Pentecost 16

Sunday,

September 25,2022

11:00am

Congregation of

Hope United Church

2550 Danforth Ave.

         Toronto, Ontario, Canada

                                                                  Rev. Brian Stevens

Welcome to our Service of Worship. We are very pleased to have you with us today.  Rev. Brian Stevens will lead both worship and music this morning.

Please join together in the Acknowledgement of the Land upon which our sacred space rests.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE LAND

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.

You who are wandering in the wilderness, come…
for in the barrenness of the landscape, God's mystery is inspiring.
You who are feeling abandoned, resentful, and confused, come…

For in the midst of community, ​God's compassion is restorative.
You who are hungry and aching to be fed, come…
for God does provide for God's people.
Let us worship God! 

(from “A Place of Grace”)

        Our opening hymn today is…

VU #508 - “Just as I Am”

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Just as I am, without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind,
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come

Just as I am, though tossed about

With many’a conflict, many a doubt

Fightings and fears within, without
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(From Lutheran Church of Canada)

Lord God, heavenly Father, since we cannot stand before You relying on anything we have done, help us trust in Your abiding grace and live according to Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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.

INVITATION TO CONFESSION

When we offer God our confession, we join the beautiful work of reconciliation, which begins with our reconciling with God. Trusting in our Partner in grace, let us make our confession, first in silent prayer.

SILENT CONFESSION

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Gracious and loving God, open our hearts so that we are able to admit to you the fullness of our lives – that which is beautiful and good, and that which is hurtful and hateful.

We confess that we do not follow Jesus in all that we do.
We love with condition.
We judge and condemn.
We cast the first stone, and keep the logs in our own eyes.
We do not turn to You as the source of our healing.

Forgive us, we pray.

Forgive our sin,

and empower us to be imitators of Christ in love and service. Amen.

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        ASSURANCE OF GRACE

Spirit, Christ and our Creator God move with us as we journey our days. May we walk always in the Grace, Love and Fellowship of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

MV # 179 - “Sisters Let Us Walk Together”  

Sister let us walk together,

Sharing sadness loss and grief,

We will move through pain to wholeness

Brokenness transformed to peace.

Brothers let us work together

Seeking justice, healing shame

Filled with hope, embued with courage,

  Ev’ry 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.

THE PEACE OF CHRIST (Rev. Brian)

May the Peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

Jeremiah 32:1‒3a, 6‒15

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. The army of the king of Babylon was then besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was confined in the courtyard of the guard in the royal palace of Judah.

 Now Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him there, saying, “Why do you prophesy as you do? You say, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am about to give this city into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.

Jeremiah said, “The word of the Lord came to me: Hanamel son of Shallum your uncle is going to come to you and say, ‘Buy my field at Anathoth, because as nearest relative it is your right and duty to buy it.’

 “Then, just as the Lord had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and said, ‘Buy my field at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. Since it is your right to redeem it and possess it, buy it for yourself.’

“I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel and weighed out for him seventeen shekels of silver.

 I signed and sealed the deed, had it witnessed, and weighed out the silver on the scales.  I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy containing the terms and conditions, as well as the unsealed copy—  and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the presence of my cousin Hanamel and of the witnesses who had signed the deed and of all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard.

 “In their presence I gave Baruch these instructions:  ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Take these documents, both the sealed and unsealed copies of the deed of purchase, and put them in a clay jar so they will last a long time.  For this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land.’

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God

On Eagles Wings

VU #808

You who dwell in the shelter of  our God,
Who abide in this shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, "My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!"

“And I 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 my hand.”

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear:
Under God’s wings your refuge, God’s faithfulness your shield.

“And I 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 my 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 I 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 my hand.”

For to God’s angels is 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 I 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 my hand.”

Luke 16:19-31

 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family,  for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Hear the Good News of Christ!

Praise to you, O Christ.

Song before the Sermon

Sermon: “Let us Listen to the Prophets!”

Music Ministry - “Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom”

By Ruth Duck and Donna Kasbohm

OFFERING PRAYER

(United Methodist- Discipleship Ministries)

Living God, you are the Lord of all! Only you can send your Spirit to bring us new life. You graciously speak your word of hope in times of struggle and uncertainty and in times of joy and peace. We are grateful that you are continually at work in our lives and the world to fulfill your promises. May our giving today show our trust in you. We pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Doxology: MV #191 – “What Can I Do?” (sing through twice)

What can I do? (What can I do?)

What can I bring? (What can I bring?)

What can I say? (What can I say?)

What can I sing? (What can I sing?)

I’ll sing with joy (I’ll sing with joy!)

I’ll say a prayer… (I’ll say a prayer…)

I’ll bring my love! (I’ll bring my love!)

I’ll do my share! (I’ll do my share!)

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD

 (From Vanderbilt Library Lectionary)

Creator God, you call us to love and serve you
with body, mind, and spirit
through loving your creation
and our sisters and brothers.
Open our hearts in compassion
and receive these petitions
on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.

