CLOSING SERVICE - 1 PM
Prelude – James Brennan
Call to Worship – Rev. Janet Uren
God, whose creative glory we see in the rushing wind and the swirling waters,
and whose love is revealed in the smile of a child,
will remain with us.
God, whom we have discovered in the scriptures, and who has discovered us,
and who comes clear to us in Jesus and in the lives of the saints,
will remain with us.
God, whom we encounter in the worship and service of faith communities,
whose Spirit is within the pastoral caring and the justice-seeking of this church,
will remain with us.
God, gracefully known in the hard places of our earthly life’s journey,
and who laughs and celebrates joyfully with us here,
will remain with us.
God, who will be with us as this life ends,
who is with us in time and beyond time,
will remain with us.
Let us worship our loving and faithful God.
Significant Words from the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures –
Rev. Carolyn Tencamp
Words of certainty from the apostle Paul:
Neither death, nor life...nor things present, nor things to come…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38–39)
Words of compassion from the psalmist:
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
Words of adventure from Genesis:
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you...I will bless you, and make your name great.” (Genesis 12:1–2)
Words of thanksgiving from a gospel writer:
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God...He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. (Luke17:15–16)
The words of scripture are good words for us, words we can trust.
We thank God for God’s eternally relevant Word. Amen.
Opening Hymn – “How Great Thou Art” VU # 288; Family of God # 2
Great is thy faithfulness, God our Creator,
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou has been thou forever wilt be.
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[Refrain:]
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided --
great is thy faithfulness, ever to me!
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Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. [Refrain]
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow --
wondrous the portion thy blessings provide. [Refrain]
A Statement of Purpose – Rev. Janet Uren
We are gathered today to leave this church building which has been a faith community home for us. We are gathered to move on to other faith communities.
Litany of Thanksgiving – Rev. Janet Uren
Worship leader : The baptismal font, the communion table, the pulpit, this whole worship space, enable us to thankfully remember the countless services of worship and sacraments celebrated in this place, and to bring to mind the ministers and lay leaders who have led worship.
(time of silent remembering)
For this worship space, Loving God,
We give you thanks.
Board chair – Nancy Milburn: These pews and the worshippers here today are reminders of the congregations who have gathered over the years for the Sunday services, baptisms, weddings, and other celebrations that have taken place here.
(time of silent remembering)
For worshippers over the years, Loving God,
We give you thanks.
A Sunday school leader- Linda Koolen: Crafts, pictures, books, CDs, & Christmas-pageant clothes are reminders of the hundreds of students who over the years have begun their Christian journey in this place.
(time of silent remembering)
For wonder-full young persons, Loving God,
We give you thanks.
United Church Women – Phyllis Williamson: This coffee urn, angel food cakes and jellos bring to mind the many happy times of eating, learning, and working together.
(time of silent remembering)
For a caring and giving fellowship, Loving God,
We give you thanks.
‘In the Garden’ - John Uren
Choir member - Anne Frayne: This song ‘In The Garden’ reminds me of the congregation, the choir members, the organists, the pianists, and all the other musicians who have proclaimed their faith here in hymns and songs. Let’s quietly remember.
For voices in harmony, for voices united, Loving God,
We give you thanks.
Worship leader - Rev. Janet Uren: We come together with so many good and treasured memories, but with a strong sense of grief at saying farewell to this hallowed place. We come together, also, with great hope for continuing our life of faith at a new faith community.
For the life of this faith community which will continue on, Loving God,
We give you thanks.
Ministry through Music – James Brennan
Prayer of Approach – Rev. Dr. Kenji Marui
Eternal God,
God of the present time, of ages past and of all the ages that are to be,
we worship you.
Loving God,
God of the compassionate act and of selfless caring,
we welcome you.
God of the church,
who brings us together to worship, to learn, and to serve,
we respond to you.
God, whose will is revealed in Jesus Christ,
who proclaimed the just and sharing way,
who accepted the unaccepted,
and whose unswerving love took him to the cross,
we glorify you. Amen.
A Time of Remembering – Led by Rev. Dr. Kenji Marui
The following members share treasured memories.
Lloyd Thompson & Marion (Scott) Rawlings (Karen Rawlings)
Mark & Jeff Thompson
Emily Thompson
Nancy Milburn & Phyllis Williamson
McKenna Milburn & Blair/Ashley/Carrie
Anne Frayne
Diane Hales
Opening the Time Capsule –Original Premise
At the time of rebuilding the church in 1939, Elizabeth Thompson placed memorabilia in a cornerstone of the church building. This cornerstone was to be removed for us to see what was inside and the cornerstone replaced.
Now for the rest of the story…
Let us pray:
Loving God,
We offer you our memories of the Ravenswood faith community, so dear to our hearts.
We offer you the memories that we have heard.
We offer you the memories that we have expressed.
We offer you the memories that we keep deep within ourselves.
As you have blessed us in the listening and in the telling,
So you will bless us as we bring them to mind and share them in the coming days.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who told wonderful stories and shared his experience with his disciples. Amen.
Words of Assurance – Rick Boerkamp
God hears our deepest feelings of heart and mind and spirit and has heard you this morning/afternoon.
We will continue to offer these feelings as we let go this faith community.
God will continue to listen to us.
God will go with you in your new ventures of life and faith, God is eternally to be trusted.
