Worship Service for November 10, 2024

November 10, 2024 – Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost and Remembrance Day Service

Introit

Prelude

(a picture of veterans and people who served will be displayed on-screen)

Last Post

British and Commonwealth bugle call dating to the 1790s.

Trumpet by Amshayan Rajmohan.

A minute of silence (11 AM)

Reveille

Bugle call typically made at sunrise.

National Anthem

“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.

Recitation

“In Flanders Fields” (1915) by Canadian poet, physician, artist and soldier John McCrae (1872–1918).

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.

Opening Hymn

“Let there be light” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 727). Words by Canadian poet and hymnwriter Frances Wheeler Davis (1936–). Music (1967; tune: “Concord (Fleming)”) by Canadian composer and organist Robert James Berkeley Fleming (1921–1976). Words copyright © Frances Wheeler Davis; music copyright © 1975 Margaret Fleming.

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

Grant that we who gather here today may pay fitting tribute and honour to the memory of those who have died in the service of their country. May we be so inspired by the spirit of their love and courage that, forgetting all selfish and unworthy motives, we may live only to your glory and to the service of your people. May we who desire peace be willing to work for justice. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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.

The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)

GCPC Senior Choir presents

“In Flanders Fields”. Words by John McCrae. Music (1998) by American composer and author John Jacobson and American composer and arranger Roger Emerson (1950–). This arrangement (1998) by Roger Emerson. Words public domain. Music and arrangement copyright © 1998 Hal Leonard Corporation and Emersongs; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.

Message from GCPC Music Director Brooks Gorst

John McCrae penned the ubiquitous 1915 Remembrance Day poem, “In Flanders Fields,” and it still gives goosebumps when read to this day. Its words are heard throughout Canada, the United States of America, and in Great Britain, especially around each respective commemorative ceremony. To my knowledge, this poem has not been set to music in our church for quite some time, so the spirit seemed to lead this to today. It is always this time of year I especially remember my late grandfather, Gilbert Barry Harkness (1919–2018: WWII gunner/signaller) and think of all of those that have been and continue to be connected and affected by the sacrifices and atrocities of war. GCPC Senior Choir dedicates this beautiful poem set to music to all the veterans and casualties of all wars, the lost and the living: whose physical and/or emotional wounds continue. May we all find peace.

Children’s time

Presented by Al Harris

Scripture Reading

John 15:1–17  <– 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.

Scripture Reading: John 15:1–17

Jesus the True Vine

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing, but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. 17 I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

A moment of reflection

Presented by Al Harris

Hymn

“Called as partners in Christ’s service” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 587). Words (1981) by American Presbyterian church member and hymnwriter Jane Parker Huber (1926–2008). Music (1870; tune: “Beecher”) by German-American composer John Zundel (1815–1882). Words copyright © 1981 Jane Parker Huber, admin. Westminster/John Knox Press; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain.

Offering

As Jesus gave himself for us, let us return to God the offerings of our life and the gifts of the earth.

Offering – Musical Reflection

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

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

Gracious God, bless these gifts and these givers. May they be used well to foster peace and joy in this world and in the lives of those who cross our paths. May real and lasting change start now, with us, through us, and with God’s blessing. Amen.

The Prayer of People

God of all the ages past, hope of years to come: We gather in this season of remembrance, grateful that you hold each one of us in your memory and your mystery, now and for all the time to come.

Today we remember all those who have served to uphold justice and freedom in the wars of the last century, in conflicts of our own generation, and in peace keeping and relief efforts around the world. Especially we pray for those who have died in this service and for those who carry scars on body & soul, having returned from conflict. We remember their courage and we pray for their families who still ache for lives surrendered at great cost.

O God, we remember before you the victims of current conflicts, hiding in forgotten corners of the world, longing for safety and peace… We remember victims of violence in our own country, still fearful and uncertain about what the future holds for them…. Give us the courage to speak out for their protection and recovery.

O God, we remember those around us who carry on under the burden of sad and hard memories; those weighed down by grief, disappointment, anger, pain and loss. Inspire us to offer a listening ear and an understanding heart whenever we can.

O God, we remember those around us who struggle to remember day by day; those who fear forgetting those who matter most to them, and those who face the fear of being forgotten. Help us remember to reach out in comfort and support so that no one is forgotten.

God of all the ages past, hope of years to come, help us remember you day by day. Strengthen us to be disciples of your gospel so that hope is renewed in our lives, your church and the world for the sake of Jesus. Amen.

Closing Hymn

“Make me a Channel of Your Peace” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 740). Words and music (1967; tune: “Make Me a Channel”) by South-African songwriter Sebastian Temple (1928–1997). Words and music copyright © 1967 OCP Publications; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.

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.

Blessing

“Danish Amen” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 780). Words and music (tune: “Amen (Danish)”) traditional. Words and music public domain.

Postlude

During the postlude, people may place a poppy on the communion table.

“Hymn to the Fallen” from the “Saving Private Ryan” soundtrack. Released 1998. Produced by John Williams (1932–). Music copyright © 1998 Dreamworks Records.

Copyright © 2024 Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church

Last updated 2024-11-09 20:20– First version.