ORDER OF WORSHIP – OCT. 22, 2023
Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
Worship led by Grace United Church Worship Committee, Lois Sonnega, Garnet Weaver, Grace Choir, and Meri-dian ‘Ukuleles
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING MUSIC “The Farmer Song” Murray McLauchlan Meri-dian ‘Ukuleles
WELCOME
**HYMN “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty” VU #315
Words: Reginald Heber Music: John Bacchus Dykes
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Creation” Gladys Jack
“In the quiet stillness of creation, in the quiet stillness of home.
In the quiet stillness of our being, God reminds us that we’re not alone.”
CENTERING PRAYER
INTRODUCTION OF CANADIAN FOODGRAINS BANK FOLKS – Rick and Jacquie Block
CHILDREN’S TIME
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
PRAYER OF HEALING
Today, we remember the people who are hungry.
We pray for all those directly affected by hunger.
For those in war torn countries who are seeking the simple necessities of food and water.
For parents who struggle to put food on tables, and for children who go to bed hungry.
For farmers whose livelihoods depend on natural, economic, and political conditions beyond their control.
We ask your blessing on those working to save lives and end hunger in the world. This we ask at a time when the high cost of food makes meeting those needs an even greater challenge.
We pray for the leaders of the nations.
Asking that they will act with wisdom, generosity, and compassion.
Bring relief to those who are hungry now.
Help move us all toward a world without hunger.
We pray for ourselves, that you will show us the ways your church can be an instrument of grace to hungry people.
(Time for silent prayer and meditation)
WORDS OF GRACE AND COMFORT
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry.”
Bread of Life, you heal and revive us. You strengthen us.
Help us to sow seeds that might grow and flourish, bringing peace to a hungry world.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
SCRIPTURE READING John 6: 1-35 The parable of the loaves and fishes.
In this is God’s hope for the world. Thanks be to God!
MESSAGE
**SPECIAL MUSIC “Field Behind the Plow” Meri-dan ‘Ukuleles
Stan Rogers
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
*OFFERING INVITATION
*OFFERING HYMN “Ev’ry Day Is a Day of Thanksgiving” (Chorus only) MV #185
Words and Music: Leonard Burks
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
*HYMN “The Lord’s Prayer” (Sung)
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
*HYMN “Touch the Earth Lightly” VU #307
Words: Shirley Erena Murray Music: Colin Gibson
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
*CHORAL BENEDICTION “Amen” VU #974
Jim Strathdee,1985
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252