Welcome to Grace United Church
We are glad you have come to worship! If this is your first time at Grace United, please sign the friendship form located in the church pew. If you are from out of town, church-shopping or came with a friend who calls Grace home, come along for coffee and conversation after worship; a cup and chair are waiting for you! Please note:
Busy Bags are available for children (ages 0-11) at the church entrance way.
We are a scent-free congregation. Please consider this when dressing for church.
Please put your cell phone on silent.
Large print “More Voices” available. Please inquire with an usher.
February 4, 2024 – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Order of Worship – Grace United Church
Worship led by Grace Choir, Grace Ringers, Rev. Cathy Kinsman, Lois Sonnega and Garnet Weaver
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING
WELCOME
*HYMN “Arise, Your Light Is Come” (Grace Ringers Descant) VU #79
Words: Ruth Duck Music: William H. Walker
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home”
Words & Music: Gladys Jack
CENTERING PRAYER
CHILDREN’S TIME
*HYMN “Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands” VU #570
Words: Margaret Cooper Music: Old French melody, harm Carlton R. Young
PRAYER OF HEALING
Draw us into a moment of quiet now as we remember our own frailty.
We acknowledge to you God what has been difficult in our last few days.
The things we have done, the significant things we have left undone.
The wrong paths taken, the opportunities missed.
Take us by the hand, lift us to healing, so we too might begin to serve again.
As we pray, we bring whatever ails us and keeps us from serving You,
(Silent prayer/reflection)
WORDS OF GRACE & COMFORT
In receiving grace and comfort, you know the touch of Christ;
in giving, you offer the hand of Christ.
Thanks be to God for the peace of Christ offered! Amen.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
PSALM 147:2-11, 20c – God heals the broken-hearted. “Everyday Psalms – James Taylor
We are the refugees.
Our homes and spirits have been destroyed.
Across the earth we have fled seeking asylum.
God gathered us together and gave us a second chance.
We the sick, the infirm, the elderly.
God gave us nurses, medicines, and health insurance to cover the costs that would have crushed us.
We are the students, the scientists, the scholars.
The more we explore our universe,
the more the mysteries we encounter fill us with awe.
We are the poor, the oppressed, the people at the bottom of the pile.
We see the powerful and mighty come tumbling down,
betrayed by their own corruption.
How can you see all this and doubt the power of God?
If God can make the rain fall, the grass grow, the rivers run, and the sun shine,
if God can balance the needs of nature so that both lion and lamb can live,
then surely God can also affect human life.
We are not well-dressed or privileged; we are not wealthy or important.
But God does not judge by appearances.
God is not impressed by titles and positions,
nor influenced by fitness levels or cosmetic beauty.
In the eyes of God, a pauper matters as much as a priest,
a person on social assistance as much as the prime minister.
What matters is how well we hear God, and how much we care for each other.
God does things differently. Thank God.
NEW TESTAMENT - MARK 1:29-39 – Simon’s mother-in-law and others are healed.
In this is God’s hope for the world. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
*HYMN “God of the Bible” MV #28
Words: Shirley Erena Murray Music: Tony E. Alonso
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
SUNG RESPONSE “What Can I Do” MV #191
Words & Music: Paul Rumbolt & Michelle McCarthy, arr: Alan C. Whitmore
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
*HYMN “May God’s Sheltering Wings” MV #214
Words and Music: Judith Snowdon
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
CHORAL BENEDICTION “Halle, Halle, Halle” VU #958
Words: Trad. Liturgical text Music: Anon, arr. The Iona Community
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
What’s Happening This Week
February 5
1:00 pm – Souper 5
February 6
10:00 am – Pastoral Care Meeting
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Homework Club
February 7
10:30 am – 12:30 pm – Seniors Luncheon
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Kidz Praize
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Groovin with Grace
February 8
9:00 am – Ministry & Personnel Meeting
9:30 am – Book Club
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Outreach Cupboard
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm - Choir
February 11
10:00 am – Worship
11:30 am – Shrove Pancake Lunch
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Anglican Church Booking
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Edwards Recital
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm – GUC Playschool
Outreach Shopping List
o Canned fruit
o Canned vegetables
o Granola Bars
o Cereal
o Juice boxes
o Larger canned protein
(Ham, chicken, tuna)
**We are in dire need of canned fruit and veggies.
COOKING WITH GRAMMA HAZEL, GRANDMA BARB &TAMI
Happy New Year! We are back to cooking in the kitchen. Gramma Hazel, Gramma Barb and Tami Kappel will be tuning in via Grace United Church on Facebook, Feb 6th at 10:00 am to cook. This week the recipe will be Chicken Pot Pie. One of the favorites from our Meals n More cookbook. These are the ingredients you will need to purchase:
2 cups potatoes, peeled 1 ¾ cup carrots, sliced
½ cup butter 1 medium onion, chopped
½ cup flour salt & pepper
1 tsp thyme 3 cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups milk 4 cups cooked chicken, cubed
1 cup frozen peas 1 cup frozen corn
Please tune in on Feb 13th for more Facebook live presentations and recipes.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER ½MAR 1½11:45 AM½SALVATION ARMY CHURCH
World Day of Prayer will be held Friday, March 1 at the Salvation Army Church (2302 53 Avenue). Lunch will follow the service.
WORSHIP IN THE UPCOMING WEEKS
February 11 – Transfiguration Sunday – 10:00 am – Shrove Tuesday on Sunday – Pancake Lunch after worship.
Mark 9: 2-9 – The Transfiguration of Jesus
February 14 – Ash Wednesday, Lenten Lunch – 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Lenten Service – 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
February 18 – Lent 1 – Communion Sunday – 10:00 am
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
Healing was one of Jesus gifts. Much gratitude for all those who care and heal, whether professionally or to family and friends. Sharing your energy, skill and time is noble and necessary.
