May 12, 2002 - Christian Family Sunday
Jesus’ passion was the suffering and death he endured because of his faithful witness to God. The passionate witness of Christ’s followers to the resurrected power and presence of Christ brought them into conflict with religious and political authorities. Only self-giving love for one another, even at the risk of death, could sustain their witness. That in itself was a sign of the good Shepherd in their midst. To what does the life of our communities give witness?
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 “God Bless the Mothers” by Dr L. Moore
Sharing Announcements
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: We have gathered in the presence of the God in whom every family receives its name.
All: We come, in the prayer that the peace of Christ might dwell in our family relationships.
One: We come, in the prayer that the peace of God might permeate the life of the human family.
All: May the love of Christ fill our hearts, our lives, and our world, to the glory of God. Amen.
Time with the Young & the young at heart
The Sunday School (4 Yrs - Grade 3) & Youth leave for their classes.
We Remain in God’s Presence Through Confession
God of peace and justice, we long for peace within, and without. We long to find serenity of spirit in the midst of life’s struggles. We long for harmony in our families and in all our relationships. We long for the day when each family everywhere might live in peace without fear, enjoying the fruit of vine and tree. Yet we confess that at times we feel anxiety, fear, and distrust, within us. We don’t always want to take the risks and make the sacrifices which peace requires. Look upon us with kindness and mercy; rule in our hearts and our world; and show us how to walk in your paths; through the grace of Jesus Christ…(Silent Confession)
Assurance of Pardon (One)
As the sun warms the earth in springtime and leaves burst forth on dead-looking branches, so the warmth of God’s love and forgiveness brings new life to us. We are invited to come alive in Christ’s loving presence.
Biblical Notes
Peter and John before the Council
John 10:11-18 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 132
Jesus the Good Shepherd (Read from the New Revised Standard Version)
One: This is the Good News of Jesus Christ
Hymn #556 “Would You Bless Our Homes and Families”
We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Offertory “Everything is Beautiful” by Ray Stevens
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 harvest we are sharing, God’s will is done.
Life-giving Spirit, bring to the bones of these gifts the flesh of our actions and the breath of our caring, so our church and service to others may come to life in your name. Amen
Hymn #269 “The Care the Eagle Gives Her Young”
Commissioning
Loving Shepherd God, like a father, you care for us; like a mother, you protect us. As we leave this place, give us new strength to do your will, and guide us on our way. May we be blessed with your goodness and love, this day and all the days of our lives.
Choral Amen
#884 “You Shall Go Out With Joy”
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!
And all the trees of the field will clap their hands, (clap, clap)
the trees of the field will clap their hands, (clap, clap)
the trees of the field will clap their hands (clap, clap)
while you go out with joy.
Postlude “March Recessional” by Strickland
Thought For Today
If you want to keep your memories, first you have to live them.
By Bob Dylan Musician