May 12, 2024 – Seventh Sunday of Easter Mothering Sunday – Holy Humour
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 “Pink Panther” Groovin’ with Grace
WELCOME
INTROIT “Oh a Song Must Rise” Grace Choir
Words and Music: Paul B. Svenson, 1995; arr. Bryn Nixon, 2006
*HYMN “Make a Joyful Noise” VU #820
Words and Music: Linnea Good 1991
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home” Words and Music – Gladys Jack
CENTERING PRAYER
CHILDREN’S TIME “Para, Para, Pitter Pat” Kidz Praiz
Words: Ugo Nakada ca. 1920; trans. June Nakada Sumida 1981
SONG “I’ve Got the Joy”
Word: George W. Cook – Public Domain, 1925
PRAYER OF HEALING
If we think of God as mother, here is the kind of divine mother we have.
She knows every foible, every quirk, and every odd-ball part of our personality,
and yet, it does not affect her deep unconditional, and abiding love for us.
Every unique part of us she finds endearing, loving us even more.
When we ignore her teaching, her instructions, her guidelines,
as we knock on her door with fear and trembling –
she flings open the door with a joyful welcome and huge hug.
As we pray to you, God, heal us, in your welcoming.
(Silent prayer-reflection or meditation)
WORDS OF COMFORT AND GRACE
As we lean into God’s gift of grace and comfort,
may we know we are forgiven and renewed through the intimacy of prayer.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
The Gospel according to John 17:6-19 - “May my joy be made complete in them.”
This is God’s Holy Word. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE Rev. Cathy Kinsman
SPECIAL MUSIC “Kazoo Concerto” Grace Choir
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
SUNG RESPONSE “What Can I Do?” MV #191
Words and Music: Paul Rumbolt and Michele 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 “May God’s/Her/Their Sheltering Wings” MV #214
Words and music: Judith Snowden, 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
SUNG BENEDICTION “We Will Go With God” MV #223
Words and Music: traditional song. Swaziland and South Africa; arr. Dave Dargie
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
Followers of Jesus give thanks for what they receive and for God’s steadfast love. Then they share
their gifts with others so all may receive.
MEMBERSHIP/TRANSFER of MEMBERSHIP GROUP Are you a newbie to Grace United, the United
Church itself, or wanting to transfer your membership to Grace United? Come one, come all.
There are no secret passwords for membership, just a love for God, a desire to serve in Jesus’
name and grow your spirit through community, prayer, and action. The group begins this Tuesday,
May 14. at 6:45 pm. Please email gucadmin@graceunitedchurch.ca or speak to Rev. Cathy if you
would like to join this group.
SPRING DECOLONIZATION SERIES – Led by Charlene Bonnar from Lakeland College
Join Charlene Bonnar to talk about reconciliation and decolonization.
Charlene is a white woman raised on Treaty 6 Territory who has spent a lot of time unlearning her colonial upbringing and connecting with Indigenous culture and spirituality. She teaches English literature and Indigenous storytelling in the University Transfer program at Lakeland College and volunteers with the Lloydminster Native Friendship Center and Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity. She is excited to join Grace United Church in this journey of reconciliation.
Wednesday, May 22 – 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Watch and Talk - “Voices from Here”
Through this documentary, let me introduce you to my mentor, Indigenous knowledge keeper Wes
Fineday from Sweetgrass First Nation and talk about building relationships.
Wednesday, June 5 – 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Read and Reflect – “Trusting the Land”
Let’s talk about land and what it means to all of us
Wednesday, June 19 – 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Read and Reflect – “Returning to Harmony”
We will use the words of the late Richard Wagamese to reflect on finding harmony and
forgiveness.
We have a date for the Safe Food Handling Course on May 31st. It will be held in the church hall
from 9 am to 5 pm. Please confirm if you are still interested in taking the course. The cost of the
course will be a total of $80.00 each, however each person from the church will only pay $40.00
and the church will pay the remaining $40.00. The receipt of your fee will confirm your spot in the
course. Anyone who prepares food in the Grace United Church or the Fair Booth is encouraged to
attend. The certification expires every 5 years. NOTE: Attendees, please bring a bag lunch.
Grace United Church Spring Salad Smorg will take place Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 11:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 each and are available at the church office or Sundays before and
after church. Please sign up to bring a salad. Sign up sheets will be available on Sundays.
Today, May 12, 2024, after the service for our Mother’s Day plant bingo!!
Fancy sandwiches, strawberry shortcake and games of bingo await you! Beautiful plants are your
prize!!