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ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY
First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
HYMN #395 Voices United “Come in, Come in and Sit Down”
Refrain Come in, come in and sit down; you are a part of the family.
We are lost and we are found, and we are a part of the family.
You know the reason why you came, yet no reason can explain;
So share in the laughter and cry in the pain, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
God is with us in this place, like a mother’s warm embrace.
We’re all forgiven by God’s grace, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
There’s life to be shared in the bread and the wine; we are the branches, Christ is the vine.
This is God’s temple, it’s not yours or mine, but we are part of the family. Refrain
There’s rest for the weary and health for us all; there’s a yoke that is easy, and a burden that’s small.
So come in and worship and answer the call, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
CALL TO WORSHIP
Beloved, let us love one another,
Because love is from God.
God’s love was revealed among us in this way,
Jesus Christ came into the world.
Since God loved us so much,
We are called to love one another.
Come, Let us worship.
What does the Lord require of us?
With what shall we come before God on high?
This is what God requires of us:
To do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.
Let us worship God.
OPENING PRAYER
AFFIRMATION OF OUR FAITH
A NEW CREED p. 918 Voices United
We rise together for the affirmation of our faith:
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God. Amen
HYMN #701 Voices United “What Does the Lord Require of You?” [x3]
What does the Lord require of you? What does the Lord require of you?
Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God.
– To seek justice, – and love kindness, – and walk humbly with your God.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Let us join together in the ancient ritual of the passing of the peace saying to each other:
The peace of Christ be with you
And also, with you.
Psalm 37 (Refrain p. 763 VU)
Refrain Commit your way to God and trust the One who takes your part.
Do not fret because of the wicked, or envy those who do evil.
For they soon wither like grass and fade away like the green leaf.
Trust in God and do good;
dwell in the land and there find safe pasture.
Find your delight in God,
who will grant the desires of your heart. Refrain
God will make your vindication shine like the light,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before God and wait patiently;
do not fret because some prosper in evil schemes.
Let go of anger and abandon wrath.
Do not fret – it can only do harm. Refrain
Those who do evil shall be cut off,
but those who look to God shall inherit the earth.
In a little while the wicked will be no more;
you will look where they were and their place will be empty.
But the meek shall inherit the earth;
they shall enjoy fullness of peace.
Salvation for the righteous comes from God, their refuge in time of trouble.
God helps and deliver,
and rescues from the wicket those who seek shelter. Refrain
HYMN #128 Then Let Us Sing “Blessed are you who are poor”
Blessed are you who are poor– yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who are hungry– for you will be filled.
Blessed are you who now weep– laughter will surely come.
Blessed are you who are hated– hated for my sake.
One day you will rejoice, you will leap for joy.
Blessings abundant will follow as you dwell in God.
Woe unto you who are rich– for you possess your reward.
Woe unto you who have plenty– you will feel your want.
Woe unto you who rejoice– soon you will weep and mourn.
Woe unto you who are followed– popular, but false.
Give your whole heart to God, love and serve the poor.
Always treat one another kindly and with grace.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:16).
HYMN #143 More Voices “We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky” Verse 1
We cannot own the sunlit sky, the moon, 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.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
God of steadfast love,
May our offering this day,
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
Renew us for your service.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S VOICE
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Micah 6:1-8
Matthew 23:23
SERMON ~ Rev. Dr. Lloyd Nyarota “Justice and Jesus”
HYMN #222 Voices United “Come Let Us Sing”
Come, let us sing to the Lord our song, we have stood silently too long;
Surely the Lord deserves our praise, so joyfully thank God for our days!
O thirsty soul, come drink at the well, God’s living waters will never fail.
Surely the Lord will help you to stand, strengthened and comforted by God’s hand.
You dwell among us and cause us to pray, and walk with each other following your way;
Our precious siblings and neighbours will grow in the fulfilling love they know.
Deserts shall bloom and mountains shall sing to the desire of all living things.
Come, all you creatures, high and love, let your praises endlessly flow.
HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE
The Lord be with you.
And also, with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
… So it is that we join the song of all creation to proclaim your goodness:
Holy, holy, holy God,
Power of life and love!
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna through the ages.
Blessed is the One who comes to bring your justice to earth
Hosanna through the ages.
…for all our families and friends…
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place,
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us power, send us grace!
…that our lives may proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ has risen.
Christ will come again.
…Let the people say Amen.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
With Jesus we pray together saying:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Life-giving God, may we, who share Christ’s body, live his risen life;
we, who drink this cup, bring new life to others;
we, whom the Spirit lights, give light to the world.
Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us,
so that we and all your children shall be free,
and all creation will live to praise your name.
Amen.
WE GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE
CHANGING THE LIGHT
SENDING FORTH
BENEDICTION
HYMN #156 More Voices “Dance with the Spirit”
Dance with the Spirit early in the mornin’,
Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day.
Work and hope for the new life a-bornin’
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way.
Sing with the Spirit sitting down at mid day
Share with the Spirit wherever you go
Serve and laugh while you’re shaping a new way
Learn from the Spirit to go with the flow
Search for the Spirit later in the evening
Rest with the Spirit, it’s calling your name
Pause and grow there’s a mystery of meaning
Play with the Spirit it’s rarely the same.
Wait for the Spirit whispering at midnight
Trust in the Spirit to comfort your fear
Watch and hope in the silence of starlight
Love with the spirit till heaven draws near.
Dance with the Spirit early in the morning
Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day
Work and pray for a new day a dawning.
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY
First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
We gather with gratitude for their stewardship of this land and we acknowledge that we too are treaty people, called to live with respect in Creation as we undertake our responsibilities as members of Treaty Six.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP (inspired by Matthew 4:12-23)
Jesus called to those at their usual workplace to come and follow!
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.”
Jesus calls you at your usual church place to come and follow!
“Follow me and I will help you to love God’s people.”
May we hear Jesus this day calling.
May we follow where the Spirit leads us -into worship and into service.
OPENING PRAYER
HYMN #395 Voices United “Come in, Come in and Sit Down”
Refrain Come in, come in and sit down; you are a part of the family.
We are lost and we are found, and we are a part of the family.
You know the reason why you came, yet no reason can explain;
So share in the laughter and cry in the pain, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
God is with us in this place, like a mother’s warm embrace.
We’re all forgiven by God’s grace, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
There’s life to be shared in the bread and the wine; we are the branches, Christ is the vine.
This is God’s temple, it’s not yours or mine, but we are part of the family. Refrain
There’s rest for the weary and health for us all; there’s a yoke that is easy, and a burden that’s small.
So come in and worship and answer the call, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
PASSING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you!
PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION
GODLY PLAY ~ Parable of the Good Samaritan
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S VOICE
Loving God, you speak to us in so many ways.
Speak to us now through the reading of the scriptures.
FOCUS SCRIPTURE
Matthew 4:12-23
This is the trustworthy witness of God’s faithful people through the ages.
The divine word to us today. Amen.
HYMN #82 More Voices “Bathe Me in Your Light”
Bathe me in your light, O God of All, Creator;
Let it shine upon my soul with healing and with grace.
Be to me a beacon bright through shadows of life’s wounding,
Showing me the way to live in faith, in your embrace.
Bathe me in your love, O Source of Awe and Wonder;
Help me walk the sacred path of harmony and peace.
May I be attentive to the musings of your presence,
Drinking from the well of hope that brings the heart release.
Bathe me in your grace, O One of Spirit’s longing;
Teach me of your gentle ways that fill the soul with strength.
Guide me on the pilgrimage that leads to truth and wholeness,
Fill me with your promise of a love that knows no length.
SERMON ~ Rev. Leigh Sinclair
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (based on Psalm 27:1, 4-9)
… We pray his prayer now each in the language of our hearts:
ADAPTATION OF THE LORD’S PRAYER ~ Author Anonymous
Our Father, Mother, Creator in heaven!
May your Names be kept holy. May your Kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us the food we need today.
Forgive us what we have done wrong,
as we too have forgiven those who have wronged us.
Do not lead us into hard testing, and keep us safe from the Evil.
For kin-ship, power and glory are yours forever and ever. Amen.
#598 Voices United “When Pain of the World Surrounds Us”
When pain of the world surrounds us, with darkness and despair;
When searching just confounds us with false hopes everywhere,
When lives are starved for meaning and destiny is bare,
We are called to follow Jesus and let God’s healing flow through us.
We see with fear and trembling our aching world in need,
Confessing to each other our wastefulness and greed.
May we with steadfast caring the hungry children feed.
We are called to follow Jesus and let God’s justice flow through us.
The church is a holy vessel the living waters fill
To nourish all its people, God’s purpose to fulfill.
May we with humble courage be open to God’s will.
We are called to follow Jesus and let God’s spirit flow through us.
We praise you for our journey and your abundant grace,
Your saving word that guided a struggling human race.
O God, with all creation, your future we embrace.
We are called to follow Jesus and let God’s changes flow through us.
