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THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

William Black Pastoral Charge

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As we gather to worship, let us pause to remember that in this region we live, work and worship on lands that are the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. May we live with respect on this land and live in peace with its people.

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Mission Statement

We are together to embrace one another fully as a people of God, to support each other, and to be witnesses to the love of Christ within our communities.

 

Worship Leader, Rev. Donald MacPherson

Organists, John Montgomerie / Wendy Large

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Sunday March 14, 2024

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“WITH A CAREFUL, TOUCH”

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Reflective Thought - “We need the tonic of wildness—to wade sometimes in marshes where the bittern and the meadow-hen lurk and hear the booming of the snipe; to smell the whispering sedge where only some wilder and more solitary fowl builds her nest, and the mink crawls with its belly close to the ground. At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be infinitely wild, un-surveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.” —Henry David Thoreau

 

 

WE GATHER AS GOD'S PEOPLE

(The Music Prelude is the invitation for silent reflection as we quiet our hearts and minds for worship.)

*Denotes standing in body and/or spirit.

 

Lighting of the Christ Candle

Welcome

 

COMMUNITY TIME

 

Sharing Peace, Blessings, Remembrance

Ecumenical Prayer Cycle: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia

 

Organ Prelude

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*Call to Worship

 

L  Open our spirits to the budding life that is such a gift of God, Who creates all that is.

 

P  We lift our voices into the song of life in this season of northern awakening. We bring to this worship our joy and amazement.

 

L  Indeed, lift up our voices into the song of this magnificent creation! With profound thanksgiving we worship our Creator on this Earth Sunday.  

 

All     With careful hands and spirits we come to worship today. We honour all life that is the dream of God. With great wonder we offer our thanks. 

 

*Prayer of Gathering

Holy One, You breathe Your Spirit into this spring season, renewing life all about us. Touch us ever so gently that we too might touch Your creation gently. Help us to be amazed by the beauty all about us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

*Hymn of Praise: VU#296 This Is God’s Wondrous World

 

Community Reflections (Earth Sunday)

“In This Moment- I was Amazed”

 

 

HEARING THE WORD

 

Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 40:12-31 Whose Creation? Pg. 701-02

*Psalm Selection: Psalm 148 VU#871 Let All Creation Bless the Lord

Gospel Readings: Luke 14:7-14 With Humility Pg1012

 

Hymn: MV82 Bathe Me in Your Light

                                

Reflection- WITH GENTLE SOULS and HANDS – LIVE!

Moment of Silence

 

*Theme Hymn: VU#307 Touch the Earth Lightly

 

                              WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD

 

Our Life and Work Together

Mission Moment

Sharing our Gifts

                                                                                   

*Song of Dedication: VU#541 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures high and low; give thanks to God in love made known:

Creator, Word and Spirit, One.

 

Prayer of Dedication (in unison)

Holy God Who creates all that is, touch us with Your gift of wonder on this Earth Sunday. May our offerings reflect our love and care for Your creation. With careful gentle hearts we offer our souls into Your great work of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen

 

Prayers of the people, followed by the Lord’s Prayer

                

DEPARTURE

 

*The Hymn:VU#229 God of the Sparrow

Commissioning Benediction Sung

 

*VU# 429 May the Blessing of God Be upon You

May the blessing of God be upon you. May God’s love light all your way. May the grace of Christ enfold you and peace around you stay. May the Spirit of God dwell within you. May you live in joy each day.

 

Organ Postlude

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