October 1, 2023 – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Order of Worship – Grace United Church
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
Worship led by Grace Choir, Rev. Cathy Kinsman, Kim Drury and Garnet Weaver
The children will begin their morning with Sunday School
and join the congregation when it is time for Communion to be served.
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING
WELCOME
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home” Gladys Jack
CENTERING PRAYER
CHILDREN’S TIME
SONG “Water Flowing from the Mountains” MV #87
Words & Music: Jim Hannah 2003
(Children will leave for Sunday School after this song)
PRAYER OF HEALING
Steadfast God, as the seasons change,
we see that you are still at work in the world, transforming hearts and situations.
You have shown us the true face of power,
reaching out with healing and hope to touch desperate lives around the globe.
We celebrate your love that works for reconciliation,
among neighbours and nations in this divided world.
May we imagine the face of Jesus as we break bread at this table.
Help us to offer in silent prayer,
the past wrongs which keep us separated from you and each other.
Renew our hope and wholeness by the gift of your Spirit at work among us, through prayer.
(Silent prayer/reflection)
WORDS OF GRACE AND COMFORT
Hear the good news! Wrestle with the good news!
We will find our way through the Spirit, to believe and live out the good news.
God offers the world grace and comfort.
In Jesus Christ, there is forgiveness and renewing grace for all.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
Old Testament – Exodus 17:1-17 – Water flows from the rock for thirsty people
In this is God’s hope for the world. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
*HYMN “When We Gather at the Table” MV #198
Words: Janie Alford Music: Thomas John Williams
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
The children will enter the Sanctuary to receive Communion with their families.
HOLY COMMUNION IS SERVED
INVITATION
HOLY COMMUNION IS SERVED
INVITATION
(Used with permission; Seasons of the Spirit 2023A
Friends, we come to celebrate the joyful feast of the people of God.
We come to this table with people from all over the world,
siblings in Christ, to eat and drink.
We come to this table to be nourished and renewed
for the ongoing work of justice and love.
We come to taste and see how good God is.
CALL TO GIVE THANKS
God is with us. We are not alone.
Christ is present here. The Spirit is among us.
Let us give thanks to God, in memory and in hope.
THANKSGIVING PREFACE (Used with permission – Celebrate God’s Presence, 2000)
SONG OF CREATION
Holy, holy, holy God, Power of life and love!
Heaven and earth are full of your glory!
Hosanna through the ages!
Blest is the One who comes to bring your justice to earth!
REMEMBERING JESUS AT TABLE
On the night before Jesus died, he took bread, and after giving thanks to you,
He broke it, and gave it to those who sat with him, saying:
“Take, eat. This is my body broken for you. Do this in remembrance me.”
In the same way he took the cup, saying:
This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,
shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.
Whenever you drink of it, do this in remembrance of me.”
PRAYER OF SELF-GIVING
At this table we will be renewed with Christians around the globe
to live more and more fully, into the goodness of God.
As we drink from the cup and loaf we share.
Though we might not be in the same room, we witness to the power of this amazing story passed down from generation to generation to remind each of God’s glorious deeds.
We come together into the ebb and flow of faith where quarrels might be louder than our praise, and doubts may overshadow our hope to create this space again.
PRAYER FOR TRANSFORMATION
May you spirit, be with us, O Holy One,
enlivening us and increasing our ability to always choose your love over all our fears.
May this meal increase our wonder in all your amazing ways as we remember another time,
not unlike our own, when the future was unknown,
and disciples gathered at a table in an upper room…
SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP
The bread of tomorrow. The cup of new life.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Come, for now all things are ready.
COMMUNAL PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Gracious and loving God,
you have made us one in the Body of Christ
and nourished us at your table with holy food and drink.
Now send us forth to be your people in the world.
Grant us strength to persevere in resisting evil,
to proclaim in all we are and do, your Good News in Christ Jesus our Saviour. Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC “At the Table of the Lord” Grace Choir
OFFERING INVITATION
SUNG RESPONSE “For the Fruit of All Creation” (Vs 1 Only) VU #227
Words: Fred Pratt Green Music: Welsh folk melody
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
HYMN “You are Holy” (Vs 2 freedom, Vs. 3 justice) MV #45
Words & Music: Traditional song, South Africa
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
CHORAL BENEDICTION Grace Choir Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
What’s Happening This Week
Oct 2
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Souper 5
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Handbells
6:45 pm - 7:30 pm - Beginner Handbells
Oct 3
4:15 pm - 5:00 pm - Meri-dian Ukuleles
Oct 4
10:30 am - 12:30 pm - Senior Luncheon
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Kidz Praize
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Groovin with Grace
Oct 5
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Outreach Cupboard
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Youth Nite
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Choir
Oct 6
7:30 am - Men’s Breakfast - Cora’s
Oct 8
10:00 am - Worship
Outreach Shopping List
o Canned fruit
o Canned vegetables
o Granola Bars
o Cereal
o Instant oatmeal pkgs
o Juice boxes
o Larger canned protein (Ham, chicken, tuna)
HANDBELLS FOR BEGINNERS
Have you ever wanted to try ringing handbells, but don’t feel you have the musical background or knowledge to jump into a full rehearsal. How about taking in our 4-week introduction to handbells? No prior musical knowledge or experience is needed! There is no commitment to join the Grace Celebration Ringers! You just gain an understanding of what it takes to ring a bell.
