Service Sunday February 16, 2025

Worship Leader: Worship Leader: Rev. Max Ward

Music Director: Melissa Stephens

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Second Sunday In Epiphany

All are Welcome!

Watch a video recording of the whole service using YouTube below.

The Gathering

Welcome and Announcements.
Focusing Moment.

HYMN: “Lord, Prepare Me to Be Sanctuary” MV #18

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.

(Choir 1 time, then all 2 times)

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE:

Acknowledgement of Land

With gratitude and respect we acknowledge that our sacred space is located on Treaty 20 territory in the traditional lands of the Williams Treaties First Nations. We acknowledge that we as settlers and newcomers are party to these treaties, and so we seek to live in right relations with all as stewards of these lands and waters and as those who care for the needs of all people.

THE APPROACH

HYMN: “God of the Sparrow” VU #229

1 God of the sparrow God of the whale

God of the swirling stars

How does the creature say Awe

How does the creature say Praise

2 God of the earthquake God of the storm

God of the trumpet blast

How does the creature cry Woe

How does the creature cry Save

3 God of the rainbow God of the cross

God of the empty grave

How does the creature say Grace

How does the creature say Thanks

4 God of the hungry God of the sick

God of the prodigal

How does the creature say Care

How does the creature say Life

5 God of the neighbour God of the foe

God of the pruning hook

How does the creature say Love

How does the creature say Peace

6 God of the ages God near at hand

God of the loving heart

How do your children say Joy

How do your children say Home

CALL TO WORSHIP:

One: Jesus says some very difficult things, things that are hard to understand,

and even harder to do.

All: We come to worship seeking understanding. We come seeking courage

and faith; we come so that we can faithfully follow the way of Jesus.

One: Today in scripture, we will hear some difficult teachings of Jesus that will

challenge and perhaps confound us.

All: We come to worship seeking understanding. We come seeking courage

and faith so that we can faithfully follow the way of Jesus.

One: Our scripture today also says that power was coming out of Jesus to heal and set free.

All: We come to worship seeking the power of Jesus in our lives and trusting

that we, too, will be set free to follow his way of justice and compassion.

One: Let us worship God.

PRAYER OF APPROACH AND CONFESSION

Holy One, we have gathered here in this place and online,

and together, we lift up our voices in praise.

With all its challenges and difficulties, the world is still a beautiful place.

Creation is full of wonders; loving and being loved transforms us,

and through Jesus, we have hope that justice will prevail.

From the fullness of our hearts, we praise you and thank you for your gifts.

Forgive us when we lose hope, or when we fail to love or act for justice.

Guide us in the way of Jesus, that we may make a difference.

For we pray in his strong and holy name.

Amen.

MINISTRY OF MUSIC:

LEARNING TOGETHER

THE WORD

SCRIPTURE: Luke 6:27-38

Leader: Hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

HYMN: “Healer of our Every Ill” VU #619

Healer of our every ill,

light of each tomorrow,

give us peace beyond our fear,

and hope beyond our sorrow.

1 You who know our fears and sadness,

grace us with your peace and gladness.

Spirit of all comfort, fill our hearts. R

2 In the pain and joy beholding,

how your grace is still unfolding.

Give us all your vision, God of love. R

3 Give us strength to love each other,

every sister, every brother.

Spirit of all kindness, be our guide. R

4 You who know each thought and feeling,

teach us all your way of healing.

Spirit of compassion, fill each heart. R

MESSAGE:

“Knowing God: Generosity”

Listen to an audio recording of the message below or read it at the bottom of this page.

OUR RESPONSE

YOUR GENEROSITY MATTERS:

OFFERTORY PRAYER:

Generous God, from Jesus we have received grace upon grace so that like you we may be generous in giving. Bless what we give and who we are, and make us a blessing in the world. Through Jesus our Christ, we pray. Amen.

**PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER: (sung VU #960**)

HYMN: “For the Healing of the Nations” VU #678

1 For the healing of the nations,

God, we pray with one accord;

for a just and equal sharing

of the things that earth affords.

To a life of love in action

help us rise and pledge our word.

2 Lead us forward into freedom,

from despair your world release;

that, redeemed from war and hatred,

all may come and go in peace.

Show us how through care and goodness

fear will die and hope increase.

3 All that kills abundant living,

let it from the earth be banned:

pride of status, race or schooling,

dogmas that obscure your plan.

In our common quest for justice

may we hallow life's brief span.

4 You, Creator-God, have written

your great name on humankind;

for our growing in your likeness

bring the life of Christ to mind;

that, by our response and service,

earth its destiny may find.

Sending Forth:

One: We are rich.

All: Let our hearts be with the poor to bring equity.

One: We are well-fed.

All: Let our hearts be with the hungry to bring justice.

One: We are, for the most part, happy and content.

All: Let our hearts be with the grieving so they do not walk alone.

One: If we are hated for speaking out, let us have courage.

All: Let our hearts be with Jesus who brings healing and hope.

One: Let us go, then in the power of Jesus our Christ.

All: We go in his name. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.

SUNG BLESSING: VU #454 (Two Times)

May God who creates you give you light,

may God who sustains you make you wise,

may God who protects you give you joy,