Welcome to worship through First United Church!
There are so many ways to come close to the holy! We hope you make time regularly to refresh your spirit, learn some and commit some to being some of the visible presence of love in this world!
You can join us in the sanctuary in person each week or catch up with us on-line anytime. We live stream our services to Facebook and You-Tube, starting with announcements about 10:20 am and worship at 10:30 am. Thank you for making time to nurture your spirit and add to the goodness in Creation!
You can read over the print version of weekly worship below.
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. Worship and Godly Play videos can also be found on our You-Tube channel (firstunitedwetaskiwin).
First United Church is a registered charitable organization. This ministry is made possible by the generous donations of people like you! Tax receipts are issued for all contributions to this ministry. Find out more on “Contact Us – Donate”
First United Church 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 – December 4th, 2022
God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, however you self-identify, whom you love,
God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, however you self-identify, whom you love,
or what you believe.
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST
This service was live-streamed to both Facebook and You-Tube on Sunday, December 4th beginning with announcements at 10:20 am and worship at 10:30 am. Links are available below.
Facebook https://fb.watch/hcGNz1hsHS/
You-Tube https://youtu.be/_CokuFAmlks
WELCOMING THE LIGHT You’re invited to breathe deeply and make space for the Spirit.
HYMN #1 Voices United “O Come, O Come, Immanuel” Verses 1, 4 & 7
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lowly exile here until the son of God appear.
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lowly exile here until the son of God appear.
Refrain Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O Rod of Jesse’s stem, from every foe deliver them
That trust your mighty power to save, and give them victory e’er the grave. Refrain
That trust your mighty power to save, and give them victory e’er the grave. Refrain
O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;
O bid our sad divisions cease, and be for us the Prince of Peace. Refrain
O bid our sad divisions cease, and be for us the Prince of Peace. Refrain
CALL TO WORSHIP
From all that denies life’s goodness, God calls us.
In the midst of chaos, too many rehearsals, and too many lists,
God calls us to peace.
In the midst of fear, broken relationships and disillusioned hearts.
God calls us to risk love.
In the midst of life and death, all that is or might yet be,
God calls us, into worship and service:
To give thanks, to hope, to pray, to say “yes” to life!
Let it be with us, according to God’s will.
From all that denies life’s goodness, God calls us.
In the midst of chaos, too many rehearsals, and too many lists,
God calls us to peace.
In the midst of fear, broken relationships and disillusioned hearts.
God calls us to risk love.
In the midst of life and death, all that is or might yet be,
God calls us, into worship and service:
To give thanks, to hope, to pray, to say “yes” to life!
Let it be with us, according to God’s will.
ADVENT TIME
What time is it?
What time is it?
Time for something new.
What’s new?
What’s new?
Emmanuel, God-with-us.
1 But God is always with us.
2 Sometimes people forget God. Maybe they never learned about God.
1 Maybe they’re just too busy or they gave up hope.
2 Isaiah told the people of God something new could come out of something dead – like a green shoot from a stump;
1 Like peace between enemies. [One blue candle is lit.]
2 I wonder what new life God is calling forth in you? [Second blue candle is lit.]
1 Let us pray …
Greening and Peace-living God, You are teasing new possibilities in us and around us. Help us to grow more in Your likeness. Emmanuel – God be with us as we act ourselves into new ways of being. Amen.
Sung Response: “God Shall fulfill the promise” [tune #900 VU]
God shall fulfill the promise, the time is drawing near.
Emmanuel, God-with-us sings peace beyond our fear.
SCRIPTURE READINGS Isaiah 11:1 – 6, 9, Matthew 1:1 – 16
MESSAGE
WELCOME TO THE TABLE
… The Peace of Christ be with you!
… The Peace of Christ be with you!
And also with you!
HYMN #478 VU “You Satisfy the Hungry Heart” [Tune #691 Walls that Divide] verses 1, 2, 4, 5
As when the shepherd calls the sheep, they know and heed that voice,
So when you call your fa-mi-ly, we follow and rejoice.
As when the shepherd calls the sheep, they know and heed that voice,
So when you call your fa-mi-ly, we follow and rejoice.
Refrain You satisfy the hungry heart with gift of finest wheat.
Come give to us, O saving Lord, the bread of life to eat.
Come give to us, O saving Lord, the bread of life to eat.
With joyful lips we sing to you our praise and gratitude.
That you should count us worthy friends, to share this heavenly food. Refrain
That you should count us worthy friends, to share this heavenly food. Refrain
The mystery of your presence here no mortal tongue can tell;
Whom all the world cannot contain comes in our hearts to dwell. Refrain
Whom all the world cannot contain comes in our hearts to dwell. Refrain
In gracious love you give yourself, then selfless let us be,
To serve each other in your name in truth and charity. Refrain
To serve each other in your name in truth and charity. Refrain
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
God, You are with us: In sorrow and in joy, at work and at play.
