Download the Christmas ScheduleWe are beginning our phased return to in-church worship service. Phase I of in-church services will begin Sunday, September 6, 2020 and will continue until Sunday, October 25, 2020. During recovery, all public health protocols in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 will be followed. In addition, there will be other church-specific protocols in place. The members of the council for the South Mountain-Hallville Pastoral Charge will make adjustments in November in accordance with the situation at that time. This plan recognizes that the COVID-19 situation is fluid. Some of the restrictions may ease and a worsening of the pandemic could lead to new restrictions.
As communities of faith, we share our gifts by passing the offering plate. Here are ways we can continue to share our gifts.
Good old post-dated cheques are a familiar way for people to give. Place them in an envelope, sealed with a wet sponge—not licked—and mail them to the church office.
First thing we'd climb a tree
And maybe then we'd talk
Or sit silently
And listen to our thoughts
With illusions of someday
Cast in a golden light
No dress rehearsal This is our life
And that's where the hornet stung me
And I had a feverish dream
With revenge and doubt
Tonight, we smoke them out
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
Stare in the morning shroud
And then the day began
I tilted your cloud
You tilted my hand
Rain falls in real time
And rain fell through the night
No dress rehearsal, this is our life
But that's when the hornet stung me
And I had a serious dream
With revenge and doubt
Tonight, we smoked them out
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
And disappointing you is gettin' me down
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
( VU 506) Key of D
1
Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, all for thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2
Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet, and let them be
swift and purposeful for thee.
3
Take my lips, and let them be
filled with messages from thee;
take my intellect, and use
every power as thou shalt choose.
4
Take my will, and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine;
take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
5
Take my love: and I will pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
(VU 96)
Key of F (cadence according to VU 567)
1
Will you come and see the light from the stable door?
It is shining newly bright, though it shone before.
It will be your guiding star,
it will show you who you are;
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
2
Will you step into the light that can free the slave?
It will stand for what is right, it will heal and save.
By the pyramids of greed
there's a longing to be freed;
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
3
Will you tell about the light in the prison cell?
Though it's shackled out of sight, it is shining well.
When the truth is cut and bruised,
and the innocent abused,
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
4
Will you join the hope, alight in the young girl's eyes,
of the mighty put to flight by a baby's cries?
When the lowest and the least
are the foremost at the feast,
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
5
Will you travel by the light of the babe new born?
In the candle lit at night there's a gleam of dawn,
and the darkness all about
is too dim to put it out:
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
The boy Samuel was serving God under Eli’s direction.
This was at a time when the revelation of God was rarely heard or seen. One night Eli was sound asleep (his eyesight was very bad—he could hardly see). It was well before dawn; the sanctuary lamp was still burning. Samuel was still in bed in the Temple of God, where the Chest of God rested.
Then God called out, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Yes? I’m here.”
Then he ran to Eli saying, “I heard you call. Here I am.”
Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” And so he did.
God called again, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel got up and went to Eli, “I heard you call. Here I am.”
Again Eli said, “Son, I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” (This all happened before Samuel knew God for himself. It was before the revelation of God had been given to him personally.)
God called again, “Samuel!”—the third time! Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, “Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am.”
That’s when it dawned on Eli that God was calling the boy. So Eli directed Samuel, “Go back and lie down. If the voice calls again, say, ‘Speak, God. I’m your servant, ready to listen.’” Samuel returned to his bed.
Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out,
“Samuel! Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.”
key of D
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me
See on the portals He's waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me
Refrain:
Come home, come home
Ye who are weary come home
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling, "O sinner come home"
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
mercies for you and for me? R
O for the wonderful love He has promised
Promised for you and for me
Though we have sinned He has mercy and pardon
Pardon for you and for me R
Key of G
I wandered so aimless life filled with sin
I wouldn't let my dear savior in
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord I saw the light
Refrain:
I saw the light, I saw the light
No more darkness, no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light
Just like a blind man I wandered along
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light R
I was a fool to wander and stray
Straight is the gate and narrow's the way
Now I have traded the wrong for the right
Praise the Lord I saw the light R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the January 10, 2021 service.
Run away with me
Lost souls and reverie
Running wild and running free
Two kids, you and me
Refrain
And I say Hey, hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Hey hey heyHey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Renegades, renegades
Long live the pioneers
Rebels and mutineers
Go forth and have no fear
Come close the end is near R
All hail the underdogs
All hail the new kids
All hail the outlaws
Spielberg's and Kubrick's
It's our time to make a move
It's our time to make amends
It's our time to break the rules
Let's begin R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 20)
1
On Jordan's bank, the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lamb is nigh;
awake and hearken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of Kings.
2
Then cleansed be every life from sin;
make straight the way for God within;
and let each heart prepare a home
where such a mighty guest may come.
3
In you, we find abundant life,
our refuge in the midst of strife;
without your grace we waste away,
like flowers that wither and decay.
4
Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,
and help us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine,
and fill the world with love divine.
5
All praise to you, eternal Son,
whose advent has our freedom won;
and praise to God whom we adore,
with Holy Spirit evermore.
(VU 92)
1
In the darkness shines the splendour
of the Word who took our flesh,
welcoming, in love's surrender,
death's dark shadow at his crèche.
Bearing every human story,
Word made flesh reveals his glory.
2
Light of nations, veiled in history,
born of woman's flesh and blood,
calling to the depths of mystery
restless hearts that seek the good.
Healing every human story,
Word made flesh reveals his glory.
3
Broken bread, sustaining us in sorrow,
wine poured out to toast our joy;
exodus and new tomorrow,
life's full promise to enjoy!
Gladdening every human story,
Word made flesh reveals his glory.
4
All God's people, sing in jubilation
of the birth that sets us free,
telling of the revelation:
Jesus, God's epiphany.
Celebrate the human story!
Word made flesh reveals our glory.
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt round his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
(VU 100)
1
When Jesus comes to be baptized,
he leaves the hidden years behind,
the years of safety and of peace,
to bear the sins of humankind.
2
The Spirit of the Lord comes down,
anoints the Christ to suffering,
to preach the word, to free the bound,
and to the mourner, comfort bring.
3
He will not quench the dying flame,
and what is bruised he will not break,
but heal the wound injustice dealt,
and out of death his triumph make.
4
O Spirit help us be like Christ:
to live in love and charity,
to walk in truth and justice now,
and grow in Christian dignity.
5
We praise you, God, source of all life,
we praise you, Christ, eternal Word,
we praise you, Spirit, gracious gift;
your triune presence fills our world.
Gospel hymn: Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
1
O what a wonderful, wonderful day
Day I will never forget
After I'd wandered in darkness away
Jesus my Saviour I met
O what a tender, compassionate friend
He met the need of my heart
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling
He made all the darkness depart
Refrain
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
When at the cross my Saviour made me whole
My sins were washed away
And my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
2
Born of the Spirit with life from above
Into God's fam'ly divine
Justified fully thru Calvary's love
O what a standing is mine
And the transaction so quickly was made
When as a sinner I came
Took of the offer of grace He did proffer
He saved me, O praise His dear name R
3
Now I've a hope that will surely endure
After the passing of time
I have a future in heaven for sure
There in those mansions sublime
And it's because of that wonderful day
When at the cross I believed
Riches eternal and blessings supernal
From His precious hand I received R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the January 3, 2021 service.
(VU 93; tune: The Sussex carol [Key of G])
1
When heaven's bright with mystery
and science searches nature's art,
when all creation yearns for peace
and hope sinks deep in human hearts,
appear to us, O Holy Light;
lift from our eyes the shades of night.
2
When Herod barters power and lives
and Rachel's weeping fills the night,
when suffering's mask marks every face,
and Love's a refugee in flight,
reveal to us your word of grace
and make us witness to your peace.
3
When fragile faith, like desert wind,
blows dry and empty, hope erased,
when withered grass and fading flower
proclaim again our day's brief space,
breathe on the clay of our despair
and work a new creation there.
4
When heaven's bright with mystery
and stars still lead an unknown way,
when love still lights a gentle path
where courts of power can hold no sway,
there with the Magi, let us kneel,
our gifts to share, God's world to heal.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 91)
1
The first Nowell the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay akeeping their sheep
on a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Refrain
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
2
They looked up and saw a star,
shining in the east, beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night. R
3
And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went. R
4
This star drew nigh to the northwest;
o'er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay,
right over the place where Jesus lay. R
5
Then entered in those wise men three,
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold and myrrh and frankincense. R
6
Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood our life hath bought. R
1
We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we travel afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Refrain
O – star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain,
Gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign. R
Frankincense to offer have I
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshipping God on high. R
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in a stone cold tomb. R
Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Sounds through the earth and skies. R
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
May God bless to our understanding this reading of Holy Scripture. Amen.
(VU 74)
1
What child is this, who laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping?
Refrain
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the Babe, the Son of Mary!
2
Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
3
So, bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, one and all, to own him.
The King of Kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him.
(VU 68)
1
All poor ones and humble and all those who stumble,
come hastening, and feel not afraid;
for Jesus, our treasure, with love past all measure,
in lowly poor manger was laid.
Though wise men who found him
laid rich gifts around him,
yet oxen they gave him their hay,
and Jesus in beauty accepted their duty;
contented in manger he lay.
Refrain
Then haste we to show him the praises we owe him;
our service he ne'er can despise;
whose love still is able to show us that stable,
where softly in manger he lies.
2
The Christ Child will lead us, the Good Shepherd feed us
and with us abide till his day.
Then hatred he'll banish; then sorrow will vanish,
and death and despair flee away.
And he shall reign ever, and nothing shall sever
from us the great love of our King;
his peace and his pity shall bless his fair city;
his praises we ever shall sing. R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 7:00 p.m.
This is the recording of the Christmas Eve EVE service.
Carol: Angels we have heard on high
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,
and the mountains in reply, echoing the joyous strains.
“Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!”
Words . . .
Light four candles
Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heav’nly song?
“Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Words . . .
We light the Christ candle
Words . . .
Come to Bethlehem and see Christ, who comes in lowly birth.
Come adore on bended knee Jesus, joy of heav’n and earth.
“Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
1
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem:
come and behold him, born the King of angels.
Refrain
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
3
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
glory to God in the highest. R
5
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. R
(VU 71)
1
'Twas in the moon of wintertime,
when all the birds had fled,
that mighty Gitchi Manitou
sent angel choirs instead;
before their light the stars grew dim,
and wandering hunters heard the hymn:
Refrain
Jesus your King is born,
Jesus is born,
in excelsis gloria.
2
Within a lodge of broken bark
the tender babe was found,
a ragged robe of rabbit skin
enwrapped his beauty round;
but as the hunter braves drew nigh,
the angel song rang loud and high. R
3
The earliest moon of wintertime
is not so round and fair
as was the ring of glory on
the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before him knelt
with gifts of fox and beaver pelt. R
4
O children of the forest free,
the angel song is true,
the holy child of earth and heaven
is born today for you.
Come, kneel before the radiant boy,
who brings you beauty, peace, and joy. R
(vv 1, 2 &4)
(VU 62)
1
Once in royal David's city
stood a lowly cattleshed,
where a mother laid her baby
in a manger for his bed.
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.
2
He came down to earth from heaven
who, with God, is over all,
and his shelter was a stable,
and his cradle was a stall.
There among the poor and lowly
lived on earth our Saviour holy.
4
And our eyes at last shall see him,
through his own redeeming love;
for that child who seemed so helpless
is our Lord in heaven above;
and he leads his children on
to the place where he is gone.
(VU 48)
1
Hark! the herald angels sing,
'Glory to the newborn King,
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!'
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with the angelic host proclaim,
'Christ is born in Bethlehem!'
Refrain
Hark! the herald angels sing,
'Glory to the newborn King!'
2
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail, the incarnate deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel! R
3
Hail, the heavenborn Prince of Peace!
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth. R
(VU 44)
1
It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold,
'Peace on the earth, good will to all,
from heaven's all-gracious King!'
The world in solemn stillness lay
to hear the angels sing.
2
Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled;
and still their heavenly music floats
o'er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o'er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.
3
Yet with the woes of sin and strife
the world has suffered long;
beneath the angel strain have rolled
two thousand years of wrong;
and warring humankind hears not
the love song which they bring.
O hush the noise, and cease your strife,
to hear the angels sing.
4
For, lo! the days are hastening on,
by prophets seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold,
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendours fling,
and the whole world send back the song
which now the angels sing.
(VU 64)
1
O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
2
For Christ is born of Mary;
and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King,
and peace to all on earth.
3
How silently, how silently
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessed gift of heaven.
No ear may hear his coming;
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.
4
O holy child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin, and enter in;
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea,
unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;
(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there,
the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you;
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven,
the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,
and see this thing which is come to pass,
which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph,
and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad
the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things
which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
A Christmas sermon . .. if there’s time
(VU 67)
1
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
2
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight:
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah,
Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.
3
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 43)
Refrain
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born.
1
While shepherds kept their watching
o'er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. R
2
The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo, above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Saviour's birth! R
3
Down in a lonely manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent our salvation
that blessed Christmas morn. R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the December 20, 2020 service.
(VU 43; Key of G)
Refrain
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born.
1
While shepherds kept their watching
o'er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. R
2
The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo, above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Saviour's birth! R
3
Down in a lonely manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent our salvation
that blessed Christmas morn. R
(Key of Am)
1
I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.
For poor on'ry people like you and like I...
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
2
When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.
But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall,
And the promise of ages it then did recall.
3
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,
Or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing,
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King.
(VU 55; Key of D# [C 3rd fret])
1
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
2
Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign;
in the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
the Lord God almighty, Jesus Christ.
3
Enough for him, whom cherubim worship night and day,
a breast full of milk, and a manger full of hay.
Enough for him, whom angels fall down before,
the ox and ass and camel which adore.
4
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him - give my heart.
Hope is a star
(VU 7)
1
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
Refrain
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
2
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving a promise of safety and worth
3
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn
Telling the world that the Saviour is born
4
Love is a flame that burns in our heart
Jesus has come and will never depart
Sung response
Come, O Long-expected Jesus,
born to set your people free.
From our fears and sins release us;
Christ, in whom our rest shall be.
(Key of Am)
1
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
With wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.
"All hail," said he, "Thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favoured lady." Gloria!
2
”For known a blessed mother thou shalt be
All generations laud and honor thee
Thy Son shall be Emanuel
By seers foretold
Most highly favoured lady, " Gloria.
3
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
"To me be as it pleaseth God, " she said,
"My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name."
Most highly favoured lady, Gloria.
4
Of her, Emmanuel - the Christ - was born
in Bethlehem, upon that Christmas morn.
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say,
'Most highly favoured lady! Gloria!'
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 56; Key of F)
1
Jesus, our brother, kind and good,
was humbly born in a stable rude,
and the friendly beasts around him stood,
Jesus, our brother, kind and good.
2
'I,' said the donkey, shaggy and brown,
'I carried the mother uphill and down,
I carried his mother to Bethlehem town;
I,' said the donkey, shaggy and brown.
3
'I,' said the cow, all white and red,
'I gave him my manger for his bed,
I gave him hay to pillow his head;
I,' said the cow, all white and red.
4
'I,' said the sheep with curly horn,
'I gave him my wool for his blanket warm,
he wore my coat on Christmas morn;
I,' said the sheep, with curly horn.
5
'I,' said the dove, from the rafters high,
'I cooed him to sleep that he should not cry,
we cooed him to sleep, my mate and I;
I,' said the dove, from the rafters high.
6
Thus all the beasts, by some good spell,
in the stable dark were glad to tell
of the gifts they gave Emmanuel,
the gifts they gave Emmanuel.
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favoured one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 3nd behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
(Tune: While Shepherds Watched, VU 75; Key of F)
1
"There's not a thing that God can't do!"
The angel said. "Not one!
For Mary, God has favored you
And you will bear God's Son."
2
So Mary answered, "Here am I,
The servant of the Lord."
