May 5, 2024 – Sixth Sunday of Easter

Order of Worship – Grace United Church  Worship led by the Grace Choir, Rev. George Mafuleka

and Rev Cathy Kinsman, Lois Sonnega and Garnet Weaver

GOD CALLS US TOGETHER

GATHERING                                                     

WELCOME

*HYMN                                               “He Leadeth Me”                                                      VU #657 

 Words and Music: Joseph Henry Gilmore and William Bachelder Bradbury, 1862

 WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD

CANDLE LIGHTING              “In the Quiet Stillness of Home” Words and Music – Gladys Jack

CENTERING PRAYER

 CHILDREN’S TIME                                                                                              Rev. Cathy Kinsman

 SONG                                       “Beloved Let’s Love One Another”                                                             

Words and Music: Maranantha Kids Praise Songs

 PRAYER OF HEALING (Adapted and used with permission from Celebrate God’s presence 2000 pg36).

From self-righteousness that will not compromise,

and from selfishness that gains from manipulation of others,

deliver us, O God.

From the lust for money or power that drives to kill,

deliver us O God.

From the arrogance and thoughtlessness that abuses your good creation,

deliver us, O God.

From trusting in the weapons of war, and mistrusting the councils of peace,

deliver us, O God.

From hearing, believing, and speaking lies about other nations,

 deliver us, O God.

From suspicions and fears that stand in the way of reconciliation,

deliver us, O God.

From Words and deeds that encourage discord, perpetuate racist assumptions, sexist stereotypes, and classist attitudes; from everything that contributes to oppression,

deliver us, O God. Amen.

 (Silent prayer-reflection or meditation

WORDS OF COMFORT AND GRACE

The proof of God’s amazing love is this:

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

So, with confidence, I say to you:

In God’s great mercy, receive forgiveness from your sin.

Thanks be to God.

THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US

The Gospel according to John 15:7-17 – Love one another as I have loved you.

This is God’s Holy Word.   Thanks be to God.

 MESSAGE                                                                                                               Rev. George Mafuleka

 SPECIAL MUSIC                            “Sisters Let Us Walk Together”                                      

Words and music:  Judith Snowdon, 2004

GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND

OFFERING INVITATION

SUNG RESPONSE                           “What Can I Do?”                                                            MV #191

Words and Music: Paul Rumbolt and Michele McCarthy; arr. Alan C. Whitmore, 2005

OFFERING PRAYER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE - Lord’s Prayer Sung Version                                             VU #959              

WE GO OUT IN FAITH

HYMN                                     “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go”                                              VU #658

Words and music: George Matheson and Albert Lister Peace,

ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

 BLESSING

SUNG BENEDICTION                        “May the God of Peace”                                         MV #224

Words and Music: traditional song, Benin; English trans. S T Kimbrough, Jr., 2004

Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission.  One License #A-7252