Worship for Sept. 27, 2020 Avondale United Church 10:00...
Transcript of Worship for Sept. 27, 2020 Avondale United Church 10:00...
Worship for Sept. 27, 2020 Avondale United Church
10:00 a.m.
Listen Live Link on website
www.avondaleunitedstratford.com
Today’s sponsors:
Bert & Mary Helen Clifford
in loving memory of their sons
Mike Sept. 25, 1980
Dave Oct. 3, 2015
Worship led by Rev. Keith Reynolds,
Rev. Kathi Urbasik-Hindley, Music Director Dan Van Winden,
Cathy Pearson,
Tech Wayne Melvin &
David MacLennan
WE GATHER IN GOD’S PRESENCE
As people of faith, we walk with intention. May our intention be toward right relationship with our Creator, the land and with the traditional peoples of this land. May our journey be one of courage and healing as we long for a deeper unity among all people. Help us Creator, we pray.
Welcome and Announcements Lighting of Christ Candle
Prelude: The Cradle by George Winston
Opening Hymn: This is God’s Wondrous World VU 296
1 This is God's wondrous world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is God's wondrous world; I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, God's hand the wonders wrought. 2 This is God's wondrous world: the birds their carols raise; the morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise. This is God's wondrous world: God shines in all that's fair; in the rustling grass or mountain pass, God's voice speaks everywhere. 3 This is God's wondrous world: O let me ne'er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is God's wondrous world: why should my heart be sad? Let voices sing, let the heavens ring: God reigns, let earth be glad!
Opening Prayer (in unison) Holy One, we give thanks for this day and this moment, Through the wilderness, You reveal Your presence, You take ordinary things and make them sacred, You act with compassion and justice, Showing how You are near at hand, Give us an attentive spirit, that we may be more aware of You. It is not always easy to be aware, Forgive us when our preoccupation is more with ourselves, Let Your mercy flow into silent sufferings, May Your healing strength embolden our disenchantment, Make a gracious space in the clutter and the too much, Right us once again, we pray, as we offer these silent prayers… (Silence)
Words of Hope and Healing One: God’s hope and healing are always present. Grace and goodness prevail with the living God. All: May we trust in You, God of life and love. Amen.
Theme Time
WE LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD
Anthem: It is Well Choir Video
https://youtu.be/VbW9xExkvQM
Scripture Readings: Psalm 78 (VU p. 792)
Exodus 17:1-7
Message: Is God Among Us or Not?
WE RESPOND TO GOD IN LOVE
Offertory
Offertory Prayer (in unison)
With a generous spirit, we give these gifts this morning. May this money we offer today,
each week and every month be a witness to our faith; a faith that is rooted in You, God,
and branching out to Your world. Amen.
Prayers of the People & the Lord’s Prayer Hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory VU 686
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. 2 Lo, the hosts of evil round us scorn 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. 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. 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.
Sending Forth and Blessing Choral Benediction: Go Make a Difference Choir Video
https://youtu.be/gh0BjnDsHlA
Postlude: Just a Closer Walk with Thee arr. Bernadine Johnson
Announcements
Masks -Why not consider wearing a mask designed and created by Avondale folk? These comfortable masks come in 6 colours. They are available at the church office as well as outside the sanctuary on Sunday mornings. Free will donations accepted.”
Walk for Autism Autism Awareness. The 13th annual Walk for Autism is being held virtually this year. Ryan and family will
walk around the river September 27. All funds raised help support individuals and families affected by
autism in our area. Ryan Barkley has directly benefitted from funds raised in the past. Avondale is part of
Ryan’s family since moving here at the age of 6 in 2003. You have helped him mature into the caring
affectionate person he is today. He looks forward to seeing everyone again at church (the hugs and
handshakes will have to wait). Thank you for being accepting and for your ongoing support. Ryan and Doris
will accept donations outside the Narthex on Sunday September 20 and 27. Please put your donation in an
envelope with your full address on the envelope if you wish a tax receipt (for donations of $20 and over).
Cheques can be made to Autism Ontario-Huron Perth Chapter. Thank you in advance. For more
information, you can call Doris Barkley at 519-271-9969
Funscrip Gift Cards
Next order due….Wednesday Oct. 7th. Forms can be picked up at the office. These make great Christmas gifts as well as a great way to say “thank you” to someone.
Classy Glass Lassies
– if you are interested in ordering any items or wish to join the “Classy Glass Lassies and Laddies – please email [email protected]
MEALS ON WHEELS
Avondale United Church is responsible for delivering meals for Tuesday to Friday (Monday Oct.
12th is Thanksgiving), the week of Oct. 12th to the 16th and Monday to Friday, Oct.19th to the 23rd.
If you are a volunteer, please contact, Emma Carruthers (519) 271-8635 for the desired dates
that you are able to deliver. The schedule needs to be at the Spruce Lodge Office by Oct. 9th.
Procedures have been modified due to circumstance to ensure the safety for all. Thank you for
your support of our church and our community. Volunteers are welcome. The commitment is only
4 deliveries a year (Jan. Apr. July, and Oct.) Please contact Emma is interested in this worthwhile
service.
Foodshelf Update
Avondale Foodshelf will continue to remain closed for the remainder of 2020. We are closely
monitoring the needs of the community and considering options for re-opening when we are
safely able to do so. We will be supporting the other Foodbanks as we are able. We ask that you
please consider supporting the Foodbanks at House of Blessing, Salvation Army, St. James Anglican
Church, St Paul’s Anglican Church and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church by making food or financial
donations or by becoming a volunteer. Your support and understanding is greatly appreciated.
Upcoming Events
Lunch & Learn– Tuesday, Sept. 29th @ 11:00 a.m.
This group will be meeting via zoom. Everyone welcome. If you wish to join this group,
contact Rev. Keith [email protected] for zoom details. The readings for Sunday Oct.
4th are Psalm 19 & Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
United Church Women – Western Ontario Waterways UCW (“WOW UCW”) along with Horseshoe
Falls UCW and Antler River Watershed UCW have extended an invitation to all to come
together in a virtual gathering at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3rd. As well, there is
an invitation to attend the closing worship of the National UCW meeting. (Invitations are
attached)
COMMUNION – Worldwide Communion is Sunday, Oct. 4
The worship team in conjunction with our ministerial team felt communion could pose
extra risk for worshipers, therefore we will not do individual communion. Communion will
be of a more symbolic nature (i.e. Keith and Kathi will represent the congregation). Folks
at home are invited to partake using their own communion elements.
YOU ARE INVITED TO STAY HOME AND LISTEN LIVE ON SUNDAY, OCT. 18TH
Our United Church Regional Council’s (WOWRC - Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council)
Celebration of Ministry Service is being held at Avondale on Sunday, Oct. 18th. The region, the
candidates and their guests will adhere to all Avondale safety protocols and will constitute the
congregation for that Sunday. Since safety protocols currently cap us at 30% capacity we are
inviting all Avondale members and friends to stay home and listen to the service through our Listen
Live link. We understand their will be a video link for those interested in also viewing the service.
We will provide that information as it becomes available to us. Avondale is honoured to have our
sanctuary chosen as the site for this service and even more honoured to have Rev. Keith chosen to
deliver the message.