Our hearts rejoice at Your coming among us. With all the earth, we turn to You.
God of all peoples and places, You grace us with faith, love and hope. We thank You.
You send us prophets and angels to prepare a way. We would rather have our own way.
Speak peace to our fear. Humble our arrogance.
Reassure us with Your hope, when all else seems bitterness or despair;
You call us to love beyond the comfortable, inviting us to risk peace and seek justice.
You reveal Yourself in Jesus the one we call Christ:
Who is for us the way, the truth, and the life:
May we like Jesus, proclaim Your love:
Which is good news to the poor, release to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind.
May we weep with those who weep, And dance with those who rejoice.
Strengthened by Your light,
God, You are with us: In sorrow and in joy, at work and at play.
Our hearts rejoice at Your coming among us. With all the earth, we turn to You.
God of all peoples and places, You grace us with faith, love and hope. We thank You.
You send us prophets and angels to prepare a way. We would rather have our own way.
Speak peace to our fear. Humble our arrogance.
Reassure us with Your hope, when all else seems bitterness or despair;
You call us to love beyond the comfortable, inviting us to risk peace and seek justice.
You reveal Yourself in Jesus the one we call Christ:
Who is for us the way, the truth, and the life:
May we like Jesus, proclaim Your love:
Which is good news to the poor, release to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind.
May we weep with those who weep, And dance with those who rejoice.
Strengthened by Your light,
May we, like Mary and Joseph, risk much in Your service.
Inspired by Your light,
Inspired by Your light,
May we, like the Shepherds and Angels share the good news.
Don’t be afraid. Immanuel – God is with us!
Filled with Your light,
May we like Christ, chose service and life, even in the face of betrayal and suffering.
We gather together seeking strength to live Your vision.
We offer to You, O God, the joys and cares of our living. [time for silent prayer….]
In communion with all those who have gone before and the generations who will follow, we sing Your praise. [MV #203]
O Holy, holy, holy God, O God of time and space, All the earth and sea and sky above
Bear witness to Your grace.
Hosanna in the highest heav’n, Creation sings Your praise.
And blessed is the One who comes and bears Your name always!
Don’t be afraid. Immanuel – God is with us!
Filled with Your light,
May we like Christ, chose service and life, even in the face of betrayal and suffering.
We gather together seeking strength to live Your vision.
We offer to You, O God, the joys and cares of our living. [time for silent prayer….]
In communion with all those who have gone before and the generations who will follow, we sing Your praise. [MV #203]
O Holy, holy, holy God, O God of time and space, All the earth and sea and sky above
Bear witness to Your grace.
Hosanna in the highest heav’n, Creation sings Your praise.
And blessed is the One who comes and bears Your name always!
As we break together the bread of life and drink from the cup of blessing, we proclaim together the mystery of faith. [MV #204]
Sing Christ has died and Christ is risen, Christ will come again! [Repeat]
Sing Christ has died and Christ is risen, Christ will come again! [Repeat]
Loving Creator, we offer You our work and our lives in this symbol of bread. We offer up our laughter and our suffering in the cup of life.
Bind us together in one body as Your holy and whole family.
Gracious God, pour out Your Holy Spirit on us, and on these Your gifts, that we may know the presence of Christ at this table and in the world. Amen.
Bind us together in one body as Your holy and whole family.
Gracious God, pour out Your Holy Spirit on us, and on these Your gifts, that we may know the presence of Christ at this table and in the world. Amen.
SHARING AT TABLE
… These are the gifts of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Come and feast at the welcome table!
Come and feast at the welcome table!
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY & THE LORD’S PRAYER
God of all creation, we give thanks that bread broken brings wholeness; that the cup poured out renews; that time spent with the Risen Christ and one another is gift and grace. Send us into the world as a blessing, to be living signs of Your love. At this table, and wherever we go, we are part of the body of Christ. We join our hearts and voices in the words Jesus taught his friends saying, Creator, who art in heaven,…. Amen.
God of all creation, we give thanks that bread broken brings wholeness; that the cup poured out renews; that time spent with the Risen Christ and one another is gift and grace. Send us into the world as a blessing, to be living signs of Your love. At this table, and wherever we go, we are part of the body of Christ. We join our hearts and voices in the words Jesus taught his friends saying, Creator, who art in heaven,…. Amen.
SHARING GOD’S GIFTS WITH OTHERS Giving Thanks ~ be intentional in your generosity.
In this Advent season, we prepare for the one whose coming changes everything. Your gifts of time and money might change the world for someone else. You’re invited to pause and remember the gifts you’ve received and discern the ones you are called to share. Time Blessing Prayer
Comforting God, You come to us, in the vulnerability of a child, the commitment of a parent, the calls to justice from prophet and wilderness. May we wait upon you and receive the gift of Your presence. Accept our gifts given, the goodwill of our hearts and the living of our lives as part of our thank you. Bless them and us that disappointment might turn to hope and worry to anticipation. We rejoice and give thanks for the opportunity to be signs of peace and hope in an aching world. Amen.
