance of having a permanent home, while there are some in our community who do not have the privilege of having a mailing address. Many of us sit with a cup of coffee or tea as we participate in this service, some of us having recently eaten a satisfying meal, while there are some in our community who are hungry and suffer chronic fear that in the coming days there will not be enough eat. Spirit, help us to be healers in a wounded world.
We pray that you will open our eyes that we will see vulnerabilities in the fabric of our communities, that we might support each other in a generous manner. Help us to be healers in a wounded world.
Strengthen our trust in you. Help us remember that you have you provided abundance in your creation, but that through greed and hoarding, those resources are not equally shared. Help us to be agents of change, strengthening bonds in our community. Help us come together to take action to restore and heal relationships for the common good. Help us to be healers in a wounded world.
We come to you to you today, joining together with the prayer that Jesus taught . . .
Creator, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kin-dom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil, for thou art the kin-dom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen
HYMN #161 More Voices “I have Called You by Your Name”
I have called you by your name, you are mine; have gifted you and ask you now to shine.
I will not abandon you; all my promises are true. You are gifted, called, and chosen; you are mine.
I have called you by your name, you are mine; have gifted you and ask you now to shine.
I will not abandon you; all my promises are true. You are gifted, called, and chosen; you are mine.
I will help you learn my name as you go; read it written in my people, help them grow.
Pour the water in my name, speak the word your soul can claim, offer Jesus’ body given long ago.
Pour the water in my name, speak the word your soul can claim, offer Jesus’ body given long ago.
I know you will need my touch as you go; feel it pulsing in creation’s ebb and flow.
Like the woman reaching out, choosing faith in spite of doubt,
Hold the hem of Jesus’ robe, Then let it go.
Like the woman reaching out, choosing faith in spite of doubt,
Hold the hem of Jesus’ robe, Then let it go.
I have given you a name, it is mine; I have given you my Spirit as a sign.
With my wonder in your soul, make my wounded children whole;
Go and tell my precious people they are mine.
With my wonder in your soul, make my wounded children whole;
Go and tell my precious people they are mine.
ON THE WAY Taken from “The Message” Matthew 25:35-36
I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.
Thank you, Holy One, for making visible the face of Compassion.
I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.
Thank you, Holy One, for making visible the face of Compassion.
CHANGING THE LIGHT Jesus is the light of the world. May each of us carry that light with us in the coming days.
SENDING FORTH #145 More Voices “Draw the Circle Wide”
Refrain Draw the cirque wide. Draw it wider still.
Let this be our song, no one stands a lone standing side by side, draw the circle wide.
Refrain Draw the cirque wide. Draw it wider still.
Let this be our song, no one stands a lone standing side by side, draw the circle wide.
God the still point of the circle, round whom all creation turns;
Nothing lost, bu held forever, in God’s gracious arms. Refrain
Nothing lost, bu held forever, in God’s gracious arms. Refrain
Let our hearts touch far horizons, so encompass great and small;
Let our loving know no borders, faithful to God’s call. Refrain
Let our loving know no borders, faithful to God’s call. Refrain
Let the dreams we dream be larger, than we’ve ever dreamed before;
Let the dream of Christ be in us, open every door. Refrain
Let the dream of Christ be in us, open every door. Refrain
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – June 27, 2021
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST
This service will be available on our Facebook page and You-Tube Channel at 10:30 am, Sunday, June 27. Thanks to the Stewardship Team for preparing and sharing leadership!
WELCOMING THE LIGHT You’re invited to take a deep breath and make space for the Spirit.
GATHERING #217 Voices United “All Creatures of Our God and King” vss 1 & 2
All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing:
Hal-le-lu—jah, Hal-le-lu—jah!
Bright burning sun with golden beam, soft shining moon with silver gleam,
sing prais-es, sing praise-es, hal-le-lu—jah, hal-le-lu—jah, hal-le-lu—jah!
All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing:
Hal-le-lu—jah, Hal-le-lu—jah!
Bright burning sun with golden beam, soft shining moon with silver gleam,
sing prais-es, sing praise-es, hal-le-lu—jah, hal-le-lu—jah, hal-le-lu—jah!
O rushing winds and breezes soft, O clouds that ride the winds aloft,
sing praise-es, hal-le-lu—jah!
O rising morn, in praise rejoice; O lights of evening, find a voice:
Sing prais-es, hal-le-lu—jah, hal-le-lu—jah, hal-le-lu—jah, hal-le-lu—jah!
sing praise-es, hal-le-lu—jah!
