Slideshow image

Sunday, November 4, 2018
All Saints’ Sunday

Welcome, Gathering and Announcements
(Portions of the service printed in bold are spoken by the whole congregation. The asterisk (*) indicates congregation stands, but please feel free to sit at any time. Children are always welcome at our services. Books/toys are available at the front and back of the sanctuary.)

Candle Lighting & Centring:
“The difference between the Gospel written, and the lives of the Saints, is the same as the difference between music written on a page and music played out loud.” Saint Augustine

*Introit: Spirit of Life #381 VU

Gathering Words:
We join hands with the living who are learning to love.
We dance with the dead whose vision still lives.
We pause with the angels in remembrance.

Unison Prayer:
Today, O God -- ancient and new -- we remember those who have gone before us.
We remember those who were transformed by your power.
Your Spirit made timid folks bold; and fearful people, ones of courage. Speak to those parts of our hearts and lives that long for something to renew and strengthen them. Fill us with your Spirit’s power this day. Amen.
Written by Beth Johnston. Reprinted, with permission, from page 46 of gathering Pentecost 2, 2015

*Hymn: Give Thanks for Life #706 VU

A Word Cloud of Witnesses…
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside everything that impedes us and the sin that so easily entangles us. Let us run with perseverance the race laid out for us. Let us not lose sight of Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection. Hebrews 12:1-2a

Opening Prayer:
God of surprises, give us humility
that we may receive from those who think they have nothing to share; wake us up and keep us alert to recognize your face in the last place we expect; draw us into the gathering of your saints. Amen

*Sharing Peace & Blessings:
One: The peace of Christ is an active peace
All: Building, bridging
and always imagining
We share now a sign of peace

Congregational Theme/Story Time

Video Clip ~ Alive Inside (a film by Michael Rossato-Bennett)
A 90 year old woman, living with dementia, has her memory stirred by listening to Louis Armstrong sing “Oh, When the Saints”.

*Medley of Gospel Songs: "When the Saints Go Marching In"; “This Little Light”; “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” (lyrics on the screen)

A Reading from Ruth 1:1-18
Each having experienced being the foreigner, Naomi and Ruth find home in being with one another.

A Reading from Mark 12:28-34
Jesus says there are no other commandments greater than to love God with your whole being and love your neighbour as yourself.

Minister’s Message

Choir Anthem

Invitation for Offering:
“In truth, all human beings are called to be saints, but that just means called to be fully human, to be perfect – that is, whole, mature, fulfilled. The saints are simply those men and women who relish the event of life as a gift and who realize that the only way to honor such a gift is to give it away.” William Stringfellow

*Offering Hymn: “When We Are Living” #581 VU, verses 1& 2
*Prayer of Dedication:
Thank you, O God, for the gifts of your people. Help us to relay not on our own understanding in the use of these gifts, but to seek your wisdom. Knowing that as we do, your will be revealed and your people near and far will be blessed. Amen.
http://www.ucc.org/ourfaithourvote/worship-resources.html

Prayers of the Gathered Community
& The Prayer Jesus Taught

*Hymn: Blest Are They (Matthew 5) #896 VU

*Benediction:
We go forth, following as the holy spirit leads us;
moving in love and compassion;
pursuing justice and mercy;
and trusting in the God of peace.
For the Source of all Life and Love is as close as our very breath.
Breathe deeply.
Amen and Amen. http://www.ucc.org/ourfaithourvote/worship-resources.html

*Recessional: “When You Walk from Here” #298 VU

 

 

Downloads
Worship
Sunday Worship Services