In this Advent season, we prepare for the one whose coming changes everything. Your gifts of time and money might change the world for someone else. You’re invited to pause and remember the gifts you’ve received and discern the ones you are called to share. Time Blessing Prayer
Comforting God, You come to us, in the vulnerability of a child, the commitment of a parent, the calls to justice from prophet and wilderness. May we wait upon you and receive the gift of Your presence. Accept our gifts given, the goodwill of our hearts and the living of our lives as part of our thank you. Bless them and us that disappointment might turn to hope and worry to anticipation. We rejoice and give thanks for the opportunity to be signs of peace and hope in an aching world. Amen.
HYMN #52 Voices United “Sheep Fast Asleep”
Sheep fast asleep, there on a hill, grass for their bed, all is still.
Cold winter night, the frost appears, shepherds keep watch by their fire.
Sheep fast asleep, there on a hill, grass for their bed, all is still.
Cold winter night, the frost appears, shepherds keep watch by their fire.
Soft there a sound, far, far away; is it the stream? Winds at play?
Nay, friend it is the heaven-ly choir, singing throughout the spheres.
Nay, friend it is the heaven-ly choir, singing throughout the spheres.
Star in the sky, shining so bright, silent and pure, wondrous light!
What tidings brings it Israel? Can we new hope in it find?
What tidings brings it Israel? Can we new hope in it find?
Good news it brings! “Fear not, I pray! Born is God’s Son, born today!
God’s gift of love to all the earth, our Lord, Emmanuel.”
God’s gift of love to all the earth, our Lord, Emmanuel.”
Glory to God! Glory on high! Sing you “Noel!” Day is nigh!
All you who dwell on earth below, peace be to you, and goodwill.
Come let us go to Bethlehem; follow the star, seeking him.
Let us adore and worship still, in love and joy to grow.
All you who dwell on earth below, peace be to you, and goodwill.
Come let us go to Bethlehem; follow the star, seeking him.
Let us adore and worship still, in love and joy to grow.
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the light goes with you.
SENDING FORTH
May the earth be fractured with cracks of joy. May peace break out and still the need for war.
May hope caress our lives, and open new possibilities for healing.
May the Spirit light our way home and our journey to come.
The world needs the good news we share!
Travel well. Travel by the Light. Amen.
May the earth be fractured with cracks of joy. May peace break out and still the need for war.
May hope caress our lives, and open new possibilities for healing.
May the Spirit light our way home and our journey to come.
The world needs the good news we share!
Travel well. Travel by the Light. Amen.
ON THE WAY #10 Voices United “Prepare the Way” x 2
Prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Make a straight path for him, make a straight path. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Make a straight path for him, make a straight path. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Thank you for taking to nurture your spirit!
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – November 27th, 2022
First Sunday in Advent – Hope
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,
God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, however you self-identify, whom you love,
or what you believe.
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST
This service was live-streamed to both Facebook and You-Tube on Sunday, November 27th beginning with announcements at 10:20 am and worship at 10:30 am. Links are available below. Somewhere between our sound check and the stream, the piano mic apparently opted out. There is sound from the other mic’s.
You-Tube https://youtu.be/aemq9ilSUL0
Facebook https://fb.watch/h3szBxz2I5/
WELCOMING THE LIGHT You’re invited to rest in the darkness and then breathe deeply of the Spirit’s presence as we welcome this Advent season.
HYMN #1 Voices United “O Come, O Come, Immanuel” Verses 1, 2, & 6
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lowly exile here until the son of God appear.
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lowly exile here until the son of God appear.
Refrain Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O Come, O Wisdom from on high, who orders all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show, and teach in us in her ways to go. Refrain
To us the path of knowledge show, and teach in us in her ways to go. Refrain
O come, O Dayspring, from on high, and cheer us by your drawing night;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadow’s put to flight. Refrain
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadow’s put to flight. Refrain
CALL TO WORSHIP
In this season of Advent when time is rushed and still enough,
Behold! Emmanuel, God is with us!
In our journey to Bethlehem, which is not just then but now,
In this season of Advent when time is rushed and still enough,
Behold! Emmanuel, God is with us!
In our journey to Bethlehem, which is not just then but now,
Behold! Emmanuel, God is with us!
In our getting ready which does not always make room for the One who has come and is coming,
Behold! Emmanuel, God is with us!
And we come close to the mystery,
In our getting ready which does not always make room for the One who has come and is coming,
Behold! Emmanuel, God is with us!
And we come close to the mystery,
Behold! Emmanuel, God is with us!
SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 2:1 – 5
ADVENT TIME
What time is it?