We praise your abiding guidance, O God,
for you sent us Jesus, our Teacher and Messiah,
to model for us the way of love for the whole universe.
Help us to walk always in the light of your abiding love…

Touch us with your grace, embrace us with your love.

 Lord, help us, teach us, to listen deeply to your word…to allow ourselves to feel and see your presence in the world, each and every day. Help us to lift the veil that clouds our vision, that we may see more clearly and love more dearly…

Touch us with your grace, embrace us with your love.

Lord may we hear your call to service. Let us live into your gospel and seek out ways to actively serve the community. May we do so with respect and compassion, our soul filled with empathy and care for all creatures of creation.
Touch us with your grace, embrace us with your love.

For all who have been touched by the fury of Hurricane Fiona. As the winds and rain subside, keep all safe Lord. Inspire us to help all those in need of care and support in the days and months ahead.

Touch us with your grace, embrace us with your love.

Lord God, friend of those in need,
your Son Jesus has untied our burdens
and healed our spirits.
We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened,
those seeking healing,
those in need within the church and the world. For all those we name aloud at this time or hold int eh stillness of our heart,,,,

Hear our prayers
that we may love you with our whole being
and willingly share the concerns of our neighbors.

Touch us with your grace, embrace us with your love.

Holy One,
hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards
of the fragile bounty of this earth
so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.

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 and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever.

Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Yoga!  - New class online on Thursday

      A new class each week at 11:00am.

              The link is available on our website and our Facebook page.

Our September Messy Church was hosted at Kimbourne Park United on September 21st We offer thanks to Rev. Daniel, Laura, Carol and Megan. For organizing and preparing food. Thanksgiving Messy Church will be hosted here at Hope United on Wednesday, October 5th  from 5:30 – 7:00pm.

Volunteers

There is now a requirement form our insurers that all volunteers and staff of the United Church of Canada hold a clean vulnerable record check so that they may work with the vulnerable peoples in our community.

Megan Stone, our administrator will be coordinating this. You can see her right after service today to fill in a form, or email or call the office on Wednesday or Thursday, so we can arrange to get a form to you, then she can submit them. There is no cost to you. Hope will cover the associated fee. The office number is 416-691-9682 or you can reach out by email HopeUnitedChurch@gmail.com.

Girl Guides and Scouts

Guides will commence again this week at 7:00pm on Tuesdays. Scouts will also be resuming their gathering which take place on Fridays at 7:00pm. Both of these groups are sponsored by Hope United.

Danforth Village Youth Choir

We are in the planning stages for a youth choir.  We hope to be able to announce a start date within the next few weeks.

Beach Side Brass

Beachside Brass, a Dixieland style ensemble of young performers from this area are our “Musicians in Residence “ this year.  They will open our Jazz Vespers series on Saturday, October 29th at 4:30pm.

Ballroom Dancing Classes

Dance Café will begin offering Ballroom Dance Classes at Hope on Monday, October 3rd at 7:00pm. For registration and information, contact Dieter at  416-466-2685  or email : infor@dancecafe.ca 

Candidates Debate

DECA will host a candidates debate in our sanctuary on Friday, October 14th at 7:00pm. Childcare is available. Come and hear the different viewpoints of the candidates running in our municipal election.

Saturday, Oct 1st -  5:00pm - 7:00pm  - Free Concert

 Kimbourne Park United Church- 200 Wolverleigh Blvd

Rezonance Baroque Ensemble will be giving a free concert in preparation for their recording of James Oswald's "Airs for the Seasons." Rezonance musicians play on historical instruments, consisting of two violins, flute, harpsichord, theorbo, and lute, and specialize in the historically informed interpretation of Baroque-era music.

Orange Shirt Day- Friday, September 30

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (French: Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation), colloquially known as Orange Shirt Day (French: Jour du chandail orange), is a Canadian statutory holiday to recognize the legacy of the Canadian Indian residential school system.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was first established as an observance in 2013, as part of an effort to promote awareness and education of the residential school system and the impact it has had on Indigenous communities for over a century. The impact of the residential school system has been recognized as a cultural genocide, and continues to this day.

The use of an orange shirt as a symbol was inspired by the accounts of Phyllis Jack Webstad, whose personal clothing—including a new orange shirt—was taken from her during her first day of residential schooling, and never returned. The orange shirt is thus used as a symbol of the forced assimilation of Indigenous children that the residential school system enforced.

The day was elevated to a statutory holiday by the Parliament of Canada in 2021, in light of the revelations of over 1,000 unmarked graves near former residential school sites.

CLOSING PRAYER

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.

―This prayer was inspired by Honarine Scott’s Orange Shirt Day blog.

VU # 684 - “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”

Make me a channel of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love.
Where there is injury, Your pardon Lord
And where there's doubt, true faith in You

Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light,
And where there's sadness, ever joy.

Oh master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of Your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all men that we receive,
And in dying that we're born into eternal life.

(from the Prayerist)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in one body;
and be thankful.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you,
with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another
with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks through Christ to our Creator God

                        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

Thank you to everyone who assisted with

our Service of Worship.

Blessings to all and keep safe!

Hope United.ca