Creation Time 4
Season of Pentecost
September 29, 2024 – 11:00am
Healing and Reconciliation Sunday
Congregation of Hope United Church
2550 Danforth Ave.
Worship - Rev. Brian Stevens
Music Director – Marc Michalak
Prelude - “Consolation” - by Felix Mendelssohn Prayer of the Four Directions
Great Spirit who comes out of the East,
come to us with the power of the East,
We are thankful for the light of the rising sun.
Let there be light on the path we walk.
Let us remember always to be thankful
that You give the gift of a new day.
Spirit of Creation, we turn to the south,
We are thankful for sending us
warm and soothing winds from the South
to comfort us and caress us when we are tired and cold. Unfold us as your gentle breezes unfold the leaves on the trees. And as You give to all the earth your warm moving wind, give to us warmth and remember to be grateful.,
so that we may grow close to You.
Great Life-giving Spirit, we face the West,
the direction of sundown.
Let us remember every day that the moment will come when our sun will go down.
Never let us forget that we must fade into you.
Give us beautiful color; give us a great sky for setting, so that when it is time to meet you we come with glory.
Great Spirit of Love,
come to us with the power of the North
make us courageous when cold winds of life fall upon us. Give us strength and endurance
for everything the that is harsh,
everything that hurts,
everything that makes us squint.
Let us move through life
ready to take what comes from the North.
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Great Spirit of the Sky,
lift us up to You that our hearts
may worship You and come to You in glory.
Hold in our memory
that You are the Creator,
greater than we, eager for our good life.
Let everything that is in the world
lift our minds and our hearts and our lives to You,
so that we may come to You always in truth and in heart.
Giver of all Life,
we pray to you from the Earth.
Help us to remember as we touch the earth
that we are little and need your pity.
Help us to be thankful for the gift of the earth,
and never to walk hurtfully on the world.
Bless us with eyes to love
what comes from Mother Earth
and teach us how to use well your gifts.
Mii-we. Amen.
GATHERING HYMN: MV # 37 - “Each Blade Of Grass”
Each blade of grass, ev’ry wing that soars,
the waves that sweep a-cross a dis-tant shore,
make full the circle of God.
Each laughing child ev’ry gentle eye,
a forest lit beneath a moonbright sky,
make full the circle of God.
Each silent paw, ev’ry rounded stone, the buzz that echoes from a honey’d comb, make full the circle of God.
Each firebrimmed star, ev’ry outstretched hand,
the wind that leaps and sails across the land,
make full the circle of God.
Each icy peak, ev’ry patterned shell,
The joyous chorus that the dawn foretells,
make full the circle of God.
Each cosmic hue, ev’ry creature’s way,
all form the beauty of this vast array,
making full the circle of life
CALL TO WORSHIP
(Presbyterian Church in Canada)
We gather because we are God’s people.
Day by day, Sunday by Sunday, we praise the Living God. We are a community in Christ Jesus. In praise, in prayer, in teaching and fellowship, we are sustained by our Lord.
Let us worship God.
Healing and Reconciliation Sunday
On June 2, 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued 94 Calls to Action. The Calls are to governments, churches and all Canadians to re-set the relationship between Indigenous and non Indigenous people. 42 Calls to Action are titled “Legacy.” They deal with the impacts of residential schools. 52 Calls to Action are titled “Reconciliation.” They provide foundation stones for building a new, just relationship. In worship, we honour God’s call to seek, to encounter, and to know God. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We pray that God opens our hearts to the calls for reconciliation.
OPENING HYMN:
MV # 138 - “My Love Colours Outside the Lines”
My love, colors outside the lines
Exploring paths that few could ever find
And it takes me into places
Where I’ve never been before
And opens doors to worlds outside the lines.
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My Lord colours outside the lines
Turns wounds to blessings, water into wine
And it takes me into places
Where I’ve never been before
And opens doors to worlds outside the lines.
We’ll never walk on water
If we’re not prepare to drown,
body and soul
Need a soaking from time to time
And we’ll never move the gravestones
If we’re not prepared to die
And realize, there are worlds outside the lines.
My soul longs to colour outside the lines
Tear back the curtains,
sun come in and shine,
I want to walk beyond the boundaries
Where I’ve never been before
Throw open doors
To worlds outside the lines.