Dates: Mondays, October 2, 16, 23, 30 (should attend all 4 weeks)
Time: 6:45-7:30 PM
Place: GUC Sanctuary
To access this opportunity, contact Brenda Ellison at brenda.ellison36@gmail.com
GRACE CELEBRATION RINGERS
Come on Ring Those Bells! GUC’s Handbell Choir will be resuming rehearsals in October. This group is open to anyone 12 or older who can read music or has completed the beginner handbell 4-week course. The ringers take part in worship, perform at GUC concerts, and on occasion travel outside the church to perform for others. Rehearsals will begin on Monday, October 2, from 5:30 to 6:30. Contact Brenda at brenda.ellison36@gmail.com if you would like to try ringing a bell.
THANK YOU
Mission & Service would like to give a big shout out to everyone for the kind donation of $551.55 this past Super Sunday.
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
The power of God’s generosity is stronger than you know. You have the opportunity to wield this power when you give to help others.
AFFIRMING MINISTRY|WED, OCT. 11|6:30 - 8:30PM |BOARDROOM
The Grace United Church Affirming Team is excited to announce that we will be offering a Safe Space workshop for our leadership personnel (Central Board, Staff and Committee leadership) in order to continue our commitment to being a Safe Space for 2SLGBTQQIAAP individuals and their families within our community.
This training provided in the workshop centers around building understanding of the 2SLGBTQQIAAP community by guiding participants through activities and discussions designed to deconstruct misunderstandings surrounding harmful stereotypes found in our society, define the terminology in the acronym, introduce the concept of Heteronormativity inherent in western society and culture, and ask participants to consider what it means to have cisgender-privilege and straight-privilege. It also provides information and understanding about what it is like for individuals to "come out", and suggestions of how to react/respond in the moment if someone comes-out to you.
Space is limited to a maximum of 20 participants for this workshop. To register as a participant, please contact either Jenson Brown, Affirming Support Worker at gucjensonbrown@gmail.com, or Rev. Cathy at gucminister@graceunitedchurch.ca. We look forward to all of the leadership team participating in this amazing opportunity!
GRACE UNITED CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY COMING
Noyce Photography is offering family photos for the Grace United Church Directory! The Grace United Church Directory Family Portrait session is $49 including GST. Your session is 10 minutes long and is limited to one family per booking. It includes one pose and 2 sheets of photos printed while you wait. The sheets of photos can be printed as 1- 8x10, 2- 5x7’s, 4- 4x5’s or 9 wallets. Additional sheets & digital files can be purchased when booking your session. If you order a digital file it is emailed to you the following day. We require your permission when booking to use your family photo in the Grace United Church Directory. We have booked October 14 from 10-4, October 15 from 12-4, October 17 from 4-8, October 18 from 4-8, October 19 from 3-8, and October 20 from 3-8 for you to book your session. All photos will be taken in the Hall. Click on the link https://NoycePhotographySessions.as.me/GUCDirectory to book your session. If you have any questions or trouble with the link, please let Bev know in the office.
Noyce Photography is excited to provide this service and is looking forward to photographing your family! Thank you!
EXPLORING THE WAY – SMALL GROUP INTRODUCTION TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION|TUES OCT 10 – NOVEMBER 28
Introductory gathering - Tuesday, October 10th – 6:45 – 7:45 p.m.
Regular group October 17, 24 – 6:45 – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 1 - 6:45 - 9:00 p.m; Tuesday Nov, 7, 14, 21 - 6:45 - 9:00 p.m.
November 28th Wrap Up Session – 6 - 9:00 p.m.
Please speak to Rev. Cathy or sign friendship form to let us know of your interest.
UPCOMING WEEKS IN WORSHIP
October 8 – Thanksgiving Sunday worship
Deuteronomy 8:7-18 – God will bring you to a bountiful land
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.
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
Playschool Coordinator - Lori Haygarth 780-808-0959 gucplayschool@graceunitedchurch.ca
Treasurer - Lynda Campbell 306-821-2575 guctreasurer@graceunitedchurch.ca