What time is it?
Time to get ready.
Get ready for what?
Get ready for what?
Emmanuel, God-with-us.
1 How do we get ready?
2 Pay attention. Something amazing is about to happen.
1 What’s going to happen? When?
2 Now! We are entering the season of Advent, Advent means coming. The one who is with us, is still coming and that is a mystery. We need time to enter a mystery like Christmas;
1 Time to get ready; time to come close to God.
2 When we come close to God, lives change.
1 Like swords into ploughshares, God re-creates us.
2 I wonder what time you will make this Advent to get ready – to be with this God who is already with us and not yet? [One blue candle is lit.]
1 How do we get ready?
2 Pay attention. Something amazing is about to happen.
1 What’s going to happen? When?
2 Now! We are entering the season of Advent, Advent means coming. The one who is with us, is still coming and that is a mystery. We need time to enter a mystery like Christmas;
1 Time to get ready; time to come close to God.
2 When we come close to God, lives change.
1 Like swords into ploughshares, God re-creates us.
2 I wonder what time you will make this Advent to get ready – to be with this God who is already with us and not yet? [One blue candle is lit.]
1 Let us pray…
Timely and Timeless God, You wait for us. Your Advent disturbs the rhythms of our busyness as usual season. Teach us to stop. Watch. Pay attention. Something amazing is about to happen. Emmanuel – God be with us in all our getting ready. Amen.
Timely and Timeless God, You wait for us. Your Advent disturbs the rhythms of our busyness as usual season. Teach us to stop. Watch. Pay attention. Something amazing is about to happen. Emmanuel – God be with us in all our getting ready. Amen.
Sung Response: “God Shall fulfill the promise” [tune #900 VU]
God shall fulfill the promise, the time is drawing near.
Emmanuel, God-with-us sings hope beyond our fear.
God shall fulfill the promise, the time is drawing near.
Emmanuel, God-with-us sings hope beyond our fear.
SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 3:1 – 11
DISCOVERY CIRCLE The Prophets
HYMN #18 “There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying” verses 1 – 3
There’s a voice in the wilderness crying, a call from the ways untrod;
Prepare in the desert a highway, a highway for our God.
The valleys shall be exalted, the lofty hills brought low.
Make straight all the crooked places, where God, our God, may go.
There’s a voice in the wilderness crying, a call from the ways untrod;
Prepare in the desert a highway, a highway for our God.
The valleys shall be exalted, the lofty hills brought low.
Make straight all the crooked places, where God, our God, may go.
O Zion that bringest good tidings, get thee up to the heights and sing.
Proclaim to a desolate people, the coming of their king.
Like the flowers of the field they perish, like grass all our works decay.
The power and pomp of nations, shall pass like a dream away.
Proclaim to a desolate people, the coming of their king.
Like the flowers of the field they perish, like grass all our works decay.
The power and pomp of nations, shall pass like a dream away.
But the work of our God endureth, whose arm is ever strong.
God stands in the midst of nations and soon will right the wrong.
God shall feed the flocks like a shepherd, the lambs so gently hold.
To pastures of peace will lead them, and bring them safe to fold
God stands in the midst of nations and soon will right the wrong.
God shall feed the flocks like a shepherd, the lambs so gently hold.
To pastures of peace will lead them, and bring them safe to fold
MESSAGE “The Holy Family”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, God be with us.
Gracious God, You speak to us in unexpected ways. We do not always want to hear Your message for us. Forgive us when we turn aside from Your prophets. Help us to meet You as You come to us. Help us to prepare Your way in our lives – and to announce Your coming in the way we treat one another. As we begin a season of feasting and gifting, may we choose to live more simply, that others might simply live. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, God be with us.
Christ whose coming we await, you too were born a child into our world: without freedoms we take for granted; subject to poverty, harassed by foreign powers, and dangers to your health. In your name let us cry freedom for your children now, at this time, and through all generations. We remember Indigenous communities still living without clean water or access to the education that settler communities expect. We remember those living in temporary refugee camps, whose grandchildren are now being born into those same camps. We remember the people in our communities, those who have made a tent a home, those who walk the streets, those who are invisible, but dependent on the hospitality of others. Strengthen our commitment to ensuring quality of life for all not just for some. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, God be with us.
Spirit sustain us in those rough places in our lives and in the lives of others that we name before you. Fill the valleys with your light, level the uneven paths with your grace, and grant that your Spirit might so move us and others, that your saving presence might be visible to all. Hopeful God, we pray especially for … Time for silent prayer
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, God be with us.
We ask these things in Christ’s name, and we pray together in the words Jesus taught us, saying… Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Your name… For Yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, God be with us.
Gracious God, You speak to us in unexpected ways. We do not always want to hear Your message for us. Forgive us when we turn aside from Your prophets. Help us to meet You as You come to us. Help us to prepare Your way in our lives – and to announce Your coming in the way we treat one another. As we begin a season of feasting and gifting, may we choose to live more simply, that others might simply live. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, God be with us.