O rising morn, in praise rejoice; O lights of evening, find a voice:
Sing prais-es, hal-le-lu—jah, hal-le-lu—jah, hal-le-lu—jah, hal-le-lu—jah!
CALL TO WORSHIP
God is the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of the farthest seas.
Praise is due to the Giver of all good gifts.
God visits creation to water it, blessing its growth and providing its people with grain.
Praise is due to the Giver of all good gifts.
The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy.
Praise is due to the Giver of all good gifts.
Let us worship the One who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food,
so that we, too, may be sowers of the kingdom’s harvest.
God is the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of the farthest seas.
Praise is due to the Giver of all good gifts.
God visits creation to water it, blessing its growth and providing its people with grain.
Praise is due to the Giver of all good gifts.
The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy.
Praise is due to the Giver of all good gifts.
Let us worship the One who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food,
so that we, too, may be sowers of the kingdom’s harvest.
OPENING PRAYER [Together]
Gracious God, in your Son, Jesus Christ, you have blessed us with every good gift— justice, joy, and daily bread. Sow the seed of your gospel within each of us, we pray, that through us your kingdom may multiply in love, generosity, and righteousness throughout the earth and for the sake of all of its people. Amen.
Gracious God, in your Son, Jesus Christ, you have blessed us with every good gift— justice, joy, and daily bread. Sow the seed of your gospel within each of us, we pray, that through us your kingdom may multiply in love, generosity, and righteousness throughout the earth and for the sake of all of its people. Amen.
DISCOVERY CIRCLE “The Giveaway” written and illustrated by Ray Buckley
SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 130 p. 853 VU, Refrain 2, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15
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.
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
Write your love upon my heart as my law, my goal, my story.
In each thought, word, and deed, may my living bring you glory. Refrain
In each thought, word, and deed, may my living bring you glory. Refrain
GOOD NEWS “Faithful Giving”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORD’S PRAYER
Trusting that God hears all of our prayers and responds to all of them in love, when you hear the bidding: Gracious God, hear our prayer, please respond…and in your love, answer.
Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
Merciful One, we thank you for your endless blessings: for food, for shelter, for family, and friendship,
for the gift of life itself and the gift of new life in Jesus Christ, for the comfort of your salvation
and the challenge of discipleship. Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
Acknowledging our gifts, we come to you also with our needs: We pray for the world you love:
that the seeds of power be sown fairly and your bread shared widely, that the peoples of the world and their governments may become dispensers of righteousness, rather than stockpilers of stinginess. Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
We pray for your church, here and all over the world, that we, too, will not store up our inheritance, but cast it near and far in word and deed, so the world may know your beauty.
Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
We pray for our local community, for its safety, security, and well-being, and that our own ministry bears the fruit of reconciliation within our neighbourhoods and between our neighbours.
Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
And we pray, O Lord, for all those in need of your grace: we pray for healing for the sick, the afflicted, the addicted, and for justice to the oppressed. We remember all who have died…bring those grieving comfort, peace, and consolation, we pray. In all of these things, give us the wisdom to discern your will, and the courage to respond with the same love you have shown to us in Christ.
Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
We join our voices together in the prayer Jesus taught his friends saying, Our father, who art in heaven,… For yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Trusting that God hears all of our prayers and responds to all of them in love, when you hear the bidding: Gracious God, hear our prayer, please respond…and in your love, answer.
Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
Merciful One, we thank you for your endless blessings: for food, for shelter, for family, and friendship,
for the gift of life itself and the gift of new life in Jesus Christ, for the comfort of your salvation
and the challenge of discipleship. Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
Acknowledging our gifts, we come to you also with our needs: We pray for the world you love:
that the seeds of power be sown fairly and your bread shared widely, that the peoples of the world and their governments may become dispensers of righteousness, rather than stockpilers of stinginess. Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
We pray for your church, here and all over the world, that we, too, will not store up our inheritance, but cast it near and far in word and deed, so the world may know your beauty.
Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
We pray for our local community, for its safety, security, and well-being, and that our own ministry bears the fruit of reconciliation within our neighbourhoods and between our neighbours.
Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
And we pray, O Lord, for all those in need of your grace: we pray for healing for the sick, the afflicted, the addicted, and for justice to the oppressed. We remember all who have died…bring those grieving comfort, peace, and consolation, we pray. In all of these things, give us the wisdom to discern your will, and the courage to respond with the same love you have shown to us in Christ.
Gracious God, hear our prayer…and in your love, answer.
