Sixth Sunday of Easter / May 5, 2024

*Gathering Hymn God Who Gives to Life Its Goodness (#260 VU)

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: We gather together to worship our God.

  All: God gathers us as God’s chosen people. We abide in God’s love.

One: We enter worship with glad hearts, eager to love and serve God.

  All: Christ has loved us completely and fully. We abide in Christ’s love.

One: We praise the maker of heaven and earth, whose love spreads to all of creation.

  All: Creation is a gift to all, and we are entrusted to care for the good earth. Creation abides in our love.

One: We honour the light, the dark, and the hues between. God makes all beautiful.

  All: Life in its fullness holds great joy and great pain. We are witnesses to the depth of love that fills our days. We abide in the joy of love.

* Seasons of the Spirit LE 2021. Page 168.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

God of many blessings, we give thanks for this day. We give thanks for all that life holds. We give you thanks for your steadfast love, for your faithfulness, for your justice. We gather to worship you, share our joy, and receive your love. Be with us now and always. Amen.

* Seasons of the Spirit LE 2021. Page 169.

[*Passing the Peace - For Ingleside Congregation

One: When we share “Peace be with you,” we are offering the very same words with which Jesus greeted his disciples after the resurrection. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus once again engages with us through these words of blessing and comfort.

“Peace be with you.”

  All: And also with you.]

*Opening Hymn Come, Let Us Sing (#222 VU)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

God, we come before you with open hearts, seeking forgiveness. We confess that we struggle to love ourselves and our neighbours as you do. Sometimes we get too caught up in our worries and forget to notice those around us. We become absorbed in ourselves, forgetting to abide in your love. Forgive us when we lose sight of your ways. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

Words of Assurance

One: In a world filled with uncertainty, we find our security in the steadfast love of our Creator.

  All: Despite our shortcomings and failures, God's mercy is abundant and God’s forgiveness liberates us.

One: As we place our trust in God, we are reminded that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

  All: Let us rejoice and be glad, for we are beloved children of God. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Time for God’s Children (Draw the Circle Wide (MV 145), Refrain)

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still.

Let this be our song: no one stands alone.

Standing side by side, draw the circle wide.

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

1 John 5:1-6 To love God is to obey God’s commandments

Psalm 98 (VU p. 818) Sing to God a new song.

John 15:9-17 Love one another as I have loved you.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn Jesus, Stand Among Us (#396 VU)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn (#541 VU| Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

praise God, all creatures high and low;

give thanks to God in love made known:

Creator, Word, and Spirit, One.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Loving God, as we present our offerings today, we offer not only our material gifts but our whole selves. Take us into your hands and mould us according to your will. May our offerings be a reflection of our love for you and our commitment to your work in the world. Guide us in using these resources wisely to spread your love. Amen.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn Blest Be the Tie That Binds (#602 VU)

*Commissioning

One: Dwell in Christ’s love with sweet song. Proclaim blessings in Christ’s name.

  All: We dwell in Jesus’ reign. We are God’s creations. We will loosen chains, offer rest, and share God’s bounty.

*Robin Wardlaw. Gathering L/E 2024. Page 49.

*Commissioning Song God Now in Peace (#211 MV)

Go now in peace, guided by the light of Christ.

So you may be, nourished by the Word of Life. (x2)

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