God’s peace, which passes all knowledge and understanding, will be your peace.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Bible Reading – Rick Boerkamp
Ephesians 2:17–22 (One in Christ)
Hymn – “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” vs 1&2 VU # 664;
Family of God # 466
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
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Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
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Reflection – Rev. Sandra Fogarty
‘Hallelujah’ - John Uren
The Sacrament of Holy Communion – Rev. Janet Uren
Opening Prayer
I stand in the shadows in the centre of light.
Hear me; help me; hold me; tug me; teach me;
tend me; love me; lead me; lift me; God I love.
Following the path before me,
there I know God will show me my way. Amen.
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Invitation to Communion
All are welcome at this table; it is a table where everyone is a guest. ..
You may never have been here before,
or you may have been coming to a table like this all your life: it doesn't matter.
You are welcome here today.
It is Jesus who invites us to come and eat, to fill our hunger and quench our thirst to find new life in him.
So come, because you are welcome here.
Peace be with you;
and love to one another,
Christ Jesus is in the midst of us;
Jesus is and shall be.
The Lord be with you;
and also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to God.
Communion Hymn - “Let Us Break Bread Together"
VU # 480; Family of God # 564
Let us break bread together on our knees,
let us break bread together on our knees.
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[Refrain:]
When I fall down on my knees,
with my face to the rising sun,
Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.
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Let us drink wine together on our knees;
let us drink wine together on our knees. [Refrain]
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Let us praise God together on our knees;
let us praise God together on our knees. [Refrain]
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The Story of the Last Supper
Our brother Jesus walks with us on the road of life's journeys. He is known to us in the breaking of bread and the sharing of the cup.
Here's how it happened...
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And ever since that time, when the friends of Jesus gather, this is what they do: share bread and wine and remember him.
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The Gifts Shared
The body of Christ...
The cup of salvation...
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Post-Communion Prayer
Thank you God, for food to make our bodies strong.
Thank you God, for friends to make our lives worthwhile.
Thank you God, for Jesus who holds us in his heart.
May the memory of his meal be strength and joy for us always. Amen.
A Statement: The Church Is Closed
Minister- Rev. Janet Uren: Today we have celebrated with thanksgiving the life and work of the faith community of Ravenswood United. It has served as a witness to God’s presence for 157 years. It has provided refuge, comfort, and challenges for God’s people. It has served for generations the faithful people of this community.
Rev. Jane Van Patter—President Antler River Watershed Regional Council :This building, dedicated and named Ravenswood United together with the land on which it stands, and all objects remaining in it, we now commend to other purposes. We declare that as of June 26th, 2022 it is no longer the place of meeting of a congregation of The United Church of Canada.
A Prayer of Moving on in Faith – Pastor Sandra Cable
When the chosen people left the land of Egypt for the uncertainty of the wilderness,
You, O God, went with them. You inspired and directed Moses and the people to the Promised Land.
You will be with us now as we move on.
When the prophets knew for certain that the old values and traditions would no longer serve your purpose, nor bring closer your realm,
You, O God, showed the doubters a new way, and revealed fresh opportunities to the closed-minded.
Ever-faithful God, you will be with us as we move on.
When Jesus realized that the trusted structures and the traditional leaders could no longer serve your purpose, when Jesus knew it was time for a change,
You, O God, were at the heart of his ministry, you sustained him all the way to the cross.
We move on to fresh ways of worship,
We move on to serve in other church/new faith communities.
We move on to work with new partners to build up the life of the United Church and of the whole church of Jesus Christ.
With you, we move on to strive for justice and peace in our local community and throughout the world with the Mission and Service Fund.
We move on to sing the familiar hymns with familiar friends,
With you we move on to sing new songs with new friends. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer - Jim Brennan
A New Creed – Jim Brennan
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God
Hymn – “In the Bulb There Is a Flower” VU # 703
In the bulb there is a flower;
in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise:
butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter
there's a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
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There's a song in every silence,
seeking word and melody;
there's a dawn in every darkness,
bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future;
what it holds, a mystery,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
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In our end is our beginning;
in our time, infinity;
in our doubt there is believing;
in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection;
at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
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Commissioning – Rev. Janet Uren
God remains with us,
Though we let go of our cherished place.
God remains with us,
Though we sing new songs and worship in new ways.
God remains with us,
Though we serve in different ways and pursue different causes.
God remains with us,
Though we find new friends in our new congregation.
God’s love remains with us,
God’s justice will inspire us,
God’s realm will call us to action.
God is eternally for you and with you.
Thanks be to God!
Blessing – Rev. Janet Uren
God of Ruth the adventurer,
Be with us.
God of Jesus, fearless and faithful one,
Be with us.
Holy Spirit, forming and reforming faith community,
Be with us.
Invitation & Grace— come, share in ‘A Time of Fellowship’ at the Forest Legion following the service. Your requested copy of ‘The History of Ravenswood United Church’ produced by Margaret Thompson can be picked up at the Forest Legion after the service. Let us pray…
Postlude – James Brennan
Thank you to all of our guests who participated in today’s service:
Rev. Janet Uren
Rev. Carolyn Tencamp
Rev. Sandra Fogarty
Rev. Dr. Kenji Marui
Pastor Sandra Cable
James Brennan
Rick Boerkamp
Rev. Jane Van Patter, President, Antler River Watershed Regional Council
Ravenswood Congregation
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WEEKLY WORSHIP JUNE 19, 2022 Father’s Day
Greeting
God is ever-present with us on this wonderful morning. Happy Father’s Day!