We join our voices together in the prayer Jesus taught his friends saying, Our father, who art in heaven,… For yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION “Why I Give”
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. (Repeat)
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 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 spir-it of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a diff-‘rence in the world. Refrain
We are the spir-it of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a diff-‘rence in the world. Refrain
So let your love shine on, let it shine for all to see. Go make a diff-‘rence in the world.
And the spirit-it of Christ will be with us as we go. Go make.a diff-‘rence in the world. Refrain
And the spirit-it of Christ will be with us as we go. Go make.a diff-‘rence in the world. Refrain
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go the light goes with you.
ON THE WAY
Go forth from this place as a people who have been given an endless supply of grace.
May you dispense it as recklessly as Christ:
where there is suffering…give your heart away in love and compassion;
where there is violence…surrender your hatred in exchange for peace;
where there is need…dedicate your hands, feet and your wallet to God’s service.
Go forth from this place as a people who have been given an endless supply of grace.
May you dispense it as recklessly as Christ:
where there is suffering…give your heart away in love and compassion;
where there is violence…surrender your hatred in exchange for peace;
where there is need…dedicate your hands, feet and your wallet to God’s service.
And may the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us today and every day. Amen.
SENDING FORTH #232 Voices United “Joyful, Joyful We Adore You” verse 3
You are giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depths of happy rest!
Source of grace and fount of blessing, let your light upon us shine;
teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
You are giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depths of happy rest!
Source of grace and fount of blessing, let your light upon us shine;
teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – June 20th, 2021
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST –
This worship service will be posted on our Facebook page and You-Tube channel on Sunday, June 20.
COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT You’re invited to take a deep breath and make space for the Spirit…
HYMN #37 More Voices “Each Blade of Grass”
Each blade of grass, ev’ry wing that soars, the waves that sweep across a distant shore,
Make full the circle of God.
Each blade of grass, ev’ry wing that soars, the waves that sweep across a distant shore,
Make full the circle of God.
Each laughing child, ev’ry gentle eye, a forest lit beneath a moon-bright sky,
Make full the circle of God.
Make full the circle of God.
Each silent paw, ev’ry rounded stone, the buzz that echoes from a honey’d comb,
Make full the circle of God.
Each fire-brimmed star, ev’ry outstretched hand, the wind that leaps and sails across the land,
Make full the circle of God.
Make full the circle of God.
Each fire-brimmed star, ev’ry outstretched hand, the wind that leaps and sails across the land,
Make full the circle of God.
Each icy peak’ ev’ry patterned shell, the joyous chorus that the dawn fore-tells,
Make full the circle of God.
Each cosmic hue, ev’ry creature’s way, all form the beauty of this vast array,
Making full the circle of God.
Make full the circle of God.
Each cosmic hue, ev’ry creature’s way, all form the beauty of this vast array,
Making full the circle of God.
CALL TO WORSHIP
We were made – To know joy and to be a blessing.
We were created – To experience love and to ease the burdens of those who travel with us.
We are here – Because God calls us into loving community.
We are blessed – With the courage to respond in faith!
We were made – To know joy and to be a blessing.
We were created – To experience love and to ease the burdens of those who travel with us.
We are here – Because God calls us into loving community.
We are blessed – With the courage to respond in faith!
OPENING PRAYER
Companion of our soul, touch us with compassion. When we are weighed down with the cares of living, carry us. When we are tempted to give up, encourage us. May this time of worship strengthen us to risk coming close to You in Christ’s name, our healer and friend. Amen.
Companion of our soul, touch us with compassion. When we are weighed down with the cares of living, carry us. When we are tempted to give up, encourage us. May this time of worship strengthen us to risk coming close to You in Christ’s name, our healer and friend. Amen.
DISCOVERY CIRCLE “47,000 Beads”
SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 62 p. 779 VU with R, Lamentations 3:22 – 24; 2 Cor. 5:6 – 10
HYMN #143 More Voices “We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky”
We cannot own the sunlit sky, the moom, the wildflow’rs growing,
For we are part of all that is within life’s river flowing.
With open hands receive and share the gifts of God’s creation,
That all may have abundant life in ev’ry earthly nation.
We cannot own the sunlit sky, the moom, the wildflow’rs growing,
For we are part of all that is within life’s river flowing.
With open hands receive and share the gifts of God’s creation,
That all may have abundant life in ev’ry earthly nation.
