August 25, 2024 – 11:00am
Congregation of Hope United Church 2550 Danforth Ave.
Worship - Rev. Brian Stevens
Music Director – Marc Michalak Guest Musician – Mikey Zahorak
PRELUDE - Mikey Zahorak
“Returning Home”
By Patrick Amos
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND
It is with respect that we acknowledge the world views, spirituality and history of Canada’s First Peoples. Hope United is residing on the Ancestral lands of the Huron Weyandat Nation and the Treaty lands of the Seneca Nation and the Haudensaunee Confederacy. We thank the Mississauga of the Credit and the Anishinabek Nations who are the current Protectors of this land. We also thank All Indigenous Canadians for sharing this land. We affirm our commitment to ensure that Hope United Church continues to live in Right Relations with all First Peoples. Let it be so.
2 | P a g e
GATHERING HYMN
MV # 14 - “Where Two or Three Are Gathered” (3X) Where two or three are gathered in my name
I am there, I am there.
CALL TO WORSHIP
(adapted from: Ministry Matters.com)
How wonderful it is to be in a dwelling place for God!
The refreshing springs of God’s love cleans and restore us. There is a place here for everyone. No one is turned away. The least and the lost;
The homeless and hopeless
All are always welcome in God’s house.
Praise to God who invites and shelters us all.
Praise to God who heals and sends us forth to serve. AMEN. OPENING HYMN
MV #30 - “It’s A Song of Praise to the Maker”
It's a song of praise to the Maker,
the thrush sings high in the tree.
It's a song of praise to the Maker, the gray whale sings in the sea..
And by the Spirit you and I can join our voice to the holy cry… and sing, sing, sing to the Maker too.
It's a call of life to the Giver, when waves and waterfalls roar. It's a call of life to the Giver, when high tides break on the shore.
And by the Spirit you and I can join our voice to the holy cry… and sing, sing, sing to the Maker too.
It's a hymn of love to the Lover, the bumble-bees hum along. It's a hymn of love to the Lover,
the summer breeze joins the song,
And by the Spirit you and I can join our voice to the holy cry… and sing, sing, sing to the Maker too.
It's the chorus of all creation; it's sung by all living things. It's the chorus of all creation; a song the universe sings.
And by the Spirit you and I can join our voice to the holy cry… and sing, sing, sing to the Maker too.
OPENING PRAYER
(adapted from: Ministry Matters.com)
In the beauty of this place, we have come to pray, to worship, to receive healing and hope. We come from the struggles and triumphs of the week, needing to feel the soothing presence of God…seeking to be still, that we might hear more clearly your voice in the world, seeking to open our hearts, that we may be more fully connected to your Spirit that animates us, and seeking to be renewed with your light and love.
Lord, be with us this day. Calm and soothe our souls. Cause us to rejoice that you have provided a special place where we may gather to talk of your presence and love; to sing your praises; and to be empowered, refreshed and renewed that we may once again, go forth to serve you. AMEN.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
We light this candle as a symbol of love, care,
peace and. May all who open themselves to this
light, walk always with an open heart, in the light
and love of the Lord. Amen.
“Touch Us With Your Light”
Light from this candle burning bright,
Light our way through dark of night.
Help us find our way to you, guide us, touch us with your Light, O Lord.
4 | P a g e
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
(Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church)
Dear Jesus, You have called us together to be the Church, sisters and brothers united by faith, yet we fall into isolation and disunity. You have given all so that together we might desire to love, follow, learn from, and worship God together, yet we choose conflicting priorities.
You also send us out to speak the Gospel and share our lives in love for one another and for neighbor, yet we prefer our own interests. Forgive us, Lord Jesus, and remind us again of Your design for the Church, Your body.
Embolden us by The Holy Spirit to live with You as our head, Amen.
ASSURANCE OF GRACE
God’s grace is always with us, as we journey our way in the world. It matters not if it has been a joyous day, or one filled with tension and challenges. Spirit is with us, holding us, embracing us as we journey on our way. Alleluia! Amen.
GLORIA – VU # 37 (3X)
Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, gloria, alleluia, alleluia!
May the Peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
FIRST READING - Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
The Word of the LORD.
Thanks be to God.
6 | P a g e
VU # 800 - (Refrain 2)
Refrain:
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O God of hosts to me!