May the love of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Lighting the Christ Candle
The light of Christ shines around and within us at all times. As the Christ candle is lit, we are reminded of the presence of Christ with us, during worship this morning.
Call to Worship
We all have them: maybe beside us, maybe far away, maybe location is unknown;
maybe unapproachable, maybe our best friend forever;
maybe loved, or maybe not so much.
Dads.
But there’s one Dad who always loves us, one we can rely on and always talk to, one who is never too busy…
That’s God!
Let’s worship our God with joy this day.
(Kate Gregory, Belwood, ON)
Opening Prayer
Abba, Daddy, Loving Father, Holy Creator, thanks for inviting us, welcoming us, loving us. We open our arms for your embrace. We open our hearts for your love. We open our minds for your instruction. We open our lives for your presence. We come to laugh, to sing, to love, to build ever-deeper relationships with you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
*Hymn of Praise VU 240 Praise, My Soul the God of Heaven
Praise, my soul, the God of heaven;
glad of heart your carols raise;
ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven
who, like me, should sing God's praise?
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise the Maker all your days!
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Praise God for the grace and favour
shown our forebears in distress;
God is still the same forever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless:
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Sing our Maker's faithfulness!
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Like a loving parent caring,
God knows well our feeble frame;
gladly all our burdens bearing,
still to countless years the same.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
All within me, praise God's name!
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Frail as summer's flower we flourish,
blows the wind and it is gone;
but, while mortals rise and perish,
God endures unchanging on.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praise the high eternal one.
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Angels, teach us adoration,
you behold God face to face;
sun and moon and all creation,
dwellers all in time and space.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praise with us the God of grace!
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Scripture Readings
Hebrew Scriptures Genesis 18:1-15
Responsive, Reading Psalm 116
New Testament 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Hear what the scripture is saying to the church.
Thanks be to God!
*Children’s Hymn VU 235 O Worship the King
O worship the King all glorious above,
O gratefully sing God's power and God's love;
our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendour and girded with praise.
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O tell of God's might! O sing of God's grace,
whose robe is the light; whose canopy space;
whose chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
and broad is God's path on the wings of the storm.
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The earth with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, your power has founded of old;
has stablished it fast by a changeless decree,
and round it has cast, like a mantle, the sea.
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Your bountiful care what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.
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Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
in you do we trust, nor find you to fail;
your mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.
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Prayer of Confession
O God from whom all blessings flow: Lead us by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit to think those things which are right, and enable us by the power of your love to do them. We confess the ease with which we hurt one another; the ease with which we turn our backs on the hurt of the world. We confess that so often we seek our own security over the common good.
Enable us to feel and know true sisterly/brotherly care within one family. Encourage us to be the community of your people, the Body of Christ in the world. Amen.
Words of Assurance
The God who challenges us is also the God who encourages us. The God who confronts us is also the God who accepts us. Be assured that God is with us even now, accepting, guiding, and forgiving.
Gospel Reading Matthew 9:35-10:8
This is the Good News of Jesus the Christ.
Praise be to God!
*Hymn VU 400 Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place.
Lord, listen to your children praying,
send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace.
Prayer of Illumination
Loving God, you speak to us in the song of a bird, in the babbling of a brook, in the voices of our friends, in the hugs from our dad, in the songs we sing and in the stories of the Bible. Speak to us now in the readings of the scriptures. Help us to hear your voice and follow the way of Jesus. Amen.
Message
A man happened to marry a lady who did not share his zest, zeal, passion, and enthusiasm for the baked sweet potato. It isn’t that she dislikes them. She could take them or leave them. The man just couldn’t understand how this could happen, especially to him.
On the other hand, his wife’s indifference to the baked sweet potato had a positive benefit. When the man arrived home and opened the door, he became quite excited to be hit with what was a tantalizing and delicious aroma of the baked sweet potato.
Because—when this happened, he knew his wife had been to the grocery store and had been thinking of him, when she brought the potato home it was for him. When she washed it, it was just for him.
When she put it in the oven, again, it was because she was thinking of him. The reason is obvious he thought—she is baking the sweet potato because of her love for me!
Yes, love is a baked sweet potato, which in a nutshell, it is simply one of hundreds of little things loving mates do for each other on a daily basis.
It is difficult to read 1 Corinthians 13:2-13 without thinking of beautiful white gowns, tuxedos to compliment the bride’s dress, extravagant bouquets and unity candles, along with other paraphernalia and practices ---that present the most romantic marriage to all who attend the ceremony.
How surprised Paul would be to discover that his most challenging and grace-filled ‘ode to love’ ---has become a staple of secular and quasi-religious marriage ceremonies! It is not surprising however, given the absence of any reference to God or Jesus the Christ, in the text itself.
It is up to us to place this scripture ---back into Paul’s letter and remind ourselves of the author’s intention in addressing these words to the church in Corinth. Paul is writing to a community of people to whom God’s love has been revealed in Jesus Christ. Their love ---is a response to God’ gracious love, and it is from this relationship of love, that all their spiritual gifts spring.
