Sunday, August 25, 2002 – 10:00 a.m.
Combined Summer Services for The United Churches of Redcliff, Irvine and Medicine Hat.
Today’s worship leader is Jane Clarke and all who join for today’s worship.
Prelude
Announcements
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One May the peace of God rest upon our busy lives so that we may be quieted into prayer.
All: May the love of God flow through our worship words that they may be alive with opportunities for service.
One: May the grace of God seek out our every need and may the restless gospel set our hearts afire.
All: Amen.
Prayer of Approach
One: Let us continue to pray
All: O God, our joy and our comfort, we gather in your name to give thanks for all the gifts of this day. Our spirits abound with your gift of joy. Of all the many things we have received from your hand, the flame of joy is the most precious. We have also come to this hour of prayer bearing in our hearts the sorrows of our world. Comfort us with your presence that we may be strengthened to continue to proclaim your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Source and Guide of all that is, we acknowledge that though we come from you, we have not always followed the guidance you have given us in Jesus Christ. We have certainly not reached the goal of perfection that lies ahead of us. Do not leave unfinished the work you have begun in us. Though there is more to know about you than we can ever learn, we are often distracted from our search for the truth. Be patient with us for the sake of Jesus Christ, our elder and wiser brother …(silent confession)
Assurance of Pardon (One)
Hear the Good News! God’s true love endures forever. Friends, believe the Good News. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Prayer of Illumination
From the Hebrew Scriptures – Exodus 1:8-2:10
From the Epistle – Romans 12:1-8
From the Gospel – Matthew 16:13-20
One This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ
All Thanks be to God.
Our Church Tithes and Offerings
Offertory
Grant us, God, the grace of giving, with a spirit large and free, that ourselves and all our living we may offer faithfully.
Holy One, whose heart abounds with gifts, receive this offering as a sign of our intention to live surrounded by your mercy, inspired by your Spirit, open to the joy of your presence, hospitable to one another, and generous toward your world. Amen
Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer
Serve your God with patience and passion. Be deliberate in enacting your faith. Be steadfast in celebrating the Spirit’s power. And may peace be your way in the world.
Postlude
Thought For Today
To enjoy life we must touch much of it lightly.
Voltaire