Worship Service for July 6, 2025

July 6, 2025 – 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: Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
All: We will sing to the glory of God with resounding praise.

One: Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!”
All: God has turned our mourning into dancing and clothed us with joy.

One: Let all the earth worship God and sing praises to God’s holy name.
All: O Lord, our God, we will give thanks to you forever.

One: Come, let us worship God.

Opening Hymn

“Morning has broken” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 814). Words (1931) by English author Eleanor Farjeon (1881–1965). Music is a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune, “Bunessan”. Words and music in the public domain.

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

God of majesty and mercy,
in creation you gave us all that we need to live and all that we can cherish. You came to us in Jesus Christ to show us the face of your love. You walk into our lives to meet us in the midst of joy and pain. Through the Holy Spirit, you speak words of wisdom to help us find our way. God in our midst, speak to us today in this time of worship. Speak the words we need to hear so that we know you still walk with us in Jesus Christ. For we honour you, Source, Saviour and Spirit of Life, one God, now and forever.

Loving God,
you send us into the world as ambassadors of your love and peace, yet too often we create discord and division. We serve our own interests first, ignoring those in need. We value our understanding of the world you love, and fail to listen to the stories of others. Forgive us for such self-centredness. Help us to be more faithful disciples of Jesus, eager to serve, willing to listen, glad to be of service in his name.

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

The Apostle Paul declared that from now on, we regard no one from a human point of view. If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. Everything old has passed away and everything has become new! Thanks be to God that by God’s mercy, we can all make a new start!
All: Thanks be to God.

The Peace

One: May the peace of Christ be with us all.
All: And also with you.

The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)

GCPC Senior Choir presents

“Spirit, Spirit of gentleness” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 399). Words and music (both 1975; tune “Spirit” or “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”) by American songwriter and composer James Keith Manley (1940–). Words and music copyright © 1975 James K. Manley; 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

Galatians 6:1–17 (7–10)  <– 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.

Galatians 6:1–17 (7–10)

1 My brothers and sisters, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. 5 For all must carry their own loads.

6 Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.

7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8 If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh, but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.

11 See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 14 May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything, but a new creation is everything! 16 As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on, let no one make trouble for me, for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.

Sermon

Please, join our Sunday worship service at 11 am, in person or on-line, to hear the full version of the sermon.

Hymn

“Will your anchor hold” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 744). Words (1882) by British-American hymnwriter and educator Priscilla Jane Owens (1829–1907). Music (tune: “Will your anchor hold”) by American hymnwriter William James Kirkpatrick (1838–1921). This harmony by English minister, musician and composer Francis Brotherton Westbrook (1903–1975).  Words and music public domain. Harmony copyright © Oxford University Press; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.

Offering

May we bring forward our gifts, tithes and offerings.

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

Generous God, you have blessed our lives with gifts, both visible and invisible. We offer our gifts in gratitude, to build up your kingdom in the world. Bless all that we give to make a difference in the lives of others, for the sake of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Hope

Creator God, source of all life and each life,
we come to you in prayer this day, grateful that your world is full of wonder and possibility, but also in desperate need of your reconciling love. We pray for the many different peoples of this world, divided as we are into many nations, clans, cultures, and spiritual traditions. Help us understand those differences more fully, and honour the good things that bind us together despite differences. Bless both our diversity and our unity as those who belong to you.

Loving God, source of truth and wisdom,
in the world we are confronted by powers and authorities. Help us recognize their potential for both good and evil, and act wisely and faithfully to discern whom to trust and when to act. When we see injustice or recognize falsehood, give us the courage to speak up in Christ’s name. Open our eyes to our own weakness and bias, and speak to us through the example of Jesus, our Lord.

Compassionate God,
the world is filled with violence and hatred, costing innocent lives. We sometimes feel powerless to do anything about it. Today our hearts ache for those who live amid brutal conflict, for those who have died through violence, and for those who suffer the many effects of trauma.

We pray for those who have lost their homes through conflict and fled their countries just to survive. Open hearts and homes to welcome those who flee and protect those who stay amid conflict to offer care.

All-knowing God,
you see into our hearts and know the heartaches we carry. We pray for those living with illness and pain, for those who mourn the loss of someone or something dear, and for all those struggling with anxiety or despair in these challenging times. Keep silence for at least ten seconds.

Wise and welcoming God,
give us the grace to live out our faith among family and friends, with acquaintances and strangers. Amen.

Closing Hymn

“The Lord’s my shepherd (Psalm 23)”. (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 11). Words Psalm 23; paraphrase, Scottish Psalter, 1650. Music (1872; tune: “Crimond”) by Scottish amateur hymn composer Jessie Seymour Irvine (1836–1887). Harmony by Thomas Cuthbertson Leithead Pritchard (1885–1960). Descant by W. Baird Ross (1871–1950). Words, music, harmony and descant all 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 love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you always. AMEN.

Blessing

“Celtic Blessing”. Words Irish traditional. Music by former GCPC Music Director Carmen Lappano. Words public domain. Music copyright © Carmen Lappano; used by permission.

OR

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

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.

Postlude

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Last updated 2025-07-05 20:35 – First version.