But it seems, that Paul has heard some members of the Corinthian congregation are trying to enhance their status on the basis of their particular spiritual gifts. Thus, creating a pastoral crisis, in the Corinthian church. The Corinthian Christians are abusing their freedom, refusing to share, scorning their neighbour’s spiritual gifts, boasting about their own gifts, seeking recognition for themselves, and jockeying for positions in the church. The problem is not the lack of spiritual gifts, but the ways in which these gifts are exercised.
In verse one in our text today, Paul wrote, “If I speak in tongues of mortals and angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” Outside Paul’s text, it may seem that love is just another virtue, like respect or kindness.
However, in the text, love is, ‘a state of being.’ The love of which Paul writes, constitutes that fundamental relationship to God, without which, “I am nothing,” Paul says in verse 2.
Paul is writing to a community of people to whom God’s love has been revealed in Jesus the Christ. Their love ---is a response to God’s gracious love, and it is from this relationship of love, that all their spiritual gifts spring.
The love that Paul has in mind in today’s text, ---is the reality of God’s presence in our lives and the very basis of our humanity. For Paul, our capacity to flourish as human beings is realized to the extent that we can live in love of God revealed in the cross of Jesus the Christ. The concrete reality of this divine love is present in our lives as described in verses 4-7, where love is the subject, ---active in patience and kindness, rejoicing in the truth, and bearing, believing, hoping, and enduring all things. To belong to God’s church in Corinth is to be an agent of God’s love in the world, not seeking one’s own advantage, but working on behalf of others.
Paul also speaks to us about the character of love. Christians are bombarded every day with countless and conflicting images of love. Paul is speaking to us about ‘AGAPE,’ this is the love embodied most visibly, in God’s love, for humankind, in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This love is not first a feeling, but rather an action.
The Good News is ‘This love does not seek for its own good, but for the good of another, ---for the good of the person who is loved.’
Paul’s description of the character of love, ‘awakens believers,’ --- to the transformation and renewal of love in the body of Christ.
Let us consider for a moment how the church carries out its ministry of pastoral care.
Do we, ministers, lay leaders, officers and members become irritable or impatient when those receiving care do not change or conform to our ‘the caregiver’s expectations?’
We are a well-meaning folk, who sometimes think we know what is best for another.
Yet, this is often, not so. We cannot try to fix others. What we can do, is exercise our skills, in such a way that we offer leadership in the ‘spirit of love’ that seeks the good of all, and, we can rejoice when the broadest understanding of truth is reached. This love is active, and sometimes it is tough, resilient, and long-suffering.
Paul ends his pastoral words with a picture of the endurance of love. He tells us that everything we have on earth, in time will end, but the one thing that lasts forever, ‘is the love that we have given away to others.’
Believers, ‘each one of us’ ---we can trust in the permanence and persistence of divine love lived and experienced, in human life. This is the Good News in Jesus the Christ: God loves us more than we love ourselves. God set us free to love others.
Let us take time to reflect.
Thanks be to God.
*Hymn VU 602 Blest Be the Tie that Binds
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the unity of heart and mind
is like to that above.
Before our Maker’s throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
We share each other's woes,
each other's burdens bear;
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
The glorious hope revives
our courage on the way;
that we shall live in perfect love
in God's eternal day.
*A New Creed
We are not alone,
We live in God’s world.
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Offering Invitation
Jesus says: “Those who give even a little, welcome me.” For the welcoming of friends and strangers, we offer our gifts.
*Offering Hymn VU 543 We Give Thee But Thine Own
We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be:
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O God, from thee.
*Prayer of Dedication
Loving God, who desires fullness of life for all your children, you alone are deserving of our most precious gifts. Because you give much and demand little, because you encourage and nurture instead of force, because you love us instead of test us, because when we offer ourselves to you, we feel more whole, we offer all that we have and all that we are, in devotion to you and in the service of all your children. Bless us well, we pray. Amen.
Prayers of the People
God of the Universe, look down upon us this day, in love, and with mercy. You created this amazing world that we live in. You molded it and shaped it into a beautiful work of art, and we are blessed to enjoy it. You created all growing things, the trees and the flowers to delight our eyes and the grain, the fruit, and the vegetables to nourish us. And, you, Dear God, created not only the world, but space for us to explore and to challenge our sense of adventure. How wonderful you are!
Many things, O God, you have kept a mystery to us—the gift of love, of death, of life after death, and the mystery of your redeeming grace. Many things we can prove through science, and then you challenge us to step out in faith, to believe in you and your love, grace, and mercy toward us. Give us courage, loving God, to step out in faith and trust in that wonderful love.
Today we give thanks for adults, and children, but we especially wish to honour our fathers. They have many of your qualities, knowing how their outstretched hand can lead youngsters in such a positive way.
God of every day, our hearts are concerned for the needs of our friends and neighbours. Many are lonely and hurting from emotional pain. Many are ill and some in hospital. We ask that you uphold Laura, Liz, Sherrie, Dean and Bill in your love. Give them comfort knowing you are with them. God of miracles, hear our prayers at this time……SILENCE
Around the world there are many more who are suffering from the ravages of war and famine, and those whose lives have been threatened because of their beliefs. Have mercy and deliver each one in their time of trouble.
Challenging God, stir us each day to seek justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with you, Our God. With Jesus we pray together saying, “Our Father… Amen.”
