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February 1, 2026: Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Rev Brian Goodings

Sunday, February 1, 2026

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February 1, 2026

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Find this service at www.graceunitedthornbury.ca/live

Leading us today in Worship:
Minister: Rev. Dr. Brian Goodings
Director of Music: Dr. Christopher Burton
Lay Reader: Candy Yeandle

Leader: regular font ~ All: bold font ~ Sung words: bold italics.
Asterisk * Indicates when the congregation may stand if able.

Scripture for meditation: When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain: and after he sat down his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak and taught them saying…(Matthew 5:1,2)

We Gather

PRELUDE: “The Gentle Waltz” - Oscar Peterson

A Stewardship Second
It’s not about how much you have—how much money, how much stuff—it is about how you use what you have to heal, feed, shelter, comfort, bless and love.

WELCOME

LIGHTING the CHRIST CANDLE
With grateful hearts we light this Christ candle,
so that, with our hearts full of love and light
we might enter into the spirit of worship with joy.
May it be so!

*OPENING HYMN: VU #702 “When a Poor One”
1. When a poor one who has nothing shares with strangers,
when the thirsty water give unto us all,
when the wounded in their weakness
strengthen others,
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us.

2. When at last all those who suffer find their comfort,
when they hope though even hope seems hopelessness,
when we love though hate at times seems
all around us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us.

3. When our joy fills up our cup to overflowing,
when our lips can speak no words other than true,
when we know that love for simple
things is better,
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us.

4. When our homes are filled with goodness in abundance,
when we learn how to make peace instead of war,
when each stranger that we meet is
called a neighbour,
then we know that God still goes that road with us,
then we know that God still goes that road with us.

OUR COMMITMENT to SAFER SPACE & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of the LAND
We believe all people are made in the image of God and are entitled to dignity and respect. At Grace United Church we try to offer a safer, inclusive and generous space for all who are seeking a faith community. We offer full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, all races, ages and abilities in the life and work of the ministry.
Grace United Church is situated on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. We acknowledge that they are the first stewards of this land and we respect their histories and past and present cultures. We will work to recognize and remove barriers to reconciliation.

CALL to WORSHIP (adapted from Lavon Baylor)
We carry and hold precious the wisdom and strength of faith that the world calls foolish and weak.
We look from the manger to the cross to find redemption and direction for our lives.
Blessed are the meek and the humble-minded.
Blessed are the merciful and the peacemakers.
Mourners shall find comfort and the pure in heart shall know God’s company
Those who hunger and search for righteousness shall be satisfied
Those who are persecuted and reviled for faith will dwell in the realm of heaven
Rejoice and be glad, for God is with us in the truth of heavenly-ways
The saving wisdom and love of God is our true refuge and strength. AMEN

*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.

Lighting the Children’s Lantern

Theme Conversation: Black History Month

We Listen

SCRIPTURE READINGS: In Scripture God calls us by name…

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1-12 (Beatitudes)
When Jesussaw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.And he began to speak and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

RESPONSE
*HYMN: VU #701”What Does the Lord Require of You” (from Micah 6:1-8)
1. What does the Lord require of you?
What does the Lord require of you?
2. Justice, kindness,
walk humbly with your God.
3. To seek justice, and love kindness,
and walk humbly with your God.

ANTHEM: “Deep River” - Spiritual

SERMON: “New Math” Rev. Brian Goodings

*HYMN: VU # 232 “Joyful, Joyful We Adore You”
1. Joyful, joyful we adore you,
God of glory, life and love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before you,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
drive the gloom of doubt away;
giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day.

2. All your works with joy surround you,
earth and heaven reflect your rays,
stars and angels sing around you,
centre of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flowery meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird and flowing fountain,
sound their praise eternally.

3. You are giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring of the joy of living,
ocean depth of happy rest!
Source of grace and fount of blessing,
let your light upon us shine;
teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine.

4. Mortals join the mighty chorus
which the morning stars began;
God’s own love is reigning o’er us,
joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
victors in the midst of strife;
joyful music leads us sunward
in the triumph song of life.

We Respond

INVITATION to the OFFERING
Friends, if any of us think that by giving money to this church we are buying our way closer to God, we are wrong. Our gifts here must be part of our larger living, daring to seek justice and resist evil. This is why we need to be generous today. Let us present our gifts.

PRAYER of DEDICATION of OUR OFFERINGS
Gracious and loving God, source of all justice and hope, we ask now that you bless our gifts and those given through PAR and online, so that our actions and your purpose are one. Thanks be to you. Amen.

Dedication Hymn: VU #538
For the gift of creation the gift of your love
And the gift of the spirit by which we live
We thank you and give you the fruit our hands
May your grace be proclaimed by the gifts that we give.

Donate online: www.graceunitedthornbury.ca, select “Donate”
or contact the office by email: accounting@graceunitedthornbury.ca
or 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
or Offering Plate at the back of the sanctuary.

Tap your debit card at the door of the church, or Donate to Grace United Church Thornbury through CanadaHelps.org. Our account is set up with them now and it is easy to register. Tax receipts are given automatically at the time of giving. Care, Prayer, Share

PASTORAL PRAYER &The LORD’S PRAYER: (VU 910 - spoken)

What’s up at Grace?

We Go Out

*CLOSING HYMN: MV #79 “Spirit, Open My Heart “
Refrain:
Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving,
Spirit, open my heart.

1. God, replace my stony heart
with a heart that’s kind and tender.
All my coldness and fear
to your grace I now surrender.
Refrain:
Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving,
Spirit, open my heart.

2. Write your love upon my heart
as my law, my goal, my story.
In each thought, word, and deed,
may my living bring you glory.
Refrain:
Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving,
Spirit, open my heart.

3. May I weep with those who weep,
share the joy of sister, brother.
In the welcome of Christ,
may we welcome one another.
Refrain:
Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving,
Spirit, open my heart.

*COMMISSIONING

*BENEDICTION: VU #884 “You Shall Go Out With Joy” (Isaiah 55)
You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace;
the mountains and the hills will break forth before you;
there’ll be shouts of joy, and all the trees of the field
will clap, will clap their hands!
Refrain:
And all the trees of the field will clap their hands,
the trees of the field well clap their hands,
the trees of the field will clap their hands
while you go out with joy.