Sunday, June 26th, 2022
HomeShare Sunday
Find this service at www.graceunitedthornbury.ca/live
Leading us today in Worship:
Worship Leaders: Diana Dolmer, Norine Baron & Carol Clarke
Music Director: Dr. Christopher Burton
~ Leader: regular font ~ All: bold font ~ Sung words: bold italics
Asterisk * Indicates when the congregation may stand if able.
PRELUDE:
Song Without Words ~ F. Mendelssohn
GREETING: (2 Cor. 13:13)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
WELCOME:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE TRADITIONAL TERRITORY:
“In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge, with respect, that we – wherever we worship in this country – do so on the traditional territory of the First Nations, the Metis and the Inuit Peoples, who were the stewards of this land long before colonization.” We commit ourselves to the ongoing work of building right relations with indigenous peoples of this land. (Rev. Leslie Searles)
CALL TO WORSHIP:
To all who are hungry: there is space at this table!
To all who are lonely: we are your family!
To all who seek shelter: this is your home!
To all who are weary: come find rest with us!
The Holy Spirit and the church, say, “Come Home!”
We come here to build a home,
find rest and nourishment for our souls.
We come here to dwell in the house of the Lord.
And to make and remake a home for us all.
God says to each one of us this morning “Come Home.”
God is good, and God welcomes us all to this home.
OPENING HYMN: MV 1 Let us Build a House
1. Let us build a house where love can dwell
and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell
how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
2. Let us build a house where prophets speak,
and words are strong and true,
where all God's children dare to seek
to dream God's reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness
and as symbol of God's grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
3. Let us build a house where love is found
in water, wine and wheat;
a banquet hall on holy ground,
where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus,
is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that frees us:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
4. Let us build a house where hands will reach
beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
and live the Word they've known.
Here the outcast and the stranger
bear the image of God's face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
5. Let us build a house where all are named,
their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed
as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter,
prayers of faith and songs of grace;
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
OPENING PRAYER:
As Christians we celebrate that God came in human form and dwelt among us. On this Sunday as we think about housing, this theme of dwelling seems especially fitting. We celebrate how Jesus Christ took on flesh and dwelt among us, living and dying and rising again for the forgiveness of sins and restoration of creation. We rejoice that Jesus is coming again to make all things new and all things right, and to dwell with us forever.
We give thanks that Jesus dwells within us, even now, through the Holy Spirit. And in this time of sky-high housing costs and rising homelessness, we are grateful for our own dwellings, for the light and warmth and welcome with which they shelter us. And yet, we also know that there are many without dwellings, without warmth of light or love or living space. God who dwells among us, prepare our minds and hearts to hear the good news of those who would offer innovative ways to connect the underhoused with those who have room in their homes and their hearts. Amen.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION:
Compassionate God, may the liveliness and the surprising energy of the holy spirit help us hear something new in the readings today. We tend to hear scripture as a call to give up things for others, when you would have us hear a living word of abundance. We ask that we hear the joy embedded in building community and sharing resources. Illuminate your word for us today so we may be changed by your love and wisdom. Amen.
READINGS:
Psalm 91 VU 807
Refrain
“And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of my hand.”
You who dwell in the shelter of your God,
who abide in God’s shadow for life,
say to your God: “My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!”
The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
and famine will bring you no fear:
under God’s wings your refuge,
God’s faithfulness your shield.
Refrain
“And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of my hand.”
You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day;
Though thousands fall about you,
near you it shall not come.
For to the angels is given a command to guard you in all your ways;
upon their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Refrain
“And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of my hand.”
“Because they have set their love upon me I will deliver them,
I will uphold them because they know my name.
When they call to me I will answer,
I will be with them in trouble;
I will rescue and bring them to honour.
With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my saving power.”
Refrain
“And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of my hand.”
Acts 2: 43-47, $: 32-37
Life Among the Believers
Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
The Believers Share Their Possessions
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite from Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Summation:
The apostles were not possessive about their belongings but shared them in common or even let go of them and sold them for the greater good. They valued providing for the needs of the community rather than personal prosperity. They were marked by joy and trust in the Lord. Even when they did not have money, it did not keep them from serving the Lord. While the apostles' lives weren't perfect, and it can be tempting to idealize their lifestyle, we do have things to learn from them. How can we better practice a healthy detachment from possessions, a wild generosity, and a fierce trust in God's provision, valuing the good of the group over our individual whims?
RESPONSE:
The word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
ANTHEM:
Sing a New Song ~ Stan Pethel
PRESENTATION:
The Grace HomeShare Committee
Question & Answer Period
HYMN: VU 582 There’s a Spirit in the Air Verses 1,2,4,5 & 6
1. There’s a spirit in the air,
telling Christians everywhere:
“Praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working in our world.”
2. Lose your shyness, find your tongue,
tell the world what God has done:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow’s life today!
4. Still the Spirit gives us light,
seeing wrong and setting right:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow’s life today!
5. When a stranger’s not alone,
where the homeless find a home,
praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working, in our world.
6. May the Spirit fill our praise,
guide our thoughts and change our ways.
God in Christ has come to stay,
live tomorrow’s life today.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:
Ever present God, you are our God of every day,and you call us to transformation every minute of every day.