*Closing Hymn VU 601 The Church of Christ in Every Age
The church of Christ, in every age,
beset by change but Spirit led,
must claim and test its heritage
and keep on rising from the dead.
Across the world, across the street
the victims of injustice cry
for shelter and for bread to eat,
and never live until they die.
Then let the servant church arise,
a caring church that longs to be
a partner in Christ's sacrifice,
and clothed in Christ's humanity.
For Christ alone, whose blood was shed,
can cure the fever in our blood,
and teach us how to share our bread
and feed the starving multitude.
We have no mission but to serve
in full obedience to our Lord:
to care for all without reserve
and spread Christ's liberating word.
*Commissioning
The grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Go into the world rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit, to fulfill your high calling as disciples of Jesus the Christ.
Thanks be to God!
*Threefold Amen VU 967
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Stay Safe. Stay well. Keep a song in your heart.
God Bless
Rev. Janet
WEEKLY WORSHIP JUNE 12, 2022
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Greeting
We gather to worship as one family—younger and older, male and female, single and those in relationship. ‘We’ are people of God.
The peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
Lighting the Christ Candle
God is the light; the light of truth and love made known in Jesus the Christ; the light that shines in our lives.
Call to Worship
When the people were sick, Jesus healed them; when they were hungry, Jesus fed them; when waves threatened, Jesus calmed the water.
As in the past, so it is today:
Jesus heals us when we are sick; Jesus feeds us when we are hungry.
Jesus brings peace to our stormy lives.
Let us come, seeking Jesus the Christ as we worship God.
Opening Prayer
God of gentle breezes and crashing waves; God of bold courage and welcoming waves: be with us in this time of worship. Focus us anew on your call for our lives. Be with us as we face new challenges, new needs, and new dreams. We ask that your presence comforts us as we enter into this time of personal reflection. We share our prayers in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
*Hymn of Praise VU 314 Come Now, Almighty King
Come now, almighty King,
help us your name to sing,
help us to praise;
one God all glorious,
ever victorious,
come and reign over us,
Ancient of Days.
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Come now, incarnate Son,
your life in us begun,
our prayer attend;
come, and your people bless;
come, give your word success;
stablish your righteousness,
Saviour and friend!
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Come holy Comforter,
your sacred witness bear
in this glad hour;
your grace to us impart,
now rule in every heart,
never from us depart,
Spirit of power!
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To the great One in Three,
eternal praises be
for evermore;
your sovereign majesty
may we in glory see,
and to eternity
Scripture Readings
Old Testament 1 Samuel 17:32-49
Responsive Reading Psalm 9:9-20
New Testament 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Hear what the scripture is saying to the church.
Thanks be to God!
*Children’s Hymn VU 357 Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
Tell me the stories of Jesus
I love to hear;
things I would ask him to tell me
if he were here;
scenes by the wayside,
tales of the sea,
stories of Jesus,
tell them to me.
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First let me hear how the children
stood round his knee;
and I shall fancy his blessing
resting on me;
words full of kindness,
deeds full of grace,
all in the love-light
of Jesus' face.
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Tell me, in accents of wonder,
how rolled the sea,
tossing the boat in a tempest
on Galilee;
and how the Master,
ready and kind,
chided the billows,
and hushed the wind.
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Into the city I'd follow
the children's band,
waving a branch of the palm-tree
high in my hand;
one of his heralds,
yes, I would sing
loudest hosannas!
Jesus is King!
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Show me that scene in the garden
of bitter pain;
and of the cross where my Saviour
for me was slain.
Sad ones or bright ones,
so that they be
stories of Jesus,
tell them to me.
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Prayer of Confession
O God, you give us what we need, but we demand more. It is not enough to have our needs met. We want our wishes satisfied. If our whims are not satisfied by you, we will get them filled without you. After all, we deserve to get what we want.
Forgive us God, when we fail to honour you first, when we corrupt your gifts to us, by abusing them, and in turn, by abusing the very people, and principles, we claim to be protecting. Open our eyes, yet again, to the truth, that ‘all’ gifts come from you, and are to be used, to build your kingdom. Amen.
Words of Assurance
The gift of grace is a gift from God.
It is not our own doing.
It is not about what we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
We are created in Christ Jesus to do good things.
That’s what God intended for us!
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Gospel Reading Mark 4:35-41
This is the Good News of Jesus the Christ.
Praise be to God!
Prayer of Illumination
God, you have given us scriptures on which we base our faith. Each book has history, teaching us of biblical ancestry and their way of living. The Gospels give us a look into Christ’s life in depth. We are grateful for all the learning we can gain from the Bible. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Message Jesus Stills a Storm
(based on commentaries by Mark Edington and Michael Lindvall-
Feasting on the Word, Yr. B, Vol. 3)
The story in Mark’s scripture today is noted for the contrast between the quiet confidence of Jesus and the agonized worry of the disciples. There is a definite difference between them in their quality of faith.
Jesus is brought into the boat “just as he was”; and the height of his authority requires nothing beyond the depth of his faith, no trappings, no outward symbols of power, no implements of coercion. He quietly lies asleep, undisturbed by the storm, while the disciples respond to the energy of the storm by expending their energy thinking their human exertion can match that of nature.