How lovely is your dwelling place, O God of hosts!
My soul longs, even faints for the courts of God;
My heart and flesh cry for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a house,
And the swallow a nest where she may lay her young. At your altar, God of hosts, my sovereign, my God.
Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O God of hosts to me!
Happy are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise, Happy are those whose strength is in you,
Who have set their heart on pilgrimage.
Going through the valley of Baca,
they find a spring from which also to drink;
the early rain also covers it with pools of water.
They go from strength to strength,
To appear before God in Zion.
Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O God of hosts to me!
O God of hosts, hear my prayer, give ear, O God of Jacob. Behold, O God, our shield, look n the face of your anointed. Truly a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For you, God, are a sun and shield,
You will give grace and honour.
No good thing will you withhold from those who live the upright life. O God of hosts, happy are those who put their trust in you.
Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O God of hosts to me!
GOSPEL READING John 6:56-69
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
Many Disciples Desert Jesus
On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.
The Word of the Lord!
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
8 | P a g e
VU # 808 - “On Eagles Wings”
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord
Who abide in His shadow for life
Say to the Lord, "My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!"
And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand
The snare of the fowler will never capture you And famine will bring you no fear
Under His wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield
And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand
You need not fear the terror of the night
Nor the arrow that flies by day
Though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come
And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand
For to His angels He's given a command
To guard you in all of your ways
Upon their hands they will bear you up
Lest you dash your foot against a stone
And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand
And hold you, hold you in the palm of His hand.
SERMON: “God’s House…Our Home” - Rev Brian Stevens
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Lord…we ask that you bless these offerings place before you. Let your light embrace and hold all those who are touched by that which has been shared this day. For we are your humble servants, seeking to be your presence in the world; that all might know empathy, compassion and love. Bless our endeavors with your Spirit that we might inspire those we encounter on our journey, to join us on our pilgrimage…. To be at on with you and all of creation. Amen.
DOXOLOGY: VU # 191 - “What Can I Do?”
What can I do? What can I bring?
What can I say? What can I sing?
I’ll sing with joy I’ll say a prayer
I’ll bring my love! I’ll do my share!
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom…
and the power, and the glory…
forever and ever. Amen.
10 | P a g e
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Marc Michalak, our music director, is on holiday for the month of August. We welcome back Mikey Zahorak as our musician today!
Thursdays Lunch n’ Learn – starting on September 5th at 12:30pm
September 16, 6:30pm – 8pm - Join MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon in the Auditorium at Hope United for a panel discussion with Michael Garron Hospital. Please RSVP: https://mmmbey.com/community conversations-a-healthcare-heart-to-heart/
Summer Worship Schedule
September 1 ~ Worship Leadership – Cheryl Stenson Musician – Marc Michalak
Church Office Hours – Wednesdays & Thursdays 10:00am - 2:00pm
CLOSING PRAYER
(adapted from United Church of Christ)
Gracious God, we give thanks for your presence among us. In the chaos of our lives, you provide calm, healing, and sanctuary. Inspire us to be transformed as you immerse us in your everlasting love and relentless presence. Your Spirit fills the atmosphere as we gather in your name from pew to park and from sanctuary to sofa.
We pray that our time, gathered in your name, has opened us to your word and enflamed our imagination in new ways; ways in which we can be your face and presence on earth. May it be so. Amen.
VU # 675 - “Will Your Anchor Hold”
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
It will surely hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers tell that the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow, Not an angry wave shall our bark o'erflow.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
When our eyes behold, through the gathering night, The city of gold, our harbour bright,
We shall anchor fast by the heavenly shore,
With the storms all past forevermore.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
BENEDICTION
(from Numbers 6:22-27)
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them” …
12 | P a g e
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” Amen.
CHORAL BLESSING - “Walk In Love”
Walk in love as you go into the world,
Walk in peace with everyone you meet,
May God’s grace touch your heart, mind and soul… This day and evermore, Amen. Amen, Alleluia and Amen!
POSTLUDE
Please join us downstairs for hospitality
following the service.
Hope United.ca
Church Office
416-691-9682
Summer Office Hours
Wednesdays and Thursdays
10:00am – 2:00pm
HopeUnitedChurch@gmail.com
________________________________________________________________________