She knew that she could well rely
Upon the angel's word.
3
There's not a blessing we won't know
If God is pleased to share;
As Mary found out long ago,
We're ever in God's care.
4
O God, what awesome things you do;
You call, surprise and bless!
As Mary answered, may we, too,
Respond by saying, "Yes!"
(VU 76 ;Key of G)
1
See amid the winter's snow,
born for us on earth below,
see, the tender Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years.
Refrain
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn;
hail, redemption's happy dawn;
sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
2
Lo, within a manger lies
God who built the starry skies,
who enthroned in height sublime
sits amid the cherubim. R
3
Say, ye holy shepherds, say
what your joyful news today;
wherefore have ye left your sheep
on the lonely mountain steep? R
4
'As we watched at dead of night,
lo, we saw a wondrous light;
angels singing 'Peace on earth'
told us of the Saviour's birth.' R
5
Sacred infant, all divine,
what a mighty love was thine,
thus to come from highest bliss
down to such a world as this! R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the December 13, 2020 service.
(Key of G)
1
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on
Our troubles will be out of sight
2
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay
From now on
Our troubles will be miles away
3
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us, once more
4
Through the years
We all will be together
If the fates allow
So, hang a shining star
Upon the highest bough
And Have yourself
A merry little Christmas now
(Key of Em)
1
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Saviour
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
2
In Bethlehem, in Judah
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
3
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love & brotherhood
each other now embrace.
The holy tide of Christmas
All others doth efface.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
(VU 49; Key of D)
1
No crowded eastern street, no sound of passing feet;
far to the left and far to right
the prairie snows spread fair and white;
yet still to us is born tonight
the child, the King of glory.
2
No rock-hewn place of peace shared with the gentle beasts,
but sturdy farmhouse, stout and warm,
with stable, shed, and great red barn;
and still to us is born tonight
the child, the King of glory.
3
No blaze of heavenly fire, no bright celestial choir,
only the starlight as of old,
crossed by the planes' flash, red and gold;
yet still to us is born tonight
the child, the King of glory.
4
No kings with gold and grain, no stately camel train:
yet in his presence all may stand
with loving heart and willing hand;
for still to us is born tonight
the child, the King of glory.
“Hope is a star”
(VU 7)
1
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
2
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving a promise of safety and worth
3
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn
Telling the world that the Saviour is born
Lighting the candles
Sung response
Go! Tell it on the mountains
Over the Hills and everywhere!
Go! Tell is on the mountains
That Jesus Christ is born!
(VU 20; Key of G)
1
On Jordan's bank, the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lamb is nigh;
awake and hearken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of Kings.
2
Then cleansed be every life from sin;
make straight the way for God within;
and let each heart prepare a home
where such a mighty guest may come.
3
In you, we find abundant life,
our refuge in the midst of strife;
without your grace we waste away,
like flowers that wither and decay.
4
Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,
and help us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine,
and fill the world with love divine.
5
All praise to you, eternal Son,
whose advent has our freedom won;
and praise to God whom we adore,
with Holy Spirit evermore.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of G)
1
Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.
2
“Hither, page, and stand by me, if thou know’st, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes’ fountain.”
3
“Bring me food and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither,
Thou and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither.”
Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together,
Through the cold wind’s wild lament and the bitter weather.
4
“Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger,
Fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page, tread now in them boldly,
You shall find the winter’s rage freeze your blood less coldly.”
5
In his master’s steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christians all, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
You who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’, as the prophet Isaiah said.”
(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
(VU 899; tune: It came upon a midnight clear [VU 44; Key of G])
1
My soul gives glory to my God,
my heart pours out its praise;
God lifted up my lowliness
in many marvelous ways.
My God has done great things for me:
yes, holy is God's name;
whose people will declare me blessed,
and blessings they shall claim.
2
From age to age, to all who fear,
such mercy love imparts,
dispensing justice far and near,
dismissing selfish hearts.
Love casts the mighty from their thrones,
promotes the insecure,
leaves hungry spirits satisfied,
the rich seem suddenly poor.
3
Praise God, whose loving covenant
supports those in distress,
remembering past promises
with present faithfulness.
My soul gives glory to my God,
my heart pours out its praise;
God lifted up my lowliness
in many marvelous ways.
(Tune: Hark! The Herald [VU 48; Key of G])
1
Watchman, tell us of the night,
what its signs of promise are;
Trav’ler, o’er yon mountain’s height
see that glory beaming star
Watchman, does its beauteous ray
aught of hope or joy foretell?
Trav’ler, yes; it brings the day, promised day of Israel.
Trav’ler, yes; it brings the day, promised day of Israel.
2
Watchman, tell us of the night;
higher yet the star ascends;
Trav’ler, blessedness & light,
peace and truth its course portends
Watchman will its beams alone
gild the spot that gave them birth
Trav’ler ages are its own, see, it bursts o’er all the earth.
Trav’ler ages are its own, see, it bursts o’er all the earth.
3
Watchman, tell us of the night,
for the morning seems to dawn;
Trav’ler, darkness takes its flight;
doubt and terror are withdrawn
Watchman, let thy wand’ring cease,
hie thee to thy quiet home!
Trav’ler, Lo, the Prince of Peace, Lo, the Son of God is come.
Trav’ler, Lo, the Prince of Peace, Lo, the Son of God is come.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the December 6, 2020 service.
(Key of D#; C 2nd fret)
1
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
Wild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men
2
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
3
And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men
4
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor does he sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men
5
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
Wild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men
(Key of D)
1
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning
2
And what was in those ships all three?
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
And what was in those ships all three?
On Christmas Day in the morning
3
Our Saviour Christ and His Lady
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
Our Saviour Christ and His Lady
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
4
Pray, whither sailed those ships all Three
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
Pray, whither sailed those ships all Three
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
5
O they sailed into Bethlehem
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
O, they sailed into Bethlehem
On Christmas Day in the morning
6
And all the bells on earth shall ring
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
And all the bells on earth shall ring
On Christmas Day in the morning
7
And all the souls on earth shall sing
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
And all the souls on earth shall sing
On Christmas Day in the morning
8
Then let us all rejoice and sing
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
Then let us all rejoice and sing
On Christmas Day in the morning
(VU 45; Key of D# [C 3rd fret])
1
Joy is now in every place,
Christmas lightens every face;
now be with us, in your grace,
O hear us, bless us, holy Jesus.
2
May the star that shone that night,
making your poor stable bright,
fill our hearts with love and light,
O hear us, bless us, holy Jesus.
3
Through the New Year let it stay,
leading us upon your way,
making Christmas every day,
O hear us, bless us, holy Jesus.
4
Now and ever may we find
your good news to fill our mind:
peace and love to humankind,
O hear us, bless us, holy Jesus.
Hope is a Star
(VU 7 [C])
1
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
2
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving a promise of safety and worth
One Friends, we have heard the promise:
God’s chosen One will soon be among us. We must make ready.
All Prepare the Way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
One The wilderness places of our lives may threaten to overwhelm us,
We may easily lose our way. But a second candle adds its light.
The candle of wisdom and preparation
Joins the candle of watchful waiting.
Light two candles
All Send your Spirit to the wild corners of our hearts.
Grant us wisdom and understanding
that we will prepare well
For the coming of your promised Counselor. Amen
Sung response
Hark the glad sound the Saviour comes!
The Saviour promised long!
Let every heart prepare him room
And every voice a song.
(VU 2; Tune: Hyfrodol; [Key of D])
1
Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free:
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art,
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.
2
Born thy people to deliver;
born a child and yet a king;
born to reign in us forever;
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy glorious throne.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 69; Key of D)
1
There was a good bishop who lived long ago
His memory is glorious, His legends are bold
We call him St Nicholas, a servant of Christ
Who loved little children and taught what was right
2
He is Father Christmas and Santa Claus too
He helped many people, the stories are true
At Christmas he calls to us, both young and old
To see that the story of Jesus is told
3
The gifts that he brings us are signs of the love
That comes down at Christmas from heaven above
We see Mother Mary, the babe in the stall,
With Joseph, the wise men and shepherds and all
4
O blessed St Nik’las we hail you today
The patron of many, you show us the way
To be good and generous, to help those in need
To be kind to others in both word and deed
(King James version)
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. The voice said, Cry.
And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
(Tune: VU 48; Key of D)
1
Children everywhere agree
Each December now to be
Ready, eager, all to greet
The great saint we wait to meet.
Bearing gifts, he first recalls
If we have been good at all,
In our work, at home or play
All before St Nicholas day.
In our work, at home or play
All before St Nicholas day.
2
With his helpers at his side,
Celebrating far and wide,
He's the real Santa Claus,
Hail our kind St Nicholas
Now he leads us one and all
To the Christmas manger stall
Sees the babe, he bows the knee
For the prince of peace—tis he!
Sees the babe, he bows the knee
For the prince of peace—tis he!
3
So in Myra stories told
His great love, his actions bold,
Pilgrims now to Bari go
So the legends all may know.
Now the day of joy and fun
Ole St Nick, his work is done,
Says goodbye to young and old
By whom still his tales are told.
Says goodbye to young and old
By whom still his tales are told.
Santa’s clause
To do good, and to distribute, forget not;
for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13.16
(VU 25; Key of F (D capo 3)
1
Lo, he comes with clouds descending,
see the Lamb for sinners slain!
Thousand, thousand saints attending
join to sing the glad refrain:
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
God appears on earth to reign.
2
Every eye shall then behold you,
robed in awesome majesty;
all who jeered, and mocked, and sold you,
pierced, and nailed you to the tree,
deeply grieving, deeply grieving, deeply grieving,
shall the true Messiah see.
3
Now redemption, long expected
see in solemn pomp appear;
all the saints, by us rejected,
thrill the trumpet sound to hear:
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
See the day of God appear!
4
Yea! Amen! Let all adore you,
high on your eternal throne;
crowns and empires fall before you,
claim the kingdom for your own:
O come quickly! O come quickly! O come quickly!
Everlasting Christ, come down.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the November 29, 2020 service.
Kate Hubble is hoping to make a slide show for this December. Your task should you choose to accept (I hope you do).
Please send her via email or Facebook a picture (max 4) of your family doing something Christmas"y" standing in front of a tree, wearing an ugly sweater, a funny hat, caroling, roasting chestnuts etc. or hanging with your flat Jesus! The slideshow will be posted on our Facebook page and our website.
Due Date: December 5th
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Key of D)
1
The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
Refrain
O, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
2
The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flow'r
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our dear Saviour R
3
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good R
(Key of D)
1
Ding dong merrily on high,
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing
Refrain
Gloria Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria Hosanna in excelsis!
2
E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen R
3
Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers,
May you beautifully rhyme
Your eve'time song, ye singers R
(VU 73, key of D)
1
The virgin Mary had a baby boy,
the virgin Mary had a baby boy,
the virgin Mary had a baby boy,
and they say that his name is Jesus.
Refrain
He come from the glory, (clap, clap)
he come from the glorious kingdom.
He come from the glory, (clap, clap)
he come from the glorious kingdom.
Oh, yes! believer! Oh, yes! believer!
He come from the glory, (clap, clap)
he come from the glorious kingdom.
2
The angels sang when the baby was born,
the angels sang when the baby was born,
the angels sang when the baby was born,
and they say that his name is Jesus.
3
The shepherds came where the baby was born,
the shepherds came where the baby was born,
the shepherds came where the baby was born,
and they say that his name is Jesus.
Hope is a star
(VU 17)
1
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
One The darkness has long been upon us. We long for the light—
the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation
All The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light!
One The light has not yet come.
We wait and watch for the dawning of God’s glory.
This one candle casts its light into the darkness.
It reminds us to stay awake and watchful,
for the Promised One will come to us at an unexpected hour!
Light first candle
All How we long for the light of your presence, Holy God!
Guide us from the night of our hopelessness
And lead us with joy toward
the dawning of your New Day. Amen
Sung response
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
(VU 1; Key of Em)
1
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lowly exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
2
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who orders all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go. R
3
O come, O come, great God of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times once gave the law
in cloud, and majesty, and awe. R
4
O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem,
from every foe deliver them
that trust your mighty power to save,
and give them victory o'er the grave. R
5
O come, O Key of David, come,
and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery. R
6
O come, O Dayspring, from on high,
and cheer us by your drawing nigh;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death's dark shadows put to flight. R
7
O come, Desire of nations, bind
all peoples in one heart and mind;
O bid our sad divisions cease,
and be for us the Prince of Peace. R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of D)
Refrain
Children, go where I send thee. How shall I send thee?
I'm gonna send thee one by one
One for the little bitty baby
born, born, born in Bethlehem.
Two for Paul and Silas
Three for the Hebrew children ...
Four for the poor knockin' at my door ...
Five for the gospel preachers ...
Six for the six that got ‘emselves fixed ...
Seven for the seven that got into heaven ...
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
(VU 29; Key of D)
1
Hark, the glad sound! The Saviour comes,
the Saviour promised long:
let every heart prepare a throne,
and every voice a song.
2
He comes, the prisoners to release
in Satan's bondage held;
the gates of brass before him burst,
the iron fetters yield.
3
He comes, the broken heart to bind,
the bleeding soul to cure,
and with the treasures of his grace
to bless the humble poor.
4
Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
your welcome shall proclaim;
and heaven's eternal arches ring
with your beloved name.
(VU 688; Key of G, chords found in Songs for Gospel People, #47)
1
O day of God, draw nigh
in beauty and in power,
come with your timeless judgement now
to match our present hour.
2
Bring to our troubled minds,
uncertain and afraid,
the quiet of a steadfast faith,
calm of a call obeyed.
3
Bring justice to our land,
that all may dwell secure,
and finely build for days to come
foundations that endure.
4
Bring to our world of strife
your sovereign word of peace,
that war may haunt the earth no more
and desolation cease.
5
O day of God, draw nigh
as at creation's birth;
let there be light again, and set
your judgements in the earth.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the November 8, 2020 service.
by Nine Inch Nails; interpreted: Johnny Cash
Key of Am
I hurt myself today To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain The only thing that's real
The needle tears a hole The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away But I remember everything
What have I become My sweetest friend?
Everyone I know Goes away in the end
And you could have it all My empire of dirt
I will let you down I will make you hurt
I wear this crown of thorns Upon my liar's chair
Full of broken thoughts I cannot repair
Beneath the stains of time The feelings disappear
You are someone else I am still right here
What have I become My sweetest friend?
Everyone I know Goes away in the end
And you could have it all My empire of dirt
I will let you down I will make you hurt
If I could start again A million miles away
I will keep myself I would find a way
Call to Worship:
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore.
The sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd.
And he will guide them to living water
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes
Rev. 7: 16-17
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(tune VU 256)
Key of G
1.
I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;
The love that asks no question,
the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.
2.
And there's another country, I've heard of long ago,
Most dear to them that love her,
most great to them that know;
We may not count her armies, we may not see her King;
Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;
And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,
And her ways are ways of gentleness,
and all her paths are peace.
Wreath Laying
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae
~ May 3, 1915
(As published in Punch Magazine, December 8, 1915)
One They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the Sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.
All We will Remember them.
Last Post
– Silence –
Lament “Flowers of the Forest”
Rouse
Prayer
O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you those people
who have died in active service.
As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,
may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life, peace and hope,
now and for ever.
Lay me doon in the caul caul groon
Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun
Lay me doon in the caul caul groon
Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun
When they come a wull staun ma groon
Staun ma groon al nae be afraid
Thoughts awe hame tak awa ma fear
Sweat an bluid hide ma veil awe tears
Ains a year say a prayer faur me
Close yir een an remember me
Nair mair shall a see the sun
For a fell tae a Germans gun
Lay me doon in the caul caul groon
Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun
Lay me doon in the caul caul groon
Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun
Whaur afore monie mair huv gaun
- Joseph Kilna MacKenzie
(King James Version)
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
May God bless to our understanding
this reading of His Holy Word. Amen
Key of C
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on Earth,
the peace that was meant to be.