Christ whose coming we await, you too were born a child into our world: without freedoms we take for granted; subject to poverty, harassed by foreign powers, and dangers to your health. In your name let us cry freedom for your children now, at this time, and through all generations. We remember Indigenous communities still living without clean water or access to the education that settler communities expect. We remember those living in temporary refugee camps, whose grandchildren are now being born into those same camps. We remember the people in our communities, those who have made a tent a home, those who walk the streets, those who are invisible, but dependent on the hospitality of others. Strengthen our commitment to ensuring quality of life for all not just for some. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, God be with us.
Spirit sustain us in those rough places in our lives and in the lives of others that we name before you. Fill the valleys with your light, level the uneven paths with your grace, and grant that your Spirit might so move us and others, that your saving presence might be visible to all. Hopeful God, we pray especially for … Time for silent prayer
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, God be with us.
We ask these things in Christ’s name, and we pray together in the words Jesus taught us, saying… Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Your name… For Yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
SHARING GOD’S GIFTS WITH OTHERS Giving Thanks ~ be intentional in your generosity.
MINUTE FOR MISSION “Giving Tuesday – After the Headlines Move On”
HYMN #7 Voices United “Hope is a Star”
Hope is a star, that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.
Refrain When God is a child, there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first
And the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.
Hope is a star, that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.
Refrain When God is a child, there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first
And the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth. Refrain
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Saviour is born. Refrain
Love is a flame that burns in our heart, Jesus has come and will never depart. Refrain
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the light goes with you.
SENDING FORTH
In this time, from this place, we go to be a blessing.
Behold! Emmanuel, God goes with us!
In our worship, in our service, in our getting ready, in our waiting, wherever hope, peace, joy and love are needed,
In this time, from this place, we go to be a blessing.
Behold! Emmanuel, God goes with us!
In our worship, in our service, in our getting ready, in our waiting, wherever hope, peace, joy and love are needed,
Behold! Emmanuel, God goes with us!
And we come close to the mystery,
And we come close to the mystery,
Behold! Emmanuel, God is with us!
Travel well. Travel by the Light. Amen.
Travel well. Travel by the Light. Amen.
ON THE WAY #10 Voices United “Prepare the Way” x 2
Prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Make a straight path for him, make a straight path. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Make a straight path for him, make a straight path. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Thank you for making time to nourish your Spirit
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – November 20th, 2022
God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, however you self-identify, whom you love,
God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, however you self-identify, whom you love,
or what you believe.
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST
This service was live-streamed to both Facebook and You-Tube beginning with announcements at 10:20 am and worship at 10:30 am, Sunday, November 20th. Links are provided below and should be active by 1 pm, Sunday. This service is a little different as we mark Reign of Christ Sunday with some of the music and theology of Christ through history.
Facebook https://fb.watch/gWcS6Z1U-l/
You-Tube https://youtu.be/cVyOhoM089Y
COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT Please take a deep breath and make space for the Spirit…
HYMN #326 Voices United “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” verses 1 – 3
O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise, the glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of God’s grace.
O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise, the glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of God’s grace.
Jesus the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease;
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears, ‘tis life and health and peace.
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears, ‘tis life and health and peace.
He speaks and listening to his voice, new life the dead receive,
The mournful broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.
The mournful broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Seekers and faithful, come from what is familiar.
We come from what is usual and comfortable to encounter the unknowable.
Bearers of Light, follow the Way from what the world demands to what Christ invites.
We look for the potential, the improbable yet possible.
Come because the Good Shepherd calls you by name ~ beloved.
We are open to the life-changing, the abundantly new.
Come, all who will. Feast on the Living Word and be refreshed.
We are willing to lose our life to find it, even when we are unsure of the way.
Come into this time of worship, to know the way, the truth and the life.
In our searching we are found. In our unknowing, we are known.
Seekers and faithful, come from what is familiar.
We come from what is usual and comfortable to encounter the unknowable.
Bearers of Light, follow the Way from what the world demands to what Christ invites.
We look for the potential, the improbable yet possible.
Come because the Good Shepherd calls you by name ~ beloved.
We are open to the life-changing, the abundantly new.
Come, all who will. Feast on the Living Word and be refreshed.
We are willing to lose our life to find it, even when we are unsure of the way.
Come into this time of worship, to know the way, the truth and the life.
In our searching we are found. In our unknowing, we are known.
