June 9, 2024 – Third After Pentecost
Union Sunday – Celebration of a New Ministry
Order of Worship – Grace United Church
Worship led by the Rev. Stephen Sparks, Grace Choir, Meri-dian Ukuleles, Rev Cathy Kinsman,
Rev. George Mafuleka, Lois Sonnega and Garnet Weaver
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
DRUM INTRODUCTION
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / EAGLE FEATHER BLESSING Adrienne Christopherson
GATHERING MUSIC “Gather Me” Meri-dian Ukuleles
WELCOME - Introduction of Rev. Stephen Sparks Darrel Howell
*HYMN “Come In, Come In and Sit Down” (1,2,&4) VU #395
Words and Music: James K Manley 1984
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home” Words and Music – Gladys Jack
OPENING PRAYER Rev. Stephen Sparks
Yahweh said to Abram, “Leave your country,
your kindred and your father’s house for a country which I will show you.”
“I shall make you a great nation, I shall bless you and make your name famous;
you are to be a blessing.”
Gracious Creator of the universe, you call us to leave the familiar for the unfamiliar.
To abandon familiar roads and signposts in exchange for a path unrecognizable.
Your voice brings forth the nudge we often wish to overlook but cannot do.
You call us to right wrongs; to be prophetic and pastoral;
to give hope and convey the power of forgiveness and compassion while rooting out injustice and prejudice.
You ask us to be a blessing rather than a curse.
May we be worthy to relinquish our self-control and follow your Spirit wherever it leads us.
Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME “I Am the Church” Kidz Praiz
PRAYER OF HEALING Rev. Stephen Sparks
Forgiving and most gracious God,
paths of the unknown shake our confidence and destabilize our footing.
While we may welcome change for the promise of growth and renewal,
we also fear the unexpected will trip us and make us fall.
We hold much pride in the knowledge of our call, but sometimes question the lead of our
direction. We concern ourselves that we might not be what we were when we first heard your
call.
The prospect of having to serve you and others both terrifies and exhilarates our curiosity and imagination.
Still, you remind us, wherever we are led and whatever we may do,
we will be a blessing for all time.
A blessing, we cannot know until we answer. Amen.
(Silent prayer-reflection or meditation)
WORDS OF COMFORT AND GRACE Rev. Stephen Sparks
Almighty God, do not remain silent.
Do not be unmoved or unresponsive to our needs: hear our prayer and answer it.
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US Lawrence Davidson
Genesis 12:1 – 9
I Corinthians 12: 4 – 11
Mark 1: 29 – 34
This is God’s Holy Word. Thanks be to God.
HYMN "I Am the Light of the World" VU #593
Words and Music: Jim Strathee 1967
MESSAGE Rev. Stephen Sparks
SPECIAL MUSIC “Built on a Rock” Grace Choir
Words and Music: Joel Raney
COVENANTING ACTION
STATEMENT OF LIVING FAITH STORY Darrel Howell
STATEMENT OF THIS NEW MINISTRY Rev. Stephen Sparks
PRAYER OF FAITH Rev. Stephen Sparks
Uniting God, you call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship:
to celebrate your presence,
to live with respect in creation,
to be your servants in the service of others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table,
to proclaim Jesus crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
Send your Holy Spirit to bind us in full communion so we may be a uniting church,
embodying your love for the world.
As one, we proclaim:
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
you are with us, we are not alone, all glory and power be unto you. Amen.
PROMISES OF NEW MINISTER Rev. Stephen Sparks / Rev. George Mafuleka
PROMISES OF REGIONAL COUNCIL, WIDER CHURCH, AND COMMUNITY
PRESENTATION OF SYMBOLS
BIBLE Valerie Rollheiser
WATER, TOWEL, & BASIN Leslie Morgan & Carol Simpson
BREAD AND WINE Garnet & Alison Weaver
GIFT FROM THE CONGREGATION Gary & Karen Ollen
NEW MINISTER'S PRAYER Rev. George Mafuleka
DISBANDING OF SEARCH COMMITTEE Rev. Stephen Sparks
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 Rev. Stephen Sparks
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Sung Lord’s Prayer VU #959
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
Yahweh called me when I was in the womb, before my birth he had pronounced my name.
You are to be my servant through whom I shall manifest my glory.
I shall make you a light in the midst of darkness.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit;
blessings to all who heed the call now and forever! Amen and Amen.
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