South Stormont Pastoral Charge

         When you read the Old Testament, you might notice what seems like conflicting views about wealth and poverty. The wisdom literature, such as Proverbs often describes wealth as a blessing from God and poverty as a result of failing to follow God’s teachings. For example, it is written, "Whoever trusts in the LORD will be enriched" (Proverbs 28:5) and "Poverty and disgrace are for the one who ignores instruction" (Proverbs 13:18). On the other hand, the prophetic literature, written in the names of the prophets, often describes wealth as coming from injustice and God as the liberator of the poor and oppressed. Isaiah says, “Your leaders are rebels and friends of thieves; they are always accepting gifts and bribes. They never defend orphans in court or listen when widows present their case” (Isaiah 1:23 / Good News Bible). Micah shares a similar message: “Your rich people exploit the poor, and all of you are liars” (Micah 6:12). These contrasting voices mi...

*Gathering Hymn See the Morning Sun Ascending (#406 VU |vs. 1&3) Welcome & Land Acknowledgement Lighting the Christ Candle Call to Worship One: It is good to gather with friends All: who know and accept us as people of faith. One: It is good to gather with friends All: who seek the meaning and purpose of life. One: It is good to gather with friends All: who wish to make a difference in our world. One: Friends, let us worship! *Karen Boivin . Gathering ACE 2024-2025. Page 47. Opening Prayer *Opening Hymn Come, Let Us Sing (#222 VU) Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison) Loving God, we confess that we have not always lived as one body in Christ. Sometimes we focus too much on ourselves and forget to value the gifts of others. Forgive us and help us to work together in unity and love. Teach us to support and encourage each other for Your kingdom. Make us one in Your Spirit, so we can serve You faithfully. ( a time of silent confession) Amen. Words of Assurance One: God loves...

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept ...

*Gathering Hymn See the Morning Sun Ascending (#406 VU |vs. 1&2) Welcome & Land Acknowledgement Lighting the Christ Candle Call to Worship One: Come, let us gather together in expectation. All: We come hoping to find Jesus in our midst. One: The one who opens our hearts All: and helps us discover God. One: The one who calls us to faith All: and reminds us of God’s love. One: The one who delights in surprising his people, All: a giver of good gifts, One: turning water into wine, All: giving joy and strength when our hope has run out. One: Come, let us gather together in expectation. All: We come searching for Jesus in our midst. *Sue Webb . Gathering ACE 2024-2025. Page 47. Opening Prayer *Opening Hymn Come, O Fount of Every Blessing (#559 VU) Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison) You called us, O God. You continue to call us. Sometimes we respond willingly. Sometimes we respond only with reluctance. Some things we hold back; sometimes we say, “No.” We dedicate ourselves...