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND IN FAITH AND HOPE
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
MISSION AND SERVICE STORY ~ “Brunswick Street Mission”
HYMN #143 More Voices “We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky” Verse 1
We cannot own the sunlit sky, the moon, 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.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
WE GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE
CHANGING THE LIGHT
SENDING FORTH
Off we go – back to our normal ways and means.
Off we go – with God’s love to guide us.
Go in peace to love and serve God.
We go to serve Jesus in everyone we meet and to live with respect in Creation. Amen.
HYMN #156 More Voices “Dance with the Spirit”
Dance with the Spirit early in the mornin’,
Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day.
Work and hope for the new life a-bornin’
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way.
Sing with the Spirit sitting down at mid day
Share with the Spirit wherever you go
Serve and laugh while you’re shaping a new way
Learn from the Spirit to go with the flow
Search for the Spirit later in the evening
Rest with the Spirit, it’s calling your name
Pause and grow there’s a mystery of meaning
Play with the Spirit it’s rarely the same.
Wait for the Spirit whispering at midnight
Trust in the Spirit to comfort your fear
Watch and hope in the silence of starlight
Love with the spirit till heaven draws near.
Dance with the Spirit early in the morning
Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day
Work and pray for a new day a dawning.
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way.
This service of worship was initially prepared by Together We Worship and has been revised to fit practices of Wetaskiwin First United Church. Thanks to Rev. Leigh Sinclair, St. David’s United, Leduc, AB for the Sermon and Liturgy.
First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP
The call to worship resounds in our lives,
vibrating in our hearts, stirring the comfort of our days.
We are called out –
challenged to recognize the shortcomings in our lives by our God who is always merciful and forgiving.
We are called upon –
encouraged to serve our compassionate God, to acknowledge the injustice in our world and to seek to push back against it.
We are called in –
invited to worship our generous God, whose arms are always open, whose embrace is always waiting to enfold us in love.
Come, let us answer the call.
OPENING PRAYER
HYMN #395 Voices United “Come in, Come in and Sit Down”
Refrain Come in, come in and sit down; you are a part of the family.
We are lost and we are found, and we are a part of the family.
You know the reason why you came, yet no reason can explain;
So share in the laughter and cry in the pain, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
God is with us in this place, like a mother’s warm embrace.
We’re all forgiven by God’s grace, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
There’s life to be shared in the bread and the wine; we are the branches, Christ is the vine.
This is God’s temple, it’s not yours or mine, but we are part of the family. Refrain
There’s rest for the weary and health for us all; there’s a yoke that is easy, and a burden that’s small.
So come in and worship and answer the call, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION
THEME TIME
HYMN #154 More Voices “Deep in Our Hearts”
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 to freedom like a stream.
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.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S VOICE
Loving God, you speak to us in so many ways.
Speak to us now through the reading of the scriptures.
FOCUS SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 49:1-7
This is the trustworthy witness of God’s faithful people through the ages.
The divine word to us today. Amen.
SERMON ~ Rev. Ibi Chuan
HYMN #209 More Voices “Go Make a Diff’rence”
Refrain Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see the love of God for you and me.
We are the light of the world, not to be hidden but be seen. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
We are the hands of Christ, reaching out to those in need, the face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
So let your love shine on, let it shine for all to see. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
And the spirit of Christ will be with us as we go. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND IN FAITH AND HOPE
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
HYMN #143 More Voices “We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky” Verse 1
We cannot own the sunlit sky, the moon, 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.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
MISSION AND SERVICE STORY ~ “Mountains of Service”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
… We pray all of this as we pray together the prayer that Jesus taught, each in the language of our heart:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
HYMN #156 More Voices “Dance with the Spirit”
Dance with the Spirit early in the mornin’,
Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day.
Work and hope for the new life a-bornin’
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way.
Sing with the Spirit sitting down at mid day
Share with the Spirit wherever you go
Serve and laugh while you’re shaping a new way
Learn from the Spirit to go with the flow
Search for the Spirit later in the evening
Rest with the Spirit, it’s calling your name
Pause and grow there’s a mystery of meaning
Play with the Spirit it’s rarely the same.
Wait for the Spirit whispering at midnight
Trust in the Spirit to comfort your fear
Watch and hope in the silence of starlight
Love with the spirit till heaven draws near.
Dance with the Spirit early in the morning
Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day
Work and pray for a new day a dawning.
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way.
WE GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE
CHANGING THE LIGHT
SENDING FORTH
This service of worship was initially prepared by Together We Worship and has been revised to fit practices of Wetaskiwin First United Church. Thanks to Rev. Ibi Chuan, Cranbrook United for the Sermon.
