Pentecost Sunday
HopeUnited.ca
May 23, 2021 – 11:00am
Congregation of Hope United Church
2550 Danforth Ave.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Christopher Slusar – Student Minister
Rev. Brian Stevens
Welcome everyone to our Sunday on-line Service of Worship from Hope on the Danforth, a United Church of Canada congregation in Toronto, Canada. My name is Sheldon Webb and we are so pleased to have you with us today. You can type greetings and comments at any time in the chat.
The order of service will appear on your screen and is also available on our Facebook page and at HopeUnited.ca. Our musicians this morning are: Sandy and Rev. Brian.
By Cecile Rancourt
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND (Gavin)
With respect, we acknowledge the world views, spirituality, history and stewardship of the Mississauga of Scugog, the Hiawatha and the Alderville First Nations, on whose traditional lands our church resides.
We thank and honour the other indigenous peoples who share this land. As followers of the Jesus Way, we affirm our commitment as a people empowered to work in restoring broken relationships.
We begin our celebration with
“Dance with the Spirit”
More Voices #156 (Sandy)
Dance with the Spirit early in the morning.
Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day
Work and hope for the new life abornin’
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way!
Move with the Spirit early in the morning.
Move with the Spirit throughout the long day
Work and hope for the new life abornin’
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way!
Sing with the Spirit early in the morning.
Sing with the Spirit throughout the long day
Work and hope for the new life abornin’
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way!
.
CALL TO WORSHIP (Gavin and Bruce)
(Presbyterian Church in Canada)
Breathe upon us, Holy Spirit,
And inspire our worship with your truth.
Stir in our hearts, Holy Spirit,
And fill us with your love.
Strengthen us, Holy Spirit,
And move us to act with your power.
Breathe in us, Holy Spirit,
And receive our prayers and praise.
INTROIT HYMN
“Like a River of Tears” (Sandy)
More Voices # 98 (Verses 1 & 3)
Like a river of tears, your love pours upon us
Like a sunshine of blessing, your grace will sustain us
Like a star-studded sky your spirit shines o’er us
Renewing our spirits with courage and faith.
Like a pillar of cloud you promise to guide us
Like a bright fiery bush you come to speak to us
Like a calm cooling breeze your spirit breathes in us
Renewing our spirits with loving embrace.
OPENING PRAYER
(Mahroo)
Almighty God….
On this day you opened the way of eternal life
to all races, nations and peoples
By the promise of your Holy Spirit.
Continue to equip us to live your truth in our lives and communities
That your good news may reach the ends of the earth.
Through the name of Jesus. Amen.
Amen.
.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE (Suzanne)
We light this candle
as a symbol of love and light…
Christ’s light in the world.
Christ’s light within us all. Amen.
“Touch us with Your Light” (Sandy)
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 (Christopher)
(Feasting on the Word)
Holy and Merciful God
We do not know how to pray as we should
And we do know all too well the ways we have fallen short of your command
Forgive us for the hurts and pain we cause.
Keep us in your care
And lead us into deeper faith
We trust your word that the Spirit of Truth will show us all things
And grant us courage and peace.
Assurance of Grace (Rev. Brian)
The Spirit of God's truth has come upon all creation and upon us to join with Christ in joy of new eternal life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ and by the authority of the church I declare to you a complete forgiveness of your sin. Be at peace with one another because of God's mercy.
Voices United # 37 (Sandy)
Gloria, Gloria…
In excelsis Deo!
Gloria, Gloria
Alleluia, alleluia!
THE PEACE OF CHRIST
(Rev. Brian)
May the Peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
(Please unmute and greet one another!)
PRAYER FOR SPIRIT’S WISDOM (Christopher)
Holy Spirit come again as long ago you inspired astonished, even confused the people,
Come to us now to fill our ears with the sound of your breath,
Fill our eyes with your presence
Fill our hearts with your good word.
In Jesus name. Amen.
FIRST READING Acts 2:1–21
(Marion)
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs--in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"
But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.
Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:' In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 104-Voices United # 826-827
(Sandy – Refrain - Rebekah & Mahroo-Text)
Refrain: Bless, O my soul, the Almighty,
Who rules all creation!
O God, how manifold are your works!
With Wisdom at your side you made them all;
The earth is full of your creatures.
Refrain: Bless, O my soul, the Almighty,
Who rules all creation!
There lies the great and mighty Sea,
Teeming with living things both great and small.
Upon it sail the ships,
And there is Leviathan, the monster you made to play in it.
All these look to you,
to give them their food in due season.
What you give them they gather up.
When you open your hand,
You fill them with good things.
But when you send out your spirit, they live again,
And you renew the face of the earth.
Refrain: Bless, O my soul, the Almighty,
who rules all creation!
May your glory, O God, endure forever?
May you rejoice, O God, in your works.
When you look at the earth it trembles,
When you touch the mountains they smoke.
I will sing to God as long as I live.
I will praise my God while I have being.
Refrain: Bless, O my soul, the Almighty,
who rules all creation!
GOSPEL READING John 17-6-19 (Janice)
"When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.
"I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Hear the Good News of Christ!
Praise to you, O Christ.
“Water Flowing from the Mountains”
More Voices United # 87 (Sandy)
Water flowing from the mountains
Water flowing o’er the earth.
Water comes to us, so precious.
Living water gives us birth.
Drink deep the source of life
Drink deep and know.
For living water sings and living water brings
The love that makes our spirit grow.
Water rushing down the rivers.
Water rushing to the sea.
Water comes to us, so precious
Living water makes us free.
Drink deep the source of life
Drink deep and know.
For living water sings and living water brings
The love that makes our spirit grow.
Water springing from the dry place.
Water springing in the sun.
Water comes to us, so precious
Living water for each one.
Drink deep the source of life
Drink deep and know.
For living water sings, and living water brings
The love that makes our spirit grow.
Sermon – “Spirit, Water and Fire” - Rev. Brian Stevens
“On the Morn of Pentecost” by Sandy Thorburn
(Lyrics adapted from a hymn by Jane Parker Huber)
Vocal & Piano – Sandy Thorburn
MORNING OFFERING (Sheldon)
God of mercy we give you thanks for all that your abundance creates…
The gifts that we bring, of our time, talent, and treasure show that you are the source of all goodness and of our intent to relieve others of burdens and bring healing.
Bless what we offer and bless those who will be shown deeds of power through them…
In Jesus Name. Amen.
Our doxology is “I’m Gonna Shout, Shout”
More Voices # 183 (Sandy)
I’m gonna shout, shout, shout out my love for Jesus,
I’m gonna shout, shout, shout out my love for God’s most holy child!
For whatever I might do today,
At home, at school, at work, at play
I’ve got Jesus’ love deep down inside of me!
(Christopher)
Wind of the Spirit, blow through us and your whole church
on this day of Pentecost:
Blow through us and renew our faith.
Re-awaken our love for God.
Let your flames warm our hearts with trust in Jesus Christ
and dare us to do great things in his name.
Wind of the Spirit,
blow through us and renew our faith.
(Suzanne)
Wind of the Spirit, blow through us
and give us energy to serve you as the body of Christ working in the world.
Open our eyes to recognize needs for ministry and mission around us.
Open our hearts to welcome newcomers and meet those we do not yet know.
Open our hands to share in tasks that need doing,
and open our lips in prayer and praise.
Wind of the Spirit,
blow through us and renew our energy to serve.
(Gavin)
Wind of the Spirit, blow through us and give us understanding
for all those whose lives seem so different from ours
For those facing situations we’ve never encountered
For those with whom we’ve disagreed
For problems and challenges we face at home, at work,
and in the world still struggling with the effects of the pandemic
Wind of the Spirit, blow through us and give us new understanding.