With God, our Creator, children all are we,
Let us walk with each other,
in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.
With every step I take,
let this be my solemn vow,
To take each moment and live each moment
in peace, eternally.
Let there be Peace on Earth,
and let it begin with me.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(tune: VU 659)
Key of C
1.
God of our fathers, known of old,
Lord of our far flung battle line,
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine—
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!
2.
The tumult and the shouting dies;
The captains and the kings depart:
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!
3.
Far called, our navies melt away;
On dune and headland sinks the fire:
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!
Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/jplenio-7645255/
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the November 1, 2020 service.
by Mumford & Sons (Key of Db [C 1st Fret])
1
Well I came home like a stone
And I fell heavy into your arms
These days of dust
Which we've known
Will blow away with this new sun
2
But I'll kneel down wait for now
And I'll kneel down know my ground
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
3
So break my step and relent
You forgave and I won't forget
Know what we've seen
And him with less
Now in some way
Shake the excess
4
'Cause I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
5
Now I'll be bold as well as strong
And use my head alongside my heart
So take my flesh and fix my eyes
A tethered mind free from the lies
6
And I'll kneel down wait for now
I'll kneel down know my ground
7
Raise my hands paint my spirit gold
And bow my head keep my heart slow
'Cause I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
Call to worship
Saints from Welcoming each wonder ©Tom Gordon: www.ionabooks.com
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(VU 714; Key of D)
1
Come, we that love the Lord,
and let our joys be known,
join in a song with sweet accord,
join in a song with sweet accord
and thus surround the throne,
and thus surround the throne.
Refrain
We're marching to Zion,
beautiful, beautiful Zion;
we're marching upward to Zion,
the beautiful city of God.
2
Let those refuse to sing
who never knew our God;
but children of the heavenly King,
but children of the heavenly King
may speak their joys abroad,
may speak their joys abroad. R
3
The hill of Zion yields
a thousand sacred sweets
before we reach the heavenly fields,
before we reach the heavenly fields
or walk the golden streets,
or walk the golden streets. R
4
Then let our songs abound,
and every tear be dry;
we're marching through Emmanuel's ground,
we're marching through Emmanuel's ground
to fairer worlds on high,
to fairer worlds on high. R
Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/petraboekhoff-6746384/?utm_source=link-
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So, I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
May God bless to our understanding
this reading of His Holy Word. Amen
(Modern) (Key of Eb [D capo on 1st fret])
Words: Lawrence A. Wik (2013)
1
Stand up, stand up for Jesus
and shoulder up the cross
lift high Christ’s Easter victory,
redeemed from Calvary’s loss.
Take courage from his victory
To follow where he leads
Live strong in mercy’s service,
and match your words with deeds
2
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
to do what God has willed.
Let courage rise with danger
And every fear be stilled.
Put on the yoke of Jesus
His every grace receive.
to work for heaven’s kingdom
to live as you believe
3
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the Spirit’s call obey,
Fulfill your best intentions
to follow in His way.
Decide against contentment
and comfort’s deathly pall,
Resolve to live for Jesus
and give your all in all
Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/candiix-7097598/?utm_source=link-
(VU 509: Key of G in VY)
1
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in deepest sin my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Refrain
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
2
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people's pain,
I have wept for love of them; they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them.
Whom shall I send? R
3
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame,
I will set a feast for them; my hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send? R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the October 25, 2020 service.
by Third Eye Blind
(Key of C)
1
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand I would understand
2
The angry boy, a bit too insane
Icing over a secret pain
You know you don't belong
You're the first to fight
You're way too loud
You're the flash of light on a burial shroud
I know something's wrong
Well, everyone I know has got a reason
To say, "Put the past away"
3
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand I would understand
4
Well, he's on the table and he's gone to code
And I do not think anyone knows
What they are doing here
And your friends have left you
You've been dismissed
I never thought it would come to this, and I, I want you to know
Everyone's got to face down the demons
Maybe today you can put the past away
5
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand I would understand I would understand
Can you put the past away
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
I would understand (OVER and OVER)
Call to worship
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(VU 260; Key of C [chords in VU])
1
God who gives to life its goodness,
God creator of all joy,
God who gives to us our freedom,
God who blesses tool and toy:
teach us now to laugh and praise you,
deep within your praises sing,
till the whole creation dances
for the goodness of its king.
2
God who fills the earth with beauty,
God who binds each friend to friend,
God who names us co-creators
God who wills that chaos end:
grant us now creative spirits,
minds responsive to your mind,
hearts and wills your rule extending
all our acts by Love refined.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of C)
1
When He cometh, when He cometh
To make up His jewels,
All His jewels, precious jewels,
His loved and His own.
Refrain
Like the stars of the morning,
His bright crown adorning,
They shall shine in their beauty,
Bright gems for His crown.
2
He will gather, He will gather
The gems for His kingdom;
All the pure ones, all the bright ones,
His loved and His own. R
3
Little children, little children,
Who love their Redeemer,
Are the jewels, precious jewels,
His loved and His own. R
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said.
16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality.
17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?”
18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites?
19 Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius.
20 Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?”
21 They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
22 When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
(Key of G)
1
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
2
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul. R
3
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! R
4
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul. R
(VU 718; Key of C, chords in VU)
1
O God, you gave your servant John
a vision of the world to come:
a radiant city filled with light,
where you with us will make your home;
where neither grief nor pain shall dwell,
since former things have passed away,
and where they need no sun nor moon;
your glory lights eternal day.
2
Our cities wear great shrouds of pain;
beneath our gleaming towers of wealth
the homeless crouch in rain and snow,
the poor cry out for strength and health.
Youth's hope is dimmed by ignorance;
unwilling, workers idled stand;
indifference walks unheeding by
as hunger stretches out its hand.
3
Come, Lord, make real John's vision fair;
come, dwell with us, make all things new;
we try in vain to save our world
unless our help shall come from you.
Come, strengthen us to live in love;
bid hatred, greed, injustice cease.
Your glory all the light we need,
let all our cities shine forth peace.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the October 18, 2020 service.
By U2 (Key of D [C 2nd fret])
See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
I'll wait for you
Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails, you make me wait
And I wait without you
Refrain
With or without you
With or without you
Through the storm, we reach the shore
You give it all but I want more
And I'm waiting for you
Refrain
With or without you
With or without you,
I can't live With or without you
And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give and you give
And you give yourself away
My hands are tied
My body bruised, you got me with
Nothing to win and
Nothing left to lose
Refrain
And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give and you give
And you give yourself away
With or without you
With or without you, oh
I can't live With or without you
With or without you
With or without you, oh
I can't live with or without you
With or without you
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(VU 822; Psalm 100) (Key of F [C 4th fret])
1
All people that on earth do dwell,
sing out your faith with cheerful voice;
delight in God whose praise you tell,
whose presence calls you to rejoice.
2
Know that there is one God, indeed,
who fashions us without our aid,
who claims us, gives us all we need,
whose tender care will never fade.
3
Enter the sacred gates with praise;
with joy approach the temple walls.
Extol and bless our God always
as people whom the Spirit calls.
4
Proclaim again that God is good,
whose mercy is forever sure,
whose truth at all times firmly stood,
and shall from age to age endure.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of G)
Over my head, I hear music in the air
Over my head, I hear music in the air
Over my head, I hear music in the air
There must be a God somewhere!
Under my Feet, I hear music in the air
Under my Feet, I hear music in the air
Under my Feet, I hear music in the air
There must be a God somewhere
Over my head under my feet…
(The Message Bible)
When the people realized that Moses was taking forever in coming down off the mountain, they rallied around Aaron and said, “Do something. Make gods for us who will lead us. That Moses, the man who got us out of Egypt—who knows what’s happened to him?”
So, Aaron told them, “Take off the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters and bring them to me.” They all did it; they removed the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. He took the gold from their hands and cast it in the form of a calf, shaping it with an engraving tool. The people responded with enthusiasm: “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up from Egypt!” Aaron, taking in the situation, built an altar before the calf.
Aaron then announced, “Tomorrow is a feast day to God!”
Early the next morning, the people got up and offered Whole-Burnt-Offerings and brought Peace-Offerings. The people sat down to eat and drink and then began to party. It turned into a wild party!
God spoke to Moses, “Go! Get down there! Your people whom you brought up from the land of Egypt have fallen to pieces. In no time at all they’ve turned away from the way I commanded them: They made a molten calf and worshiped it. They’ve sacrificed to it and said, ‘These are the gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt!’”
God said to Moses, “I look at this people—oh! what a stubborn, hard-headed people! Let me alone now, give my anger free reign to burst into flames and incinerate them. But I’ll make a great nation out of you.”
Moses tried to calm his God down. He said, “Why, God, would you lose your temper with your people? Why, you brought them out of Egypt in a tremendous demonstration of power and strength. Why let the Egyptians say, ‘He had it in for them—he brought them out so he could kill them in the mountains, wipe them right off the face of the Earth.’ Stop your anger. Think twice about bringing evil against your people! Think of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants to whom you gave your word, telling them ‘I will give you many children, as many as the stars in the sky, and I’ll give this land to your children as their land forever.’”
And God did think twice. He decided not to do the evil he had threatened against his people.
(VU 288; Key of D [chords in VU])
1
Great is thy faithfulness, God our creator;
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Refrain
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided -
great is thy faithfulness, ever to me!
2
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. R
3
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
wondrous the portion thy blessings provide. R
(Key of D)
1
Spirit of God, come dwell within me.
Open my heart, O come set me free.
Fill me with love for Jesus, my Lord.
O fill me with living water.
Refrain
Jesus is living, Jesus is here.
Jesus, my Lord, come closer to me.
Jesus, our saviour, dying for me,
and rising to save his people
2
Lord, how I thirst, O Lord, I am weak.
Lord, come to me, you alone do I seek
Lord, you are life, and love and hope.
O fill me with living water R
3
Lord, I am blind, O Lord, I can’t see.
Stretch out your hand, O Lord comfort me.
Lead me your way in light and in truth
O fill me with living water R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the October 11, 2020 service.
(The Barenaked Ladies)
Key of A
If I had $1, 000, 000 (If I had $1, 000, 000)
Well I'd buy you a house (I would buy you a house)
And if I had $1, 000, 000 (If I had $1, 000, 000)
I'd buy you furniture for your house
Maybe a nice Chesterfield or an Ottoman
And if I had $1, 000, 000 (If I had $1, 000, 000)
Well I'd buy you a K Car A nice Reliant automobile
If I had $1, 000, 000 I'd buy your love
If I had $1, 000, 000 (I'd build a tree fort in our yard)
If I had $1, 000, 000 (You could help, it wouldn't be that hard)
If I had $1, 000, 000
Maybe we could put a little tiny fridge in there somewhere
You know, we could just go in there and hang out
Like open the fridge and stuff
And there'd already be foods laid out for us
Like little pre wrapped sausages and things
Mmm, you know, they have pre wrapped sausages
But they don’t have pre wrapped bacon
Well, can you blame them? Yeah
If I had $1, 000, 000 (If I had $1, 000, 000)
While I'd buy you a fur coat (But not a real fur coat that's cruel)
And if I had $1, 000, 000 (If I had $1, 000, 000)
Well I'd buy you an exotic pet (Like a Llama or an Emu)
If I had $1, 000, 000 (If I had $1, 000, 000)
Well I'd buy you John Merricks remains (Oh all them crazy elephant bones)
And if I had $1, 000, 000 I'd buy your love
If I had $1, 000, 000 (We wouldn't have to walk to the store)
If I had $1, 000, 000 (We'd take a limousine 'cause it costs more)
If I had $1, 000, 000
We wouldn't have to eat Kraft Dinner
But we would eat Kraft Dinner
Of course we would, we'd just eat more
And buy really expensive ketchups with it
That's right, all the fanciest ketchups, Dijon ketchup Mmm, mmm mmm
If I had $1, 000, 000 (If had $1, 000, 000)
Well I'd buy you a green dress (But not a real green dress that's cruel)
And if I had $1, 000, 000 (If I had $1, 000, 000)
Well I'd buy you some art (A Picasso or a Garfunkel)
If I had $1, 000, 000 (If I had $1, 000, 000)
Well I'd buy you a monkey (Haven't you always wanted a monkey?)
If I had $1, 000, 000 I'd buy your love
If I had $1, 000, 000 (If I had $1, 000, 000)
If I had $1, 000, 000 (If I had $1, 000, 000)
I'd be rich
If you have children at home and would like to receive our monthly newsletter starting this month, please email smhpasch@gmail.com with your child's name, and we will add you to the list.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
Key of C
1.
Come, you thankful people, come,
raise the song of harvest home!
All is safely gathered in,
safe before the storms begin;
God, our maker, does provide
for our needs to be supplied:
come to God's own temple, come,
raise the song of harvest home!
2.
All the world is God's own field,
harvests for God's praise to yield;
wheat and weeds together sown,
here for joy or sorrow grown;
first the blade, and then the ear,
then the full corn shall appear:
Harvest-giver, grant that we
wholesome grain and pure may be.
3.
For our God, one day, shall come,
and shall take this harvest home;
from the field shall in that day
all offences purge away;
giving angels charge at last
in the fire the weeds to cast;
but the fruitful ears to store
in the garner evermore.
4.
Even so, God, quickly come
to your final harvest home!
Gather all your people in,
free from sorrow, free from sin;
there for ever purified,
in your presence to abide:
come, with all your angels, come,
raise the glorious harvest home.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
Key of D
Refrain:
All Things bright and beautiful
All Creatures Great and Small
All things wise and Wonderful
In Love God made them all
1.
Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
God made their glowing colours,
God made their tiny wings. R
2.
The purpleheaded mountains,
the river running by,
the sunset and the morning
that brightens up the sky; R
3.
The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden:
God made them every one. R
4.
The rocky mountain splendour,
the lone wolf's haunting call,
the great lakes and the prairies,
the forest in the fall; R
5.
God gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is God our maker,
who has made all things well. R
Moses said to all Israel: For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with flowing streams, with springs and underground waters welling up in valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land where you may eat bread without scarcity, where you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron and from whose hills you may mine copper. You shall eat your fill and bless the LORD your God for the good land that he has given you.
Take care that you do not forget the LORD your God, by failing to keep his commandments, his ordinances, and his statutes, which I am commanding you today. When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks have multiplied, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, an arid wasteland with poisonous snakes and scorpions. He made water flow for you from flint rock, and fed you in the wilderness with manna that your ancestors did not know, to humble you and to test you, and in the end to do you good. Do not say to yourself, "My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today.
Key of G
1.
Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness
Sowing in the noontide, and in the dewy eve;
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
We shall come, rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Refrain:
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves.
We shall come, rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves.
We shall come, rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
2.
Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,
Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze
By and by the harvest, and the labour ended,
We shall come, rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. R
3.
Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master
Tho’ the loss sustain’d our spirit often grieves;
When our weeping’s over, He will bid us welcome,
We shall come, rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Key of A
1.
Now thank we all our God, with heart,
and hands, and voices,
who wondrous things has done,
in whom this world rejoices;
who from our mother's arms has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
2.
O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us,
and keep us strong in grace, and guide us when perplexed,
and free us from all ill in this world and the next.
3.
All praise and thanks to God
for all that has been given,
the Son, and Spirit blest
who dwell in highest heaven,
the one eternal God, whom heaven and earth adore;
for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the October 4, 2020 service.
All: Put God first.
Give worth to the one who gives worth to you.
Use God’s name with respect and love.
All Spend time thinking about God/
Honour and love your whole family.
Live towards other people with love and generosity.
Find the richness in faithfulness towards others.
All Celebrate what you have rather than dwell on what you don’t.
Speak well of others and truthfully to yourself.
Why get down about what others have
when you can share what you have with others?
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
All Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
Faithful God,
we find ourselves awake to your having been with us from the beginning.
