November 12, 2023 – Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Order of Worship – Grace United Church
Worship led by Grace Choir, Rev. Cathy Kinsman, Marilyn Knowlson-Vermeulen
and Garnet Weaver
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING
WELCOME
*HYMN “Let Us Build a House” (Vs. 1,2,4,5) MV #1
Words & Music: Marty Haugen
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home” Gladys Jack
CENTERING PRAYER
CHILDREN’S TIME
SONG “Give Me Oil in My Lamp Keep Me Burning
Words & Music: Pat Mayberry 2000
PRAYER OF HEALING
Approaching God, it is never easy to admit how foolish we are.
You have chosen us for yourself and we continue to shelter false gods in our hearts.
You promise to be with us in every moment, but we can find little time for you.
You send your Word to us.
but we are too busy listening to the noise of our world to pay attention.
Heal us, Eternal One, and renew us.
Speak to us, so we might listen, and in hearing be transformed to be your people.
Fill us with a generous spirit, so we might give ourselves wholly to others.
Enable us to serve you faithfully and completely,
through the sharing of our hearts, in prayer.
(Silent prayer/reflection)
WORDS OF GRACE AND COMFORT
This is assurance: God offers grace
This is hope: God’s love is forever.
This is comfort: God is with us, always and everywhere.
There is plenty for all generations. Thanks be to God.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
RESPONSIVE PSALM 78:1-7 (Part One) VU #792
We will teach the next generation
Old Testament – Matthew 25: 1-13 – Parable of the 10 bridesmaids and the lamps.
In this is God’s hope for the world. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
HYMN “Open My Eyes, That I May See” VU #371
Words & Music: Clara H. Scott
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
SUNG RESPONSE “For All Your Goodness, God” (Sung as a round) VU #549
Words : Traditional American Music: Darryl Nixon
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
HYMN “As Long As We Follow” MV #140
Words & Music: Josephy Kabema
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
CHORAL BENEDICTION “Amen” VU #974
Words & Music: Jim Strathdee
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
Outreach Shopping List
o Canned fruit
o Canned vegetables
o Granola Bars
o Cereal
o Instant oatmeal pkgs
o Juice boxes
o Larger canned protein (Ham, chicken, tuna)
What’s Happening This Week
Nov 13
Handbells - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Nov 14
Hub of Healing - 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Legacy Gifts - 9:30 am
Meri-dian Ukuleles - 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Exploring the Way - 6:45 - 9:15 pm
Sharpe UCW Meeting - 7:00 pm
Nov 15
Senior Luncheon - 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Nov 16
Worship Meeting - 9:00 am
Choir - 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Nov 19
Worship - 10:00 am
Embracing Diversity Workshop - after service
WORKSHOPS COMING |HALL|11:45-1:00
Nov. 19th - Worship, Christian Development, Finance, UCW Groups, and Central Board
Dec. 10th - Trustees, Pastoral Care, Property and Maintenance, and the Ministry and Personnel Committee.
We hope to offer a third workshop in the new year for any folks within the congregation who may be interested.
“Embracing Diversity and Navigating Race and Bias in Religion through Story”
Preparing the soil for new beginnings with Rev. George and the community of Grace
Guest speakers:
Ben Acquaye – Lakeland College Business school staff
- Friends of Diversity (individual award) – championing diversity and inclusion.
- Red Deer, April 2023.
- Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership Co-Chair (Last 2 years)
Tigra-Lee Campbell – Director of Lloydminster Vermilion for Equity Foundation.
- A Black and Indigenous mother of three, and local entrepreneur, will provide a relevant multi-cultural perspective.
- Member of the Town of Vermilion’s Newcomers Advisory Committee.
- Key organizer for Lloydminster’s Diversity and Inclusion Forum held January 16thand 17th, 2021.
UPCOMING WEEKS IN WORSHIP
November 19 – Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Psalm 123 – We lift our eyes to you, O God.
Judges 4:1-7 – Judge Deborah speaks God’s word to Barak.
November 26 – Reign of Christ Sunday – SUPER SUNDAY – LUNCH TO FOLLOW
Playschool children to share.
Psalm 100 – Make a joyful noise all the earth.
Matthew 25:31-46 – When you have helped the least of these,
you helped me.
December 3 – Advent 1 – Communion – Handbells playing in worship.