OPENING PRAYER [Together]
Fisher of young and old and in-between, of followers and wanderers, we come to you this day longing to be caught and held. Prophet, Teacher, Saviour, Friend, you call us to discipleship in your names. Open our ears to your Word. Tease our minds with your message. May we recognize in one another the child of God. Draw us by your love into community. Then send us out to be part of the renewing of this earth. In your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
Fisher of young and old and in-between, of followers and wanderers, we come to you this day longing to be caught and held. Prophet, Teacher, Saviour, Friend, you call us to discipleship in your names. Open our ears to your Word. Tease our minds with your message. May we recognize in one another the child of God. Draw us by your love into community. Then send us out to be part of the renewing of this earth. In your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
DISCOVERY CIRCLE #365 Voices United “Jesus Loves Me” verses 1 & 2
Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to him belong, in his love we shall be strong.
Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to him belong, in his love we shall be strong.
Refrain Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me, this I know, as he loved so long ago,
Taking children on his knee, saying, “Let them come to me.” Refrain
Taking children on his knee, saying, “Let them come to me.” Refrain
SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 100 p. 824 VU with Refrain #2
HYMN #341 Voices United “Fairest Lord Jesus” verses 1 & 2
Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O thou of God to earth come down;
Thee will I cherish, thee will I honour, thou my soul’s glory, joy and crown.
Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O thou of God to earth come down;
Thee will I cherish, thee will I honour, thou my soul’s glory, joy and crown.
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, who makes the troubled heart to sing.
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, who makes the troubled heart to sing.
SCRIPTURE READINGS Ezekiel 34:11 – 16, Luke 9:18 – 24
HYMN #330 Voices United “Jesus Shall Reign” verses 1 & 2
Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does its successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more.
Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does its successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more.
People and realms of every tongue dwell on his love with sweetest song,
And infant voices shall proclaim their earthly blessings on his name.
And infant voices shall proclaim their earthly blessings on his name.
MESSAGE “Part of the Body of Christ ~ A Report from Northern Spirit Regional Council”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Light of the World, Transform us in your grace.
Holy laughter and compassion, we pause this day to centre our thoughts on you. We have heard your call and claim upon our lives and are grateful that you choose to be among us as one who serves. Thank you for sharing in this amazing life we live; for bodies to know and experience, minds to learn and dream. Light of the World, Transform us in your grace.
Suffering Servant, we gather into our minds and hearts the places of age-old pain, the grudges and hostile words, the desires for revenge, the hatred and prejudice that are all around us. We pray for those who speak truth to power; for those who keep us accountable; for those who find the way of peace amidst violence; for those who persist in the cause of justice. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the miracle of pain that is healed, of reconciliation begun, of revenge that is forgotten and prejudice unlearned, forgiveness released. May we commit our living to your Will.
Light of the World, Transform us in your grace.
Eternal hope and persevering justice we open our hearts and ears to Your way. In the depths of our hearts we listen for your wisdom and we offer to you the concerns and hopes of our living.
[ time for silent prayer] Miracle of grace, transform our silence with your love.
Light of the World, Transform us in your grace.
That You might be revealed in all we say and do. Gather our prayers and commitment together with generations of faithful, in the words Jesus taught his friends, saying, Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Your name… For Yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Holy laughter and compassion, we pause this day to centre our thoughts on you. We have heard your call and claim upon our lives and are grateful that you choose to be among us as one who serves. Thank you for sharing in this amazing life we live; for bodies to know and experience, minds to learn and dream. Light of the World, Transform us in your grace.
Suffering Servant, we gather into our minds and hearts the places of age-old pain, the grudges and hostile words, the desires for revenge, the hatred and prejudice that are all around us. We pray for those who speak truth to power; for those who keep us accountable; for those who find the way of peace amidst violence; for those who persist in the cause of justice. We lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the miracle of pain that is healed, of reconciliation begun, of revenge that is forgotten and prejudice unlearned, forgiveness released. May we commit our living to your Will.
Light of the World, Transform us in your grace.
Eternal hope and persevering justice we open our hearts and ears to Your way. In the depths of our hearts we listen for your wisdom and we offer to you the concerns and hopes of our living.
[ time for silent prayer] Miracle of grace, transform our silence with your love.
Light of the World, Transform us in your grace.
That You might be revealed in all we say and do. Gather our prayers and commitment together with generations of faithful, in the words Jesus taught his friends, saying, Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Your name… For Yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
SHARING GOD’S GIFTS WITH OTHERS Giving Thanks ~ be intentional in your generosity.
HYMN #110 More Voices “First Born of Mary”
First born of Mary, provocative preacher, itinerant teacher, outsider’s choice;
Jesus inspires and disarms and confuses whoever he chooses to hear his voice.
First born of Mary, provocative preacher, itinerant teacher, outsider’s choice;
Jesus inspires and disarms and confuses whoever he chooses to hear his voice.
MINUTE FOR MISSION Meet the Moderator – Right Rev. Carmen Landsdowne
HYMN #560 Voices United “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee” verses 1 – 3
O Master, let me walk with thee in lowly paths of service free;
Teach me thy secrets, help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.
