ORDER OF WORSHIP – APRIL 16, 2023
2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER
Worship led by Grace Choir, Bev Thurlow, Colleen Groenen, Graci Haas
Lois Sonnega, and Garnet Weaver
INVITATION & GATHERING
WELCOME “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
HYMN “Thine is the Glory” VU #173
Words: Edmond Louis Budry Music: Harmonia Sacra
CALL TO WORSHIP:
If we are the disciples, locked in a room of fear, Jesus appears to us. If we are the doubter full of doubt, Jesus turns to us. If we bear trials and suffering, God comes to us. If we rejoice, we do so in the presence of God. So let us come from wherever we are, whoever we are, to a God full of hope and life.
OPENING PRAYER:
Jesus our risen Messiah, we come before you this morning all from different paths. Some of us certain oh your joyful presence in our lives, while others perhaps are like the doubting Thomas still very uncertain of the hope of being touched by your joy. Yet we are all here, reaching out to you for understanding. For hope, for joy, for love and the need to have you meet us here today gracious Lord we pray so all can lift their doubts and fears and feel your joyful presence. Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
TIME FOR YOUNG & MATURE
HYMN “It Only Takes A Spark” VU #289
Words: Kurt Kaiser Music: Kurt Kaiser
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
THE SCRIPTURE SPEAKS TO US
John 20 Verses 19-31 Bev Thurlow
MESSAGE Why Are We Doubters
HYMN “Breathe On Me, Breath of God” VU #382
Words: Edwin Hatch Music: Robert Jackson
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
HYMN “Your Work Oh God Needs Many Hands” VU #537
Words: Calvin Weiss Laufer Music: Neil Dougall
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF JOY & CONCERN/LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN “Send Me Lord” VU #572
Words & Music: South African
GO FORTH IN FAITH
BLESSING
THREE-FOLD AMEN VU #967
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
What’s Happening This Week
April 17
11:30 am - Annual UCW General Meeting
1:00 pm - Souper 5
4:15 - 5:15 pm - Meri-dian Ukuleles
5:00 - 6:30 pm - Handbells
April 18
11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Foodgrains Presentation
2:45 pm - Staff Meeting
4:00 - 5:30 pm - Homework Program
6:45 - 8:45 pm - Forgiveness Small Group
April 19
10:30 am - 12:30 pm - Senior Luncheon
4:00 - 5:00 pm - Kidz Praize
April 20
9:00 am - Worship Meeting
1:00 - 2:00 pm - Outreach Cupboard
6:00 -8:30 pm - Youth Nite
7:15 - 9:00 pm - Choir
April 23
10:00 am - Worship - Membership Transfer Sunday
Outreach Shopping List
o Canned & fresh fruit
o Canned & fresh veggies
o Granola Bars
o Cereal & instant oatmeal pkgs
o Rice & Pasta
o Pasta sauce
o Peanut butter, jelly & jam
o Kraft Dinner
o Crackers
o Juice boxes
o Larger canned protein (ham, chicken, tuna)
o Toilet paper/Kleenex
o Shampoo, body wash, deodorant, feminine hygiene
o Instant coffee
YOUTH NITES │ THURSDAY │6:00 – 8:30 PM
Please find below the links for the next 2 weeks for youth nites:
April 20th link: https://www.jotform.com/build/212006775818256.
April 27th link - https://www.jotform.com/build/221855720072250. If there are any questions about youth nites, contact our youth nite worker Ashley Holman Ashley can be reached at ash.holman77@gmail.com or 306-307- 5735.
HOMEWORK│TUESDAY│4:00 – 5:30 PM │GUC
Homework Club is for students grade 7-12. Students from all schools are welcome and they are provided with a warm meal. We are looking for teachers or people interested in tutoring to help with the students. If you have any questions please contact Allison Weaver 780-872-9861 or Brenda Ellison 780-871-4791.
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
Generous people live expectantly, freeing their gifts for resurrection miracles that bring hope into the world.
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
April 23 – Transfer of Membership Sunday
April 30 – Holy Humour Sunday – Brief Congregational Meeting
May 7 - Camp Sunday
May 14 – Baptism Sunday
FOODGRAINS PRESENTATION |APRIL 18|12:00 – 1:30 PM|GUC
Join us for a lunch & learning about our work to help end global hunger! Presentation by Mary Obiero (Church World Service) regarding the humanitarian crisis in Kenya, and how response efforts are making a difference. Please RSVP to gucbevthurlow@gmail.com if you are interested in attending. All are welcome to join in this unique learning opportunity. Lunch is included and donations will be accepted.
REGIONAL GATHERING|MAY 4-7|CAMROSE, AB
Looking to grow your faith, and better understand the Northern Spirit Region and United Church of Canada? Please speak to Rev. Cathy about attending the event. Hotel, registration, food, and mileage will be covered.
SALAD SMORG |MAY 5|11:00 AM -1:00 PM|GUC HALL
Grace United Church Spring Salad Smorg will take place Friday May 5, 2023 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Tickets are $20.00 each and are available at the church office or Sunday before and after church.
HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
Looking for a unique and rewarding experience for your family? Try hosting an international high school student for our 5-month and 10-month programs. We are looking for families to host students from France, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Japan and Thailand this September 2023. Host families provide a home away from home for the international students and are an integral part of the experience, offering students an opportunity to become a member of the family, while supporting the students and helping to introduce them to local activities and daily life. If you are interested in hosting an international high school student or would like to learn more about YES Canada’s homestay program, please contact Laura Maroukis directly at 416-623-6220 ex 410 or email homestay@youthedservices.ca or visit www.youthedservices.ca for more information.
As beloved children of God, all are included in the life and ministry of the Grace Family
where diversity is celebrated. Grace remembers, as we celebrate God’s presence in worship, Grace United Church gathers on Treaty 6 land, the traditional territory of the Plains, Wood Cree, Assiniboine and Métis peoples. As Treaty people, we seek to live with respect on this land and live in peace and friendship with all our relations.
Administrative Support - Ashley Barber 780-875-8959 gucoffice22@gmail.com
Treasurer - Lynda Campbell 306-821-2575 blbcampbell@gmail.com
Playschool Coordinator - Lori Haygarth 780-808-0959 dannyandlori@telus.net
Choir Director - Karen Fawcett 780-875-4642 karenfawcett@hotmail.com
Affirming Support Worker - Jenson Brown 780-875-8959 gucjensonbrown@gmail.com
Minister - Rev Cathy Kinsman 1-204-294-2142 gucminister@telus.net
Board Chair - Darrel Howell 780-870-1671 dhhowell@telus.net
Executive Director - Bev Thurlow 780-875-8959 gucbevthurlow@gmail.com