May 29, 2022 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
A livestream of this service will take place on our YouTube channel on Sunday, May 29, at 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time. A video recording of the live stream will be available on our YouTube channel from 6 PM on Sunday, May 29.
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Welcome
Call to worship
One: Let every creature in heaven and on earth shout to God and sing with joy!
All: Blessing and honour, glory and power be to our God for ever and ever!
One: Let us raise our prayers and praises to God in worship this day!
All: Blessing and honour, glory and power be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.
Lighting of the Christ Candle
This is the Christ Candle. We light the candle to help us remember that Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is with us in every place and every time.
Opening Hymn
“Jesus shall reign where’re the sun” (Book of Praise 1997, hymn 275). Words (1719; paraphrase of Psalm 72) by English minister and hymnwriter Isaac Watts (1674–1748). Music (1784) by English minister and composer Ralph Harrison (1748–1810). Words and music in the public domain.
Prayers of Approach and Confession, & Lord’s Prayer (sins)
God of glory and majesty, God of mystery and mercy, in Christ Jesus you came to live among us, sharing in our joys and sorrows. After he suffered and died for our sake, you raised him and took him up in glory so that he might fulfill all things. As our ascended Lord, he gives hope to your people in all places, in every generation and every situation. So we claim that hope this day, for ourselves and for the world you love, offering you our praise and worship in the name of Jesus Christ, who now lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Merciful God, day by day we have failed to believe in your presence and your promised forgiveness. We have not trusted in your power to give the riches we cannot see. We have not honored our sisters and brothers as heirs of your desired peace. We have not forgiven others or ourselves. Give us the wisdom and faith to be your body on earth, that we may rejoice in the presence of your saving bounty, to the glory of your ascended Son.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
By the power of the Holy Spirit, as a witness to the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus and the assurance of pardon in Jesus’ name, I proclaim to you the forgiveness of all your sins, that with renewed life you may serve this creation and the people of God in peace and strength God is with you!
The Peace
The Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Fun with the young at heart (children’s story)
(Practicing faith)
Mission Moment
Don MacOdrum (Presbytery appeal for sponsoring a refugee family)
The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)
Guildwood Choir presents
The Sacrament of Baptism
Scripture Reading
Mark 1: 9–11 <– this links to on-line text of the NRSV bible
Click here for additional scripture readings from today’s lectionary. Links courtesy of the Revised Common Lectionary, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
Reflection / Homily
Musical Reflection
Introduction / Presentation
Renunciation and Affirmation (Questions)
Questions to Ken, Bruce and Sandra
Question to congregation
Do you, as followers of Jesus Christ promise to support Kenneth Wong, Bruce Morrison, Sandra Robertson by word and deeds, love and prayer, encourage them to follow the way of Christ and to be a faithful member of his Church?
We do.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Act of Baptizing
Declaration and Welcome
Baptismal Hymn
“I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew” (Book of Praise 1997, hymn 568). Words (1878) by English poet Jean Ingelow (1820–1897). Music (1893; tune: “Peace”) by American composer George Whitefield Chadwick (1854–1931). Words and music in the public domain.
Offertory
We remind everyone that we must continue to pay our bills; in the absence of being present at Sunday worship, you may sign up for pre-authorized remittance (PAR), donate online, or drop off your offering envelope in the mailbox at the church. Do not leave a cash donation unattended in the mailbox; instead, please call the office (416.261.4037) to ensure someone will be there to receive it. The building will be checked daily for mail and phone messages. If you are not comfortable leaving an envelope, you are welcome to contact the office (once again, 416.261.4037) and someone will pick up your offering.
Dedication of our Gifts
Prayer of dedication
Eternal God, we praise you that Christ has ascended to rule in love at your right hand, while the Holy Spirit continues the work of salvation throughout your creation. We offer our gifts and our lives in gratitude for that work, and dedicate them to your purposes in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Lighting Candles of Peace for People in Ukraine and the world
Responsive Prayers of Thanksgiving and Hope
Let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need, saying, Hear us, O God;
your mercy is great.
We give you thanks for the community of faith throughout the world. According to your compassion, Holy God, guide your church to proclaim the gospel so that its wide-open door is apparent to everyone; heal the great chasms that exist between our peoples; help our leaders and teachers to shepherd us with wisdom. Hear us, O God;
your mercy is great.
We give you thanks for nations and leaders. By your power, O God, inspire all people to insist on just economies and social structures; prepare our young people to turn their zeal into peace; unbind those who are discouraged, and teach us all to persevere. Hear us, O God;
your mercy is great.
We give you thanks for all creation. Open our eyes and ears to see and know more about this earthly home, which you created for your joy and ours. Show us how to love the creatures and plants we would otherwise ignore and neglect. Hear us, O God;
your mercy is great.
Merciful Lord, we pray for those among your people here and throughout the world who are in trouble— the sick and hungry, those who are unjustly imprisoned and abused, children without shelter, adults without work. Hear us, O God;
your mercy is great.
Hear now the prayers of your people spoken silently…. Hear us, O God;
your mercy is great.
We give you thanks for the saints whose witness has nourished our faith throughout the ages, especially N. Their assurance in word and deed has fed us with the truth of your Word, Hear us, O God;
your mercy is great.
Ascended Lord, we trust that you will hear our prayers and answer with what we need. We pray this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One God, Mother of us all.
Amen.
Closing Hymn
“When morning gilds the skies” (Book of Praise 1997, hymn 438). Original German words (1828), anonymous. English words (1854) by English clergyman and hymnwriter Edward Caswall (1814–1878). Music (1868; tune: “Laudes Domini”) by English composer and conductor Joseph Barnby (1838–1896). Descant by English musician and composer Reginald Sparshatt Thatcher (1888–1957). Words, music and descant in the public domain.
Benediction
Now may the One who gives you all that you are, strengthen you in faith and hope, this day and forevermore.
Choral Amen
- Go Now in Peace”. Words by American educator, lyricist and composer Don Besig (1936–) and American lyricist Nancy Price (1958–). Music by Don Besig. Words and music copyright © 1988 Harold Flammer Music, a division of Shawnee Press; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.
- Performed by Rachelle Risling (keyboard) and the GCPC Senior Choir. Audio and video production by Rachelle Risling.
- Audio and video recording copyright © 2021 Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church.
Copyright © 2022 Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church
Last updated 2022-05-31– Added more information about the hymns