OFFERING ENVELOPES
Capital Reserve and Future Development donations are listed on one line. If donating to either of those causes, please circle the one you would like to donate to. Charitable receipts are ready to be picked as of Monday, January 22, 2024.
LEGACY GIFT FUND APPLICATION | DEADLINE: MARCH 1
Just a reminder to everyone that the next deadline for applying for a grant is March 1, 2024.
Information on Legacy Gift Grants is available on the GUC website and in the office. We look forward to receiving your grant applications.
LESSONS OF RACISM LEARNED WHEN YOUNG
The name calling started when she was about three years old. Credit: Jacob Lund (Canva)
Published On: January 12, 2024
The following is an excerpt from a blog written by Adele Halliday. Your Mission and Service gifts support anti-racism programs and initiatives like the ones Halliday develops as the United Church’s Anti-Racism and Equity Lead to help all of us be in deeper, more equitable relationships with one another.
The name calling started when she was about three years old. They were racial slurs, and names, and taunts. My child, my own flesh and blood, was being ostracized for having Black skin. The people slinging the insults? Other children on the playground….
She may not have necessarily always understood the particular terms that they used, but she knew that they were related to her Blackness and her racial identity. And this deeply wounded her tender heart….
Despite all our intentional modelling, teaching, and proactive actions, our child is still already developing internalized racism and inferior notions of herself.
The children who were taunting her were offering explicit and overt notions of racism, but they were children! They had not even started primary school! And yet, the children had already learned behaviour (at home, or elsewhere in society) that Whiteness is superior. And, they had the audacity to vocalize that to an innocent little child….
This is in part why I am so deeply committed to dismantling racism in all its forms—racism is damaging and destructive for all people in society. It reinforces negative notions for people of colour. I live it in a particular way because of my own racial identity, as a Black person who has lived with racial injustice my entire life.
The systemic nature of racism is something that cannot be ignored…. This effort to overcome racism is a continuous effort. And I am committed to this work for the long haul.
I hope that you will be too.
Please take the time to read Halliday’s full blog post about her experience.
HELP NEEDED!!!
Good day everyone! In preparation for Reverend George's arrival, there are a few things we still need for George and his family. Here are our needs:
Cutlery for the kitchen Tea towels
Bedding for the queen bed Drinking glasses
Queen size bed frame with box spring and mattress One more set of bunk beds
Twin bedding for the bunk beds Bath towels
Dressers for the kids rooms (one per room) Bath Mat
Double bed size bedding Booster seat for a 4 year old
As you can see we have a way to go yet to fill our house for this beautiful family headed our way very soon.
Thank you everyone, Please contact Yvonne Dunn at ycdunn@shaw.ca or 306-821-7223, or Bev at the office. John Mitio at jmitio@outlook.com or 587-217-1859, is willing to help out with the larger items if you need beds or dressers picked up and taken to the house.
An Opportunity to Share Your Gifts and Talents
Would you like to be more involved in your church? There are many ways you can serve Grace United; one way is to join a committee. If this interests you, please contact the chair of the committee or Karen Ollen email: karenollen56@gmail.com
Worship Committee
Purpose: To work closely with the Ministry Personnel to ensure that meaningful worship opportunities will be provided for the people of the congregation. (Responsibilities are: supporting baptism, communion and greeters)
The meetings are held the third Thursday of each month.
They are looking for two more people to join them as well as one representative from UCW to sit on this committee. Contact: Chair Alice Robinson email: a1drland@telus.net
Christian Development Committee
Purpose: To plan a Christian Development program for the entire congregation on the church.
The meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month.
They are always looking for more people to help teach Sunday School. Contact: Chair Rheanne Sheppard email: rheannethakeray@hotmail.com
Ministry and Personnel Committee
Purpose: To facilitate the harmonious work of the staff and congregation.
The meetings are held the second Thursday of the month.
There is one position open. Contact: Chair Trevor Gilby email: trevor.gilby@shieldwireline.ca
Legacy Gifts Committee
Purpose: To disburse money in the form of grants from the Legacy Gift Fund.
The meetings are held approximately 6 times per year on the second Tuesday of the month.
They are looking for two more people to join their committee. Contact: Chair Donna Arie email: donna.arie@hotmail.com
Property & Maintenance Committee
Purpose: To be responsible for the care and maintenance of the church facilities and property.
The meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month.
They would like to have two more people on the committee. Contact: Chair Brian Robinson email: brirob@sasktel.net
Church In Society
Purpose: To support the church’s mission of encouraging and enabling our congregation and our community to discover, accept and express the gospel of Jesus Christ through social action.
The meetings will not be announced until April.
They are looking for more people to start up this committee again. Contact: Dawn McKenzie Weinhandl email: weinhandlrd@shaw.ca
The Church Board is looking for a secretary. The board meetings are the 4th Wednesday of the month. This position involves recording and sending out minutes of the monthly meetings, sending out the agenda and reminders of meetings, sending out information to other committees. Contact: Chair Darrel Howell email: dhhowell@telus.net or Karen Ollen email: karenollen56@gmail.com
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.
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
Playschool Coordinator - Lori Haygarth 780-808-0959 gucplayschool@graceunitedchurch.ca
Executive Director - Bev Thurlow 780-875-8959 gucexecdirector@graceunitedchurch.ca
Treasurer - Lynda Campbell 306-821-2575 guctreasurer@graeunitedchurch.ca
Board Chair - Darrel Howell 780-870-1671 dhhowell@telus.net