YOUTH NITES |THURSDAYS|6:00 – 8:30 PM
Is your teen looking for a fun weekday activity that is free of cost?! Grace United Church has a Youth Nite Program that runs every Thursday from 6:00-8:30pm. It is perfect for kids who are in Grades 7-12! Just a reminder there will be no youth nite on November 19th.
WINTER DINNER |NOV 25|5:00 PM
Tickets are available at the office from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
every day. Tickets are $40.00 each.
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
How can I make a difference? How can I change the world? How can I fulfill God’s vision? I can give: time, resources, money, ability.
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT MATCHING DONATIONS FOR GAZA AND WEST BANK
DONATE
As a member of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, the United Church is participating in the Humanitarian Coalition appeal to provide tangible support to people in the Middle East. Gifts raised through the generosity of Canadians for the United Church appeal between October 7 and November 12, 2023, will be matched by the Government of Canada. Double the impact of your gift - give today.
ADVOCATE
Also, your advocacy can make a difference! Write to Foreign Affairs Minister, The Hon. Melanie Joly, and your local MP and call on the Canadian government to respond to the escalating violence in Palestine and Israel by calling for an immediate ceasefire. and ensuring humanitarian assistance. Use our online letter-writing template to send your email directly to your government officials. Please send your email today!
The United Church has also been part of two press conferences in Ottawa advocating for peace this past week with a pan-Canadian coalition (watch the recording Pan-Canadian Coalition Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza) and a multi-faith coalition including Muslim and Jewish organizations.
PRAY
Your prayers matter! Please continue to pray for peace with justice for the people of Palestine and Israel. You can find a Prayer for Peace in the Middle East on our website. Additional prayers can be found on our site and on the Canadian Council of Churches website.
Keep up to date on the response of the United Church and our partners to the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East on our website and on social media accounts.
A JAZZY CHRISTMAS |DEC 6|6:00 PM
A Jazzy Christmas
Wednesday, December 6th
Grace United Church Hall
Doors Open at 6:00 P.M.
Dinner at 6:30 P.M.
Music starts at 7:30 P.M.
Advance Tickets Only- $60.00.
Tickets available from the church office Mon-Fri 9am -12pm or
Call or text Karen at 780-871-8191
Tickets available until November 30th
Proceeds to Debentures
BROADVIEW MAGAZINE – Formerly “The Observer”
Any day now, you will receive a letter from me in the mail. It’s important. We’ve had hard news.
In a nutshell, as a result of recent cutbacks at the United Church’s General Council office (cuts that affect Broadview and a number of other organizations). our funding has been significantly reduced.
As a reader, I know you care about progressive Christian media. Are you aware that Broadview is the only progressive Christian media organization left in Canada?
Right now, our collective voice is needed now more than ever.
Damaging voices that couch hate in Christian rhetoric are growling increasingly loud, organized and well-funded.
In a sea of angry voices, we must continue to publish stories that build learning and understanding and inspire action for the common good. We must continue to report on stories of faith within and beyond the church. We must gain a stronger foothold in the public square.
Will you help?
Now through November 20th, a generous donor will match your tax-deductible gift of $25 or more.
And they will match every new monthly donation for the next 12 months – up to $40,000.
Yes! I will support progressive Christian media
Jocelyn Bell, Editor/Publisher
PS. A funding cut puts our collection voice at risk. You can help AND double your impact during this critical time. Please make a donation today!
POINSETTIA PROJECT
The Pastoral Care committee is once again planning to deliver a poinsettia to those who have suffered a bereavement or a long-term illness this past year. If you care to support this project monetary donations will be accepted at the office. We require 10-12 drivers for delivery. If you are able to assist with deliveries, please call Joan Ellis at 780-871-3521. Thank you. Help us to brighten someone’s Christmas!
Playschool Coordinator - Lori Haygarth 780-808-0959 gucplayschool@graceunitedchurch.ca
Executive Director - Bev Thurlow 780-875-8959 gucexecdirector@graceunitedchurch.ca
Board Chair - Darrel Howell 780-870-1671 dhhowell@telus.net
Minister - Rev. Cathy Kinsman 1-204-294-2142 gucminister@graceunitedchurch.ca
Affirming Support Worker - Jenson Brown 780-875-8959 gucjensonbrown@gmail.com
Choir Director - Karen Fawcett 780-875-4642 karenfawcett@hotmail.com
Treasurer - Lynda Campbell 306-821-2575 guctreasurer@graceunitedchurch.ca