R Reign of Christ the King November 26, 2023
11:00am
Congregation of
Hope United Church
2550 Danforth Ave.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Worship Leadership
Rev. Brian Stevens
Music Director
Marc Michalak
Prelude – “Intavolatura”
by Leonardo Leo
Marc Michalak
Please join together in the Acknowledgement of the Land
upon which our sacred space rests.
Daphne Odjig, an Ojibway artist from the
Wikwemikong Reserve in Ontario, was the
first Indigenous woman artist to have her
work recognized, in the 1960s. Works such
as “Bad Medicine Woman” draw on themes
such as mythology and shamanism, but she
gives particular focus to women, and their
roles as givers of life.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND
With respect, we acknowledge the world views, spirituality, history, and stewardship of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Wendat, Haudenshonee and Anishnaabe, 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.
GATHERING HYMN
VU # 579 - “The Church Is Wherever God’s People”
The church is wherever God's people are praising, singing God's goodness for joy on this day. The church is wherever disciples of Jesus
remember his story and walk in his way.
The church is wherever God's people are helping, caring for neighbours in sickness and need. The church is wherever God's people are sharing the words of the Bible in gift and in deed.
The Prophets of old call us…
To walk in the way of the Lord!
Moses calls us…
To walk in the way of the Lord!
Jesus call us…
To walk in the way of the Lord!
Let us open hearts, minds and souls,
so that we may learn…
To walk in the way of the Lord! Amen
OPENING HYMN
MV # 126 - “Are You A Shepherd?”
Are you a shepherd, good shepherd who leads us Safely through danger, while calming our fears? Are you a father who shelters and feeds us, shares in our laughter and wipes away tears?
Yes, you are shepherd, parent and teacher,
but you are greater than all that we know.
Holy and living, loving and giving,
God, you are with us wherever we go.
Are you a mother, good mother who bears us,
comforts, protects us and helps us to rest?
Are you a teacher who daily prepares us,
challenging students to offer their best?
Yes, you are shepherd, parent and teacher,
but you are greater than all that we know.
Holy and living, loving and giving,
God, you are with us wherever we go.
Great, gentle shepherd, forever beside us,
lead all your children in paths that are right.
Great, loving parent, wise teacher, you guide us.
We want to love you and bring you delight.
Yes, you are shepherd, parent and teacher,
but you are greater than all that we know.
Holy and living, loving and giving,
God, you are with us wherever we go.
Lord we ask your blessing upon this congregation.
Guide us in your ways… that we constantly seek with
courageous hearts how we might be servants of the
Lord… May be grace filled, compassionate beings,
walking always in the Light of the Lord. Amen
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
We light this candle… a symbol of peace…
a symbol of Christ’s light in the world
a symbol that love is more powerful
than the darkest of nights.
May it burn brightly within us all. 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.
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
(From United Church of Christ – Worship Ways)
We are workers, God, just like you. But we
confess that our actions do not always affirm
and honor each other. Our work is not always
done in a spirit that is pleasing to you. We confess that, on some occasions, we have blindly bought goods made by people who are paid too little or work in unsafe conditions. We admit that we have failed to end an unjust system in which some workers have jobs that provide good wages and benefits while others may have no job, or one that pays little and provides few benefits.
Creator God, help us to be your people, working for a world where all workers are valued. A world where those who clean houses are also able to buy houses to live in. A world where those who grow food can also afford to eat their fill. And one where those who serve and care for others — in stores, schools, hotels, restaurants, nursing homes, and many other places — are, themselves, also served and cared for. It will be a world where all workers everywhere share in the abundance that you have given us.
Words of Assurance
God’s grace is always with us…
if we open our hearts…, if we open our ears and eyes,
We will discover God’s blessing and forgiveness
Embracing us, holding us always
as we journey on our way.
VU # 37 – “Gloria” (3X)
Gloria! Gloria!
In excelsis Deo!
Gloria! Gloria!
Alleluia, alleluia!
SHARING OF PEACE
May the Peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.
“Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered.
I will judge between one sheep and another. I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God
VU # 824
Make a joyful noise all the earth
Worship your God with gladness.
Make a joyful noise all the earth,
Come to this palce with a song!
Shout to God, all the earth:
Worship with gladness and joy,
Come before God with laughter
Our maker to whom we belong.
To the Shepherd whoetends us like sheep,
Let us raise our voices in song.
Refrain
Make a joyful noise all the earth… worship your God with gladness. Make a joyful noise all the earth… come to this palce with a song!
Come to God’s gates with thanks;.
Come to Gods courts with praise.
Praise and bless Gods name
Truly youare good:
You are always gracious,
And faithful age after age.
Refrain
Make a joyful noise all the earth… worship your God with gladness. Make a joyful noise all the earth… come to this palce with a song!
Matthew 25: 31-46
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Hear the Good News of Christ!
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon: “In Service of Christ!”