Over the past hour your Holy Spirit has called us to hear everyday things, in a new way, in a way that would call us to be an active part of transforming your world.
We pray today for your beloved people around the world,
those with too much work and those scrambling to find work
those well housed and those who are homeless
those who are fulfilled and those who are frustrated
those who are lonely and those who live in community.
Creative God, open up the way we think about everyday things,
expand our “common sense” vision of how things can be done.
God you call us to community, to sharing food and homes,
not only because it is right and good to share, but because you want more for each of us.
We thank you, God, for dwelling among us as a neighbor and a stranger,
so that we might love you with all our heart, soul, and mind,
and learn to welcome the stranger, loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Gracious God, help us welcome those who have come to dwell among us.
For all those who have come fleeing oppression and persecution:
Gracious God, help us welcome those who have come to dwell among us.
For those who have come fleeing hardship and hunger:
God, help us welcome those who have come to dwell among us.
For those who have come to join loved ones already here:
God, help us welcome those who have come to dwell among us.
For those who have come seeking freedom and opportunity:
God, help us welcome those who have come to dwell among us.
Let us remember the words of Christ, who said “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me”
When, Lord, were you a stranger that we welcomed among us?
“Truly, as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me”
When we welcomed the stranger, we welcomed you, Christ Jesus, in our midst!
Loving God, help us to create hospitable and joyful communities and grant that we may all livetogether in peace and love. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
As a child turns to a loving caregiver who watches over them, we turn in prayer to you O God, who are our heavenly parent, our mother,
Our Father, who art in Heaven…
PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST:
The Peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
We share the peace of Christ by typing in the chat box.
You may also think of one person with whom you would like to share the peace of Christ.
MUSIC for PASSING the PEACE:
Improvisation on a Hymn ~ C. Burton
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERING:
Living God,
let the resurrection of your child transform our lives.
Make us bold in serving you and bringing your good news to other people. Help us to share of ourselves and our possessions with one another and especially with people in need. Amen.
Donate online: www.graceunitedthornbury.ca, select “Give”
or contact the office by email: graceucworship@gmail.com
phone: 519-599-2438 to arrange a cheque pick-up, or an e-transfer
Mail: Grace UC, 140 Bruce St. S. PO Box 219, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0
Care, Prayer, Share
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Coffee Hour after the service.
HYMN: VU 601 The Church of Christ in Every Age
1. The church of Christ, in every age,
beset by change but Spiritled,
must claim and test its heritage
and keep on rising from the dead.
2. Across the world, across the street,
the victims of injustice cry
for shelter and for bread to eat,
and never live until they die.
3. 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.
4. For he 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.
5. We have no mission but to serve
in full obedience to our Lord,
to care for all, without reserve,
and spread his liberating Word.
COMMISSIONING and BENEDICTION:
Go out into the world,
and labour to bring forth new life.
Dream dreams, pursue visions
and speak of God’s goodness
in the words of those who would hear.
And may the God who breathed life into creation be our delight.
May Christ Jesus give hope to our dreaming,
and may the Holy Spirit, your advocate and supporter,
set our hearts ablaze with a passion for peace.
We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
In the name of Christ. Amen.
SUNG BLESSING: MV 209 Go, Make a Diff’rence
Refrain
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Verse 2
We are the hands of Christ
reaching out to those in need,
the face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope;
we are the voice of peace.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Refrain
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
POSTLUDE: Six Easy Variations ~ L.van Beethoven
*****
RESOURCES USED
LITURGY SOURCES: The following are used with permission:
Call to Worship: C. Smaller
Opening Prayer: Adapted by C. Smaller from prayer written by Sue Rozeboom is Associate Professor of Liturgical Studies at Western Theological Seminary.
Prayer of Illumination: C. Smaller
Prayer over the Offering: from the Lutheran Church of Australia’s LCA Worship Planning Page.
Prayers of the People: C. Smaller
Commissioning & Benediction: copyright © 2003 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net
HYMNS and SUNG VERSES
-“Let Us Build a House.” Words and music: Marty Haugen Words and music copyright © 1994 by GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved One License #608577
- “There’s a Spirit in the Air.” Words: Brian Wren 1969 Music: John Wilson 1969 Words and music copyright ©1979 Hope Publishing Company One License #608577
- “The Church of Christ in Every Age.” Words: Fred Pratt Green 1969. Music: James Wiliam Elliott 1874. Words copyright © 1971 Hope Publishing Co. One License #608577
- Psalm Response: Refrain: Michael Joncas 1979. Words and music copyright © 1979, 1991 New Dawn Music.One License #608577
- Sung Blessing: “Go Make a Diff’rence.” Words and music: Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek, 1997.Copyright © Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek. Published by spiritandsong.com. All rights reserved. Used with permission. One License #608577.
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES:
Scripture Passage from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.
Prelude: Song Without Words ~ F. Mendelssohn
Anthem: Sing a New Song ~ Stan Pethel. ©1988 Triune Music, a division of The Lorenz Corporation. CCLI
Music for Passing the Peace: Improvisation on a Hymn ~ C. Burton
Postlude: Six Easy Variations ~ L.van Beethoven
