August 27, 2023 – Thirteenth 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 “God, We Praise you for the Morning” vs 1-4 VU #415
Words: Jim & Jean Strathdee Music: Jim Strathdee
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 “River Running in You and Me” vs 1-3 MV #163
Words & Music: Ian Macdonald & Gordon Light
CHILDREN’S TIME
**HYMN “River Running in You and Me” vs 4-5 MV # 163
Words & Music: Ian Macdonald & Gordon Light
PRAYER OF HEALING
Like the Egyptians who had power yet feared those oppressed
by it,
we admit there are times when we do not recognize the
power and privilege you have given us.
We can be ruthless closing our eyes to the possibilities of
transformation within our neighbourhoods, nation, and world.
We lack creativity and throw up our hands in frustration.
We confess we have not always been willing to risk,
going against the powers of our world to enable life to thrive.
We’ve denied using our gifts.
Forgive us.
Show us the hidden blessings floating through the rivers of our fatigue and despair.
Embolden us to resist the oppression that may be commanded
or expected.
We pray now, forgive and heal us from our faithless ways.
(silent reflective prayer time offered)
WORDS OF GRACE AND COMFORT
God is the midwife of our lives.
God does not abandon us, even when we abandon each
other. God is our rescuer.
Thanks be to God for forgiving, embracing,
loving and renewing all.
In this, we find grace and comfort. Amen.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
SCRIPTURE READING Exodus 1:8 – 2:10 – Baby Moses is adopted
In this is God’s hope for the world. Thanks be to God!
MESSAGE
*HYMN “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness” Vs. 1,2,4 VU #375
Words & Misoc: James K. Manley
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
*OFFERING INVITATION
OFFERING PRAYER
*SUNG RESPONSE “What Can I Do?” Vs. 1,2,4 MV# 191
Words & Music: Paul Rumbolt and Michele McCarthy
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
*SPECIAL MUSIC “Panis Angelicus” Chloe Jones
Cesar Franck
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
*CHORAL BENEDICTION “Praise God for This Holy Ground” Vs 3,5 MV #42
Words & Music: John Bell
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
What’s Happening This Week
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
August: Monday – Thursday 9 - 12
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON FRIDAYS
August 29
Fish & Game Meeting - 7:30 pm
August 30
Mortgage Burning Meeting - 2:30-3:30 pm
Central Board Meeting - 6:00 pm
August 31
Worship Meeting - 9:00 am
Outreach Cupboard - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Sept 3
Worship – Baptism - 10:00 am
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
Sharing ourselves as members of the Body of Christ, is an act of generosity
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,
that 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.
Playschool Coordinator - Lori Haygarth 780-808-0959 gucplayschool@graceunitedchurch.ca
Treasurer - Lynda Campbell 306-821-2575 guctreasurer@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