Order of Service / Remembrance Sunday / November 9, 2025

 *Gathering Hymn For the Healing of the Nations (VU #678)

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: In times of war, in times of peace—

All: the Creator is present.

One: On the battlefield, at the peace table—

  All: the Christ is present.

One: With the wounded and the dying, and with those who wait—

All: the Spirit is present.

One: And what is God doing?

All: Grieving over the injustice. Grieving over the brokenness. Grieving over the loss.

One: And?

  All: And calling us back to repentance, to renewal, to life abundant, to peace.

One: So today, in our remembrance, in our songs, in our prayers…

All: let us worship the One who is with All, no matter what. Let us worship God as we remember.

*Richard Bott, Gathering Pentecost 2 2025. Page 47.

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn O God, Our Help in Ages Past (#806 VU)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

God of peace, as we gather on this Remembrance Sunday, we face the weight of our history. We remember the suffering that war has caused, and we confess the ways we continue to live in fear, division, and violence. The wounds of the past remain open in our world and in ourselves. Still, you call us to another way, a way of mercy, courage, and peace. Renew in us a longing for reconciliation that reaches beyond words. Help us to learn from remembrance, that our memory may lead to hope and healing. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

Words of Assurance

One: Almighty and eternal God, from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted, either by death or life,

All: Hear our prayers for all this day, and help us to live in love and service. Amen.

* United Church of Canada, Remembrance Sunday 2019.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

*A Time of Remembrance

*Hymn: O Canada (#524 VU)

*In Flanders Fields by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

 

*Words of Remembrance

One: They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

All: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

One: At the going down of the sun and in the morning.

All: We will remember them.

*Last Post

*Minute of Silence

*Rouse

*Responsive Prayer

Eternal rest grant to them, O God, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, through your great mercy, rest in peace. Amen.

Proclaiming the Scriptures

Haggai 1:15b-2:9 God will shake things up; there will be new splendour.

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 (VU p. 866) God’s judgments are just.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 Stand fast in the traditions.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn God! As With Silent Hearts (#527 VU)

*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)
We have come together in your name, Gracious God. We long for wars and anger to cease. Bring us to the place of silence, where we can notice your still small voice and learn to be a peaceful people, modelling authentic peace in the world. In the example of Jesus Christ, who shows us the way, we offer these gifts that they may support the work of all who seek to be peace and blessing in this congregation, this community, and beyond. Amen.

*Bill Steadman. Gathering Pentecost 2 2025. Page 48.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn For the Faithful Who Have Answered (#707 VU)

*Commissioning

One: Remember the ones who walked before us in courage.

  All: We remember, and we walk the path of peace.

One: Peace within us, peace among us, peace for a world still torn by conflict and fear.

All: May this peace heal what violence has wounded and restore what hatred has divided.

One: The grace of God, the love of Christ, and the breath of the Spirit go with us now and always.

  All: In thankfulness and hope, we go now in peace. Amen.

*Commissioning Song Peace Be with You (#215 MV)

Peace be with you, peace forever, peace be with you my friends.

Till we meet again, may God be with you. Peace, peace, peace.

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