This nasty storm reminds us of the watery chaos from which creation is brought forth by God. And so, Jesus is seen through the lens of this account of calming the sea, as doing things reserved for God. Jesus has shown godlike superiority over the elements. And from this, we are meant to surmise an answer to the disciples’ reply, “Who then is this?”
In this passage we are able to see a contrast between the faith of Jesus and the fear of the disciples. Jesus’ faith gives him peace in the midst of chaos; his response we may see as proclaiming an absolute faith in the Creator’s command of creation. Jesus’ question to the disciples, cuts to the chase: “Have you still no faith?”
Fear, is the response of Jesus’ terrified disciples, in a boat out at sea, in a storm. We too are afraid of the wind and waves that assail our fragile vessels—our lives, our churches, our cities, our nations. We fear disapproval, rejection, failure, meaningless and death—our own death, death of those we love and potential demise of communities we cherish.
Fear is confronted in this passage, but not by courage or resolve of the disciples. In this storm they never pull themselves together. It is Jesus who calms both them and the storm. This passage is an invitation to realize that in the time of wind and wave in our lives we can turn to the Lord of wind and wave, the one we trust to be more powerful than both storms at sea and storms in our lives.
Jesus’ asks, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”
Let’s reflect on a situation in our lives that might clarify what and how this might affect us.
A child wakens in the night, scared. Perhaps a dream has disturbed the child’s sleep, causing the child to be afraid of something or someone hiding in the closet. Mom naturally runs to the child, scoops up the little one in her arms, and sits in a rocking chair. She wipes the tears away and whispers what thousands of mothers have whispered, “Shhh now, there is nothing to be afraid of.”
So, is there really nothing to be afraid of? This is very different than saying, “do not be afraid.” Unfortunately, fearsome things are very real: isolation, pain, illness, losing one’s job, and money problems.
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As we grow in faith, we come to understand that even though such fearsome things are very real, they do not have the last word, because reigning over this world of fearsome things is a God who is mightier than they.
Many times in Scripture the Word is, “Do not be afraid.” We might even say these words are both the first words of the Gospel’ scriptures as well as the last words of the Gospel’ scriptures. It is the word the angels speak to the terrified shepherds and the word spoken at the tomb when the women discover it empty: “Do not be afraid.” “Do not be afraid,” because there are no fearsome things on the sea of our days, not because there are no storms, but because, ‘God is with us.’
Instead of the mother of the scared child saying, “There is nothing to be afraid of.” She might tell the whole truth and say, “Don’t be afraid, because you are not alone.” Sooner or later each child will figure out that some things that frighten us are real and some are not.
But the deeper truth is, that only faith in God who raised Jesus from the grave can teach. Even though there are real fearsome things in life, they should not paralyze us; because we are not alone in the boat. God is with us!
Let us take a moment to reflect.
Thanks be to God!
*Hymn VU 296 This Is God’s Wondrous World
This is God's wondrous world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is God's wondrous world;
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,
God's hand the wonders wrought.
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This is God's wondrous world:
the birds their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white,
declare their Maker's praise.
This is God's wondrous world:
God shines in all that's fair;
in the rustling grass or mountain pass,
God's voice speaks everywhere.
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This is God's wondrous world:
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is God's wondrous world:
why should my heart be sad?
Let voices sing, let the heavens ring:
God reigns, let earth be glad!
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*A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Offering Invitation
God cares for us in ways of which we are unaware, for God knows us better than we know ourselves. We have much to give: our time, our talents, our experience, our faith, our forgiveness, and our financial support. Let us give as we are called: in love; in care; in whatever means we are able, knowing that responsible giving brings healing and opens up possibilities only God can give.
*Offering Hymn VU 543 We Give Thee But Thine Own
We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be:
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O God, from thee.
*Prayer of Dedication
God we release these gifts, letting go of these things that seem important to us: money we feel we have earned, time we feel is limited, lives we feel are our own. We let go of them, knowing they are yours, and desiring your healing love to flow through them, to all your children who are crying in need. Bless us and unite us with you, we pray. Amen.
Prayers of the People
God of Solidarity, who knows the pain of hunger, thirst, estrangement, shame, illness, and imprisonment, though you could have chosen to feel none of these things, you walk with the least of these, all of whom are your beloved children. We thank you for your solidarity with us.
We are wounded and you heal us; we are worried and you help us through; we are sad and you bring understanding; we are filled with joy and you celebrate with us. God, we thank you for your never-ending love.
We pray for our families and our friends. Let them feel comforted; let them feel peace; let them know your love; let them know your presence; let them know of your promise to walk with them at every step in their lives.
We pray for all the people who have so little, we pray for an end to the imbalance of resources; we pray for the generosity of the wealthiest of nations; we pray that all nations be led by your Spirit acting always out of love and justice.
We pray for peace; we pray for the equality of races and genders around the globe. Today we especially pray for immigrating parents separated from their children, in Canada, they so much need to be together, to know that they are welcome and have a place to call home, and to be accepted as immigrants free to work and play as other Canadian folk. We pray for fair wages for all workers in this world of ours.
We pray for the church. We pray for its vitality; we pray that it may be following your will; we pray that we can better be the body of Christ in the world.
God of Solidarity, hear our prayers as we name our concerns silently. (silence)
We pray now the prayer that Jesus taught the disciples so very long ago, “Our Father… Amen.”
