August 11, 2024 – Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost – Communion Sunday

Order of Worship – Grace United Church 

Worship led by Adrienne Christopherson, Marilyn Knowlson-Vermeulen

Garnet Weaver, Rev. Cathy Kinsman and Rev. George Mafuleka

GOD CALLS US TOGETHER

GATHERING MUSIC                                                                           Marilyn Knowlson-Vermeulen 

WELCOME

*OPENING SONG               “Come All You People” (English/Shona/English)                         MV #2

Words and Music: Alexander Gondo, Zimbabwe; Arr. John L. Bell, 1955

WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD                        

CANDLE LIGHTING                   “In the Quiet Stillness of Home”                                

Words and Music: Gladys Jack 

CENTERING PRAYER

HYMN                                                 “We Are One” (vs.1-3 only)                                          VU #402

Words: Doreen Lankshear-Smith,1988    Music: Jeeva Sam,1987; arr. David Kai

PRAYER OF HEALING                                                                            

In our experience, we often deny the Christ whom we follow;

we ask for healing grace.

We seldom trust wholeheartedly, accept readily, or care compassionately.

Lead us to live with trust, acceptance, and genuine love.

Feed us through communal nourishment,

so we might act on the message of Christ who challenges us to change.

Let us not complain among ourselves.

Very truly, we offer ourselves to You now, seeking Your grace and comfort.                                                                                                         

(Silent prayer/reflection) 

WORDS OF GRACE AND COMFORT

Time to reflect and pray comes from God.

Our spirits are nurtured and grown as we pray and feast together.

Know God’s healing peace is yours. Believe it! Feel it!

We are made whole through Spirit’s presence. Thanks be to God!

HYMN                                                “Bread of Life, Feed My Soul”                                    MV #194

Words and Music:  Stephen Spencer, 2004; arr; Rick Gunn, 2005

HOLY COMMUNION IS SERVED – Led by Rev. George Mafuleka

THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US

The Gospel According to John 6:35, 41-51- I am the bread of life.

 In this is God’s Holy Word.   Thanks be to God. 

MESSAGE                                                                                                                 Rev. Cathy Kinsman

SPECAIL MUSIC                                       “Invite Me”                                        Eden

GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND

OFFERING INVITATION                                                                               

SUNG RESPONSE                           “Grateful” (Chorus only X3)                                            MV #182

Words and music: Tom Tomaszek; arr. Sarah Hart and T. Tomaszek, 2003

OFFERING PRAYER                                                                                

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE                                                                   

WE GO OUT IN FAITH                  

*HYMN                                               “Praise God for This Holy Ground “                              MV #42

Words and Music: John L Bell, 2002, Iona Community, Scotland 

ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

BLESSING   

*CHORAL BENEDICTION            “We Are One” (vs. 4 only)                                           VU #402

Words: Doreen Lankshear-Smith,1988    Music: Jeeva Sam,1987; arr. David Kai 

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