GATHERING TOGETHER. Theme - Mission and Service Fund Materials - a few logo s (for example- Nike, Tide, Lego... and the M&S logo)

Transcription

1 GATHERING TOGETHER Call to Worship We gather at the Crossroads. To give thanks and praise to You. We lift up our voices in song. We listen closely to the words of scripture. We clothe ourselves in Your peace and hope. As we acknowledge one another s sorrow and celebration. We gather at the Crossroads knowing that we are not alone. We give thanks to You our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Hymn: #642 V.U. Be Thou My Vision Prayer of Approach Come to us, Holy God, As we gather before you; Encircle us with your love. Bless us with your sustaining presence; Surround us with your grace. Draw us round your living Word, And bind us to one another as disciples of Christ, Whose Spirit is in our midst. Amen. Celebrate God s Presence Copyright UCC Publishing House Used with permission Hymn: #315 V.U. Holy, Holy, Holy. Children s Time Theme - Mission and Service Fund Materials - a few logo s (for example- Nike, Tide, Lego... and the M&S logo) Show the children a number of logos asking if they know what they are. Then show the UCC M&S logo asking if they can guess what it is? A few things to highlight with our children about M&S The money we give is gathered together into one fund. That money is then used to make a difference around the world and right next door!

2 Some money will go to churches that need some help, some will go to groups that offer food, shelter and safety for people who are in need of some help; some will go to places around the world to help neighbourhoods have safe drinking water or schools or lights at night; and sometimes it goes to emergencies like when there is a flood or a hurricane or some other disaster. You can learn more about our M&S fund at That is what the M&S logo means when you see it. It is a gift that is used to help others near and far. Thank you for supporting the M&S. Your gift makes a huge impact in the world that God so loves. Let us pray: Dear God, bless the M&S fund, to help people, everywhere. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Anthem or Hymn or Musical selection Prayer of Confession and Restoration O Holy One, in this time of silent prayer, we give to you those moments that have come between us, our neighbours, our families and friends, enemies and strangers. We give to you the secrets of our heart in silence... God of new beginnings, we know that what has been done cannot be undone. The words and actions, the silence and turning away, they all have left us changed. We give thanks, God, that you meet us in the brokenness, the despair and hurt. You meet us, tend to our wounds and then send us out to do the same in our relationships. We trust in your forgiveness and grace. A gift that is yours alone to give. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Hymn of Assurance: Don t Be Afraid MV#90 or When We are Living VU #581 Psalm 139 (V.U # 861) Prayer of the People O Holy One, God of majesty and power, of vulnerability and welcome we are gathered, together, in a time between Easter and Pentecost. An uncomfortable time: of reassurance that from crucifixion and silence emerges resurrection of hope that the bewildering clouds of despair will lift with the dawn of peace, those unforgettable words, peace be with you that are offered from open, wounded hands that call our name

3 Uncomfortable, God, because it is hard to believe: when tensions rise, anger erupts and war leaves its grave markings when our unquestioned trust in privilege and security and our money our self sufficiency is shaken and painfully exposed and paraded in front of us when we forget to notice those who live outside of the spotlight, those who are hungry, hurt, homeless, who are alone, who are scared, who carry the scars of life Uncomfortable because if we tell the truth about ourselves we know what is needed. We know that we need you, God. You know how complicated and uncomfortable life can be. You know how stained glass can be shattered. You know that we are at the crossroads. So we do the only thing we can. We turn to you with our prayers for others and ourselves. We pray for the world that you so love. We pray for our family and friends. We pray for our enemies. We pray for ourselves -Silent prayer- And from the silence emerges the testimony the testimony of the ministry of Larry Schneider (Elgin); James Hatt (Essex); Colin Snyder (Huron-Perth); Cheryl Bolton (Middlesex) and Susan Cole (Oxford) Of our Conference and Presbyteries of congregations and missional ministries offering themselves of leaders with vision and purpose and action of small acts of faith, hope and the greatest of these The testimony we have been entrusted with; for those who have gone before us and will come after us as witness to the great emergence of the Holy Spirit as it dances through your world and in our communities calling us by name to rekindle the fire to witness and respond to God s welcome Grace to share the love of Jesus Christ, together, in uncomfortable times and at the crossroads. In your name we pray, together- the prayer we were taught so long ago-

4 Either the Our Father OR the Paraphrase of the Lord s Prayer found on VU 916. Offering Invitation: Thank you. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the mission and ministry of Christ s church. Thank you on behalf of all of those who receive your investment in justice and peace in its variety of expressions. Thank you for offering something of yourself for your neighbour whether they be near or far. Thank you. Let us now gather, in thanksgiving and joy, our offerings. After the Offering is gathered, everyone is invited to profess The New Creed (as a re-commitment of the offering of themselves). We are not alone... Hymn: #541 Praise God from whom all blessings flow Prayer O Holy One, receive these offerings for the use of your mission. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Gospel: Matthew 7:24-29 Epistle: 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Testimony Prayer O God, open our hearts and minds By the power of your Holy Spirit, That as the scriptures are read And your Word is proclaimed, We may hear what you are saying to us today. Amen. Celebrate God s Presence Copyright UCC Publishing House Used with permission Sermon Closing Hymn: Blessing and Sending VU #626 I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say OR MV #120 My Soul Cries Out

5 Blessing and Sending The Grace of Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid: for God goes with us into the Crossroads of life. Go in peace, together. Amen.