*Closing Hymn VU 506 Take My Life, and Let It Be Consecrated
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, all for thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
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Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love,
take my feet, and let them be
swift and purposeful for thee.
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Take my lips, and let them be
filled with messages from thee;
take my intellect, and use
every power as thou shalt choose.
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Take my will, and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine;
take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
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Take my love: and I will pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
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*Commissioning
Like Christ, serve the Lord in joy. Like Christ, serve the Lord in friendship.
Like Christ, serve the Lord in word. Like Christ, serve the Lord in deed.
Like Christ, serve the Lord in justice. Like Christ, serve the Lord in prayer.
*Threefold Amen VU 967
Stay safe. Stay well. Keep a song in your heart.
God Bless
Rev. Janet
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WEEKLY WORSHIP JUNE 5, 2022 Pentecost
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Greeting
Through all our life and throughout our world may we know the gentle sustaining breath of God’s love. Welcome to Ravenswood United Church this day. The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Lighting the Christ Candle
As Linda lights the Christ Candle this morning, we are reminded of Christ´s presence here with us, and remember that we are made of light and love. May we feel the love shared amongst us, as we offer it to the world.
Call to Worship
Spirit of the living God, visit us again this day of Pentecost.
Refrain: Come Holy Spirit, come.
On rushing winds that sweep away all barriers, (refrain)
With tongues of fire that set our hearts aflame, (refrain)
With speech that unite the babel of our tongues, (refrain)
With love that overleaps the boundaries of race and nation, (refrain)
With power from above to make our weakness strong, (refrain)
In the name of God, the Holy One, and of Jesus Christ our Saviour. (refrain)
Opening Prayer
O God of creation, whose Spirit stilled the waters of chaos, breath filed humankind with life, we praise you.
O God of inspiration, whose Spirit anointed kings and priests, whose power emboldened the prophets of old, we praise you.
O God of Jesus the Christ, whose Spirit descended dove-like on the man of Galilee, whose glory shone in words of wisdom and deeds of love, we praise you.
O God of Pentecost, whose Spirit came to the faithful waiting at Jerusalem, whose gifts empowered the church for service and witness, we praise you. Blessed are you, O God, forever.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
*Opening Hymn VU 574 Come, Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love
Come let us sing of a wonderful love,
tender and true, tender and true,
out of the heart of the Father above,
streaming to me and to you:
wonderful love, wonderful love
dwells in the heart of the Father above.
Jesus, the Saviour, this gospel to tell,
joyfully came, joyfully came,
came with the helpless and hopeless to dwell,
sharing their sorrow and shame,
seeking the lost, seeking the lost,
saving, redeeming at measureless cost.
Jesus is seeking the wanderers yet;
why do they roam? why do they roam?
Love only waits to forgive and forget;
home, weary wanderers, home!
Wonderful love, wonderful love
dwells in the heart of the Father above.
Come to my heart, O thou wonderful love!
Come and abide, come and abide,
lifting my life till it rises above
envy and falsehood and pride:
seeking to be, seeking to be
lowly and humble, a learner of thee.
Prayer of Confession
On this festival of Pentecost, we confess our failure, God, to live lives open to your Spirit: to love with passion as your Spirit wills; to embrace the future into which your Spirit leads; to accept the power for faithful living your Spirit brings. We confess our fear of facing new challenges and opportunities, of standing alone against popular wisdom and the comments of our neighbours, of being different because we believe. Forgive us, God, and by your Pentecostal power turn us around and set us on your way again. We pray in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Assurance of Grace
Know that your trust in God’s forgiving love will free your spirit and bring you peace. Share God’s love and generosity with others, and grow in grace.
*Hymn Vu 376 Spirit of the Living God
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me,
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Prayer of Illumination
God of Love, without you, where would we be? God of Joy, you have filled us with your joy and made us complete. God of Truth, you have filled us with the Holy Spirit to carry your word to others. God of Peace, our fears and worries have left us. We will follow your commandments to the end of time. God of Love, we are here, ready to receive your word for us today. Thanks be to you. Amen.
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Scripture Readings
Acts of the Apostles Acts 2:1-21
Responsive Psalm 104:24-34,35b (VU p.827, part 2)
New Testament Romans 8:14-17
Hear what the scriptures are saying to the church.
Thanks be to God!
Gospel Reading John 14:8-17, (25-27)
This is the Good News of Jesus the Christ.
Praise be to God!
Message Pentecost and the M&S Logo
I invite you to take time for re-centring in this worship space. Place your hands on your lap, palms facing up, close your eyes, and relax. Take time to experience your own breath, breathing the air, with the in and out motion of the life that weaves its way into your being. Let’s take a few moments to savour this time and rest in this space.
Thanks be to God!
The symbolism of the Pentecost passage is captivating. Acts 2 is filled with the awesome picture of tongues of flame coming upon the people. Where do we see the power of such a symbol?
Negatively, fire can be a destructive, consuming force. Many people in our United Church congregations have experienced the power of house fires, bush fires or even church fires, as Ravenswood United Church experienced some years ago. Where might we see the power of such a symbol in our faith experience. Pentecost is a perfect time to reflect on the M&S logo, both because its plumes remind some people of flames and because gifts to the Mission and Service Fund contribute to partnership ministries among numerous races and tongues, such as those that found ways to communicate on that first Pentecost Sunday.
