April 28, 2025 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
CAMP SUNDAY
Order of Worship – Grace United Church
Worship led by the Grace Choir, Rev. Cathy Kinsman, Rev. George Mafuleka
Lois Sonnega and Garnet Weaver
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING
CAMP SUNDAY WELCOME – Camp Whitney Adrienne Christopherson
*SONG “Let Us Build a House” (Vs. 1,2,4,5 only) MV
#1Words and Music: Marty Haugen, 1994
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home” Words and Music – Gladys Jack
CENTERING PRAYER
CHILDREN’S TIME
*HYMN “I’ve God Peace Like a River” VU #577
African-American Spiritual
PRAYER OF HEALING (Used with permission – Gathering 2024, LE, Yr. B. Roxanne Williams, pg. 45)
God of Love, God of the Vine, we are a work in progress.
We are not always the fruit-bearing branches you would have us be.
Sometimes we wither away.
Our withered branches are good for nothing but to be gathered and thrown into a bonfire.
Help us and heal us, Creator of all living things!
Show us how to bend to the source of nourishment.
Help us to become strong branches of the vine,
fruit-bearing branches that are pruned and productive.
Loving God of the Vine, we give thanks for your patience in our growth.
Accept us as we are; gnarly, twisted, young and robust, bent and struggling.
Make us strong and fruitful through the prayers we offer.
Prune away that which is holding us back.
(silent prayer-reflection or meditation)
WORDS OF COMFORT AND GRACE
Knowing that we are loved, and included,
we give thanks, God of the Vine.
In the name of Jesus, the vine-keeper, we pray. Amen.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
The Acts of the Apostles 8:26-40 – Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
The Gospel According to John 15:1-8 – The pattern of the Christian believer’s life.
In this is God’s Holy Word. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE Rev. Cathy Kinsman
HYMN “It Only Takes a Spark” VU #289
Words and Music: Kurt Kaiser 1969
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
SUNG RESPONSE “What Can I Do?” MV #191
Words and Music: Paul Rumbolt and Mechele McCarthy; arr. Alan C. Whitmore, 2005
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE - Lord’s Prayer Sung Version VU #959
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
*HYMN “Draw the Circle Wide” MV #145
Words and Music: Gordon Light, 1994; arr. Michael Bloss 1998
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
SUNG BENEDICTION “Halle, Halle, Halle” VU #958
Words: Trad. liturgical text Music: anon.; arr. The Iona Community
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252