November 17, 2024 – Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost
A livestream of this service will take place on our YouTube channel on Sunday, November 17, at 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time. A video recording of the live stream will be available on our YouTube channel from 6:00 PM EDT on Sunday, November 17.
Previous livestreams and other worship and musical content is available on our YouTube channel. You can also check out our entire worship services archive. Our SoundCloud channel has yet more music and worship content.
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: The God of wisdom calls us to worship;
All: In humility, we gather to offer our thanks and praise.
One: The God of peace calls us to let go of our cares and worries;
All: In faith, we turn to God for hope and guidance.
One: The God of past, present and future welcomes us into this moment;
All: In joy, we celebrate life in God’s presence!
One: Let us worship God together.
All: Hallelujah! Let us praise the Lord!
Opening Hymn
“Can a little child like me” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 441). Words by American author and editor Mary Mapes Dodge (1931–1905). Alternate words used in the hymnbook (1997) by The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Music (19th century; tune: “Thanksgiving”) by American composer William Kipp Bassford (1839–1902). Original words and music in the public domain. Alternate words copyright © 1997 The Presbyterian Church in Canada; used by permission.
Prayers of Approach and Confession, & Lord’s Prayer (sins)
Lord of goodness and life,
we in wonder and awe, eager to praise your name. You are the source of all that is good and true, the essence of your love. You bring gifts of peace and healing into troubled lives. You show us the way to love friend and enemy alike, and how to build a better world together. In this time of worship, inspire us to believe our work in Jesus’ name makes a difference. So may we live to bring you glory, O God, for the sake of Christ our Lord, now and always.
God of justice and mercy,
you call us to take part in our community, loving our neighbours and serving your purposes. We confess this is easier said than done. We often sit in judgment on those who serve in public life, criticizing any who fall short of our expectations. Yet we confess we too fall short of your loving purpose for us. Forgive us when we have been too quick to criticize, and too slow to join in what needs to be done.
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
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and set free by God’s generous grace. Share that forgiveness with others in his name.
All: 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)
GCPC Senior Choir presents
“River in Judea”. Words (1989) by American lyricist and educator Linda Marcus (–2018). Music (1989) by American composer Jack Feldman (1950–). Arrangement by American composer and conductor John Leavitt. Words and music copyright © 1989 Linda Marcus and Jack Feldman.
Note from Music Director Brooks Gorst
You might have noticed a certain someone in our choir lately: Bruce Morrison. He says it’s only temporary, but we’ll see. Bruce has graced us with our presence because of the promise to sing his favourite anthem, “River in Judea.” It has been an honour and a privilege to have his presence in our choir, complete with his usual humour and bravado. This beautiful gospel-styled song, based on a secular text spun from the river-is-life metaphor, presents a great challenge to our choir, especially our tenors, who are tasked with very high-range singing. To God Be the Glory!
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
Mark 12:38–44 <– 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.
Mark 12:38–44
Jesus Denounces the Scribes
38 As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40 They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
The Widow’s Offering
41 He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Sermon
Please, join our Sunday worship service at 11 am, in person or on-line, to hear the full version of the sermon.
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 Somerville (1931–); music (1961; tune: “Les Petities Soeurs”) by Les Petites Soeurs de Jésus. English words copyright © 1970 Stephen Somerville. Music copyright © 1987 Les Petites Soeurs de Jésus.
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 100th“ 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, we bring our gifts to you with grateful hearts, aware of all we enjoy in Christ and in creation. Bless these gifts and the service we offer in Jesus’ name, so that others may share in your goodness and know of the love we witness in Christ, our friend and Saviour. Amen.
The Prayer of Thanksgiving and Hope
God of our past and our future, God of healing and hope, we come before you with grateful hearts, trusting that you walk with us through all the times of our lives. These are not easy times, and we thank you for your faithfulness and your guidance when things don’t seem to go the way we hope.
We pray today for those who are facing danger and despair. We remember before you those living with hunger, communities struggling with the impact of drought, storms and earthquakes, and all those for whom adequate housing seems unattainable. We remember people caught up in unrest and violence and those whose lives are directed by forces beyond their control.
We pray for all those working to relieve suffering in these lives and those who work to bring justice and peace to the most vulnerable.
We pray for all those facing fear or frustration, wrestling with sorrow or discouragement in any area of their lives:
- For those who live with illness or pain…
- For those bearing up with chronic conditions or disability…
- For those who know the grief and change of bereavement…
We pray for all who work to bring healing and comfort to others, and agencies which offer support and care to those who suffer.
We pray for all who feel helpless or hopeless in this present time:
- For those struggling to make ends meet or find employment…
- For those caught up in misunderstandings or broken relationships…
- and for those working through situations of conflict at home or at work…
We pray for all who offer guidance and support in the midst of such difficulties and for those who have skills in reconciliation or mediation.
God of our past and our future, God of healing and hope, help our congregation and churches everywhere engage each day with faithfulness and creativity. Where we need correction, show us a new way; where we need love and encouragement, draw near. Whatever our challenges, stay with us on our way, for we are the followers of Jesus. Amen.
Closing Hymn
“Be thou my vision” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 461). Words (8th century) unknown Irish. English words by Irish linguist Mary Elizabeth Byrne (1880–1931), set to verse (1912) by Anglo-Irish scholar Eleanor Henrietta Hull (1860–1935). Music (tune: “Slane”) traditional Irish. This harmony by English minister and musician Erik Reginald Routley (1917–1982); this descant by English hymnwriter John Whitridge Wilson (1905–1992). English words and verse setting, along with music in the public domain. Harmony copyright © 1975 and descant copyright © 1983 Hope Publishing Co.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.
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.
Blessing
“Danish Amen” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 780). Words and music (tune: “Amen (Danish)”) traditional. Words and music public domain.
Postlude
Copyright © 2024 Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church
Last updated 2024-11-16 23:40 – First version.