The magic of Pentecost! People of many different nations and races, languages and traditions all heard one another in their own tongues. The Spirit was present, burning like a fire in their midst. The joy of the Lord was alive. The common purpose to which we are called as followers of Jesus the Christ was clear to one and all.
Our mission is to make real the truth of that experience. In a world of diverse needs, where numerous races speak hundreds of languages, we are called to honour that diversity and to celebrate the many gifts those embody.
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God is the source of our giftedness. God rejoices in the diversity of creation. Christ gives us the reason to reach out in love to all whom we meet.
Where can we find the breadth of the spiritual splendor of Pentecost symbolized within our church? The Mission and Service Fund Logo portrays the many races and languages in its multitude of colours. It reminds us of a people who are a gift from God, as energy emerges from the table of blessing and sacrifice. The coloured fronds could be the tongues of fire that were experienced that first Pentecost Sunday. The logo reminds some, of a campfire, or the burning bush viewed by Moses. The logo may stand for the energy of life as people rise up and take action for what they believe.
In 2001 a Confirmation Class in Sudbury, Ontario at St. Andrew’s United Church reflected on the Mission and Service Logo. This is what 4 of the youth expressed:
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This symbol reminds me of a rainbow, complete with God’s promise never to have 40 days of rain again. The rainbow is also a sign of completeness of life. It reminds me of Noah’s ark, built to weather the storms that surround us.
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The symbol reminds me of the birth of Jesus, for it looks like the manger with Christ’s light coming out into the world.
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The symbol is a flowerpot stand, reminding us of the need to care for creation, and to have our lives rooted in the healthy, nurturing soil of God’s Word.
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The base is a table, with holy food on it, symbolizing communion.
I think these youth, as well as others, put a great deal of thought into these quite mature and profound statements.
The table might also represent the wealth we share in common as a country, community, and church. It is bending in on itself due to the sheer weight caused by the abundant possessions we in Canada can waste. Yet in bending, the table moves toward being a circle, reminding us of the need for balance and completion in life. The Mission and Service fund logo has many meanings. It invites each one of us to see our place in the greater mission of Christ’s church. (Gathering 2010)
Let us pray,
Spirit of God, Holy Wind; Fire of God, Lively Energy, anoint us to be people of your Good News: comforted by a healing touch that we might bring comfort to those who are suffering; loved by those who surround us that we might bring love to an angry world; challenged by your truth that we might bring truth when all is confusion. Thank you for the Good News of scriptures that our lives and your world might be reawakened by the power of your love. .
Let us take a moment to reflect.
Thanks be to God!
*Hymn VU 375 Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
(refrain)
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow thro’ the wilderness,
calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness,
stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.
You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep,
and over the eons you called to each thing:
wake from your slumbers and rise on your wings. (refrain):
You swept thro’ the desert, you stung with the sand,
and you goaded your people with a law and a land,
and when they were blinded with their idols and lies,
then you spoke thro’ your prophets to open their eyes. (refrain):
You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still,
and down in the city you called once again,
when you blew thro’ your people on the rush of the wind. (refrain):
You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes,
from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams,
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes,
with bold new decisions your people arise. (refrain)
*A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Offering Invitation
We are called to play our part in building up the foundations of love and service. By our giving, we strengthen our commitment to be the people of God.
*Hymn VU 543 We Give Thee But Thine Own
We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be:
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O God, from thee.
Prayer of Dedication
As your Spirit fell upon the disciples long ago and everyone heard of the wonderful works of God in their own language, may your Spirit so fall on these gifts that others may know your wonderful works of love in their own lives. Through Jesus, we offer this prayer. Amen.
Prayers of the People
God, you have given us gifts of the Spirit to be used for your glory, and for the benefit of others. They are gifts that come from one Spirit.
So, too, we are all part of one body of faith, the church universal, even though our gifts are many and varied. May we honour the gifts of others, just as we seek to care for the goodness of all of creation.
May we appreciate that each part of the body is important for us to live lives of wholeness on this earth.
We are called to be stewards of your creation. May we work together in love and understanding for this earth and all people upon it.
Many are broken in spirit and need to be filled with your life-giving Spirit. Help us to be agents of your healing and wholeness in a world of many needs.
We pray for all people in need—those who face surgery, illness, difficult financial situations, broken relationships, uncertain futures. We offer up the names of those who rest on our hearts and souls as a community. (silence)
Hear the needs of those we have named, and be close to all who are part of the circle of life we celebrate. As we prepare to leave your house of prayer and go to our own homes, places of commitments, our activities with friends and loved ones, keep us mindful of your love for all. May we be caregivers of your people and caregivers of your creation. We reach out in love in the example of Jesus the Christ. Let us share in the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray saying, “Our Father…Amen.”
*Closing Hymn VU 577 I’ve Got Peace Like a River
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in-a my soul,
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in-a my soul.
I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain in-a my soul,
I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain in-a my soul.
I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean in-a my soul,
I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean in-a my soul
Commissioning/Benediction
May the God of new beginnings light your path,
may the song of the Spirit play in your heart along the way.
And may Jesus the Christ, our promise of new life, take your hand and lead you in the dance, now and always.
Sung ‘Amen’ VU 967
Stay well. Stay Safe. Keep a song in your heart.
God Bless
Rev. Janet
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