Worship Service for November 12, 2023

November 12, 2023 – Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Introit

Prelude

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.

Call to Worship

One: God of all times and places, we gather to worship you.
All: We turn our eyes to you and rejoice in your presence.

One: God of all life and love, we gather to sing your praise.
All: We turn our eyes to you and marvel at your power and your promise.

One: God of all wisdom and wonder, we gather to learn from your Son.
All: We turn our eyes toward Christ and wait for your Word to lead us.

Opening Hymn

“All things bright and beautiful” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 435). Words (1848) by Anglo-Irish hymnwriter and poet Cecil Frances Alexander (1818–1895). Music (tune: “Royal Oak”) 17th-century folk melody, adapted (1916) by English conductor and composer Martin Shaw (1875–1958). Harmony (published in “The Hymnbook”, 1953) by John Ribble. Words and music public domain. Harmony copyright © 1955, 1983 John Ribble, admin Westminster / John Knox Press; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.

Prayers of Approach and Confession, & Lord’s Prayer (sins)

God of grace and purpose,
You are the source of our lives and the source of all our possibilities. You call us to serve in your world and inspire us to choose a purpose for ourselves that will express your goodness and mercy. Jesus has shown us many ways to serve with courage and compassion. The Holy Spirit opens doors for us to act with love and loyalty. Draw near to us in this time of worship and show us where you need us to be so that our lives may bring you honour, Source, Saviour and Spirit of Life.

God of mercy,
you call us to love our neighbours and serve your purposes. We confess that this is easier said than done. When things get complicated, we lose patience and turn away. When we are unprepared for a challenge, we excuse ourselves from taking part. Forgive us, O God. Renew our willingness to put ourselves on the line for your love.

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

Believe the Good News! The mercy of our God is from everlasting to everlasting. In Jesus Christ, God’s generous love reaches out to embrace us. In him, we are forgiven and set free to begin again. Thanks be to God!

The Peace

One: The Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
All: And also with you.

The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)

Guildwood Choir Presents

“How Can I Keep From Singing!”  Words (1868) attributed to “Pauline T.” Music (1869) by American hymn-writer Robert Lowry (1826–1899). This version, incorporating the Shaker tune “Simple Gifts”, adapted and arranged by American pianist and composer John Coates Jr. (1938–2017). Words and music public domain. This version copyright © 1974 Shawnee Press, Inc.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.

Fun with the Young at Heart (children’s story)

We sing verse 1 of “Jesus loves me this I know”

“Jesus loves me, this I know” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 373). Words (1859 or 1860) by American writer Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). Revisions to v2 and v3 by Canadian Anglican priest David Rutherford McGuire (1929–1971). Music (1862; tune: “Jesus loves me”) by American musician William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868). Words, revisions and music in the public domain.

Scripture Reading

John 6:66–68 <– this links to on-line texts 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.

John 6:66–68

66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Sermon

(Rev. Gordon Beaton)

Hymn

“Lord, Jesus, you shall be my song” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 665). English words (1970; translated from the original French words of 1961) by Anglo-Canadian priest, musician and theologian Stephen Sommerville (1931–); music (1961; tune: “Les Petities Soeurs”) by Les Petites Soeurs de Jésus. English words copyright © 1970 Stephen Sommerville. Music copyright © 1987 Les Petites Soeurs de Jésus.

Offering

May we present our gifts to God in response to what we have received from God?

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.

Invitation (Musical Reflection)

Dedication of our Gifts

Our offering will now be received.

Doxology 306

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 306). Based on the tune “Old 100^th” with words (1989) by English hymnwriter Brian A. Wren (1936–). Words copyright © 1989 Hope Publishing Co.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God all creatures high and low;
praise God in Jesus fully known,
Creator Word and Spirit One.

Prayer of dedication

God of purpose and promise, we offer our gifts to help fulfill your purposes on earth. Bless our gifts and our actions so that others will grasp the promise of your love and discover your purpose for their lives, through Christ, our friend and saviour. Amen.

The Prayer of Thanksgiving and Hope

God of life,
You open our eyes on the world you love and show us your presence and your purpose. We see the wonder of your creation and the compassion you offer through friend and stranger. For these gifts we give you thanks. We pray for those who cannot recognize these gifts and find themselves lost and alone. Open their eyes to your presence and our companionship.

God of justice,
You open our eyes on the world and show us struggle and conflict. We see the stressful times around us and the burdens many must carry. We pray for those whose businesses are struggling; For producers unsure they will receive a fair return; For workers uncertain about their jobs or looking for new work; For families feeling the stress of economic uncertainty. Open their eyes to new possibilities and open our eyes to ways we can support them.

God of compassion,
You open our eyes on the world and show us suffering and despair. We see the challenges for health care right around the world. We pray for communities struggling with AIDS, malaria, and chronic hunger and for those nearby facing illness, delays in treatment and uncertain outcomes. Give strength and energy to those who provide care and courage and hope to all who wait for healing. Open their eyes to your mercy and open our eyes to needs we can meet.

God of wisdom,
You open our eyes on the world and show us its complexities. We see countries locked in old animosities and communities overwhelmed by fresh upheaval. We pray for those displaced by current conflicts and natural disasters. Open the eyes and ears of leaders to the suffering of their people, and to solutions as yet untried; and open our eyes to ways we can participate in resolving situations which break your heart and ours. Amen.

Closing Hymn

“All the way my Saviour leads me” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 699). Words (1875) by American poet and composer Fanny Crosby (1820–1915). Music (1875; tune: “All the way”) by American hymn-writer Robert Lowry (1826–1899). Words and music 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.

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.

Postlude

Copyright © 2023 Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church

Last updated 2023-11-10 23:30 – First version.