We find ourselves awakening to who we are and who we are becoming
We know we were created in Your image,
that You have a history of bringing us out of slavery and into freedom
and we long to find that freedom today.
We know that seek to restore things that have gone awry;
You transform what has been made ugly into true beauty,
And we pray to become a part of Your future that is coming
And so, out of a desire to be made free of past mistakes
and to start again with you and with one another,
we join our voices in confession:
All:
God of mercy,
we confess that we have often failed to speak and act with kindness.
We have not always cared for others as you care for us.
We have not welcomed others as we have been welcomed to your table,
nor have we forgiven others as we have been forgiven.
We remember the good not done,
kind words not spoken, and things we regret.
If only we could make these things right!
Hear our silent confession:
(Keep silence for 15 seconds.)
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: Circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 1 want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/jplenio-7645255
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the September 27, 2020 service.
By Pink Floyd (Key of Em)
1
On the turning away
From the pale and downtrodden
And the words they say
Which we won't understand
"Don't accept that what's happening
Is just a case of others' suffering
Or you'll find that you're joining in
The turning away"
2
It's a sin that somehow
Light is changing to shadow
And casting it's shroud
Over all we have known
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Driven on by a heart of stone
We could find that we're all alone
In the dream of the proud
3
On the wings of the night
As the daytime is stirring
Where the speechless unite
In a silent accord
Using words you will find are strange
And mesmerized as they light the flame
Feel the new wind of change
On the wings of the night
4
No more turning away
From the weak and the weary
No more turning away
From the coldness inside
Just a world that we all must share
It's not enough just to stand and stare
Is it only a dream that there'll be
No more turning away?
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(VU 213; Key of C, Chord found in VU)
1
Rejoice the Lord is King!
Your risen Lord adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing
and triumph evermore.
Refrain
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice:
rejoice; again I say, rejoice!
2
Jesus the Saviour reigns,
the God of truth and love;
when he had purged our sins,
he took his seat above. R
3
God's kingdom cannot fail;
Christ rules o'er earth and heaven;
the keys of death and hell
are to our Jesus given. R
4
Rejoice in glorious hope,
for Christ, the judge, shall come
to glorify the saints
for their eternal home.
We soon shall hear the archangel's voice;
the trump of God shall sound, rejoice R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
1
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
2
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
3
In my brother’s heart, I’m gonna let it shine,
In my brother’s heart, I’m gonna let it shine
In my brother’s heart, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
4
In my sister’s soul, I’m gonna let it shine,
In my sister’s soul, I’m gonna let it shine,
In my sister’s soul, I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
5
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
6
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
The Message Version
True authority
Then Jesus was back in the Temple, teaching. The high priests and leaders of the people came up and demanded, “Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to teach here?”
Jesus responded, “First let me ask you a question. You answer my question and I’ll answer yours. About the baptism of John—who authorized it: heaven or humans?”
They were on the spot and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, “If we say ‘heaven,’ he’ll ask us why we didn’t believe him; if we say ‘humans,’ we’re up against it with the people because they all hold John up as a prophet.” They decided to concede that round to Jesus. “We don’t know,” they answered.
Jesus said, “Then neither will I answer your question.
“Tell me what you think of this story: A man had two sons.
He went up to the first and said, ‘Son, go out for the day and work in the vineyard.’
“The son answered, ‘I don’t want to.’ Later on he thought better of it and went.
“The father gave the same command to the second son.
He answered, ‘Sure, glad to.’ But he never went.
“Which of the two sons did what the father asked?”
They said, “The first.”
Jesus said, “Yes, and I tell you that crooks and [prostitutes] are going to precede you into God’s kingdom. John came to you showing you the right road. You turned up your noses at him, but the crooks and [prostitutes] believed him. Even when you saw their changed lives, you didn’t care enough to change and believe him.
(VU 626; Key of EM)
1
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast.'
I came to Jesus as I was,
weary and worn and sad;
I found in him a resting place,
and he has made me glad.
2
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'Behold, I freely give
the living water; thirsty one,
stoop down, and drink, and live.'
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
3
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'I am this dark world's light;
look unto me, your morn shall rise,
and all your day be bright.'
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I'll walk
till travelling days are done.
(MV 135, Key of C)
Refrain
Called by earth and sky,
promise of hope held high.
This is our sacred living trust,
treasure of life sanctified,
called by earth and sky.
1
Precious these waters, endless seas,
deep ocean’s dream,
waters of healing, rivers of rain,
the wash of love again. R
2
Precious this gift, the air we breathe;
wind born and free.
Breath of the Spirit, blow through this place,
our gathering and our grace. R
3
Precious these mountains, ancient sands;
vast fragile land.
Seeds of our wakening, rooted and strong,
Creation’s faithful song. R
4
Precious the fire that lights our way,
bright dawning day.
Fire of passion, sorrows undone,
our faith and justice one. R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the September 20, 2020 service.
Great Big Sea
Key of F (D 3rd Fret)
I've got a smile on my face, and I've got four walls around me
I've got the sun in the sky, all the water surround me
Oh you know, ya I win now and sometimes I'll lose
I've been battered, but I never bruise... it's not so bad
And I say way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day
And it's all your state of mind
At the end of the day,
You've just got to say... it's all right.
Janie sings on the corner, what keeps her from dying
Let them say what they want, she won't stop trying
Oh you know,
She might stumble, and be pushed around
She might fall, but she'll never lie down...it's not so bad
And I say way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day
And it's all your state of mind
At the end of the day,
You've just got to say... it's all right.
It's alright, it's alright...it's ALRIGHT.
In this beautiful life there's always some sorrow
And It's a double-edged knife, but there's always tomorrow..
Oh you know,
It's up to you now if you sink or swim,
Just keep the faith and your ship will come in?.
it's not so bad
And I say way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day
And it's all your state of mind
At the end of the day,
You've just got to say...
I say way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day
And it's all your state of mind
At the end of the day,
You've just got to say... it's all right, it's all right
I've got a smile on my face, and I've got four walls around me
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(Chris Tomlin)
Key of A (G 2nd Fret)
The splendour of a King,
clothed in majesty
Let all the Earth rejoice
All the Earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Name above all names
Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(MV 62)
Key of C (Chords found in More Voices)
There is room for all in the shadow of God’s wing;
there is room for all, sheltered in God’s love.
And I rejoice and sing,
“My refuge and my rock, in whom I trust.”
There is room for all, there is room for all!
(The Message)
On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left Egypt, the whole company of Israel moved on from Elim to the Wilderness of Sin which is between Elim and Sinai. The whole company of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron there in the wilderness. The Israelites said, “Why didn’t God let us die in comfort in Egypt where we had lamb stew and all the bread we could eat? You’ve brought us out into this wilderness to starve us to death, the whole company of Israel!”
God said to Moses, “I’m going to rain bread down from the skies for you. The people will go out and gather each day’s ration. I’m going to test them to see if they’ll live according to my Teaching or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they have gathered, it will turn out to be twice as much as their daily ration.”
Moses and Aaron told the People of Israel, “This evening you will know that it is God who brought you out of Egypt; and in the morning you will see the Glory of God. Yes, he’s listened to your complaints against him. You haven’t been complaining against us, you know, but against God.”
Moses said, “Since it will be God who gives you meat for your meal in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, it’s God who will have listened to your complaints against him. Who are we in all this? You haven’t been complaining to us—you’ve been complaining to God!”
Moses instructed Aaron: “Tell the whole company of Israel: ‘Come near to God. He’s heard your complaints.’” When Aaron gave out the instructions to the whole company of Israel, they turned to face the wilderness. And there it was: the Glory of God visible in the Cloud.
God spoke to Moses, “I’ve listened to the complaints of the Israelites. Now tell them: ‘At dusk you will eat meat and at dawn you’ll eat your fill of bread; and you’ll realize that I am God, your God.’”
That evening quail flew in and covered the camp and in the morning there was a layer of dew all over the camp. When the layer of dew had lifted, there on the wilderness ground was a fine flaky something, fine as frost on the ground. The Israelites took one look and said to one another, man-hu (What is it?). They had no idea what it was.
So Moses told them, “It’s the bread God has given you to eat. And these are God’s instructions: ‘Gather enough for each person, about two quarts per person; gather enough for everyone in your tent.’”
The People of Israel went to work and started gathering, some more, some less, but when they measured out what they had gathered, those who gathered more had no extra and those who gathered less weren’t short—each person had gathered as much as was needed.
(VU 460)
Key of G (Chords found in Voices United - but too many!!!)
1.
All who hunger, gather gladly;
holy manna is our bread.
Come from wilderness and wandering.
Here, in truth, we will be fed.
You that yearn for days of fullness,
all around us is our food.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
2.
All who hunger, never strangers;
seeker, be a welcome guest.
Come from restlessness and roaming.
Here, in joy, we keep the feast.
We that once were lost and scattered
in communion's love have stood.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
3.
All who hunger, sing together;
Jesus Christ is living bread.
Come from loneliness and longing.
Here, in peace, we have been led.
Blest are those who from this table
live their lives in gratitude.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
(VU 422)
Key of B (G 3rd fret)
1.
God be with you till we meet again;
loving counsels guide, uphold you,
with a shepherd's care enfold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain:
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus' feet;
till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
2.
God be with you till we meet again;
unseen wings protecting hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again. R
3.
God be with you till we meet again;
when life's perils thick confound you,
put unfailing arms around you;
God be with you till we meet again. R
4.
God be with you till we meet again;
keep love's banner floating o'er you,
smite death's threatening wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again. R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the September 13, 2020 service.
1
Watch the field behind the plow turn to straight, dark rows
Feel the trickle in your clothes, blow the dust cake from your nose
Hear the tractor's steady roar, Oh you can't stop now
There's a quarter section more or less to go
2
And it figures that the rain keeps its own sweet time
You can watch it come for miles, but you guess you've got a while
So ease the throttle out a hair, every rod's a gain
And there's victory in every quarter mile
Refrain
Poor old Kuzyk down the road
The heartache, hail and hoppers brought him down
He gave it up and went to town
And Emmett Pierce the other day
Took a heart attack and died at forty-two
You could see it coming on 'cause he worked as hard as you
3
In an hour, maybe more, you'll be wet clear through
The air is cooler now, pull you hat brim further down
And watch the field behind the plow turn to straight dark rows
Put another season's promise in the ground
Refrain
And if the harvest's any good
The money just might cover all the loans
You've mortgaged all you own
Buy the kids a winter coat
Take the wife back east for Christmas if you can
All summer she hangs on when you're so tied to the land
4
For the good times come and go, but at least there's rain
So this won't be barren ground when September rolls around
So watch the field behind the plow turn to straight dark rows
Put another season's promise in the ground
Watch the field behind the plow turn to straight dark rows
Put another season's promise in the ground
Hallville: UCW will be cancelled until Sunday, February 7, 2021 due to Covid 19. If you have any questions, please contact Brenda Fawcett.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
1
Good news, chariot's a coming
Good news, chariot's a coming
Good news, chariot's a coming
Good news, chariot's a coming
And I don't want it to leave me behind
2
There's a long wide robe in Heaven I know
There's a golden crown in Heaven I know
There's a starry crown in Heaven I know
There's a Golden harp in Heaven I know
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
1
Jesus bids us shine with a pure, clear light,
like a little candle burning in the night.
In this world is darkness, so let us shine,
you in your small corner, and I in mine.
2
Jesus bids us shine first of all for him;
well he sees and knows it if our light grows dim:
Jesus walks beside us to help us shine,
you in your small corner, and I in mine.
3
Jesus bids us shine, then, for all around;
many kinds of darkness in the world are found:
sin, and want and sorrow; so we must shine,
you in your small corner, and I in mine.
At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”
Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.
“The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.
“The poor wretch threw himself at the king’s feet and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.
“The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, ‘Pay up. Now!’
“The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ But he wouldn’t do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.
“The king summoned the man and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn’t you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?’ The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that’s exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn’t forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy.”
1
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the lord has done
Refrain
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings
See what God has done
2
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings every doubt will fly
And you will keep singing as the days go by. R
3
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. R
4
So, amid the conflict whether great or small
Do not be disheartened God is over all
Count your many blessings Angels will attend
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. R
1
Mungu Ni Mwema (know that God is good)
Know that God is good
Know that God is good
Know that God is good
God is good! God is Good
2
Mungu ni Mwema
Mungu ni Mwema
Mungu ni Mwema
ni Mwema, ni Mwema
3
C’est vrai, Dieu est bon!
C’est vrai, Dieu est bon!
C’est vrai, Dieu est bon!
Dieu est bon! Dieu est bon!
1
All my life's a circle, sunrise and sundown
the moon rolls through the night time
'till the daybreak comes around
All my life's a circle, but I can't tell you why
the seasons’ spinning round again
the years keep rolling by
2
Seems like I've been here before I can't remember when
But I've got this funny feeling that we'll all be together again
'Cause no straight lines make up my life
And all my roads have bends
There's no clearcut beginnings and, so far, no dead ends
3
I've found you a thousand times I guess you've done the same
But then we'll lose each other it's just like a children's game
But as I find you here again a thought runs through my mind
Our Love is like a circle, let's go round one more time
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the September 6, 2020 service.
By Mumford & Sons
(Key of G 4th fret [B])
1
It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears and all the faults you've left behind
The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal you meat eater you see
But I have seen the same I know the shame in your defeat
Refrain
But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck
And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again
2
'Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth which will refresh my broken mind
So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see widows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults and despite my growing fears R
3
So come out of your cave walking on your hands
And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
when you know the maker's hand
So make your siren's call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say
'Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be R
..
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
.
(Key of D)
Refrain
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God.
1
You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear. R
2
From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I'm not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong! R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(The lions sleep tonight)
(Key of C)
1
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
Halle- ee -ee lu ja! Amen
Halle - ee -ee lu ja! Amen.
2
When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we'd first begun.
The Message Version
15-17 “If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won’t listen, tell the church. If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.
18-20 “Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”
(Key of C)
1
Life is easy when you’re up on the mountain
And you’ve got peace of mind like you’ve never known
But then things change and you’re down in the valley
Don’t lose faith for you’re never alone
Refrain
For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times
The God of the day is still God in the night
2
You talk of faith when you’re up on the mountain
But the talk comes easy when life’s at it’s best
But it is down in the valley of trials and temptation
That’s when faith is really put to the test
(Key of G)
Alive, alive, alive forevermore
My Jesus is alive! Alive forevermore
Alive, alive, alive forevermore
My Jesus is alive! Alive forevermore
Sing Hallelujah
Sing Hallelujah
My Jesus is Alive, forevermore
Sing Hallelujah
Sing Hallelujah
My Jesus is alive
It is no longer I that liveth
But Christ that liveth in me
It is no longer I that liveth
But Christ that liveth in me
In me! In me!
Jesus is alive in me!
It is no longer I that liveth
But Christ that liveth in me
Rejoice in the Lord always!
And again I say rejoice!
Rejoice in the Lord always!
And again I say rejoice!
Rejoice! Rejoice
And again I say rejoice!
Rejoice! Rejoice
And again I say rejoice!
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the August 30, 2020 service.
(Key of G)
Refrain
Bless the Lord, O my soul O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
1
The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes R
You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find R
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(Key of D)
1
Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
still all my song shall be,
nearer, my God, to thee;
nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
2
Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
yet in my dreams I'd be
nearer, my God, to thee;
nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
3
There let the way appear, steps unto heaven;
all that thou sendest me, in mercy given;
angels to beckon me
nearer, my God, to thee;
nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
4
Then, with my waking thoughts bright with thy praise,
out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise;
so by my woes to be
nearer, my God, to thee;
nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
5
Or if, on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I fly,
still all my song shall be,
nearer, my God, to thee;
nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 639; Key of G)
1
One more step along the world I go,
one more step along the world I go,
from the old things to the new,
keep me travelling along with you.
Refrain
And it's from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.