OPENING PRAYER
(This prayer was inspired by Honarine Scott’s Orange Shirt Day blog)
Today we wear orange to remember and honour all the Indigenous children who went to residential schools.
Today we wear orange and we pray for the residential school and intergenerational survivors who are still struggling.
Today we wear orange and we are thankful for those who speak the truth, and who work to shine a light on injustice.
Today we wear orange in the name of compassion and the spirit of truth and reconciliation. Help us, God, to remember and act on this this every day. 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.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
(from: A Time for Hope)
God of all peoples, in all times and places; Your creation sings your praise. Your son teaches us the ways of love, justice and peace. Your Spirit emboldens our hearts and hands to build the world according to your will.
We confess our brokenness:
We do not hear the cries of those who are suffering because it is inconvenient and costly to respond.
We do not acknowledge truths
that make us uncomfortable.
We reject and belittle those
who are different than we are.
We are blind to the ways we benefit today from a legacy of hurt against Indigenous people. Too often we love imperfectly, speak harshly, and judge quickly.
(A moment of silence)
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Reconciling God, We are called to gentleness, to compassion and to radical acceptance of difference. In Christ Jesus, we are learning to walk in new ways with new companions.
We are learning to surrender
the need to justify, to explain and to fix.
We are learning to listen:
when creation groans, we groan as well.
When your people speak out against injustice,
we honour their courage and stand with them.
Spirit of God, create in us feeling hearts,
clear eyes, and open minds.
ASSURANCE OF GRACE
God’s grace is an amazing force of healing energy, touching our hearts and souls, the core of our very being. All we need do is ask…. Spirit will be with us, to hold and embrace us in the healing love and light of our creator God. 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.
Moderator’s Orange Shirt Day Message 2024
Moderator’s Orange Shirt Day Message 2024 | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca)
FIRST READING James 5:13-20
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again, he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
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My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
The Word of the LORD.
Thanks be to God.
VU # 848
Refrain: Our help comes from God, the maker of heaven and earth.
If God had not been at our side
Now let Israel say:
If God had not been at our side
When mortals rose up against us
Then they would have swallowed us alive,
When their fury was roused against us.
Then the flood would have swept us aways,
And the torrent would have covered us.
Then the raging waters
Would have gone right over our heads.
Refrain: Our help comes from God, the maker of heaven and earth.
But praised be God
Who has not given us as prey to their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird
From the hunter’ snare
The snare is broken and we are free.
Refrain: Our help comes from God, the maker of heaven and earth.
GOSPEL READING Mark 9:38-50
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.
And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where “‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ Everyone will be salted with fire.
“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves and be at peace with each other.”
The Gospel of our Lord!
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
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MV # 179- “Sisters Let Us Walk Together”
Sisters let us walk together, sharing sadness, loss and grief, We will move through pain and wholeness,
Brokenness transformed to peace.
Brothers let us work together, seeking justice, healing shame, Filled with hope imbued with courage,
Every violence we will name.
People let us love together, Joining Spirits, linking hands, We are God’s unique creation,
Clothed with dignity we’ll stand.
PRESENTATION
Canadian History & The Residential School System https://orangeshirtday.org/reconciliation-hub/resources/ “Lord Make Us Servants of Your Peace”
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
(Presbyterian Church in Canada)
We praise you Creator God. All blessings come from you. Our hearts and our lives overflow with your love. We offer back a portion of our blessings so that the light of your Word shines brightly. Help us to use these gifts to feed your people, to bring healing and comfort to those who are hurt, to bring nourishment to those who hunger, to bring guidance and wisdom to those who are lost. May these gifts bless others as we have been blessed.
DOXOLOGY: MV # 39 - “Mother Earth, Our Mother Birthing”
“Mother Earth, our Mother birthing every creature from the ground. Jesus too was flesh and breathing,
kin to all that’s green and brown.
Celebrate with all creation: God has formed the web of life. Celebrate with all creation: God has formed the web of life.
Sister Air, our Sister lifting every creature born with wings; Jesus shared the breath of forests,
breath that makes our spirits sing.
Celebrate with all creation: God has formed the web of life. Celebrate with all creation: God has formed the web of life.
Brother Water, Brother pulsing deep through every vein and sea, Jesus drank the very raindrops for our wine and in our tea.
