11th Sunday After Pentecost
HopeUnited.ca
August 8 , 2021 – 11:00am
2550 Danforth Ave.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rev. Brian Stevens - Minister
Christopher Slusar - Student Minister
Sandy Thorburn - Music Director
Good Morning everyone. My name is Rebekah. Welcome everyone to our Sunday on-line Service of Worship from Hope on the Danforth in Toronto, Canada. Our service this morning will include communion and is lead by Rev. Brian Stevens.
Our musician today is Sandy. The order of service will appear on your screen and is also available on our Facebook page and at HopeUnited.ca. I would invite everyone to mute. Sandy will now offer a prelude to centre us, as we begin our time of prayer and worship.
Music Prelude
(Sandy)
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
“We are Pilgrims, on a Journey”
Voices United # 595
(Sandy)
We are pilgrims on a journey,
Fellow travelers on the road,
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load.
Sister, let me be your servant,
Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant too.
I will hold the Christ-light for you,
In the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
Speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping,
When you laugh, I’ll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow,
Till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven,
We shall find such harmony,
Born of all we’ve known together
Of Christ’s love and agony.
Brother let me be your servant,
Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to
Let you be my servant too.
(Carol E. Bayma)
(Sheldon and Suzanne)
Great is the Lord, and deserving of the highest praise.
Praise God in the city streets; let joy ring throughout the countryside.
God’s people are a community of beauty and blessing to the whole earth.
Gathered in worship, we are a stronghold, a secure place, sanctuary. Amen
“There is Room for All”
More Voices # 62
There is room for all
in the shelter of God’s wing;
There is room for all
sheltered in God’s love.
And I rejoice and sing,
“My refuge and my rock, in whom I trust.”
There is room for all, there is room for all.
OPENING PRAYER (Christopher)
(Presbyterian Church in Canada)
Living, giving God, You are the source of all good things. In Christ you give us the Bread of Life, and we know your care for us is beyond measure.
Through the Holy Spirit, you are present in all situations, both large and small, yet your majesty is infinite.
Your love reaches wider than the expanding universe, and your kindness embraces even the tiny sparrow.
And so we gather in worship to offer you our praise, our love and loyalty, the best of ourselves, for surely you deserve all we can offer, our living, giving God.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE (Gavin)
With the lighting of this candle, we welcome your light and love into our hearts. May it shine so brightly that all will recognize the compassion and care that is Jesus: a seal upon our hearts! Amen.
“I Know Your Word”
More Voices # 108
(Sandy)
I know your Word,
Your Word is a lamp to my feet,
O God.
I know your Word,
Your Word is a lamp to my feet,
O God.
I know Your Word is a lamp, O God
To light my path for ever.
I know your Word is a lamp, O God
To light my path for ever.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
(Presbyterian Church in Canada)
(Sandra Cox)
Living, forgiving God, in Christ you promise us new life, but we confess that we are in love with our old ways.
We nourish unhelpful bitterness over disappointments; anger can hold us hostage for years. We find it easy to say one thing to someone’s face and something else behind their back.
Forgive us for falling short of your hopes for us. Free us from the captivity of old habits and resentments, and by your grace, renew us to live for love’s sake. Amen.
Assurance of Grace and Pardon (Rev. Brian)
God is tender-hearted and gracious to all and has forgiven you in Christ Jesus. Trust in God’s grace and be kind to one another, forgiving others as God has forgiven you. Amen.
Voices United #37
(Sandy)
Gloria, Gloria…
In excelsis Deo!
Gloria, Gloria
Alleluia, alleluia!
(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
(Presbyterian Church in Canada)
(Bruce)
God of wisdom, you have taught us that we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from you. Send us your Holy Spirit to open our minds and hearts to receive your Word, speaking through the scriptures. Strengthen us to live that Word as our daily bread. Amen.
FIRST READING
Ephesians 4:25—5:2
(Rebekah)
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Voice United# 853
(Sandy – Refrain – Sylvia & Suzanne-Text)
Refrain
Out of the depths I cry to you, my hope is in your promise true.
Out of the depths I have called to you.
O God, hear my cry!
Let your ears be attentive
to my plea for mercy
If you should keep account of what is done amiss, O God, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you, therefore we will honour you.
Refrain
Out of the depths I cry to you, my hope is in your promise true.
I wait for you, God
My soul waits, and in your word is my hope.