2
Round the corner of the world I turn,
more and more about the world I learn;
all the new things that I see
you'll be looking at along with me. R
3
As I travel through the bad and good,
keep me travelling the way I should;
where I see no way to go
you'll be telling me the way, I know. R
4
Give me courage when the world is rough,
keep me loving though the world is tough,
leap and sing in all I do,keep me travelling along with you. R
5
You are older than the world can be,
you are younger than the life in me,
ever old and ever new,
keep me travelling along with you. R x 2
Jacob left Beersheba and went to Haran. He came to a certain place and camped for the night since the sun had set. He took one of the stones there, set it under his head and lay down to sleep. And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground and it reached all the way to the sky; angels of God were going up and going down on it.
Then God was right before him, saying, “I am God, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. I’m giving the ground on which you are sleeping to you and to your descendants. Your descendants will be as the dust of the Earth; they’ll stretch from west to east and from north to south. All the families of the Earth will bless themselves in you and your descendants. Yes. I’ll stay with you, I’ll protect you wherever you go, and I’ll bring you back to this very ground. I’ll stick with you until I’ve done everything I promised you.”
Jacob woke up from his sleep. He said, “God is in this place—truly. And I didn’t even know it!” He was terrified. He whispered in awe, “Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God’s House. This is the Gate of Heaven.”
Jacob was up first thing in the morning. He took the stone he had used for his pillow and stood it up as a memorial pillar and poured oil over it. He christened the place Bethel (God’s House).
(Key of C)
1
We are climbing Jacob's ladder
We are climbing Jacob's ladder
We are climbing Jacob's ladder
Brothers, sisters, all
2
Every rung goes higher and higher
Every rung goes higher and higher
Every rung goes higher and higher
Brothers, sisters, all
3
Every new rung just makes us stronger
Every new rung just makes us stronger
Every new rung just makes us stronger
Brothers, sisters, all
4
We are dancing Sarah’s circle,
We are dancing Sarah’s circle,
We are dancing Sarah’s circle,
We are brothers, and sisters, all
5
We are climbing higher and higher
We are climbing higher and higher
Yeah, we are climbing higher and higher
Brothers, sisters, all
6
We are climbing Jacob's ladder
Yeah, we are climbing Jacob's ladder
We are climbing Jacob's ladder
Brothers, sisters, all
(Key of G)
1
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but thou art mighty,
hold me with thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more,
feed me till I want no more.
2
Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,
be thou still my strength and shield,
be thou still my strength and shield.
3
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
death of death, and hell's destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side:
songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever give to thee,
I will ever give to thee.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the August 16, 2020 service.
by Green Day
(Key of G)
1
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So, make the best of this test and don't ask why
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time
Refrain
It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life
2
So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth it was worth all the while R (x 3)
Call to worship
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(VU 563)
1
Jesus, you have come to the lakeshore
looking neither for wealthy nor wise ones;
you only asked me to follow humbly.
Refrain
O Jesus, with your eyes you have searched me,
and while smiling, have spoken my name;
now my boat's left on the shoreline behind me;
by your side I will seek other seas.
2
You know so well my possessions;
my boat carries no gold and no weapons;
- you will find there my nets and labour. R
3
You need my hands, full of caring
through my labours to give others rest,
and constant love that keeps on loving. R
4
You, who have fished other oceans,
ever longed for by souls who are waiting,
my loving friend, as thus you call me. R
(VU 576)
Almighty God, whose son Jesus Christ has taught us
that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters
we do also for him,
give us the will to be the servant of others
as he was the servant of all,
who gave up his life and died for us,
but is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 575/7; Key of G)
1
I'm gonna live so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna live so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
2
I'm gonna work so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna work so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
3
I'm gonna pray so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna pray so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
1
I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in-a my soul.
I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in-a my soul.
2
I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain in-a my soul.
I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain in-a my soul.
3
I've got love like an ocean, I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean in-a my soul.
I've got love like an ocean, I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean in-a my soul.
4
I'm gonna sing so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna sing so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
(The Message)
What I want to talk about now is the various ways God’s Spirit gets worked into our lives. This is complex and often misunderstood, but I want you to be informed and knowledgeable. Remember how you were when you didn’t know God, led from one phony god to another, never knowing what you were doing, just doing it because everybody else did it? It’s different in this life. God wants us to use our intelligence, to seek to understand as well as we can. For instance, by using your heads, you know perfectly well that the Spirit of God would never prompt anyone to say “Jesus be damned!” Nor would anyone be inclined to say “Jesus is Master!” without the insight of the Holy Spirit.
God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful:
wise counsel clear understanding
simple trust healing the sick
miraculous acts proclamation
distinguishing between spirits
tongues
interpretation of tongues.
All these gifts have a common origin but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.
You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts—limbs, organs, cells—but no matter how many parts you can name, you’re still one body. It’s exactly the same with Christ. By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he has the final say in everything. (This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized.) Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain—his Spirit—where we all come to drink. The old labels we once used to identify ourselves—labels like Jew or Greek, slave or free—are no longer useful. We need something larger, more comprehensive.
May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word.
(VU 747; Key of F)
1
The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want;
he makes me down to lie
in pastures green; he leadeth me,
the quiet waters by.
2
My soul he doth restore again;
and me to walk doth make
within the paths of righteousness,
even for his own name's sake.
3
Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale,
yet will I fear no ill;
for thou art with me; and thy rod
and staff me comfort still.
4
My table thou has furnished
in presence of my foes;
my head thou dost with oil anoint,
and my cup overflows.
5
Goodness and mercy all my life
shall surely follow me,
and in God's house for evermore
my dwelling-place shall be.
(VU 273; Key of D)
1
The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his
and he is mine forever.
2
Where streams of living water flow
my ransomed soul he leadeth,
and where the verdant pastures grow
with food celestial feedeth.
3
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed;
but yet in love he sought me,
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home rejoicing brought me.
4
In death's dark vale I fear no ill
with thee, dear Lord, beside me;
thy rod and staff my comfort still,
thy cross before to guide me.
5
Thou spread'st a table in my sight;
thy unction grace bestoweth;
and O what transport of delight
from thy pure chalice floweth!
6
And so through all the length of days
thy goodness faileth never:
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house forever!
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the August 16, 2020 service.
by Pearl Jam
(Key of C)
1
I wish I was a neutron bomb for once I could go off
I wish I was a sacrifice but somehow still lived on
I wish I was a sentimental ornament you hung on
The Christmas tree I wish I was the star that went on top
I wish I was the evidence I wish I was the grounds
For fifty million hands upraised and open toward the sky
2
I wish I was a sailor with someone who waited for me
I wish I was as fortunate as fortunate as me
I wish I was a messenger and all the news was good
I wish I was the full moon shining off a Camaro's hood
3
I wish I was an alien at home behind the sun
I wish I was the souvenir you kept your house key on
I wish I was the pedal brake that you depended on
I wish I was the verb 'to trust' and never let you down
I wish I was a radio song, the one that you turned up
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(MV 26)
1
Your love is amazing, steady and unchanging,
your love is a mountain, firm beneath my feet.
Your love is a myst’ry, how you gently lift me.
When I am surrounded your love carries me.
Refrain
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Your love makes me sing.
2
Your love is surprising, I can feel it rising,
all the joy that’s growing deep inside of me.
Ev’ry time I see you all your goodness shines through.
I can feel this God song rising up in me. R
3
Repeat verse 1.
Last line of refrain: Your love makes me sing. Hallelujah.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(MV 48)
1
I can feel you near me God I can feel you near
Yes I know you’re with me God I feel you here
I can feel you near me God I can feel you near
Yes I know you’re with me God Heaven is here.
Refrain
And I’ll jump for joy I’m singing Alleluia
Jump for joy for you I will jump for joy
I’m singing Alleluia Jump for joy for you.
Repeat
2
I can feel you loving me yes I know you care
God I know you’re loving me always everywhere
I can feel you loving me yes I know you care
God I know you’re loving me I know you’re there.
Acts 16: 16-34
As we [PAUL AND SILAS] were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.
But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
(VU 675; Key of D)
1
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife,
when the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift or firm remain?
Refrain
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
fastened to the rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love!
2
It will surely hold in the straits of fear,
when the breakers tell that the reef is near;
though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
not an angry wave shall our bark o'erflow. R
3
It will surely hold in the floods of death,
when the waters cold chill our latest breath;
on the rising tide it can never fail
while our hopes abide within the veil. R
4
When our eyes behold, through the gathering night,
the city of gold, our harbour bright,
we shall anchor fast by the heavenly shore,
with the storms all past for evermore. R
(VU 716; Key of D)
1
My life flows on in endless song,
above earth's lamentation.
I hear the sweet, though far off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear the music ringing:
It finds an echo in my soul -
how can I keep from singing?
2
What though my joys and comforts die?
My Saviour still is living.
What though the shadows gather 'round?
A new song Christ is giving.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
while to that Rock I'm clinging:
since Love commands both heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
3
When tyrants tremble, sick with fear,
and hear their death knells ringing:
when friends rejoice both far and near,
how can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
our thoughts to them are winging:
when friends by shame are undefiled,
how can I keep from singing?
4
I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
and day by day this pathway smooths,
since first I learned to love it.
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing:
all things are mine since I am Christ's -
how can I keep from singing?
Photo by: Carrie Sheldrick
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the August 9, 2020 service.
by Jimmy Eat World
(Key of D)
1
Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head, you feel left out or looked down on.
Just try your best, try everything you can.
Don't you worry what they tell themselves
When you're away.
Refrain
It just takes some time,
Little girl you're in the middle of the ride,
Everything, everything will be just fine.
Everything, everything will be alright. (alright)
2
Hey, you know they're all the same.
You know you're doin' better on your own, so don't buy in.
Live right now, just be yourself.
It doesn't matter if it's good enough,
For someone else. R
3
Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head, you feel left out or looked down on.
Just do your best, (do your best)
Do everything you can (do everything you can)
Don't worry what their bitter hearts
Are gonna say R (x2)
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(VU 226; Key of D)
1
For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies,
Refrain
God of all, to you we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
2
For the beauty of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale, and tree and flower,
sun and moon, and stars of light R
3
For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild R
4
For each perfect gift sublime
to our race so freely given,
graces human and divine,
flowers of earth and buds of heaven R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 356)
1
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
and God's righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, hallelujah.
2
Ask and it shall be given unto you;
seek and you shall find;
knock and the door shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, hallelujah.
3
We do not live by bread alone,
but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Hallelu, hallelujah.
Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52
{31} Jesus put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; {32} it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." {33} He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened."
{44} "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
{45} "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; {46} on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. {47} "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; {48} when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad.
{49} So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous {50} and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. {51} "Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes." {52} And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."
May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word.
(Key of G)
1
I Come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The son of God discloses.
And He walks with me,
and He talks with me.
And He tells me I am his own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.
2
He speaks and the sound of his voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
3
I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling;
But he bids me go – through the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling.
Creating God,
You have given seed to the sower
And bread to the people.
Nourish, protect, and bless
The Seeds which your people have sown in hope.
By your loving and bountiful giving,
May they bring forth their fruit in due season,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(MV 175; Key of C)
1
Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear
seeds of faith nourished by God’s tender care.
Growing in everyone for here God is found.
All stand together, we are…
Holy ground.
2
Soil of God, you and I, now ready to be
part of God’s promise, for others to see.
Open to everyone for here God is found.
All stand together, we are…
Holy ground.
3
Soil of God, you and I, now called to re-birth,
joining as partners with all of the earth.
Living in harmony for here God is found.
All stand together, we are…
Holy ground.
Photo by: Carrie Sheldrick
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the August 2, 2020 service.
(Key of D)
1
One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come he to justify
One man to overthrow
Refrain
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
2
One man caught on a barbed wire fence
One man he resist
One man washed up on an empty beach
One man betrayed with a kiss
Refrain
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
3
Early morning, April four
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride
Refrain
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
Refrain
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(Tune: Kingsfold; Key of Em)
1
A little seed lay fast asleep
Beneath the earth’s brown sod
But woke to life and hope when came
The wondrous touch of God
A sunbeam kissed the hidden spot,
And warmed its earthly bed;
The rain and dew gave kindly drink,
Till soon it raised its head.
2
Up, up it pressed its way above,
Up till the light was seen;
Then came the sun, and decked it all
In dainty garb of green.
It grew so straight, and tall, and fair,
Each day it would unfold;
The smiling sun placed on its head
The shining crown of gold.
3
At last it stood, with thousands more,
A golden ear of corn,
God’s gift to us, our daily food,
From little seedling born.
So we all are the seeds God plants
Within His garden fair:
He loves and guards us every day;
We have God’s constant care.
4
And we can grow so straight & pure,
So good and full of grace;
A crown of gold is ours, when we
Shall see the Saviour’s face.
A little seed lay fast asleep
Beneath the earth’s brown sod
But woke to life and hope when came
The wondrous touch of God
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of C)
1
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Keep me burning till the break of day
Refrain
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the Servant King
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna, let us sing
2
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising
Give me joy in my heart, I pray
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising
Keep me praising till the break of day
3
Give me peace in my heart, keep me loving
Give me peace in my heart, I pray
Give me peace in my heart, keep me loving
Keep me loving till the break of day
4
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
Give me love in my heart, I pray
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
Keep me serving till the break of day
Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43
Jesus told another story. “God’s kingdom is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. That night, while his hired men were asleep, his enemy sowed thistles all through the wheat and slipped away before dawn. When the first green shoots appeared and the grain began to form, the thistles showed up, too.
“The farmhands came to the farmer and said, ‘Master, that was clean seed you planted, wasn’t it? Where did these thistles come from?’
“He answered, ‘Some enemy did this.’
“The farmhands asked, ‘Should we weed out the thistles?’
“He said, ‘No, if you weed the thistles, you’ll pull up the wheat, too. Let them grow together until harvest time. Then I’ll instruct the harvesters to pull up the thistles and tie them in bundles for the fire, then gather the wheat and put it in the barn.’”
Jesus dismissed the congregation and went into the house. His disciples came in and said, “Explain to us that story of the thistles in the field.”
So, he explained. “The farmer who sows the pure seed is the son of Man. The field is the world, the pure seeds are subjects of the kingdom, the thistles are subjects of the Devil, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, the curtain of history. The harvest hands are angels.
“The picture of thistles pulled up and burned is a scene from the final act. The Son of Man will send his angels, weed out the thistles from his kingdom, pitch them in the trash, and be done with them. They are going to complain to high heaven, but nobody is going to listen. At the same time, ripe, holy lives will mature and adorn the kingdom of their Father.
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?
(Key of G)
1
More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love Who died for me.
Refrain
More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of his saving fullness see,
More of his love Who died for me.
2
More about Jesus let me learn,
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.
3
More about Jesus; in His Word,
Holding communion with my Lord;
Hearing His voice in every line,
Making each faithful saying mine.
4
More about Jesus; on his throne,
Riches in glory all his own;
More of his kingdom’s sure increase;
More of his coming, Prince of Peace.
Creating God,
You have given seed to the sower
And bread to the people.
Nourish, protect, and bless
The Seeds which your people have sown in hope.
By your loving and bountiful giving,
May they bring forth their fruit in due season,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Words: VU 643
Tune: As the deer (VU 766)
(Key of D)
1
Faith, while trees are still in blossom,
plans the picking of the fruit;
faith can feel the thrill of harvest
when the buds begin to sprout.
Refrain
Faith believes that God is faithful:
God will be what God will be!
Faith accepts the call, responding,
'I am willing, Lord, send me.'
2
Long before the dawn is breaking,
faith anticipates the sun.
Faith is eager for the daylight,
for the work that must be done.
Refrain
Faith believes that God is faithful:
God will be what God will be!
Faith accepts the call, responding,
'I am willing, Lord, send me.'
3
Long before the rains were coming,
Noah went and built an ark.