Music Ministry - “Follow Me” - By Ray Repp
OFFERING PRAYER
(David S. Bell. -United- Methodist Foundation)
Beloved Lord, you offer us a precious gift. Your invitation to salvation through Jesus Christ frees us from so many unnecessary fears. As children of your light, we present these gifts so that others may share in the timeless message of your love. Encourage us to reflect your love to others, today and always. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
In these ways, teach us to give, to share, to offer ourselves for your kingdom work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Doxology: VU # 537 - “Your Work O God Needs Many Hands”
Your work, O God, needs many hands
to help you everywhere,
and some there are who cannot serve
unless our gifts we share.
VU # 221 - “I Am Walking A Path Of Peace” (3X)
I am walking a path of peace, I am walking a path of peace I am walking a path of peace, lead me home, lead me home.
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD (Lutheran Core Worship Resources)
Our country is a land rich with resources, water, arable land and a country that offers freedom, justice and opportunity. May we be responsible stewards, vocal with our thanks for the many blessings… blessings which we joyously share with all, that we may acknowledge your grace in our lives…
Lord in your mercy….
Hear our prayer
Christ is our beacon of light, love, hope and peace. May the Holy Spirit be with our congregation, Hope United, to guide and steady us in the months and years ahead. Touch our mind, body and soul with your creative inspiration that we may continually seek out new ways to be your face in the world…
Lord in your mercy….
Hear our prayer
Lord, embrace us with your love and care, in these trying days of with so much illness and turmoil in the world. Let us not shake our resolve to care for the neighbor that we do not know. Remind us that Christ cared for the most vulnerable, and there is our call…to ensure the wellness of all.
Lord in your mercy….
Hear our prayer
For newcomers to Canada. May they find welcome… may they find peace… may they find the new life they sought by deciding to make Canada their new home. Help us to seek out way to be present, to be helpful, to allow your radiant love to shine through us in word, deed and actions.
Lord in your mercy….
Hear our prayer
We now name those who are in need of your healing love… Names and intentions spoken aloud…or held in the quiet of our hearts…We call out to you O Lord to hear our prayers and intentions at this time….
For all those named aloud or in the silence of our hearts
Lord in your mercy….
Hear our prayer
Lord for all prayers and intentions offered, for names called out…hold them...care for them with your love…embrace them with your spirit…
With the words our Saviour taught us...let us sing the Lord’s prayer. It is Voices United # 959.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, in heaven,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us this today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us, from the time of trial
And deliver us from evil,
For the kingdom, the power,
And the glory, are yours
Now and forever.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Greening of the Church for Advent – For those who can lend a hand after service today, we will do a bit of decorating. We will then complete the work following the senior’s luncheon on November 30th.
Wednesday, November 29th - “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Barrie “Talk is Free” Theatre Company has been rehearsing their production here at Hope for the last three weeks. We are taking a group to see the show on Wednesday, November 29th. We will depart from Hope at 3:30pm, the show is at 7:30pm and would expect to return approx. 11:30pm. The cost is $50 which includes the van and ticket. We have 7 confirmed. Please speak to Gavin or Rev Brian.
November 29th from 5:30-7:00pm. Advent Messy Church Theme: “Expectation” @ Kimbourne Park United Church. (200 Wolverleigh Blvd). Please join us for crafts, activities, storytelling, and a delicious supper.
December 3rd – Annual Meeting Sunday – We will conduct annual meetings for 2021 and 2022. The meetings will be interspersed within the worship service and followed by a pot luck lunch.
December 10th - Hope United Christmas Concert and Community Carol Sing at 2:00pm. Our Special guests will be the “Coro San Marco” community choir conducted by Daniele Colla and accompanied by Adolfo De Santis on piano and Carina Charmaine Sandejas on violin. We will also have selections from our choir, and Christmas Carol sing-a-longs. The concert is free with a suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 per family.
December 17th- 11am service- Dwight Belgrove will be our special musical guest and add some Caribbean flavor to our morning service with steel drums.
CLOSING PRAYER
As we greet each new doorway,
let us give all thanks and glory to God,
whose power working in us
can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the church, and through the Spirit, now and forever,
Amen.
CLOSING HYMN
“Rejoice The Lord Is King”
Rejoice the Lord is King, Your risen Lord adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing and triumph ever more. Lift up your hearts, Lift up your voice,
Rejoice again, I say rejoice!
Jesus the Saviour reigns, the God of truth and love;
When He had purged our sins, He took his seat above. Lift up your heart; lift up your voice
Rejoice, again, I say rejoice!
God’s kingdom cannot fail, Christ rules o’er earth and heaven, The keys of death and hell are to our Jesus given.
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again, I say, rejoice!
Rejoice in glorious hope, for Christ the judge, shall come To glorify the saints for their eternal home.
We soon shall hear, the archangels’ voice
The trump of God shall sound, rejoice!
May you live as Christ lived…
Walk as Christ walked…
With care and compassion for all.
And may the blessing of our Lord Jesus
Christ be with you this day and ever more.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Amen
CHORAL BLESSING
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
“Foggy Day Blues” - By Mike Springer
Thank you to everyone who assisted with our Service of Worship. Blessings to all and keep safe!
Please join us downstairs for hospitality following the service!
Hope United.ca
Church Administrator
Megan Stone - 416-691-9682
Office Hours
Wednesday &Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm
Email: HopeUnitedChurch@gmail.com