My soul waits for God more than the watchers long for the morning, more than the watchers long for morning.
O Israel, wait in hope
For with God there is love unfailing.
With God is great power to redeem,
To redeem you, Israel, from all your sins.
Refrain
Out of the depths I cry to you, my hope is in your promise true.
GOSPEL READING(Sylvia)
John 6: 35, 41-51
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”
They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”
“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.
It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father.
Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
“Come and Find the Quiet Centre”
Voices United # 374
(Sandy)
Come and find the quiet centre
in the crowded life we lead,
find the room for hope to enter,
find the frame where we are freed:
clear the chaos and the clutter,
clear our eyes, that we can see
all the things that really matter,
be at peace, and simply be.
Silence is a friend who claims us,
cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us,
knows our being, face to face,
making space within our thinking,
lifting shades to show the sun,
raising courage when we're shrinking,
finding scope for faith begun.
In the Spirit let us travel,
open to each other's pain,
let our loves and fears unravel,
celebrate the space we gain:
there's a place for deepest dreaming,
there's a time for heart to care,
in the Spirit's lively scheming
there is always room to spare!
Sermon:“ Walk in the Way of Love!”
(Rev. Brian)
“David’s Lamentation”
by William Billings
Arrangement, vocals, piano by Sandy Thorburn
MORN
I
NG
OFFERING
(Christopher)
Lord Jesus, we bring our gifts to you, knowing that you have given yourself for us, so that we have life in abundance. Bless these gifts. May they become the source of such abundance in lives we touch through mission and ministry for your sake. Amen.
Our doxology is
“Praise God from Whom
All Blessings Flow”
Voices United # 541
(Sandy)
Praise God from whom all
blessings flow
praise God all creatures
high and low
give thanks to God in
love made known:
Creator, Word and Spirit One
Prayers of the People
(Bruce)
God of all generations…
We look back over the past few months,
and we are grateful for your steadfast presence with us through uncertainty and upheaval. We have witnessed tragedy and courage; generosity and selfishness, resentment and resilience, fear and faithfulness. We ask that you show us the lessons of this pandemic
and make us wiser people.
What will you require of us?
All: To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you.
(Rebekah)
God of church and community…
We look back over the past few months,
and we are grateful for your inspiration and support through transition and times of testing. We have witnessed isolation and new ways to connect, old traditions set aside and new opportunities emerging.
We have seen decisions and dissent,
noticed people drifting away and others reconnecting, called on the skills of many generations to maintain our life together.
Show us the lessons of this pandemic and make us more faithful people.
What will you require of us?
All: To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you.
(Suzanne)
God of nations and neighbours…
We look back over the past few months,
and we are grateful to you for cooperation and creativity in our leaders
in politics, education, health care,
in business, labour and community life.
We have witnessed both energy and indifference, selfless dedication and harsh criticism, deep differences and important collaboration.
We know some neighbours and nations have lost much and need help to re-establish well-being. We know some have felt deep anger within and others have had that anger targeted at them.
Show us the lessons of this pandemic and make us more engaged citizens.
What will you require of us?
All: To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you.
(Sheldon)
God of family and friends…
We look back over the past few months,
and we are grateful to you for sustaining relationships. For those nearby and those supported by computer and phone call.
We have witnessed both loneliness and loving kindness, arguments and appreciation.
We know some families have been torn apart by distance or dispute and others have renewed their life together.
Show us the lessons of this pandemic
and make us better able to honour our important relationships.
What will you require of us?
All: To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you.
(Rev. Brian)
God of healing and hope…
We look back over the last few months
and know many are still suffering in body, mind and spirit; many are grieving and others do not know what the future holds for them.
Hear us in this holy silence
as we name aloud, or in the stillness of our hearts, those people and situations that concern us deeply.
(Rev. Brian)
For all those we named aloud or silence
May they know justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you O Lord. Amen
(Sylvia)
The 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,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen
“Break Now the Bread of life” (Sandy)
Voices United # 501
Break now the bread of life,
Saviour to me,
As one you broke the loaves
beside the sea.
Beyond the sacred page
I seek you, Lord,
My spirit waits for you I Living Word.
Bless your own truth,
dear Christ, to me, to me,
As when you blessed
the bread by Galilee;
Then shall all bondage cease,
all; fetters fall,
And I shall find my peace, my all-in-all.