Abraham, the lonely migrant,
saw the light beyond the dark.
Refrain
Faith believes that God is faithful:
God will be what God will be!
Faith accepts the call, responding,
'I am willing, Lord, send me.'
4
Faith, uplifted, tamed the water
of the undivided sea,
and the people of the Hebrews
found the path that made them free.
Refrain
Faith believes that God is faithful:
God will be what God will be!
Faith accepts the call, responding,
'I am willing, Lord, send me.”
How do your apples grow?
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the July 26, 2020 service.
By Oasis (for the Gen-Xers and RHC staff of the 00s/10s)
(Key of Fm)
Today is gonna be the day
That they're gonna throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do, about you now
Backbeat, the word was on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I'm sure you've heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do about you now
And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I
Would like to say to you but I don't know how
Because maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all, you're my wonderwall
Today was gonna be the day
But they'll never throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you're not to do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do, about you now
And all the roads that lead you there are winding
And all the lights that light the way are blinding
There are many things that I
Would like to say to you but I don't know how
I said maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all, you're my wonderwall
I said maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me
And after all, you're my wonderwall
I said maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me
you're gonna be the one that saves me
you're gonna be the one that saves me
Call to worship (Iona Community)
The sun rises and it is light, night falls and it is dark.
Bless the one who gives the life.
Sow the seed and cut the corn;
Bear the child and build the house
Bless the one who gives the life.
Lay the stone and light the fire;
Cast the net and water the earth;
Bless the one who gives the life.
Serve the guest and pay the price;
Nail the wood and pick the flowers;
Bless the one who gives the life.
Make the wine and bake the bread;
Pour the wine and break the bread;
Bless the one who gives the life.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8
(VU 584) (Key of D; Tune: Arfon Major)
1
Through the heart of every city
runs the flow of human need.
'Mid this glass and steel are pulsing
smoldering wick and bruised reed.
Has our church a word to offer,
some hope shining from our creed?
Walking through the concrete furrows
Jesus sows the Word as seed.
2
Through the passing generations,
in their spirit, flesh and bone,
Jesus Christ becomes incarnate:
holy hearts are living stone
building here a house of refuge
as a temple, as a home.
So within the city's shadow
Jesus' planted Word has grown.
3
Through our worship and our witness,
Jesus, grant that we may still
hear the heartbeat of compassion
calling us to do your will.
You, our vine, and we, your branches,
deadened not by any chill,
working for that final city
where the harvest is fulfilled.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of D)
Refrain
Inch by inch, row by row
Gonna make this garden grow
All it takes is a rake and a hoe
And a piece of fertile ground
Inch by inch, row by row
Someone bless these seeds I sow
Someone warm them from below
Till the rain comes tumbling down
Pulling weeds and picking stones
We are made of dreams and bones
Feel the need to grow my own
Cause the time is close at hand
Painful rain, sun and rain
Find my way in nature's chain
Tune my body and my brain
To the music from the land R
Plant your rows straight and long
Temper them with prayer and song
Mother Earth will make you strong
If you give her love and care
Old crow watching hungrily
From his perch in yonder tree
In my garden I'm as free
As that feathered thief up there R
Matthew 13: 1-9; 18-23 (The Message)
At about that same time Jesus left the house and sat on the beach. In no time at all a crowd gathered along the shoreline, forcing him to get into a boat. Using the boat as a pulpit, he addressed his congregation, telling stories.
“What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road, and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn’t put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled by the weeds. Some fell on good earth, and produced a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”
“Study this story of the farmer planting seed. When anyone hears news of the kingdom and doesn’t take it in, it just remains on the surface, and so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person’s heart. This is the seed the farmer scatters on the road.
“The seed cast in the gravel—this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.
“The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it.
“The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.”
May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word.
(Key of C)
Sing them over again to me
Wonderful words of life
Let me more of their beauty see
Wonderful words of life
Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty
Beautiful words, wonderful words
Wonderful words of life
Beautiful words, wonderful words
Wonderful words of life
Christ the blessed one, gives to all
wonderful words of life
Sinner, list to the loving call
Wonderful words of life
Oh, so freely given, wooing us to heaven
Beautiful words, wonderful words
Wonderful words of life
Beautiful words, wonderful words
Wonderful words of life
Sweetly echo the gospel call
Wonderful words of life
Offer pardon and peace to all
Wonderful words of life
Jesus, only saviour, sanctifying forever
Beautiful words, wonderful words
Wonderful words of life
Beautiful words, wonderful words
Wonderful words of life
Closing prayer and benediction
Creating God,
You have given seed to the sower
And bread to the people.
Nourish, protect, and bless
The Seeds which your people have sown in hope.
By your loving and bountiful giving,
May they bring forth their fruit in due season,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Key of E [D 2nd fret])
1
In the bulb there is a flower;
in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise:
butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter
there's a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
2
There's a song in every silence,
seeking word and melody;
there's a dawn in every darkness,
bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future;
what it holds, a mystery,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
3
In our end is our beginning;
in our time, infinity;
in our doubt there is believing;
in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection;
at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the July 19, 2020 service.
(Key of C)
1
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue
Clouds high over the rainbow, makes all your dreams come true,
2
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me
3
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Oh why, oh why can't I? I
4
I see trees of green and red roses too
I'll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
Oh, what a wonderful world
5
I see skies of blue, clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself
Oh, what a wonderful world
6
The colours of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shakin' hands saying, “How do you do?”
They're really saying, "I love you"
7
I hear babies cry and I'd watch them grow
They'll learn much more than we'll know
And I think to myself
Oh, what a wonderful world
8
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
and the dreams that you dare to o, why
Why can’t I …
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8
Key of E (D capo, 2nd fret)
1
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.
Refrain
Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!
2
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
Mercies for you and for me? R
3
O for the wonderful love he has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me. R
Sabbath giving God,
We all claim to be really busy
But the truth is that we really aren’t
We’d just rather do what we want to do.
And not have to deal with aging parents
or nosy neighbours
or the bills that pile up,
or our shaky marriages
or troubled teens
Silence
God of peace,
forgive us as we forgive each other
for all the hurt we have brought into our lives.
Let your healing love rest upon the wounds
we have caused by our anger, and apathy.
Deepen our love in a new understanding for each other and for you.
In the course of our busy lives
give us time of refreshment and peace;
and help us to use our leisure
to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds,
to recreate relationships and restore loving-kindness
that our spirits may be open to the goodness of your creation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by All Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
He’s my rock, my sword, my shield
He’s my wheel within the wheel.
He’s the lily of the valley,
The bright and morning star.
Doesn’t matter what you say
I’ll get on my knees and pray.
I’ll keep singin’ till the day that Jesus comes.
Matthew 11: 25-30 (The Message)
25-26 Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.”
27 Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. “The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.
28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word.
Key of E (D capo on 2nd fret)
1
Days are filled with sorrow and care,
Hearts are lonely and drear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.
Refrain
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Calvary, Calvary,
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.
2
Cast your care on Jesus today
Leave your worry and fear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary.
Jesus is very near. R
3
Troubled soul, the Saviour can see,
Ev'ry heartache and tear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary
Jesus is very near. R
(MV 176; Key of Ab; G capo on 1st fret)
1
Three things I promise, Holy God,
in age and youth, in life and death;
to bless your name, and cling to Christ,
and listen for the spirit’s breath.
2
Your love unfolded time and space,
and life, and all that life became,
and so, with thankful heart and voice,
through good and ill, I bless your name.
3
I follow, serve, and cling to Christ
amid our culture’s tides and trends,
for here your Name is most revealed;
Majestic love, and best of friends.
4
Enlivened as the spirit moves
to cleanse, awaken, and renew,
I pray that justice, peace, and truth,
May seed and grow in all I do.
5
If I should live when vigour fades,
and family and friends are gone,
three acts of loving faith remain,
when days are slow, and work is done.
6
Revive and guide me, Living God,
as day by day, until my death,
I bless your name, and cling to Christ,
And listen for the spirit’s breath.
Unmasked: Watermelons, bicycles, strawberries ...
what kind of mask are you wearing these days?
Photo by Carrie Sheldrick
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
by Jim Manley (Key of G)
Dance in the moonlight and mance in the sun,
Dance in your sorrow and dance in your fun
Dance in your dscos and dance in your briefs,
Dance in your doubtings and dance your beliefs
And we'll dance, dance, dance, come dancing with me A-ha
And we'll dance, dance, dance, come dancing with me.
Dance with your baby, your dog or your boss,
Dance to the manger and dance to the cross.
Dance at the gravesite and dance at the feast,
Dance with your midwives and other high priests
Dance with the debs with the sweat on their palms,
Dance where its hardest, homecomings and proms.
Did somebody say that you’ll never be queen?
Send them our way and we’ll paint their nose green!
Tall people are gorgeous and short ones are neat,
Skinny or bulgy, each body’s a treat.
So dance as you are, you are made by the one
Who calls you to be what you’ve only begun.
Dance with your elbows and dance with your hands
Dance with your heart and your endocrine glands.
Make funny faces, go out of your minds
Find someone near you and bump your behinds.
Dance up from childhood and into your teens
Dance in your screw-ups and dance in your dreams
Come join the dancing, you make it complete.
We’ll hug you and kiss you and step on your feet.
Little birds, we cannot say that we are unknown by God.
For every wild animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine.
(Psalm 50: 10-11)
Little birds, we cannot say that God has not worked hard for our needs:
By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation;
they sing among the branches. From your lofty abode you water
the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.
(Psalm 104: 11-13)
Little birds, we cannot say that God does not care and protect us.
Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of hosts
will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it,
he will spare and rescue it.
(Isaiah 31: 5)
Little birds, we flutter our wings and fly away because we are not brave.
I am like an owl of the wilderness, like a little owl of the waste places.
I lie awake; I am like a lonely bird on the housetop.
(Psalm 102: 6-7)
Little birds, each creature is loved and known by God.
We are here today to give thanks to the one who, like an eagle,
stirs up her nest, and hovers over her young;
who spreads her wings, takes them up, and bears them aloft on her pinions
(Deut 32: 11)
Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
(Matthew 6: 26)
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
(Psalm 124:8)
(Key of B [G 3rd fret])
1
Why should I feel discouraged,
why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n & home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
2
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. R
3
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by All Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist hymnal (1989).
(Key of C)
1
God sees the little sparrow fall,
It meets his tender view;
If God so loves the little birds,
I know he loves me too.
Refrain
He loves me too, he loves me too,
I know he loves me too;
Because He loves the little things,
I know he loves me too.
2
He paints the lily of the field,
Perfumes each lily bell;
If he so loves the little flowers,
I know he loves me well. R
3
God made the little birds and flow'rs,
And all things large and small;
He'll not forget his little ones,
I know He loves them all. R
Matthew 10: 24-31 (The Message)
“A student doesn’t get a better desk than her teacher. A labourer doesn’t make more money than his boss. Be content—pleased, even—when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, ‘Dungface,’ what can the workers expect?
“Don’t be intimidated. Eventually everything is going to be out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are. So don’t hesitate to go public now.
“Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.
“What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries.
May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word.
Benediction
Canticle for the Summer by Arnold Kenseth (U.S.A.)
All summer the days come to us, various, wide,
From mornings of meadows
Into the green dark and the nightfall of stars
We heard the weather gathering,
Coming and going;
Small birds were among the berries; the grasses dried,
And we felt our hearts in their swaying
And, then, always the trees,
The great combs of shade in our yards,
And the hundred thousand leaves for our watching.
All was good and gift and grand!
And the days come on;
The gift is still given.
Thy goodness stays.
Thy grandeur stands. Amen.
(Key of D)
On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove
When troubles surround us
when evils come
The body grows weak
The spirit grows numb
When these things beset us,
He doesn't forget us
He sends down His love
On the wings of a dove
When Noah had drifted
on the flood many days
He searched for land
In various ways
Troubles, he had some
but wasn't forgotten
God sent him His love
On the wings of a dove
When Jesus went down to,
the river that day
He was baptised
in the usual way
And when it was done,
God blessed his son
He sent him his love
On the wings of a dove
Be kind, be calm, be safe: Dr. Bonnie Henry
Photo by Carrie Sheldrick
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the July 5, 2020 service.
(Foo Fighers; Chords: D, Am, C, Em)
1
I, I'm a one way motorway
I'm the one that drives away
Then follows you back home
I, I'm a street light shining
I'm a wild light blinding bright
Burning off alone
Refrain
It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again
2
I, I'm a new day rising
I'm a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight
I am a little divided
Do I stay or run away
And leave it all behind? R x 2
Call to worship
In these times, how then shall we live?
We walk in the everlasting companionship of the Spirit
who is holy, empowering and connecting.
We will find ourselves sometimes wondering at the stars,
sometimes doubting even as we worship,
sometimes wrestling with the challenge of building community
and living in peace.
And always the mark of God is in the essence of our very being.
We need the perspective.
We need the permission.
We need the poetry.
And we need the presence.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
(VU 506; Key of D)
1
Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, all for thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2
Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet, and let them be
swift and purposeful for thee.
3
Take my lips, and let them be
filled with messages from thee;
take my intellect, and use
every power as thou shalt choose.
4
Take my will, and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine;
take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
5.
Take my love: and I will pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
Lord’s Prayer song
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by All Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of D)
1
Rejoice in the Lord
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice (Clap, Clap)
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice (Clap, Clap)
Rejoice, Rejoice and again I say rejoice (Clap, Clap)
Rejoice, Rejoice and again I say rejoice (Clap, Clap)
2
God’s love is so wonderful
God’s love is so wonderful
God’s love is so wonderful
God’s love is so wonderful
So high you can’t get over it
So low you can’t get under it
So wide you can’t get around it
You gotta come in at the door!
2
Rocka my soul
Rocka my soul in the bosom of Abraham
Rocka my soul in the bosom of Abraham
Rocka my soul in the bosom of Abraham
O, rocka my soul
Genesis 12: 1-9 (English Standard Version)
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonours you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai, his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on, still going towards the Negeb.
Matthew 9: 9-13 (The Message)
Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work collecting taxes. His name was Matthew. Jesus said, “Come along with me.” Matthew stood up and followed him.
Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew’s house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus’ followers. “What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?”
Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.”
May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word.
(Key of D)
1
When you've strayed from the fold
and there's trouble in your soul
Can't you hear the blessed Saviour calling you?
When your soul is lost in sin
and you're at your journey's end
Can't you hear the blessed Saviour calling you?
Refrain
Calling you, calling you
Can't you hear the blessed Saviour calling you?
He will take you by the hand
lead you to that promised land
Can't you hear the blessed Saviour calling you?
2
As you journey day by day
and temptation comes your way
Can't you hear the blessed Saviour calling you?
If you'll follow in his light he will always guide you right
Can't you hear the blessed Saviour calling you? R
3
When your soul is burdened down
And your friends cannot be found
Can't you hear the Blessed Saviour calling you?
If you'll follow Him each day He will brighten up your way
Can't you hear the Blessed Saviour calling you? R
(Key of G)
1
Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side
Rainbows are visions
They're only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some chose to Believe it
But I know they're wrong wait and see
Someday we'll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
2
Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
And look what it's done so far
What's so amazing
That keeps us star gazing
What so we think we might see
Someday we'll find it
That rainbow connection
The lovers the dreamers and me
3
Have you been fast asleep
And have you heard voices,
I've heard them calling my name,
Is this the sweet sound that calls
The young sailors,
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that i'm supposed to be,
Someday we'll find it
The rainbow connection...
The lovers, the dreamers and me
La lala la lala la la la lala la la la
Here is a Hallville rainbow connection: Can you see both arcs?
Photo by Carrie Sheldrick
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording of the June 28, 2020 service.
1
When sun rays crown thy pine clad hills,
And summer spreads her hand,
When silvern voices tune thy rills,
We love thee, smiling land.
We love thee, we love thee,
We love thee, smiling land.