When bodies shiver in the night and weary, wait for morning,
When children have no bread but tears, and warhorns sound their warning,
God calls humanity to wake, to join in common labour,
That all may have abundant life in oneness with their neighbour.
When children have no bread but tears, and warhorns sound their warning,
God calls humanity to wake, to join in common labour,
That all may have abundant life in oneness with their neighbour.
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.
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.
MESSAGE “Room to Grow”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Holy One … touch Your world with hope.
Creator God, you made each rock, hill, plant and animal on earth; you see each knee that is scraped, each heart that is broken, each species that goes extinct. You touch our lives with beauty and with love; we remember and we give thanks. We remember the adults, youth and children who have yearned and struggled for peace; We remember so we can appreciate the giving and sacrifice of others. We remember there can be no peace without justice. And we remember the consequences Jesus faced for proclaiming your justice. Holy One … touch Your world with hope.
Compassionate Christ be at work through us to bring reconciliation to a divided world. Grant us wisdom to speak your word of love, diligence to follow you, courage to serve you. We pray for those who are grieving; for those in hospital or recuperating at home; for those awaiting test results or surgery. Help us to be present to one another with patience and a measure of your healing grace. Holy One … touch Your world with hope.
Faithful God, we have not always lived Your vision of acceptance and diversity. As we mark the National Indigenous Day of Prayer, help us listen to the voices of the children; those who got the chance to grow into adults, and those who did not; those who carry deep wounds and who struggle to do more than survive. We pray for their families and friends. Guide us by Jesus’ example, to be better neighbours, to advocate for more accepting communities.
Holy One ... touch Your world with hope.
Spirit of Life we remember those whose lives hold little hope for peace or any kind of security. We pray for refugees, for those who live in the midst of violence, for those whose lives are shattered by death or illness, the loss of employment, the pain of betrayal. For those who know no peace within, those who suffer with depression or mental illness, those who live with memories that haunt them.
Pour out your peace upon them and touch them with your healing presence.
Holy One ... touch Your world with hope.
Grant us the wisdom to grow in our faith and the courage to live with respect with all our relations. We pray in the words Jesus’ taught his friends saying, Our Father, who art in heaven …. Amen.
Holy One … touch Your world with hope.
Creator God, you made each rock, hill, plant and animal on earth; you see each knee that is scraped, each heart that is broken, each species that goes extinct. You touch our lives with beauty and with love; we remember and we give thanks. We remember the adults, youth and children who have yearned and struggled for peace; We remember so we can appreciate the giving and sacrifice of others. We remember there can be no peace without justice. And we remember the consequences Jesus faced for proclaiming your justice. Holy One … touch Your world with hope.
Compassionate Christ be at work through us to bring reconciliation to a divided world. Grant us wisdom to speak your word of love, diligence to follow you, courage to serve you. We pray for those who are grieving; for those in hospital or recuperating at home; for those awaiting test results or surgery. Help us to be present to one another with patience and a measure of your healing grace. Holy One … touch Your world with hope.
Faithful God, we have not always lived Your vision of acceptance and diversity. As we mark the National Indigenous Day of Prayer, help us listen to the voices of the children; those who got the chance to grow into adults, and those who did not; those who carry deep wounds and who struggle to do more than survive. We pray for their families and friends. Guide us by Jesus’ example, to be better neighbours, to advocate for more accepting communities.
Holy One ... touch Your world with hope.
Spirit of Life we remember those whose lives hold little hope for peace or any kind of security. We pray for refugees, for those who live in the midst of violence, for those whose lives are shattered by death or illness, the loss of employment, the pain of betrayal. For those who know no peace within, those who suffer with depression or mental illness, those who live with memories that haunt them.
Pour out your peace upon them and touch them with your healing presence.
Holy One ... touch Your world with hope.
Grant us the wisdom to grow in our faith and the courage to live with respect with all our relations. We pray in the words Jesus’ taught his friends saying, Our Father, who art in heaven …. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION “Thank you, from the United Church of Canada”
HYMN #307 Voices United “Touch the Earth Lightly”
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.
We who endanger, who create hunger, agents of death for all creatures that live,
We who would foster clouds of disaster, God of our planet, forestall and forgive!
We who would foster clouds of disaster, God of our planet, forestall and forgive!
Let there be greening, birth from the burning, water that blesses and air that is sweet,
Health in God’s garden, hope in God’s children, Regeneration that peace will complete.
Health in God’s garden, hope in God’s children, Regeneration that peace will complete.
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 of Pentecost goes with you.
ON THE WAY
God is at work in the world, in those we meet, in you and I.
