June 23, 2024 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - Indigenous Sunday

Order of Worship – Grace United Church  Worship led by the Grace Choir, Rev. George Mafuleka, Rev Cathy Kinsman., Charlene Bonnar and Garnet Weaver

GOD CALLS US TOGETHER

GATHERING

INTROIT                                         “Hey Ney Yana”                                  Stephanie & Adrienne  WELCOME

*HYMN                                              “Each Blade of Grass”                                                MV #37

Words and Music: Keri K. Wehlander, 2005

WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD

CANDLE LIGHTING                  “In the Quiet Stillness of Home” Words and Music – Gladys Jack

CENTERING PRAYER

 CHILDREN’S TIME                                                                                     Rev. Cathy Kinsman

*SONG                                                “Draw the Circle Wide ”                                    MV# 145

Words and Music: Gordon Light, 1994

 PRAYER OF HEALING (Used with permission from Celebrate God’s presence 2000 pg531).

Creator God, as we reflect on the history of the relationship between the church and the indigenous people of this land, we pray for openness.

In our learning and in our growing, may there be healing.

As we open ourselves to the stories of indigenous people of this land hurt and wounded by residential school and other experiences, we pray for compassionate listening

In the telling and in the hearing, may there be healing.

As we move forward as the people of God,

lifting and supporting our sisters and brothers of all tribes and races,

we pray for God’s richest blessings.

In the honouring and in the sharing, may there be healing.  

silent prayer-reflection or meditation) 

WORDS OF COMFORT AND GRACE

God is the love that over and around us lies;

the grace that is totally unearned; and the healing that makes the earth whole.

Give thanks to God; we are forgiven! Thanks be to God.

THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US

1 Samuel 17:(1,4-11,19-23), 32-49 – David and Goliath.

This is God’s Holy Word.   Thanks be to God

MESSAGE                                                                                                              Rev. George Mafuleka 

 HYMN                                               “There is Room for All ”                                                   MV #62           

Words and music:  Bruce Harding, 2004.

 PRESENTATION ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY                                             Charlene Bonnar

 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 – (Ending with the Lord’s Prayer)

 WE GO OUT IN FAITH

*HYMN                                               “To Show by Touch and Word”                                    VU #427

Words and music: Fred Kaan and Edward John Hopkins,

ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

 BLESSING

SUNG BENEDICTION                        “Go Make a Difference” (Chorus only)                        MV #209

Words and Music: Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek, 1997

Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission.  One License #A-7252