2
When spreads thy cloak of shimmering white,
At winter's stern command,
Thro' shortened day, and starlit night,
We love thee, frozen land.
We love thee, we love thee
We love thee, frozen land.
3
When blinding storm gusts fret thy shore,
And wild waves lash thy strand,
Thro' spindrift swirl, and tempest roar,
We love thee windswept land.
We love thee, we love thee
We love thee windswept land.
4
As loved our fathers, so we love,
Where once they stood, we stand;
Their prayer we raise to Heaven above,
God guard thee, Newfoundland
God guard thee, God guard thee,
God guard thee, Newfoundland.
Call to worship
This is the day the Lord has made!
Let us rejoice and be glad!
Remind us of the blessings we receive as your people:
To come to you in these moments
To confess our sins and shortcomings,
To receive forgiveness and to give it,
To pray and sing and listen,
To renew our spirits and spread our wings,
To rest in all your promises.
Open our eyes to see you, Lord.
Open our ears to hear your Word.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8
Gene MacLellan (Key of G)
Refrain
Put your hand in the hand
Of the man who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand
Of the man who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself and
you can look at others differently
By puttin' your hand in the hand
Of the man from Galilee
1
Every time I look into the Holy Book
I want to tremble
When I read about the part
Where the carpenter cleared the temple
For the buyers and the sellers were
No different fellas than what you and I profess to be
And it causes me shame to know
I'm not the one that I should be R
2
Mama taught me how to pray before
I reached the age of seven
And when I'm down on my knees that's
When I'm close to heaven
Daddy lived his life with two kids and a wife
You do must you must do
But he showed me
Enough of what it takes to get you through R
Lord’s Prayer song
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by All Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of C)
1
The wise one built their house upon the rock
The wise one built their house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
And the rain came tumbling down
Oh, the rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
And the wise one’s house stood firm.
2
The foolish one built their house upon the sand
The foolish one built their house upon the sand
The foolish one built their house upon the sand
And the rain came tumbling down
Oh, the rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
And the foolish one's house went "splat!" [clap hands once]
3
So, build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
And the blessings will come down
Oh, the blessings come down
As your prayers go up
The blessings come down
As your prayers go up
The blessings come down
As your prayer go up
So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell-- and great was its fall!"
Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word.
(Key of C)
1
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ name.
Refrain
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
2
When darkness seems to hide his face,
I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil. R
3
His oath, his covenant, his blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
4
When he shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Closing prayer
“We are made to rise”
George MacLeod (fouder, Iona Community)
Invisible we see you, Christ above us.
With earthly eyes we see above us,
clouds or sunshine, grey or bright.
But with the eye of faith, we know you reign:
instinct in the sunray, speaking in the storm,
warming and moving all creation, Christ above us.
Invisible we see you, Christ beneath us.
With earthly eyes we see beneath us
stones and dust and dross.
But with the eye of faith, we know You uphold.
In You all things consist and hang together:
The very atom is light energy, The grass is vibrant,
The rocks pulsate. All is in flux;
turn but a stone and an angel moves.
Amen and amen.
(Key of G)
1
There's a little mountain church
in my thoughts of yesterday
Where friends and family
gathered for the Lord
Where an ol' fashioned preacher
taught the straight and narrow way
For what few coins
the congregation could afford
2
Dressed in all our Sunday best,
we sat on pews of solid oak
And I remember how
our voices filled the air
How Mama sounded like an angel
on those high soprano notes
"When the Roll is Called Up Yonder
I'll Be There"
3
Looking back now
that little mountain church house
Has become my life's cornerstone
It was there in
that little mountain church house
I first heard the words I based my life upon
4
At the all day Sunday singing,
with dinner on the ground
Many were the souls that were revived
While the brothers and the sisters
who've gone on to Gloryland
Slept in peace in the maple grove nearby
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the June 21, 2020 service.
Key of G [ 4th capo = C])
1
Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy now.
Ooh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh) be happy
2
Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy
The landlord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy
Oh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh don't worry, be happy
Here I give you my phone number, when you worry, call me,
I make you happy, don't worry, be happy)
3
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style
Ain't got no gal to make you smile
Don't worry, be happy
'Cause when you worry your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy now
(Ooh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh) don't worry, be happy
4
Now there, is this song I wrote
I hope you learned note for note
Like good little children, don't worry, be happy
Now listen to what I said, in your life expect some trouble
When you worry you make it double
But don't worry, be happy, be happy now don't worry
(Ooh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh) be happy
put a smile in your face
don't bring everybody down like this
it will soon pass, whatever it is
Call to Worship For Father’s Day
So deeply do we care for you
that we are determined to share with you
not only the gospel of God but also our own selves,
because you have become very dear to us.
As you know, we dealt with each one of you
like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you
and pleading that you lead a life worthy of God,
who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
1 Thess 2: 8, 11-12
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water;
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
The just man walketh in his integrity:
his children are blessed after him
Proverbs 20: 5&7 KJV
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8
(Key of D)
1
There’s a dark and a troubled side of life;
There’s a bright and a sunny side, too;
Tho’ we meet with the darkness and strife,
The sunny side we also may view.
Refrain
Keep on the sunny side,
Always on the sunny side,
Keep on the sunny side of life;
It will help us every day,
It will brighten all the way,
If we keep on the sunny side of life.
2
Tho’ the storm in its fury break today,
Crushing hopes that we cherished so dear;
Storm and cloud will in time pass away,
The sun again will shine bright and clear. R
3
Let us greet with a song of hope each day,
Tho’ the moments be cloudy or fair;
Let us trust in our Saviour alway,
Who keepeth every one in His care. R
Opening prayer & Lord’s Prayer Song
Dear God, our Heavenly Father,
we are all in need of your care.
We thank you for the love you give to each of us,
and we ask that
(your father’s name)
feels your care this day.
We are grateful for these men,
who in so many ways help us grow and care for us.
We thank you for them, and for all the men in our lives.
Bless our families
Help us show more patience than impatience;
more laughter than anger;
more understanding than disregard;
more care than indifference.
In Jesus’ name
who taught us to call you Father,
Amen.
Lord’s Prayer song
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by All Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 296; Key of G [4th capo = C])
1
This is [my Father’s] world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is [my Father’s] world,
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,
God's hand the wonders wrought.
2
This is [my Father’s] world,
the birds their carols raise;
the morning light, the lily white,
declare their Maker's praise.
This is [my Father’s] world,
God shines in all that's fair;
in the rustling grass or mountain pass,
God's voice speaks everywhere.
3
This is [my Father’s] world,
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is [my Father’s] world,
why should my heart be sad?
Let voices sing, let the heavens ring:
God reigns, let earth be glad!
1 Peter 4:12-16 (The Message)
12-13 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
14-16 If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
1 Peter 5:6-11 (The Message)
6-7 So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word.
(VU 337; key of B-G [capo on 3rd fret])
1
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of the Spirit, washed in Christ's blood.
Refrain
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Saviour all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Saviour all the day long.
2
Perfect submission, perfect delight!
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending, bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love. R
3
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my saviour am happy and blessed;
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with God's goodness, lost in Christ's love. R
(VU 289)
1
It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing:
that's how it is with God's love,
once you've experienced it:
you spread God's love to everyone,
you want to pass it on.
2
What a wondrous time is spring when all the trees are budding,
the birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
that's how it is with God's love,
once you've experienced it:
you want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
you want to pass it on.
3
I wish for you, my friend, this happiness that I've found -
on God you can depend, it matters not where you're bound;
I'll shout it from the mountain top;
I want my world to know:
the Lord of love has come to me,
I want to pass it on.
Happy Father's Day!
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the June 14, 2020 service.
1
I have climbed the highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you, Only to be with you
2
I have run I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls Only to be with you
Refrain
But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for
But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for
3
I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing in the fingertips
It burned like fire This burning desire
4
I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night I was cold as a stone R
5
I believe in the Kingdom come
Then all the colours will bleed into one
Bleed into one But yes, I'm still running
6
You broke the bonds
and you loosened chains
carried the cross of my shame, of my shame
You know I believe it R
Call to worship: Psalm 24 (VU)
The earth is God's, and all that is in it;
the world, and those who live upon it.
For God founded it upon the seas,
planted it firm over the waters beneath.
Who may ascend the mountain of God?
Who may stand in God's holy place?
Those who have clean hands and a pure heart,
who have not set their minds on deceit,
nor made false promises;
they shall receive God's blessing,
righteousness from the God who will save them.
Such are those who seek God,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, you gates!
Lift yourselves up, you everlasting doors,
that the One who rules in glory may enter.
Who rules in glory?
It is God, valiant and strong,
God, who is mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates!
Lift yourselves up, you everlasting doors,
that the One who rules in glory may enter.
Who rules in glory?
It is God of hosts,
God who rules in glory.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8
(VU 409)
1
Morning has broken like the first morning,
blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!
2.
Sweet the rain's new fall sunlit from heaven,
like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness where God's feet pass.
3
Ours is the sunlight! Ours is the morning
born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God's recreation of the new day!
Photo by Solaiman Hossen on Unsplash
Lord’s Prayer song
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by All Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of G)
1
All God's critters gotta place in the choir
Some sing low, some sing higher
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire
And some just clap their hands,
or paws or anything they got now
2
Listen to the bass, it's the one on the bottom
Where the bullfrog croaks and the hippopotamus
Moans and groans with a big to do
And old cow just goes 'moo'
3
Well the dogs and the cats they take up the middle
Where the honeybee hums and the crickets fiddle
The donkey brays and the pony neighs
The old coyote howls
4
Listen to the top where the little bird sings
On the melody with the high note ringing
The hoot owl hoots over everything
And the blue jay disagrees
5
It's a simple song of livin' that’s sung everywhere
By the ox and the fox and the grizzly bear
The grumpy alligator and the hawk above
The sly raccoon and the turtle dove
(English Standard Version)
Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?
But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed.
Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated,
but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord.
Always be ready to make your defense to anyone
who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you;
yet do it with gentleness and reverence.
Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned,
those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ
may be put to shame.
For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will,
than to suffer for doing evil.
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God.
He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit,
in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison,
who in former times did not obey,
when God waited patiently in the days of Noah,
during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is,
eight persons, were saved through water.
And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—
not as a removal of dirt from the body,
but as an appeal to God for a good conscience,
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God,
with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
May God bless to our understanding the reading of his holy word.
1
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
2
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground. R
3
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground. R
4
I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” R
Prayers of the people (VU 400)
Refrain
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place;
Lord, listen to your children praying,
send us love, send us power, send us grace!
Benediction
As the rain hides the stars,
as the autumn mist hides the hills,
as the clouds veil the blue of the sky,
so the dark happenings of our lives hide the shining of thy face from us.
Yet, if we may hold thy hand in the darkness, it is enough.
Since we know that,
though we may stumble in our going,
thou dost not fall.
~ Traditional Gaelic
(VU716)
1
My life flows on in endless song,
above earth's lamentation.
I hear the sweet, though far off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear the music ringing:
It finds an echo in my soul ,
how can I keep from singing?
2
What though my joys and comforts die?
My Saviour still is living.
What though the shadows gather 'round?
A new song Christ is giving.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
while to that Rock I'm clinging:
since Love commands both heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
3
When tyrants tremble, sick with fear,
and hear their death knells ringing:
when friends rejoice both far and near,
how can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
our thoughts to them are winging:
when friends by shame are undefiled,
how can I keep from singing?
4
I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
and day by day this pathway smooths,
since first I learned to love it.
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing:
all things are mine since I am Christ's -
how can I keep from singing?
All God's critters got a place in the choir ... including Indigo buntings. How many folks have spotted one of these beautiful, tiny, precious birds this spring?
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the June 7, 2020 service.
VU 315 (Key of G)
1
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
2
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
3
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye made blind by sin thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love, and purity.
4
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name
in earth and sky and sea;
holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Call to worship
Inspired by the Lorica of St. Patrick (Rev. Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church of Australia)
I bind unto myself this day the strong name of the Trinity.
The Creator’s gifts of earth and sky,
the flowing creeks and fertile land,
the winter sun and summer moon,
the roaring sea and golden sand.
I bind unto myself this day the Christ who wears our human clay.
The baby sleeping in a stall,
the healer touching our disease,
the man of love upon the cross,
the risen friend who hears our pleas.
I bind unto myself this day the Spirit who is here to stay.
The breath that makes the broken whole,
the truth that flows like liquid light,
the wind that sweeps my dusty soul,
the fire that warms the darkest night.
From now unto infinity,
The strong name of the Trinity.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8
Through your word and spirit you created all things.
In Jesus Christ, the word made flesh,
You reveal your salvation in all the world.
Through your Holy Spirit,
You give us a share in your life and love.
Keep us firm in this faith,
And fill us with the vision of your glory,
That we may serve and praise you all our days;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
One God now and forever. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer song
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by All Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of C)
We are a gentle angry people X 2
and we’re singing, singing for our lives.
We are a justice seeking people X 2
and we’re singing, singing for our lives.
We are young and old together X 2
and we’re singing, singing for our lives.
We are a land of many colours X 2
and we’re singing, singing for our lives.
We are a gentle, loving people X 2
and we’re singing, singing for our lives.
(English Standard Version)
Romans 5 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
John 16 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word.
(Tune: Arfon Major [Key of D])
1
I believe in God almighty
Author of all things that be
Maker of the earth and heavens
Keeper of the sky and sea
I believe in God’s Son, Jesus
Now for us both Lord and Christ
Of the Spirit and of Mary
Born to bring abundant life
2
I believe that Jesus suffered
Scourged and scorned and crucified
Taken from the cross, was buried
True life there had truly died
I believe that on the third day
Christ was raised up from the grave
Then ascended to God’s right hand
He will come to judge and save
3
I believe in God’s own Spirit
Bonding all the saints within
One church, catholic and holy
Where forgiveness frees from sin
In the body’s resurrection
For the breaking of death’s chain
Gives the life that’s everlasting
This the faith that I have claimed
Note: This version of The Apostle’s creed is written by Sylvia G. Dunstan and set to the tune of Arfon or Tros y Garreg.
(Adapted from Harry K. Zeller, Brethren Hymnal)
And now may the courage of early morning's dawning,
And the strength of eternal hills at noontime,
And the peace of open spaces at evening's ending,
And the love of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit abide in our hearts and in our lives;
Now and always.
Amen
VU 686 (Key of G)
1
God of grace and God of glory, on your people pour your power;
now fulfil your church's story; bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour.
for the facing of this hour.
2
Lo, the hosts of evil round us corn your Christ, assail your ways;
fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.
for the living of these days.
3
Cure your children's warring madness, bend our pride to your control;
shame our wanton selfish gladness, rich in goods and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss your kingdom's goal.
lest we miss your kingdom's goal.
4
Set our feet on lofty places, gird our lives that they may be armoured with all
Christlike graces, pledged to set all captives free.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,that we fail not them nor thee.
that we fail not them nor thee.
Holly Near is an American singer and social justice advocate. She wrote Singing for our lives (or We are a gentle, angry people) in 1979 and it has been an anthem for many groups since. Not surprisingly, it is the official hymnal of the Unitarian Universalist Association. She sings the song in this video at the Vietnam Peace Commemoration Committee.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
Photo by Mandy Henry on Unsplash
This is the recording for the May 31, 2020 service.
MV 26
1
Your love is amazing, steady and unchanging,
your love is a mountain, firm beneath my feet.
Your love is a myst’ry, how you gently lift me.
When I am surrounded your love carries me.
Refrain (2X)
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Your love makes me sing.
2
Your love is surprising, I can feel it rising,
all the joy that’s growing deep inside of me.
Ev’ry time I see you all your goodness shines through.
I can feel this God song rising up in me.
3
Repeat verse 1.
Last line of refrain: Your love makes me sing. Hallelujah.
