Happy Victoria Day Long weekend!
We hope that you are well as we share this COVID-19 journey. It is lovely that we are looking to a weekend of warmer weather and that the signs of spring are all around!
We are grateful for your ongoing care for us, for one another, for the community around us and for our world.
As far as the church goes, we are also grateful for your donations on PAR, through www.canadahelps.org and in cheques mailed to the church. You are making a difference. Thank you.
This weekly message gives us an opportunity to provide connection to our own community and to a wider one.
For those looking for some fun opportunities, we can create some ‘one-off’ craft kits that go with Biblical lessons. Please let us know if you would like one or more.
And, if you are looking for ongoing electronic resources, try Illustrated Ministry: https://illstrtdm.in/EasterWeek6
Even though we cannot be together in one place, let’s continue to be a community at prayer together. On Sunday at 10:00, let’s think about the gifts we have in our lives, and needs of our world, and then let’s all pray the Lord’s prayer (you can pray silently, or out loud).
And, sometime, when you want to have a longer worship time, we are including some words and videos for your use.
Worship for Sunday, May 17, 2020
Call to Prayer
‘Where Love Comes to Life’ sung and played by Cheryl Jackson
We gather together although we are apart.
We gather in community although we are alone.
We gather asking for God’s blessing on our lives, and on our world.
We gather knowing God is with us.
Opening Hymn
“Spirit of Gentleness” sung by members of the Carillons – past, present and future
In two weeks it will be Pentecost – what image of the church might we use?
Here’s Carol with an invitation for everyone to be creative!
Scripture
The scripture reading today is John 14:15-21
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.
This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.
On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”
Reflection
Jeff offers a reflection
Printable Version:
Reflection_May 17
Let us pray:
God, you are beyond all and yet in all
You are wonder inspiring a sense of wonder
You are love defining us as your creation,
Your children, Your Christ-bearers
God, we pray as we wait to discover what life will be like as stores and workplaces begin to reopen gradually, but as the challenges and the risks of COVID-19 remain.
We pray for a world reborn,
A world of more compassion
A world of more peace
A world of more equitable salaries,
more equitable sharing of food and resources,
more harmony of all creation.
We pray for all healthcare workers,
for researchers seeking a COVID vaccine
We pray for we humans to reclaim our place as creatures,
creatures who share this world with other creatures,
share this world with grasses, trees, minerals, soil, water, air …
We pray that we reclaim our identity as part of Your creation,
our identity as people who honour,
respect,
care for,
learn from
and stand in awe of all of your creation.
We pray for all who grieve,
All who live with physical, emotional,
mental and spiritual dis-eases and challenges
We pray for those who are frightened and anxious,
Those who suffer from violence, oppression, discrimination,
We pray for all who have no address, no place to claim as home
We pray for all people to awaken to the holy in our midst, the holy in which we live, the holy that lives in us.
Bless us God, that we may share Your deep, deep love in all our living.
In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN
Closing Hymn
“Deep, Deep Love” – recorded by the Carillons at TMUC on March 31, 2019 with Dana Measner as the soloist
God bless you and keep you.
God’s face shine upon.
God grant you peace and joy.
Be in the peace of Christ, this day and always. Amen
We keep you in our prayers,
Carol and Jeff