Sunday – October 31, 1999

Today’s passages are challenging ones for Reformation Sunday.  Like the Israelites crossing the Jordan, we are a people in transition.  Do we dare to step into the waters of an unknown future?  Questions of integrity, authority and the honour given to ordained leadership were issues for the Reformation.  They are still issues today as Christians struggle with how to exercise leadership in a community of sisters and brothers.  Moreover, in a society cynical about those who profess faith it is a challenge to be like Paul, openly offering our lives for others’ examination.  Are we living our story as fully as we are able?  Will anyone recognize whose student we are?

If you would like to stay seated for any or all of the “standing” parts of the service, please feel free to do so.

Prelude:  A Memory  by V.D. Thompson

Sharing Announcements and Concerns

A Time of Greeting

A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One:        God was with the Hebrew people when they left Egypt.

All:      (stepping in place) We go forward, for God goes with us.

One:        God travelled with them throughout their wilderness journey.

All:      (stepping in place) We can face tomorrow, for God goes with us.

One:        God was with Joshua and the people as they crossed over the Jordan River into the promised land.

All:      (stepping in place) We can face tomorrow, for God goes with us.

One:        God travels with us wherever we may go.

All:      (stepping in place) We can face tomorrow, for God goes with us.

One:        Come, let us worship God.

Prayer of Approach (Unison)

Merciful God we thank you for fun and laughter, for friends and for this opportunity to worship you.  We thank you that you are with us always.  Help us to turn our attention to you that we may offer you fitting worship.  Deepen in us the joy of your presence, this we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen

Sr. & Jr. Choir’s  “He Is Mine” by Swahili arr. Hopson

Conversation Time

Hymn #353  “ ‘Tis the Gift to be Simple”

The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.

Prayer of Confession (Unison)

Loving God in the beginning you have given us life and called us to live in your way.  We confess that we have lost sight of your vision for us and even ridiculed those who would recall us to that vision.  We forget that the earth is yours and we use it recklessly for recreation and waste disposal.  We forget that our lives are yours and we make plans without reference to you or others.  We ignore the needs of our global neighbours; we are quick to complain and to criticize our local neighbours.  We confess in silence our behavior attitudes and words that have wounded others and dishonoured you. Hear us and forgive us, we pray…(Silent Confession)

Assurance of Pardon (One)

God does not want us to carry burdens of worry and guilt.  God offers us a new day of hope and joy and fresh possibilities.  God loves us and forgives us. Thanks be to God.

Hymn #376  “Spirit of the Living God”

Biblical Notes

Prayer of Illumination

Joshua 3:7-17 From the Hebrew Scriptures Pg. 210

The People of Israel Cross the Jordan

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13  Pg. 254

Paul’s Work in Thessalonica

Matthew 23:1-12 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 34

Jesus Warns against the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees

One: This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ

All: Thanks be to God

Sermon

Hymn #510  “We Have This Ministry”

Mission Moment:  “The Pie Sisters”

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory:  “For All the Saints” by Wilson

Dedication #227 “For the Fruit of All Creation” vs. 2

In the just reward of labour, God’s will is done.

In the help we give our neighbour, God’s will is done.

In our world-wide task of caring for the hungry and despairing,

in the harvests we are sharing, God’s will is done.

Prayer of Dedication (One)

Bountiful God you have given us so much.  We offer you here a part of our energy in transferable form.  Use these gifts and the hearts and minds that give them to build a world where your love is known and lived, for Jesus sake, Amen

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Hymn #651   “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”

Commissioning (One)

Let us go out rejoicing in the confidence that we are loved, to follow closely the one who is love, that all may know the liberty of that love.

Choral: AMEN

#964 “ Go Now In Peace”

Postlude:  “The Power and The Glory” by Nolte

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Thought For Today

God is the sum of all patience and the essence of kindly good will.  We please God most…by casting ourselves before God with all our imperfections and believing that God understands everything and loves us still.

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