November 6, 2022 – Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost and Remembrance Sunday
A livestream of this service will take place on our YouTube channel on Sunday, November 6, 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, November 6.
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Prelude
Introit – Choir
Welcome
The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)
Call to Worship
One: On this day of memories, we gather to sing and to pray;
All: we remember the past and look to the future.
One: On this day when the guns and canons fell silent,
All: we come before you, God, seeking your peace.
One: On this day of hope in the face of terror,
All: we come before you, God, believing in your promise.
One: Let us worship God together, in peace.
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
“O God, our help in ages past” (Book of Praise 1997 Hymn 330). Words (1708) by English minister and hymnwriter Isaac Watts (1674–1748). Music (1708; tune: “St. Anne”) by English composer and organist William Croft (1678–1727). Words and music in the public domain.
Prayers of Approach and Confession, & Lord’s Prayer (sins)
God of might and mercy, we come to you today, proclaiming your power and your promise in a world where there are many things which frighten us. Today we proclaim your power to defeat the forces that work against your hope for the world. We proclaim your love that cracks open our hearts and draws us to you and to one another. We proclaim your promise in Jesus Christ that nothing can separate from your love. Strengthen us in this hour of worship to live out our trust in your power and promise in friendship with Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen God of grace, We are sorry for times when anger or bitterness made us resentful. We are sorry that the desire to get even turns us from your mercy. Forgive us, O God, and shine the light of Christ on us, so that we can know his peace and his purposes for us.
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
As God has forgiven us, let us now forgive one another, and let us now forgive ourselves. You are forgiven, set free to worship and serve your Lord who called us to this time and place of praise and prayer. Thanks be to God!
The Peace
The Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
“In Flanders fields”
Poem by John McCrae (Read by Hannah Roth)
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.
(Sunday School children are invited to attend class)
Personal stories on Remembrance Day: Al Harris
Guildwood Choir Presents
“In Remembrance” from “Requiem”. Words anonymous. Music (1993) by Canadian composer and music director at Fairlawn Avenue United Church in Toronto Eleanor Daley (1955–). Composed for the Elmer Isler Singers and first performed in 1993 at the Festival of the Sound, Parry Sound. Words public domain. Music copyright © 1993 Gordon V. Thompson Music.
Scripture Readings
Micah 4: 1?5 <– these link to on-line text of the NRSV bible
John 15: 9–17
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
The Act of Remembrance
Responsive Prayer of Remembrance
One: They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
All: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
One: At the going down of the sun and in the morning.
All: We will remember them.
Minute of Silence
Presentation of a poppy
(please, place a poppy on the communion table as our symbol of remembrance)
Prayer of Peace
Musical Reflection
“Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands” (Book of Praise 1997 Hymn 560). Words (1989) by Anglo-Dutch minister Fred Kaan (1929–2009). Music (tune: “St. Colomba”) ancient Irish melody. This arrangement by, and performed on the piano without words by, GCPC Music Director Rachelle Risling. Music public domain. This arrangement copyright © 2022 Rachelle Risling; used by permission.
Offering
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
God of justice and generosity, when we consider that Christ gave his very life for our sakes, we are humbled to offer our gifts. We are also humbled by the memory of those who gave up their youth, their families, and their very lives in conflict so that justice and truth would prevail. Bless our small gifts with the possibilities your Spirit can create, so that justice and truth continue to prevail in the world you love, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Doxology 830
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Closing Hymn
“Be still, my soul.” (Book of Praise 1997 Hymn 749). Original German text (18th century) by German hymnwriter Catharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel (1697–after 1768). English translation (1855) by Scottish hymnwriter and translator Jane Laurie Borthwick (1813–1897). Music (1899–1900; tune: “Finlandia”) by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865–1957). Arrangement (1933) by the The Hymnal 1933, Presbyterian Board of Christian Education. Words, music and arrangement in the public domain.
Changing the Light
Now, it is time to change the light. The light that was in one place can now be in every place and every time going with you wherever you go.
Benediction
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (the risen Christ), the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you always. AMEN.
“O Canada”
“O Canada”. English words (1908) by Canada judge and poet Robert Stanley Weir (1856–1926), modified by various acts of parliament since. Music by Canadian-American composer Calixa Lavallée (1842–1891). Words and music in the public domain.
Postlude
“Hymn to the Fallen,” by John Williams. Brooks Gorst on piano, and James De France on snare drum.
Copyright © 2022 Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church
Last updated 2022-11-08 19:40 – Added Musical Reflection info.