SERVICE OF COMMUNION
(Marion & Christopher)
God be with you
And also with you
Lift up your hearts
We lift our hearts in prayer
Let us give thanks to God
It is good to give God thanks and praise
(Rev. Brian)
Loving God, source of all, we thank you and praise you with our lips and with our lives, that, having created us and all things through your word, you welcome our prayer and praise.
For the goodness of creation and the glory of redemption we praise you. For your risen presence on this day we thank you as we are grateful for the law and prophets who came before you.
Therefore, with all that is seen and unseen, and with all the faithful of every time and place, we join in this hymn of praise and thanksgiving….
MV # 203 Holy, Holy, Holy (Sandy)
O holy, holy, holy God,
O God of time and space.
All earth and sea and sky above
bear witness to your grace.
Hosanna in the highest heav’n,
creation sings your praise,
And blessed is the One who comes
and bears your name always!
(Christopher)
Loving God, Holy one, we offer our praise and thanksgiving over this bread and cup, because in Jesus Christ you have joined yourself forever with us, uniting heaven and earth. Now, therefore, we gratefully remember:
(Marion and Rev. Brian)
Jesus’ birth into our humanity,
Baptism for our sin,
Compassion for our suffering,
Intimacy with our fragility,
Rebuke of our pride,
Bearing the cross with its death,
And rising from the tomb by the power of God.
(Christopher)
On the night before he died, Jesus took a loaf of bread, gave you thanks, broke it and said Take, eat, this is my body broken for you.
(Marion)
Each time you do this, remember me.
Then Jesus took a cup, and having given thanks, he passed it to his friends saying: Drink. This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
(Christopher)
Each time you do this, remember me.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
MV # 204 Memorial Acclamation (Sandy)
Sing Christ has died and Christ is risen,
Christ will come a-gain!
Sing Christ has died and Christ is risen,
Christ will come a-gain!
(Rev. Brian)
Loving God, come to us and bless these gifts of bread and wine that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ; the sign and seal of our forgiveness in him and our adoption as the children of God...
As we eat and drink together, on this happy day, make us one with Christ and one in Christ, a sign of his eternal reign in the world.
This sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving we offer you, loving God, though Jesus Christ our Saviour, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen
Fraction and Pouring
Sharing the bread and cup
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
(Marion and Christopher)
Life-giving God may we who share in Christ’s body
live his risen life;
We, who drink this cup, bring new life to others;
We, whom the Spirit lights, give light to the world.
MV # 205 Great Amen (Sandy)
Amen, amen O Holy One!
Hosanna and Amen!
Amen, amen O Holy One!
Hosanna and Amen!
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
Our “Tuesday Tea at Two” will take place this Tuesday at 2:00pm. Same link and dial in as our Sunday worship. It is a time to chat, connect, share stories and a little bit of music. The program is led by Christopher this summer. Hope you can join us!
On Saturday, August 14 we will offer lunch from 1:00-2:00pm. Meals will be delivered to Hope Centre 12:00-12:30. If you are able to lend a hand with preparation or assisting with the event on Saturday, please let Suzanne or Rev. Brian know.
CLOSING PRAYER
(Rev. Brian)
We have gathered in worship, we have shared a meal, we have reminded ourselves that you journey with us O Lord, each and everyday. For Jesus is a seal of light and love upon our hearts. The living and true bread of life.
Amen
“Be Still, My Soul”
Voices United #652
(Sandy)
Be still my soul,
for God is on your side,
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God,
your Saviour and your guide,
Who through all changes faithful will remain.
Be still my soul, your best, your heavenly friend,
Through stormy ways,
leads to a peaceful end.
Be still, my soul,
your God doth undertake
To guide the future surely as the past;
Your hope, your confidence
let nothing shake,
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul,
life’s tempests still obey
The voice that once the
waves’ wild fury stayed.
Be still my soul,
the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever in God’s peace;
When disappointment,
grief, and fear are gone,
Love’s joys restored,
our strivings all shall cease.
Be still me soul, when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
BLESSING AND BENEDICTION
(From Worship Blogspot)
(Rev. Brian)
As we leave this place, let’s not forget:
There is no where we can go where God is not.
Everywhere we go, God goes before us.
From the farthest ocean to the highest mountain,
from the heights of joy to the depths of despair—
wherever we find ourselves, God is already there.
So go in peace,
for we do not go alone.
CHORAL BLESSING
“Walk in Love”
Composed by Rev. Brian Stevens
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
HopeUnited.CA