Order of Sunday Service on September 24, 2023

The Third Sunday in Creation Time

South Stormon Pastoral Charge 
(Ingleside-Newington United Church & St. Andrew's-St. Mark's United Church)

Led by Rev. Min Hwang

*Gathering Hymn This Is God’s Wondrous World (#296 VU)

Welcome

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship
God said, “Let the earth bring forth every kind of living creature.”
  And God saw that it was good.
God said, “Let us make humankind in our image.”
  And God gave us dominion over all things on earth
Why should humans have such power?
  God entrusts us with the care of the earth and all that is in it, not to take but to respect, not to strip bare but to nurture.
Let us give thanks and praise to God as we accept the responsibility given to us.
*Wanda Winfield. Gathering Pentecost 2 2023, page 25. 

Opening Prayer (Unison)
Loving God, we praise you for the gift of the natural world and the blessings it bestows upon us. As we worship today, open our hearts to your Holy Spirit, that we may learn to live with gratitude and respect in your world. Fill us with a sense of awe for the wonders of your creation and renew our commitment to be faithful caretakers of the sky, sea, and earth you have made. Amen.

*Opening Hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful (#291 VU | vs. 1, 2, 5)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)
Merciful God, we acknowledge the pain and suffering caused by our church's involvement in the Indian Residential School system. From the depths of our hearts, we offer this confession, seeking your forgiveness and healing grace. There were times when we failed to listen to their cries and the stories of suffering etched into the memories of those who endured the cruelty of this system. We pray for your guidance and strength as we strive to live out our commitment to justice, reconciliation, and healing. Grant us the wisdom to learn from the past, the courage to confront our shortcomings, and the grace to walk hand in hand with those we have wronged. (a time of silent reflection) Amen.

Words of Assurance
Pouring out of rock and hill and spring
comes the grace of God like many waters,
drenching you in mercy, love, and peace.
Tip back your head, open your spirit, and receive forgiveness.
    Thanks be to God. Amen.
*Robin Wardlaw. Gathering Pentecost 2 2021, page 29.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

God Children’s Time (Hymn - Know that God is Good, #104 MV)

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures
Philippians 1:27-30 For me, to live is Christ.
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 (VU p.828-829, Part 1&4) Make known what God has done.
Matthew 20:1-16 Daily wages for the labourers;  what’s fair?
This is the Good News from the Bible. 
  Thanks be to God.

Anthem


*Hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness (#288 VU | vs. 1&2)

*Offering
*Offertory Hymn (#540 VU, Grant Us, God, the Grace)
Grant us, God, the grace of giving,
with a spirit large and free,
that ourselves and all our living
we may offer faithfully.
*Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Holy One, as first you gave to us, so now we give to you. Take our gifts and use them to support, maintain, and bring about the harmony you so keenly desire for all our world. Amen.
* Seasons of the Spirit, Pentecost 2. 2019. page 44.

Prayers of the People & Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn God Be with You Till We Meet Again (#422 VU | vs. 1&2)

*Commissioning
Go from here, not as owners of the sunlit sky, but as those who share it with all creatures.
  Go from here, not as owners of creation, but as those who live in a caring, respectful relationship with creation.
Go from here to celebrate life’s goodness.
  Work for the new world that beckons in the promise of Christ, the promise of love and abundant life for all. Amen.
* Robin Wardlaw. Gathering Pentecost 2 2023. page 28.

*Commissioning Song Peace Be With You (#215 MV) x2
Peace be with you, peace forever, peace be with you my friends.
Till we meet again, may God be with you. Peace, peace, peace.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All hymns that appear in videos on this page are licensed under OneLicense, #A-611268



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