(Janice)
Wind of the Spirit, blow through us and bring healing
for all who face pain or illness, discouragement or disappointment
For all who know sorrow, sadness or grief
For those who face stress and pressure,
especially as they recover from the impact of the pandemic
Wind of the Spirit, blow through us and bring healing and peace.
(Rev. Brian)
Wind of Spirit…for all those we now name aloud or hold in the quiet of our hearts…
Wind of the Spirit, blow through us and bring healing and peace.
(Marion)
Wind of the Spirit, blow through us
and bring us the compassion we see in Christ Jesus.
Blow through us and equip us to serve the world you love in his name.
Blow through us and refresh us as your faithful followers.
Unite us across our differences
as together, we pray the words he taught us:
“The Lord’s Prayer” (Spoken)
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,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen
Online Worship next Sunday, May 30 at 11:00am.
Yoga! - Yoga Classes (on-line) continue with a new class each week. The links are available on our website and our Facebook page.
Donations to support the ongoing mission work of our congregation may be made on-line at the CanadaHelps.org website. The link is also on our website Hope United.ca Cheques can also be mailed to Hope United Church, 2550 Danforth Ave. Toronto, ON M4C 1L2
Last Sunday we offered a “Maritime Lunch” of Fish and Chips. Approximately 130 meals were delivered or picked up. Our heartfelt thanks to Suzanne and her team who prepared a great lunch which was enjoyed by all. Thanks as well to those who assisted with delivery. Our June event will be Saturday. June 12 from 1:00-2:00pm and will be a take- a-way picnic lunch.
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Our sixth “Tuesday Tea at Two” took place this past week. We will meet again this Tuesday at 2:00pm. Same link and dial in as our Sunday worship. The program is led by Ali Chappell. It is a time to chat, connect, share stories and a little bit of music. Hope you can join us!
A special welcome back to Christopher Slusar. He is a theology student at Emmanuel College and will be with us throughout the summer to assist with worship leadership, pastoral care and programs.
CLOSING PRAYER (Mahroo)
(Vanderbilt Lectionary)
Creator Spirit and Giver of life,
Make our lives
live and breathe and grow again
as you did of old.
Pour out your Spirit upon the whole creation.
Come in rushing wind and flashing fire
to turn the sin and sorrow within us
into faith, power, and delight. Amen.
“Oh a Song Must Rise”
More Voices #2142
(Sandy)
Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend
Oh a song must rise once again
Singing out God’s praises and glory,
The faithful voices blend
Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend.
From the mountains to the valleys,
from the desert to the seas
A song must rise once again.
From the voices of our leaders,
the voice of you and me
A song must rise for the spirit to descend.
Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend
Oh a song must rise once again
Singing out God’s praises and glory,
The faithful voices blend
Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend.
From the poverty and riches
From the voice of young and old,
a song must rise once again.
From the free and the imprisoned,
the timid and the bold,
A song must rise for the spirit to descend.
Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend
Oh a song must rise once again
Singing out God’s praises and glory,
The faithful voices blend
Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend.
From every house of worship,
in ev’ry faith and tongue,
A song must rise once again.
From the villages and cities a new song must be sung,
A song must rise for the spirit to descend.
Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend
Oh a song must rise once again
Singing out God’s praises and glory,
The faithful voices blend
Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend
BLESSING AND BENEDICTION
(Rev. Brian)
Jesus continues to fill us with hope
By sending the Holy Spirit to nurture faith and love in this world
Let us respond with kindness and joy
Being patient where there is pain
As our dreams become reality
The Holy Spirit has come to inhabit this world
With freedom, truth, and understanding
We are not alone
May God keep you this day and forevermore.
CHORAL BLESSING
“Walk in Love”
Composed by Rev. Brian Stevens
(Sandy)
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 & Amen!
POSTLUDE
“Come, O Holy Spirit”
By Fred Kaan and Ron Klusmeier
(Rev. Brian)
Thank you to everyone who assisted
with our Service of Worship this morning.
Please stay with us to say hello.
Blessings to all and keep safe!
Hope United.ca
