Sunday, July 28, 2002 – 10:00 a.m.

Combined Summer Services for The United Churches of  Redcliff, Irvine and Medicine Hat. 

Today’s worship leader is Rev. James Farrell  and all who join for today’s worship.

Prelude

A time of worship preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle

Announcements

Call to Worship (Responsive)

One:        God calls us to come in worship.

All:      God calls us to praise.

One:        God calls us to come in prayer.

All:      God calls us to pray for the churches around the world.

One:        God calls us to welcome others.

All:      In God’s name, we welcome everyone.

Prayer of Approach (Prayer Three from the back of the bulletin)

Hymn #415 “God, We Praise You for the Morning”

God, sometimes trying doesn’t seem to be enough.  We try to be faithful disciples, but at times our efforts lack real conviction.  We try to forgive others, only to find that we have hardened our hearts.  We try to embrace your vision of justice and peace, only to find that our sight is clouded with our own concern.  We try and try, and all our trying seems to make so little difference.  In your forgiveness may we find peace …(silent confession)

Assurance of Pardon (One)

Know that your faith and trust in God’s caring and forgiving ways will free your spirit and bring you peace.  Share God’s love and generosity with others and grow in God’s grace.  Amen.

Prayer of Illumination

From the Hebrew Scriptures – Genesis 29:15-28

Duet “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” Brenda & Geoff Coley

From the Gospel – Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

One         This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ

All       Thanks be to God.

Reflection for the Day

Hymn #226 “For the Beauty of the Earth”

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

Dedication #540 “Grant Us, God, the Grace”

Grant us, God, the grace of giving, with a spirit large and free, that ourselves and all our living we may offer faithfully.

Prayer of Dedication (one)

Receive from our hands the gifts we bring.  Like sweet grass, sage, and fire, we offer what we can for the blessing of the earth, and for the hallowing of your name.  May we be strengthened as we give and may the world be enriched by these gifts.  Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Hymn #595 “We Are Pilgrims”

Commissioning (one)

Go gladly into the world.  Be filled with the love of God.  Dance to the song of the Spirit.  Befriend the Christ in each new day.

Choral Amen

Postlude

Welcome to Fifth Avenue Memorial this morning.

Please join us for refreshments after worship.

Next Week’s Service, August 4th, will be at Westminster United Church @ 10:00 a.m., led by Rev. James Farrell.