June 10 Bulletin
93rd Anniversary of Union, United Church of Canada
June 10, 2018
Stettler United Church
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:
But the best thing we can build for the future is the structure of our faith. God is the rock and represents our only real security in a changing world. Emilie Griffin, Souls in Full Sail
*Gathering Song: Stand On the Rock (sung twice)
Come let us sing, and give thanks to God!
Stand on the rock of our salvation.
Come let us sing, and give thanks to God!
Stand on the rock, and shout with joy!
based on Psalm 95, by Linnea Good © 2005 Borealis Music.
Gathering Words:
We celebrate a God
who lives and speaks in sunsets,
in love-wrapped gifts,
and fleeting butterflies.
We celebrate a Christ
who honoured our humanness,
who climbed trees, skinned knees;
who laughed and cried,
loved and wept, bled and died.
We celebrate a Spirit,
who mystically joins us to people everywhere,
and incorporates us into Christ.
We celebrate a church,
seeking, however imperfectly,
to act justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly with our God. (Adapt D McRae-McMahon/eoj)
http://www.rexaehuntprogressive.com/liturgy_collection/year_b_liturgy_collection/year_b_lenteaster/easter6b1752009.html
*Hymn: What Does the Lord Require #701 VU
Prayer of Encouragement for the United Church
*Sharing Peace & Blessing:
Today we celebrate the union that brought four church families into one household, June 10/25. (Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregationalist, and Union churches). Over the past 93 years, we have worked to model God’s joyful acceptance and embrace of all. So, in that spirit, let us greet one another with an ancient and profound welcome.
Special Music: Barbara-Lynn and David Goodwin
Congregational Theme/Story Time
A Reading from Matthew 9:35-38; 10:7-8
The harvest is great, the laborers few
Minister’s Message: Harassed but not Helpless, sermon as presented to Alberta & Northwest Conference, by Jordan Cantwell, Moderator of the United Church of Canada
https://albertanorthwestconference.ca/15638-celebration-of-ministry-in-video/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=26&v=tDx-PK3qZ6c
*Hymn: “I am the Light of the World” #87 VU (omit verse 1)
Invitation for Offering:
In the upside-down world of the gospel, we measure our wealth not by what we have, but what we can give away.
Let us give generously to bless the church, God’s people and creation.
~ written by Rev. Quentin Chin. Posted on the United Church of Christ website.http://uccfiles.com/pdf/FeedmySheepEaster3April14.pdf
*Offering Hymn: For All Your Goodness, God #549 VU
*Offering Prayer: (inspired by Psalm 96)
Healing One,
generous in love
and forever faithful,
we bring an offering;
our time, talent, and treasure.
With the help of your Spirit,
may these gifts be used
with wisdom and justice
in the church and its mission
in the name of the Risen One. Amen.
~ written by Jeff Shrowder, and posted on The Billabong. http://thebillabong.info/
Prayers of the Gathered Community
& The Prayer Jesus Taught
*Hymn: “Come, Touch Our Hearts” #12 MV
*Commissioning & Benediction:
We leave this place of worship, yet our worship does not end.
We leave this time of unity, yet our oneness lives on.
Called to be friends with others, with God, with the earth and all creation,
let us be instruments of God’s peace, stewards of God’s shalom.
Go from this place to serve God joyfully and faithfully in the days ahead.
We are called to love and service in the name and way of Jesus.
May the grace of Jesus the Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
And also with you.
*“Great Amen” (Kingsfold) #205 MV