O Master, let me walk with thee in lowly paths of service free;
Teach me thy secrets, help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.
Help me the slow of heart to move with some clear winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feed to stay, and guide them in the homeward way.
Teach me the wayward feed to stay, and guide them in the homeward way.
Teach my thy patience, still with thee, in closer dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sure and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong.
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the light goes with you.
SENDING FORTH
Go follow Jesus into the world.
We are disciples of Christ; Forgiven, freed and called to make a difference!
When our path is unclear,
Go follow Jesus into the world.
We are disciples of Christ; Forgiven, freed and called to make a difference!
When our path is unclear,
Jesus is with us to show us the way.
When the demands we face are greater than our response,
God offers us courage and strength.
When we feel alone, or the future looks bleak,
The Spirit sings hope into our hearts. Amen and amen!
When the demands we face are greater than our response,
God offers us courage and strength.
When we feel alone, or the future looks bleak,
The Spirit sings hope into our hearts. Amen and amen!
ON THE WAY #117 Voices United “Jesus Christ is Waiting” verses 1, 2 & 5
Jesus Christ is waiting, waiting in the streets; no one his neighbour, all alone he eats.
Listen, Lord Jesus, I am lonely too. Make me friend or stranger, fit to wait on you.
Jesus Christ is waiting, waiting in the streets; no one his neighbour, all alone he eats.
Listen, Lord Jesus, I am lonely too. Make me friend or stranger, fit to wait on you.
Jesus Christ is raging, raging in the streets, where injustice spirals and real hope retreats.
Listen, Lord Jesus, I am angry too, in the Kingdom’s causes let me rage with you.
Listen, Lord Jesus, I am angry too, in the Kingdom’s causes let me rage with you.
Jesus Christ is calling, calling in the streets; “Who will join my journey? I will guide their feet.”
Listen, Lord Jesus, let me fears be few. Walk one step before me; I will follow you.
Listen, Lord Jesus, let me fears be few. Walk one step before me; I will follow you.
Thank You for Making Time to Nourish Your Spirit!
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – November 13th, 2022
God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, however you self-identify, whom you love,
God calls us to create a community of faith where all are welcome and encouraged to participate fully: no matter where you’re from, when you were born, however you self-identify, whom you love,
or what you believe.
WELCOME & NEWS OF INTEREST
This service was live-streamed to both Facebook and You-Tube at 10:30 am, Sunday, November 13th. Links are available below and should be live by 1 pm Sunday.
Facebook https://fb.watch/gMZ77G5XLW/
You-Tube https://youtu.be/oWFMAFobofE
LAST POST – SILENCE – REVEILLE-
COMING CLOSE TO THE LIGHT Please take a deep breath and make space for the Spirit…
HYMN #79 More Voices “Spirit, Open My Heart” verses 1 & 3
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
May I weep with those who weep, share the joy of sister, brother.
In the welcome of Christ, may we welcome one another. Refrain
In the welcome of Christ, may we welcome one another. Refrain
CALL TO WORSHIP
In a world where technology stores data in nanoseconds,
We are called to remember with our hearts.
In a world where war and loss still exist,
In a world where technology stores data in nanoseconds,
We are called to remember with our hearts.
In a world where war and loss still exist,
We are called to seek justice and resist evil.
In a world where many live in fear and without hope,
We are called to celebrate God’s presence.
In this place and in our lives, God calls us to healing and reconciliation.
Let our worship be a time where peace is nurtured;
Stir us Holy Spirit, to proclaim God’s love and justice!
In a world where many live in fear and without hope,
We are called to celebrate God’s presence.
In this place and in our lives, God calls us to healing and reconciliation.
Let our worship be a time where peace is nurtured;
Stir us Holy Spirit, to proclaim God’s love and justice!
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. Breath calm into our fears. Free us from the attitudes that lead to war. Encourage us to risk following You, in Christ’s name. 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. Breath calm into our fears. Free us from the attitudes that lead to war. Encourage us to risk following You, in Christ’s name. Amen.
HYMN #56 All God’s Children 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 call 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.
DISCOVERY CIRCLE
SCRIPTURE READING Exodus 20 & Deuteronomy 5 p. 877 with Refrain, Luke 6:27 – 42
HYMN #63 Klusmeier Vol. 2 “Wisdom Be Our Guide”
Wisdom be our guide: wisdom as in Jesus, Strong through storm and crisis, turning terror’s tide.
Wisdom be our wings: lift the human spirit, banish bomb and bullet, warlord posturings.
Wisdom be our guide: wisdom as in Jesus, Strong through storm and crisis, turning terror’s tide.
Wisdom be our wings: lift the human spirit, banish bomb and bullet, warlord posturings.
Refrain And with God’s help, ordinary people, we ordinary people will turn the world around!
And with God’s help, ordinary people, we ordinary people will turn the world around!