We are invited to be signs of hope: To bring healing, To notice beauty, and
To touch the world with gratitude and kindness.
May the love of God watch over you. May the peace of Christ fill your heart.
May the presence of the Holy Spirit guide your life And speak in your dreams. Amen.
God is at work in the world, in those we meet, in you and I.
We are invited to be signs of hope: To bring healing, To notice beauty, and
To touch the world with gratitude and kindness.
May the love of God watch over you. May the peace of Christ fill your heart.
May the presence of the Holy Spirit guide your life And speak in your dreams. Amen.
Sending Forth #209 More Voices “Go Make a Difference” verse 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 – June 13th, 2021
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST –
This service will be posted to our Facebook page and You-Tube channel on Sunday, June 13 by 10:30 am. Links are provided below. June 20 will be the last Sunday we post links here until late July. You will still find services for June 27, July 4 and 18 on our Facebook page and You-Tube channel. For July 11 and 25 we invite you to go exploring. Some worship sites will be linked from our “About” page as well for those Sundays.
Facebook https://fb.watch/65W4-i1j_D/
You-Tube https://youtu.be/ocDYiMb2Mc0
COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT You’re invited to take a deep breath and make space for the Spirit…
HYMN #30 More Voices “It’s a Song of Praise to the Maker”
It’s a song of praise to the Maker, the thrush sings high in the tree.
It’s a song of praise to th Maker, the gray whale sings in the sea.
It’s a song of praise to the Maker, the thrush sings high in the tree.
It’s a song of praise to th Maker, the gray whale sings in the sea.
Refrain And by the Spirit you and I ca join our voice to the holy cry
And sing, sing, sing to the Maker too.
And sing, sing, sing to the Maker too.
It’s a call of life to the Giver when waves and waterfalls roar.
It’s a call of life to the Giver when high tides break on the shore. Refrain
It’s a call of life to the Giver when high tides break on the shore. Refrain
It’s a hymn of love the Lover; the bumble bee hums along.
It’s a hymn of love to the Lover; the summer breeze joins the song. Refrain
It’s a hymn of love to the Lover; the summer breeze joins the song. Refrain
It’s the chorus of all creation; it’s sung by all living things.
It’s the chorus of all creation; a song the universe sings. Refrain
It’s the chorus of all creation; a song the universe sings. Refrain
CALL TO WORSHIP
God sings in the dance of the clouds, the smell of hot summer days, the gurgle and slap of waves on the shore. May we be still and know God again.
God touches us with the laugher of friends, the embrace of a loved one, the fragrance of a treasured memory. May we be still and know God again.
God listens to us in the tensions between work and play, in our longing for what was and the hopes for what is yet to be. May we be still and know God now.
Consider the ordinary, present moment, And name it holy as God does.
God be in our hearts and in our praising.
God sings in the dance of the clouds, the smell of hot summer days, the gurgle and slap of waves on the shore. May we be still and know God again.
God touches us with the laugher of friends, the embrace of a loved one, the fragrance of a treasured memory. May we be still and know God again.
God listens to us in the tensions between work and play, in our longing for what was and the hopes for what is yet to be. May we be still and know God now.
Consider the ordinary, present moment, And name it holy as God does.
God be in our hearts and in our praising.
OPENING PRAYER [Together]
Imaginative and Vibrant God, creator of all things, You delight in the diversity of all that is. You lament that which is no more and You look with wonder at that which is yet to be. With red, orange, and yellow we give thanks for the warmth of love You share with all creation. With green, blue and violet we honour Your caring and grace. In the stillness of this time, may we recognize You in all our relations. Pour out Your Spirit on us that we might serve with joy. Strengthen us to love what You love. Together we are part of Your rainbow of life and possibility. Amen.
Imaginative and Vibrant God, creator of all things, You delight in the diversity of all that is. You lament that which is no more and You look with wonder at that which is yet to be. With red, orange, and yellow we give thanks for the warmth of love You share with all creation. With green, blue and violet we honour Your caring and grace. In the stillness of this time, may we recognize You in all our relations. Pour out Your Spirit on us that we might serve with joy. Strengthen us to love what You love. Together we are part of Your rainbow of life and possibility. Amen.
DISCOVERY CIRCLE I wonder what seeds God is starting in you? Or asking you to start?
SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 34 p. 761 VU with Refrain Mark 4:26 – 29
HYMN #69 All God’s Children Sing “Growing in God’s Way” verses 1, 2 & 4
“My how you’ve grown”, the woman said, as she smiled and patted the top of my head,
But I’m growing in ways that she didn’t see, God’s love is growing deep down inside me.