First United Church, Wetaskiwin – Sunday, January 11, 2026
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,
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INDIGENOUS TERRITORY
First United Church is grounded on the traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak, people of the Sundance Culture in the Battle River watershed, which is a part of the North Saskatchewan River basin in the Metis homeland.
HYMN #395 Voices United “Come in, Come in and Sit Down”
Refrain Come in, come in and sit down; you are a part of the family.
We are lost and we are found, and we are a part of the family.
You know the reason why you came, yet no reason can explain;
So share in the laughter and cry in the pain, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
God is with us in this place, like a mother’s warm embrace.
We’re all forgiven by God’s grace, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
There’s life to be shared in the bread and the wine; we are the branches, Christ is the vine.
This is God’s temple, it’s not yours or mine, but we are part of the family. Refrain
There’s rest for the weary and health for us all; there’s a yoke that is easy, and a burden that’s small.
So come in and worship and answer the call, for we are a part of the family. Refrain
MORNING LITANY
We are drawn to light.
The full, soft moon on a prairie night, the brilliant sun rising over the Rockies.
We are drawn to light.
A candle in a window, signaling welcome and safety, the glow of a stained-glass sanctuary window.
We are drawn to light.
And so we are drawn to Jesus the Christ, God’s light for our seeking world.
When something dawns on us, we call it an “epiphany.”
This season after Christmas and preceding Lent, honours the growing realization of God made manifest in the person of Jesus.
When we light this Christ candle, what are we to remember?
God’s love.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 24:1-10
Psalms 44:1-8, 49:1-8
CHILDREN’S TIME
GODLY PLAY
HYMN #157 More Voices “I am a Child of God”
I am a child of God, I am a glimpse of God’s new creation.
I am a child of God, I am a child of God.
I am an endless prayer, I am a yearning for contemplation,
I am an endless prayer, I am an endless prayer.
I am an angry voice, I am compassion and consternation,
I am an angry voice, I am an angry voice.
I am a cry for peace, I am commitment and dedication.
I am a cry for peace. I am a cry for peace.
I am a song of joy, I am the moment jubilation,
I am a song of joy, I am a song of joy.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
THE NICENE CREED p. 920 Voices United
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day hear rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],
who with the Father and the Son
is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
Psalm 112 (Refrain p. 834 VU)
Refrain The just shall trust in God alone.
Blessed are those who fear God.
who greatly delight in God’s commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land,
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Riches and plenty shall be in their house,
their righteousness enduring forever.
They are a light in the darkness for the upright,
being gracious, compassionate and just.
It goes well with those who lend generously,
who conduct their affairs with justice. Refrain
For the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be kept in remembrance for ever.
They will not live in fear of bad news;
with resolute heart they trust in God.
Their heart is steady, they do not fear;
in the end they will see their enemies’ downfall.
They distribute freely to the poor,
their righteousness enduring forever;
they will hold up their heads in honour. Refrain
MISSION AND SERVICE STORY
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and bowed to the ground in homage to him; then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts. (Matthew 2:11)
HYMN #143 More Voices “We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky” Verse 1
We cannot own the sunlit sky, the moon, 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.
OFFERING PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, you were rich, yet for our sake you became poor, so that through your poverty we might become rich. Accept this offering as a token of our gratitude for all you have done. Amen.
REFLECTIVE READING
Psalm 135:1-14
SERMON ~ Rev. Dr. Lloyd Nyarota “Talking with God”
HYMN #644 Voices United “I was there to Hear Your Borning Cry”
I was there to hear your borning cry; I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well.
In a blaze of light your wandered off to find where demons dwell.
When you heard the wonder of the word, I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk till rising sun.
In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young.
I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun.
When the evening gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been, with just one more surprise.
I was there to hear your borning cry; I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
CHANGING THE LIGHT
COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTION
HYMN #156 More Voices “Dance with the Spirit”
Dance with the Spirit early in the mornin’,
Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day.
Work and hope for the new life a-bornin’
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way.
Sing with the Spirit sitting down at mid day
Share with the Spirit wherever you go
Serve and laugh while you’re shaping a new way
Learn from the Spirit to go with the flow
Search for the Spirit later in the evening
Rest with the Spirit, it’s calling your name
Pause and grow there’s a mystery of meaning
Play with the Spirit it’s rarely the same.
Wait for the Spirit whispering at midnight
Trust in the Spirit to comfort your fear
Watch and hope in the silence of starlight
Love with the spirit till heaven draws near.
Dance with the Spirit early in the morning
Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day
Work and pray for a new day a dawning.
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way.