And with God’s help, ordinary people, we ordinary people will turn the world around!
Wisdom be our ground: there new truths are growing, seams of gold are found.
Wisdom be our friend: warn us of our danger, earth’s appalling hunger, greed that has no end. Refrain
Wisdom be our friend: warn us of our danger, earth’s appalling hunger, greed that has no end. Refrain
Wisdom be our frame: common sense with vision, heart’s own intuition, giving love a name.
Wisdom be our light: lead us and illumine all that’s fully human, simple, sane and right. Refrain
Wisdom be our light: lead us and illumine all that’s fully human, simple, sane and right. Refrain
MESSAGE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Holy Friend… Encircle us with Your Love.
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; for gift of visions and dreams, for people who help us discover possibilities when all we see are obstacles. For music that inspires us, stories of courage that feed our hope, for prophets who call us back to your intentions and who remind us of Your abiding presence. May we live boldly and with compassion as You intend.
Holy Friend… Encircle us with Your Love.
Thank You for the freedoms we enjoy: freedom to choose, freedom to love, to worship, to gather without fear, 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 governments and agencies who offer leadership in times of uncertainty. We pray for Your wisdom as we make decisions that affect this earth, and our neighbours around the world. Expand our curiosity and kindness to reflect Jesus’ way, who gave himself freely, refusing violence, confounding the authorities and living more abundantly. Holy Friend… Encircle us with Your Love.
Pour out a measure of your strength and compassion on us as we seek to offer consolation to those who grieve, and share your abundance with those in need. May our words and actions shape the vision of peace you offer. We offer prayers too deep for words in our shared silence …
Time for silent prayer.
Holy Friend… Encircle us with Your Love.
Gather our prayers and commitment together with generations of faithful, in the words Jesus taught his friends, saying, Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Your name… For Yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Holy Friend… Encircle us with Your Love.
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; for gift of visions and dreams, for people who help us discover possibilities when all we see are obstacles. For music that inspires us, stories of courage that feed our hope, for prophets who call us back to your intentions and who remind us of Your abiding presence. May we live boldly and with compassion as You intend.
Holy Friend… Encircle us with Your Love.
Thank You for the freedoms we enjoy: freedom to choose, freedom to love, to worship, to gather without fear, 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 governments and agencies who offer leadership in times of uncertainty. We pray for Your wisdom as we make decisions that affect this earth, and our neighbours around the world. Expand our curiosity and kindness to reflect Jesus’ way, who gave himself freely, refusing violence, confounding the authorities and living more abundantly. Holy Friend… Encircle us with Your Love.
Pour out a measure of your strength and compassion on us as we seek to offer consolation to those who grieve, and share your abundance with those in need. May our words and actions shape the vision of peace you offer. We offer prayers too deep for words in our shared silence …
Time for silent prayer.
Holy Friend… Encircle us with Your Love.
Gather our prayers and commitment together with generations of faithful, in the words Jesus taught his friends, saying, Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be Your name… For Yours is the kin-dom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION “Thank You!”
HYMN #684 Voices United “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”
Make me a channel of your peace; where there is hatred, let me bring your love;
Where there is injury, your healing power, and where there’s doubt, true faith in you:
Make me a channel of your peace; where there is hatred, let me bring your love;
Where there is injury, your healing power, and where there’s doubt, true faith in you:
Refrain O Spirit, grant that I may never seek so much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understtand, to be loved as to love with all my soul.
To be understood as to understtand, to be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace: where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, only light; and where there’s sadness, ever joy. Refrain
Where there is darkness, only light; and where there’s sadness, ever joy. Refrain
Make me a channel of your peace. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all that we receive, and in dying that we’re born to eternal life. Refrain
CHANGING THE LIGHT Now wherever you go, the light goes with you.
ON THE WAY
May the peace of God be your peace as you go forth:
May the peace of God be your peace as you go forth:
Peace in the midst of despair;
Peace when the hard times hit home;
Peace when the hard times hit home;
Peace when there is conflict in family;
Peace when there is ill will between friends;
Peace when there is ill will between friends;
Peace when world events bring terror.
May the love of God watch over us; May the peace of Christ fill our hearts;
May the presence of the Holy Spirit move in our lives and sing in our dreams. Amen.
May the love of God watch over us; May the peace of Christ fill our hearts;
May the presence of the Holy Spirit move in our lives and sing in our dreams. Amen.
SENDING FORTH #173 More Voices “Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands” verses 1 & 2
Put peace into each other’s hands and like a treasure hold it,
Protect it like a candle flame, with tenderness enfold it.
Put peace into each other’s hands and like a treasure hold it,
Protect it like a candle flame, with tenderness enfold it.
Put peace into each other’s hands with loving expectation;
Be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God’s creation.
Be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God’s creation.
Thank you for worshiping with us!
Thank you for worshiping with us! God bless, be well and look after each other.