Celebrate with all creation: God has formed the web of life. Celebrate with all creation: God has formed the web of life.
Father Fire, our Father burning with the sacred urge to live. Jesus’ death completes the cycle, bringing life beyond the grave.
Celebrate with all creation: God has formed the web of life. Celebrate with all creation: God has formed the web of life.
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PASTORAL PRAYER
(adapted from Presbyterian Church in Canada)
We give thanks for Mother Earth and all her children, otherwise known as “Turtle Island,” that was gifted to all First Nation peoples who were also given the honoured duties to be her caretakers, protectors and defenders for all of life that we hold sacred.
We give thanks for all waters that surround our Mother Earth and that flow in all her lakes, rivers and streams; and for waters that cleanse us in mind, body and spirit. We give thanks for the air we breathe, for fire that warms our hearts, and for the ground we walk upon. May we walk gently upon our Mother Earth with respect.
We give thanks to you God, for creating each one of us, for making us stronger when we work together. Help us learn from our indigenous sisters and brothers – to develop our skills, to be the best that we can, to be a good example for others, and to make a difference as we journey our way in the world.
For intentions and persons named at this time…. May all named or held quietly in our hearts know your loving embrace, O God.
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thursday Seniors Lunch n’ Learn – Oct 3rd at 12:30pm This week after lunch, we will offer a session on “staying connected”
Choir Practice – Wednesday at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary
Danforth Village Children’s Choir – Thursday, Oct. 3 at 4:15pm. This is a community children’s choir for ages 7- 13. The tuition fee is $200 per semester. Register: danforthvillagechildrenschoir@gmail.com
Sunday, Oct. 6 – 1:30-3:30pm - Embraced by the Story of Jesus! Join Gospel Storyteller the Rev. Dr. Gordon Postill, as he invokes the oral, storytelling tradition by reciting from memory the Gospel of Mark in its entirety.
Tickets are $10 for seniors & students, $15 for adults or $25 for a group or family. All proceeds to the “Let Your Light Shine” campaign to restore our windows. The event will be 2 hours in length with a 15 minute intermission. We will serve lunch after service that day, then come back upstairs for the show. Tickets are available after service and online at Eventbrite.ca and on our website: www.hopeunited.ca/
CLOSING PRAYER
(United Church of Christ)
May you go into the world renewed and refreshed
With humble and expectant peace
To witness to the love of God
The joy of the community of faith
And the hope of new life in Christ. Amen.
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.
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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.
BENEDICTION
(from Service Prayers- UCC)
May blessings abound around you this day.
Feeling God’s loving presence among us,
let us go forth into the world,
allowing our light to shine on all we meet.
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 – “Spice of Life” - by Tom Gerou
Please join us downstairs for hospitality
following the service.
Hope United.ca
Church Office
416-691-9682
Office Hours
Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:00am – 2:00pm
Embraced by the Story of Jesus! The Gospel of Mark shared with you!
Sunday, October 6 at 1:30-3:30pm – Hope United
$10-senior/student, $15 adult, $25 family or group
Tickets online: Eventbrite.ca & HopeUnited.ca
Reserve: 416-691-9682. Tickets also at the door
Join Gospel Troubadour, the Rev. Dr. Gordon Postill, as he invokes the oral, storytelling tradition by reciting from memory the Gospel of Mark in its entirety. This is an opportunity to be embraced by the Story of Jesus from beginning to end as told by the earliest of the four Gospel writers.
The event itself, including a 15-minute intermission, will take less than 2 hours
Be there when Jesus is baptized, calls his disciples, and begins his ministry. Be there with Jesus when he heals the leper, restores hearing, speech and sight to those impaired, and casts out debilitating spirits from folks of all ages. Be there with Jesus when he feeds the five thousand, stills the storm, and walks on water. Be there with Jesus as he takes love, compassion, and forgiveness to levels far beyond the religious norms of his day even at the cost of losing his life. Be there with Jesus at Gethsemane and at Golgotha. Be there at Jesus’ empty tomb and hear that he has risen. Be there!
Gordon is a retired United Church of Canada
minister and lives in Montreal. Ordained in
1980, he served congregations in Nova Scotia
and Ontario before providing spiritual care as
a hospice chaplain to patients and families in
Florida and Massachusetts during 35 years of
ministry. His memoir “Called! A Longshot’s
Story” was published in 2021.
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