“My how you’ve grown”, the woman said, as she smiled and patted the top of my head,
But I’m growing in ways that she didn’t see, God’s love is growing deep down inside me.
Refrain And we’re growing, growing, growing ev’ry day. Yes, we’re growing, growing,
Growing in God’s way
Growing in God’s way
Fam’ly and friends can sure make you made, loving is hard even for mom and dad.
So we come together to learn and to pray, helping each other to grow in God’s way. Refrain
So we come together to learn and to pray, helping each other to grow in God’s way. Refrain
We all make mistakes and then start anew, There’s always much more to learn and to do.
So that God’s great shalom will come shining through, remember God’s counting on me and on you.
Refrain
So that God’s great shalom will come shining through, remember God’s counting on me and on you.
Refrain
MESSAGE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
God of Love … may we grow with you. Spirit of life, we give thanks for your sustaining presence. From last year’s dried up seeds you bring green shoots, in the midst of cracked sidewalks, bloom dandelions. Teach us to trust your persistence and your power to bring new life out of our winter weary souls. God of Love … may we grow with you.
Liberator Christ, you came that we might have life in all its abundance. May we serve you with generosity and compassion. Use our voice to call the powerful to account. Teach us to hold gently the pain of those who struggle. We hold up in prayer those who grieve, those who search for meaning in the midst of personal crises, those families and communities divided by hatred and fear. Show us the way to begin again. Grace us with humility and understanding.
God of Love … may we grow with you.
God of compassion, we pray for the care-givers and the care-receivers in this community and around the world. May our giving be a source of joy and hope and our receiving a source of growth and gratitude. Free us from fear to service in your name. God of Love … may we grow with you.
Grant us the wisdom to grow in our faith and the courage to be leaven, salt and light in the world. We pray in the words Jesus’ taught his friends saying, Our Father, who art in heaven …. Amen.
God of Love … may we grow with you. Spirit of life, we give thanks for your sustaining presence. From last year’s dried up seeds you bring green shoots, in the midst of cracked sidewalks, bloom dandelions. Teach us to trust your persistence and your power to bring new life out of our winter weary souls. God of Love … may we grow with you.
Liberator Christ, you came that we might have life in all its abundance. May we serve you with generosity and compassion. Use our voice to call the powerful to account. Teach us to hold gently the pain of those who struggle. We hold up in prayer those who grieve, those who search for meaning in the midst of personal crises, those families and communities divided by hatred and fear. Show us the way to begin again. Grace us with humility and understanding.
God of Love … may we grow with you.
God of compassion, we pray for the care-givers and the care-receivers in this community and around the world. May our giving be a source of joy and hope and our receiving a source of growth and gratitude. Free us from fear to service in your name. God of Love … may we grow with you.
Grant us the wisdom to grow in our faith and the courage to be leaven, salt and light in the world. We pray in the words Jesus’ taught his friends saying, Our Father, who art in heaven …. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION “Women Working for Change in Zambia”
HYMN #174 More Voices “Soil of God, You and I”
Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear seeds of faith nourished by God’s tender care.
Growing in everyone for here God is found. All stand together, we are… Holy ground.
Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear seeds of faith nourished by God’s tender care.
Growing in everyone for here God is found. All stand together, we are… Holy ground.
Soil of God, you and I, no ready to be part of God’s promise, for others to see.
Open to everyone for here God is found. All stand together, we are … Holy ground.
Open to everyone for here God is found. All stand together, we are … Holy ground.
Soil of God, you and I, no called to re-birth, joining as partners with all of the earth.
Living in harmony for here God is found. All stand together, this is… Holy ground.
Living in harmony for here God is found. All stand together, this is… Holy ground.
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the light of goes with you.
ON THE WAY
In times of trouble and in great rejoicing, God is with us.
In the presence of our enemies and at table with friends, God is with us.
Trust the faith God has given you! Live the grace Christ has freed in you!
Share the blessings of the Spirit in all you say and do. Amen!
In times of trouble and in great rejoicing, God is with us.
In the presence of our enemies and at table with friends, God is with us.
Trust the faith God has given you! Live the grace Christ has freed in you!
Share the blessings of the Spirit in all you say and do. Amen!
Sending Forth #209 More Voices “Go Make a Difference” verse 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
Thank you for worshiping with us! God bless, be well and look after each other.