Order of Service / Reign of Christ / November 26, 2023

  South Stormon Pastoral Charge 

(Ingleside-Newington United Church & St. Andrew's-St. Mark's United Church)

Led by Rev. Min Hwang

*Gathering Hymn Let Us Build a House (#1 MV | vs. 1,4,5)

Welcome

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

We live in a world that often distorts what it means to be created in the image of God.

  Come, Jesus, come. Saviour of the nations, come among us.

We live in a world that values popularity more than humility.

  Come, Jesus, come. Saviour of the nations, come among us.

We live in a world where some lives are valued more than others.

  Come, Jesus, come. Saviour of the nations, come among us.

We live in a world where humanity is groaning for new possibilities and hope.

  Come, Jesus, come. Saviour of the nations, come among us.

Aware of the world we live in, let us welcome Jesus as we worship today.

*Kelly Sprinkle. Gathering Pentecost 2 2023, page 49.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

O Love Eternal, many have come before us, and many will come after, to learn of manger, cross, and crown. Bless us as we pray, with an awareness of all your children: living in every country, speaking every language. May the needs, challenges, and joys of all be in our hearts and on our lips, reminding us that we are not alone. We are all part of a larger story, and you are at its centre. Help us to find unity, in Jesus’ name, and become your servant kingdom. Amen.

*Heather Ferrier. Gathering Pentecost 2 2023, page 50.

*Opening Hymn Come and Find the Quiet Centre (#374 VU)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

We are sometimes more concerned with having Jesus on our side than with loving as he loved. We look for him in stained glass and hymn books but do not see him in the faces of our neighbours. Merciful God, forgive us. Help us follow in the Way of Jesus and live for the day when love and justice embrace and the beauty of the true Christ shines for all. (a time of silent reflection) Amen.

*John Moses. Gathering Pentecost 2 2018, page 50.

Words of Assurance

This is the Good News in Jesus Christ:

  God loves us more than we love ourselves.  God set us free to love others.  Thanks be to God.      

*Celebrate God’s Presence. page 43.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

God Children’s Time (Hymn – Like a Rock, #92 MV)

Like a rock, like a rock, God is under our feet

Like the starry night sky, God is over our head

Like the sun on the horizon, God is ever before

Like the river runs to ocean, our home is in God evermore.

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

Ephesians 1:17-23 May God give you a spirit of wisdom, revelation, and hope.

Psalm 100 (VU p.824) Make a joyful noise all the earth!

Matthew 25:31-46 When you helped the least of these, you helped me.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn God, Whose Love Is Reigning o’er Us (#399 VU | vs. 1,2,4)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn (#542 VU, We Give You But Your Own)

We give you but your own,

whate’er the gift may be;

all that we have is yours alone,

we give it gratefully.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Bless these offerings, Lord, and use them to extend your love and compassion to those in need. May they be instruments of hope and healing, reflecting the transformative power of your reign. Amen.

Prayers of the People & Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn Will You Come and Follow Me (#567 VU)

*Commissioning

As we leave this time of worship today, remember Christ’s reign of justice and compassion is carried out into the world in us, through human love.

  May we be people of peace and justice, now and always.

The grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

*Adapted from Lori Van Santvoort-Jansekovich. Gathering Pentecost 2 2023, page 50.

*Commissioning Song I Am Walking a Path of Peace (#221 MV)

I am walking a path of peace, I am walking a path of peace, I am walking a path of peace,

Lead me home, lead me home. (x2)

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