Welcome
Call to worship for Pentecost Sunday
Spirit of God, wind of hope, blow far from us
all dark despair,
all deep distress,
all groundless fears,
all sinful desires,
all Satan’s snares,
all false values,
all selfish wishes,
all wasteful worries.
Spirit of God, wind of joy, blow into us
your holy presence,
your living love,
your healing touch,
your splendid courage,
your mighty strength,
your perfect peace,
your caring concern,
your divine grace,
your boundless joy.
Spirit of God, wind of creation blow strong, blow fresh, blow now.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8
Opening prayer
(inspired by Galatians 5: 22-23)
O bounteous spirit,
I ask you to bring forth in my life your fruits:
the fruit of love,
so I may love you above all things and all others for your sake;
the fruit of joy,
that I may find my delight in your service;
the fruit of peace,
that I may be pardoned through your mercy and may rest in your love;
the fruit of long-suffering
so that I may bear, with patience, all afflictions;
the fruit of gentleness,
that I may subdue all anger and take calmly and sweetly
all trials and provocations;
the fruit of meekness,
that I may forgive freely all who have hurt me
and endure with patience all burdens that are laid upon me;
the fruit of temperance
that I may restrain all my desires
and bring them into the subjection of your holy will. Amen.
* posted on Spread Jesus.
Lord’s Prayer song
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by All Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
VU 375
Refrain
Spirit, spirit of gentleness,
blow thro' the wilderness calling and free,
Spirit, spirit of restlessness,
stir me from placidness,
Wind, wind on the sea.
1
You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;
and over the eons you called to each thing:
wake from your slumbers and rise on your wings. R
2
You swept thro' the desert, you stung with the sand,
and you goaded your people with a law and a land;
and when they were blinded with their idols and lies,
then you spoke thro' your prophets to open their eyes. R
3
You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still;
and down in the city you called once again,
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. R
4
You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes,
from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams,
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes,
with bold new decisions your people arise. R
MV 106
1
I am the dream and you the dreamer.
I am the song and you are the rhyme.
You are the tune sung in ev’ry silence.
You are the now in the endless stream of time.
2
I am the bell and you the silence.
You are the yearning I cannot curtail.
I am the blest and you the blessing.
You are the wilds in which I lose my trail.
3
You are the word and I the echo.
You are the leader and I am the led.
You are the joy and I the laughter.
You are the rock on which I lay my head.
22-23
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
23-24
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
25-26
Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.
(But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. [English Standard Version])
May God bless to our understanding this reading of His holy word.
(Tune: Now is the hour [Key of G])
1
Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Saviour, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.
2
I praise thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill thy word, and make me pure within.
Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify thy name.
3
Lord, take my life, and make it wholly thine;
Fill my poor heart with thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord In me abide.
4
O Holy Ghost, revival comes from thee;
Send a revival, start the work in me.
Thy word declares thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.
Prayers of the people
Benediction
The gifts of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23 &1 Corinthians 12: 4-5)
Minister The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:
All love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control.
Minister There are different kinds of spiritual gifts,
All but the same spirit is the source of them all.
Minister There are different kinds of service,
All but we serve the same Lord.
Minister God works in different ways,
All but it is the same God
who does the work in all of us.
In all of us;
Everywhere;
all the time.
Amen.
VU 625 (Key of Em)
1
I feel the winds of God today;
today my sail I lift,
though heavy oft with drenching spray
and torn with many a rift;
if hope but light the water's crest,
and Christ my bark will use,
I'll seek the seas at his behest,
and brave another cruise.
2
It is the wind of God that dries
my vain regretful tears,
until with braver thoughts shall rise
the purer, brighter years;
if cast on shores of selfish ease
or pleasure I should be,
O let me feel your freshening breeze,
and I'll put back to sea.
3
If ever I forget your love
and how that love was shown,
lift high the blood-red flag above;
it bears your name alone.
Great pilot of my onward way,
you will not let me drift.
I feel the winds of God today;
today my sail I lift.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
Photo by Boris Smokrovic on Unsplash
This is the recording for the May 24, 2020 service.
1
There are many colours in a rainbow
All bound together as one
They are the promise of tomorrow
Our hope for all the days to come
Refrain
We are a rainbow, together we are a sign
We are a rainbow, to live for humankind
We are a rainbow, it's time for us to shine
We are a rainbow
2
We all are children of that promise
Made for the whole world around
Wherever love brings us together
A rainbow can be found R
3
So if you see the world around us
And wonder how it can be
Remember we were given us a promise
A hope for all the world to see R
4
There is one who brings out all our colors
And binds us together as one
Reaching out to our sisters and our brothers
We find our place in the sun
We are a rainbow R
We are a rainbow (Ed Kilbourne, © Eagle’s Point Music, Brent Holmes)
Song: You shall go out with joy
VU 884 Isaiah 55 (Key G)
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 the trees of the fields
Will clap, will clap their hands.
And the trees of the fields will clap their hands,
And the trees of the fields will clap their hands,
And the trees of the fields will clap their hands,
While you go out with joy.
Call to worship: Psalm 96: 8-13
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the Lord, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Psalm 124:8
Our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Song: You shall go out with joy
VU 884 Isaiah 55 (Key G)
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 the trees of the fields
Will clap, will clap their hands.
And the trees of the fields will clap their hands,
And the trees of the fields will clap their hands,
And the trees of the fields will clap their hands,
While you go out with joy.
A prayer from the Iona Community
We have heard about you, God of all power. You made the world out of kindness, creating order out of confusion; you made each one of us in your own image; your fingerprint is on every soul. So, we praise you.
We praise and worship you.
We have heard about you, Jesus Christ; the carpenter who left his tools and trade; the poor man who made others rich; the healer who let himself be wounded; the criminal on whom the soldiers spat not knowing they were fouling the face of God; the savior who died and rose again. So we praise you.
We praise and worship you.
We have heard about you, Holy Spirit, You broke the bonds of every race and nation, to let God speak in every tongue; you made the disciples drunk with grace; you converted souls and emptied pockets; you showed how love made all things new and opened the doors to change and freedom. So we praise you.
We praise and worship you. Amen
The Lord's Prayer song
Our Father
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by All Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
1
If I were a white Charolais, I’d thank you Lord, for giving me hay.
And if I were a Hostein cow, I’d thank you Lord, for showing me how.
If I were a curly haired sheep, I’d jiggle my tail and I’d give you a bleat, but…
I just thank you God for making me “me.”
Refrain
‘Cause you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus, and made me his child
And I just thank you, God, for making me “me”
2
If I were a Case-I.H., I’d thank you Lord, for giving me fuel.
If I were a green John Deere, I’d be thankful for my power-shift gears.
And if I were an old, blue Ford, I’d finish my work and I’d take on more, but…
I just thank you God for making me “me” R
3
If I were a flower bed, I’d thank you Lord, for my blooming stems,
And If I were a garden plot, it’s tough to be thankful for the bugs and whatnot.
And as I mow my lawn I’ll say, “It’s a lot like farming in my own special way,” but
I just thank you God for making me “me.” R
(Same tune, different words)
A time for all God’s children
1
There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
Refrain
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops 'round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
2
There shall be showers of blessing--
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain. R
3
There shall be showers of blessing:
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing;
Come and now honor thy word. R
4
There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we're confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call! R
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honourable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
Submission to authority
Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honour everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the emperor.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word.
1
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
2
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. R
3
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. R
4
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. R
Prayer refrain: All who are thirsty
MV 4
All who are thirsty, all who are weak,
come to the fountain.
Dip your heart in the stream of life.
Let the pain and the sorrow be washed away
in the waves of his mercy
as deep cries out to deep. We sing
Come, Lord Jesus, come. (4X)
Holy Spirit come. (4X)
What a glorious day! Share your "warm weather is here" photos and we can share a 4unitedchurches video!
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
Here is the recording from the May 17, 2020 service.
Share your Flat Jesus photos with us.
by John L. Bellin He was In the world.
© WGRG, c/o Iona Community, Glasgow, Scotland. www.wildgoose.scot. Reproduced by permission.
VU 560 (Tune: The parting glass, traditional Scottish, key: D# )
1. O Master, let me walk with thee
in lowly paths of service free;
teach me thy secret, help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care.
2. Help me the slow of heart to move
with some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the wayward feet to stay,
and guide them in the homeward way.
3. Teach me thy patience; still with thee,
in closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sure and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong,
4. in hope that sends a shining ray
far down the future's broadening way,
in peace that only thou canst give,
with thee, O Master, let me live.
Unless God builds the house,
those who build it labour in vain.
Unless God protects the city,
those who guard it watch in vain.
Peace of the Maker, peace of the Son,
God’s stumbling block and corner stone.
Prayer
A shade are you in the heat, protecting God;
a shelter are you in the cold.
Eyes are you to the blind, restoring God;
a staff are you to the weak.
An island are you at sea, providing God;
a rock are you on land.
Our soul’s healer,
keep us at evening, keep us at morning,
keep us at noon.
We are tired, astray and stumbling, shield us from sin.
Our souls’ healer, shield us from sin.
Silence. During the silence pick up a stone from the table
(Tune: Leaving of Lismore, traditional Scottish, key: D)
1. Spirit of God, come dwell within me.
Open my heart, O come set me free.
Fill me with love for Jesus, my Lord.
O fill me with living water.
Refrain
Jesus is living, Jesus is here.
Jesus, my Lord, come closer to me.
Jesus, our Saviour, dying for me,
and rising to save his people
2. Lord, how I thirst, O Lord, I am weak.
Lord, come to me, you alone do I seek
Lord, you are life, and love and hope.
O fill me with living water. R
3. Lord, I am blind, O Lord, I can’t see.
Stretch out your hand, O Lord comfort me.
Lead me your way in light and in truth
O fill me with Living water. R
Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture:
“See, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the very head of the corner,” and
“A stone that makes them stumble,
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.
(Tune: Rowan Tree. traditional Scottish, key: A [G 2nd fret])
1. Thy Word is like a garden, Lord,
with flowers bright and fair;
And every one who seeks
may pluck a lovely cluster there.
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine;
and jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths
for every searcher there.
2. Thy Word is like a starry host:
a thousand rays of light
Are seen to guide the traveler
and make the pathway bright.
Thy Word is like an armory,
where soldiers may repair;
And find, for life’s long battle day,
all needful weapons there.
3. O may I love Thy precious Word,
may I explore the mine,
May I its fragrant flowers glean,
may light upon me shine!
O may I find my armor there!
Thy Word my trusty sword,
I’ll learn to fight with every foe
The battle of the Lord.
Word: Edwin Hodder, The New Sunday School Hymn Book, 1863.
Please pick up your first stone and hold onto it.
What I hold in my hand
is as old as me, and older;
as old as my name,
my language, my culture, and older;
as old as my race,
as old as the human race, and older;
as old as the soil
as old as the sea, and older;
You … and you … and you …areGod’s own people,
chosen to proclaim the acts of God
who created you out of darkness into God’s marvellous light.
Once you were no people.
Now you are God’s people.
We come as living stones to build the house of God.
We welcome God within to bless us and our guests.
Christ of the road of the wounded
Christ of the tears of the broken,
In us and with us the needs of the world.
Grant us our prayers of loving and hoping.
Grant us our prayers of yearning and healing.
Prayer of our own reshaping
Say all together.
Christ, the Master Carpenter,
who, at the last through wood and nails
purchased our whole salvation;
wield well your tools in the workshop of your world,
so that we, who come rough hewn to your bench,
may here be fashioned
to a truer beauty of your hand.
We ask in your own name’s sake. AMEN.
Please put down your stone and pick up the second stone and hold onto it.
'Come as living stones. You are the chosen race.'
But, Lord, you know our trouble – the pace.
We are fools who work full time.
We are do-ers who are overdone.
We are a tired race, a fallen race, a busy race.
'Come as living stones. You are the chosen race.'
We come as living stones to build the house of God.
We welcome God within to bless us and our guests.
‘Come as living stones. You are the King’s priests.’
But, Lord, you know our trouble –
we are not royal or religious.
We are commoners who enjoy insignificance.
We are the faithless, the faltering, the least.
‘Come as living stones. You are the King’s priests.’
We come as living stones to build the house of God.
We welcome God within to bless us and our guests.
‘Come as living stones. You are the holy nation.’
But, Lord, you know our trouble –
we are not guiltless.
We are the people who pray for peace,
yet arm for war.
We are the people who bemoan pollution,
yet poison the earth.
We are the people who disparage poverty,
yet bleed the poor.
We are a selfish nation, an indulgent nation,
a proud nation.
‘Come as living stones. You are the holy nation.’
We come as living stones to build the house of God.
We welcome God within to bless us and our guests.
as old as the earth,
as old as the sun, moon and stars …
but younger than God.
For I made this stone,
made and meant it’s colour, its contours,
its journey from below to above.
And had earth never revealed it,
and had you never admired it,
it would still bear witness to my deep intention
to make the world, mean the world,
want the world, wean the world;
and one day, walk the world
and hold in my hand what you now hold in yours.
Silence
More voices 79 (Tune: Wild mountain thyme, traditional Scottish, key: D)
Refrain
Spirit, open my heart
to the joy and pain of living.
As you love my 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. R
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. R
3.May I weep with those who weep,
share the joy of sister, brother.
In the welcome of Christ,
may we welcome one another. R
Please put down the stone in your hand and pick up the third stone and hold it.
This is the stone that the builders rejected:
He walked through the wilderness,
through the dry place.
He was thirsty and hungry and all alone.
As he picked up a stone, a voice said,
‘Turn it to bread,’ and he could have…
but he let the stone be a stone.
Unsure, when what was bright turns dark
And life, it seems, has lost it’s way,
We question what we once believed
And fear that doubt has come to stay.
We sense the worm that gnaws within
Has withered willpower, weakened bones,
And wonder whether all that’s left
Is stumbling blocks or stepping stones.
Pause
This is the stone that the builders rejected:
He came to his own, but they would not receive him.
They heard him speak, heard him open the scriptures,
but would not listen.
‘Enough, enough!’ They shouted and took him,
stones in hand, to a hill.
Where minds and bodies reel with pain
Which nervous smiles can never mask,
And hope is forced the face despair
And all the things it dared not ask.
Aware of weakness, guilt or shame,
The will gives out, the spirit groans,
And clutching at each straw we find
More stumbling blocks than stepping stones.
Pause
This is the stone that the builders rejected:
He called those who had no calling.
He named those who had no name:
‘What you didn’t manage with fish
you’ll do with people - catch them,’ he said.
‘They call you simple Simon,
I name you Peter, the rock…
and on the likes of you…
on the likes of you, I’ll build my church.’
Where family life has lost its bliss
And silences endorse mistrust,
Or anger boils and tempers flare
As love comes under threat from lust;
Where people cannot take the strain
Of worklessness and endless loans,
What pattern will the future weave -
Just stumbling blocks, no stepping stones?
Pause
This is the stone that the builders rejected:
He bent down to touch the ground, to cradle children,
to kneel with the one whom all despised.
‘Throw your stones,’ he said, ‘Throw them at her,
and let the flawless fling theirs first.’
They went away, stones in hand,
for another day and for him.
Where hearts that once held love are bare
And faith, in shreds, compounds the mess;
Where [thoughts] and prayers no longer speak
And former friends no longer bless;
And when the church, where some belonged
No more their loyalty enthrones,
The plea is made, ‘If you are there,
Turn stumbling blocks, to stepping stones!’
Pause
This is the stone that the builders rejected:
He was edged out of the world,
onto a cross, into a tomb.
And a stone was stationed
to keep the dead away from the living,
but the stone was rolled away
for death was rejected.
Death died and the stone was rolled away.
Ah God, you, with the Maker’s eye,
Can tell if all that’s feared is real,
And see if life is more than what
We suffer, dread, despise and feel.
If some by faith no longer stand
Nor hear the truth your voice intones,
Stretch out your hand to help your folk
From stumbling blocks to stepping stones.
Silence