August 20, 2023 – Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Order of Worship – Grace United Church
Worship led by: Colleen Groenen, Graci Haas, Pat Ribey, Marilyn Knowlson-Vermeulen, Garnet Weaver
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING
WELCOME
HYMN “We Are One” VU #402
Words: Doreen Lankshear-Smith 1988 Music: Jeeva Sam, 1987, arr. David Kai 1995
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
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
HYMN “Deep in Our Hearts” MV #154
Words: John Oldham, 1995 Music: Roin Klusmeier, 1996
CHILDREN’S TIME
HYMN “Jesus, Friend of Little Children” VU #340
Words: Walter John Mathams 1882 Music: Gerald Wheeler, 1969
PRAYER OF HEALING
Like Joseph, we don’t always understand why things happen the way they do.
Why our plans often fail, and because we find ourselves facing challenges after challenges and disappointment after disappointment.
Yet like Joseph, we continue to believe that you are always
at work in our lives and that you have a much larger plan and purpose for each of us.
Give us faith Lord, to trust in you no matter what challenges we face from day to day.
May we always have courage to place our dreams in your hands.
May we follow you without hesitation, knowing your presence goes with us.
(silent reflective prayer time offered)
WORDS OF GRACE AND COMFORT
God’s love is greater than our understanding. Even when we are not as forgiving as Joseph. Even when we find it hard to forgive when we do not feel forgiving. God’s love is still forgiving to us, continually to each and everyone of us each day. May we find Joseph forgiveness in us, today also, so that we can be followers of God’s love.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
SCRIPTURE READING
Genesis 45: 1-15- Joseph is reunited with his brothers
In this is God’s hope for the world. Thanks be to God!
MESSAGE
HYMN “Faith of our Fathers” VU #580
Words: Frederick W. Faber Music: Henri Frederick Hemy, 1864
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
OFFERING RESPONSE “Your Work, O God Needs Many Hands” VU #537
Words: Calvin Weiss Laufer, 1927 Music: Neil Dougall
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
HYMN “Walk With Me” VU #649
Words & Music: John S. Rice
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
CHORAL BENEDICTION “Amen” VU #967
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
What’s Happening This Week
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - HOLIDAYS AUG 22-30
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON FRIDAYS
August: Monday – Thursday 9 - 12
August 21
6:00 pm - CD Meeting
August 23
12:30 pm - Soup Trio
August 24
1:00 - 2:00pm - Outreach Cupboard
August 27
10:00 am - Worship
Outreach Shopping List
o Canned fruit
o Canned vegetables
o Granola Bars
o Cereal
o Instant oatmeal pkgs
o Pasta sauce
o Juice boxes
o Larger canned protein (Ham, chicken, tuna)
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
Caring for the financial health of your community of faith is not a sprint to be accomplished with one time of worship or one campaign. It is a marathon that is accomplished by developing relationships, expressing gratitude, and teaching generosity as a spiritual practice.
MORTGAGE BURNING CELEBRATION│SEPT 17
The Dedication will take place during the church service. Mortgage burning will take place following the service with an introduction of guests. Beef on a bun lunch will be served after the burning of the mortgage. Tickets are available at the office or Sundays in September before and after church. Tickets are $20.00 per person, 12 & under $10, 6 and under free with proceeds going towards Debentures.
UCW MEETING|AUGUST 28TH|11:30 AM |GUC
There will be a UCW general meeting in the church hall. This will be a potluck lunch and we will eat at 12:00 pm. All UCW members are welcome to join.
THANK YOU
A BIG thank you to all the VBS leaders, volunteers, and anyone who donated snacks, craft supplies,
and their time. We couldn’t have done it with out you. The children had so much fun going on the cosmic quest shinning Jesus’ light into the world, and blasting out-of-this world for adventures that was light years of faith building.