Sanctuary

Sanctuary
"...when you do this, remember me...."

Thursday, December 21, 2017

March 25, 2018

THEME:A True Relationship - Navigating Change

NOTES: This is the Sunday of our Choir Cantata. From the Forward:

"Love" is a word that gets bantered about in our world in so many ways. It is very easy to express our love for someone or something. But expressions mean little if there are not actions to support them. Jesus said in so many ways that He loved the people He had come to save; the people with whom He associated on a daily basis. His actions underscored His words as he redeemed, taught, healed and encouraged those whose lives he touched. That was never in doubt for those who truly knew him.

The Message of this cantata leads us along a rugged path to the cross, a symbol of Christ's sacrifice and love. But then it makes its way to an empty tomb, a symbol of God's power and triumph! As you prepare, may you be reminded of the love that Jesus has for you and me, even as he prayed on the night before his crucifixion: "I am not praying for these alone (the disciples), but also for the future believers who will come to me because of their testimony." (John 17:20). It is my prayer that this cantata will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of God's great love through Jesus.

-Lloyd Larson, ed.


SCRIPTURE: Mark 11:1-11
 11:1 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples

11:2 and said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it.

11:3 If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'"

11:4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it,

11:5 some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?"

11:6 They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it.

11:7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it.

11:8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields.

11:9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

11:10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

11:11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.




8:30 AM Order of Service


The Gathering
Welcome                                                                             

Prelude


We Gather in The Light of Christ

Lighting the Christ Candles                                               
Children come forward to light the candles as we share the responsive reading.

Leader:  In the beginning, God said,
People: 'Let there be light' and there was light!
Leader: We light these candles today,
People: Because God is with us in this time and in this place!

Hymn of Praise: CH#192  "All Gory, Laud and Honor"                 ALL

Call to Worship         
Leader: We raise our voices and wave palms with joyful hope
for the deliverance of God’s people.
People: Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David!
Leader: Our hearts are filled with expectation
as we welcome the coming king.
People: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Leader: We receive into the crowded streets of our lives
the one who is Savior, not only of us, but of all the earth.
People: Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest heaven!

~ posted on Life in Liturgy, from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). https://lifeinliturgy.wordpress.com/
      

Invocation (UNISON)
Lord, as we remember how Christ the King
entered Jerusalem to the sound of joyful shouts,
increase our faith
and listen to our prayers,
so that we may praise you every day,
by the lives we lead. Amen.
— posted on the Lutheran Church of Australia’s Sunday by Sunday website.

We Contemplate God’s Word

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 

ACTS of Lenten Prayer                                  

Sermon              
                                       
We Pray Together


We Share Our Joys & Concern     
                                   
Prayer Hymn: CH#587   "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross"              ALL

Praying Together       
On this Sunday, O God,
we remember how quickly we change.
How fickle we are,
how we pledge our devotion one moment
and turn our backs the next.
We go from shouting “Hosanna! Save Us!”
to “Crucify Him.”
We declare that we love our neighbors
and then we turn our backs
on the homeless and hungry in our communities.
We speak up for change and justice in one breath,
and then continue unjust practices in daily lives
by what we consume and the needs we ignore.
Forgive us, O God, for we are half-hearted believers.
Forgive us, O God, for we are partial justice warriors.
Forgive us, O God, for we tire easily and we forget,
and we grow weary.
Forgive us, restore us, and renew us for the journey of faith,
so that we might become whole people
who live wholly into Your vision of new life.
In the name of Christ,
who lived into the fullness of humanity,
and whom we follow. Amen.
~ written by Rev. Mindi and posted on Rev-o-lution. http://rev-o-lution.org/


We Gather at The Lord’s Table

Invitation to the Table                        

Communion  Hymn: CH#200  "What Wondrous Love Is This"       Sts. 1, 3 & 4

The Elder’s Prayer of Communion

Words of Institution

The Lord’s Supper & Offering

All are welcome to share at the Table.  Come forward using the center aisle.  As you partake of the bread and the cup you are welcome to place an offering in the wooden bowl in front of the table.  The offering you share supports the ministries and life of Christ’s church.

The Lord’s Prayer                  

We Go Forth into the World


Challenge for Discipleship                                              

Discipleship Hymn: CH#548  "The Old Rugged Cross"    Sts. 1 & 4
Blessing                                                                      
Children extinguish the candles as we share the responsive reading.  
Leader: The light that was in one place at one time, is now in all places and all times,
People: For God has placed the light in us!
Leader: We go in peace!
People: Amen!


10:40AM Service


Welcome    

Prelude                                                                     

We Gather in the Light of Christ

Call to Worship      
Leader: We raise our voices and wave palms with joyful hope
for the deliverance of God’s people.
People: Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David!
Leader: Our hearts are filled with expectation
as we welcome the coming king.
People: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Leader: We receive into the crowded streets of our lives
the one who is Savior, not only of us, but of all the earth.
People: Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest heaven!

~ posted on Life in Liturgy, from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). https://lifeinliturgy.wordpress.com/
         

Hymn of Praise: CH#192  "All Glory, Laud and Honor"                 Sts. 1 & 2

Invocation (UNISON)
Lord, as we remember how Christ the King
entered Jerusalem to the sound of joyful shouts,
increase our faith
and listen to our prayers,
so that we may praise you every day,
by the lives we lead. Amen.
— posted on the Lutheran Church of Australia’s Sunday by Sunday website.


                                     
Children's Sermon - Palm Processional
   
Hymn of Faith: CH#192  "All Glory, Laud and Honor"                 St. 1 & 3


We Contemplate God’s Word in Song
                                                  
"What Love Is This?
Suffering Servant - Conquering King"
by Lloyd Larson, Mary McDonald, Brad Nix, Marty Parks and Larry Shackley

"Sing Forth His Glorious Name"
Narration
"Hiding in the Shadows"
Narration
"A Price We Can Pay"
Narration
"Do This in Remembrance"
Narration
"Gesthemane"
Narration
"What Love Is This?"
Narration
"Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross"
Narration
"Crown Him the Lord of Life!"

We Gather at The Lord’s Table

Invitation to the Table                        

Communion  Hymn: CH#200  "What Wondrous Love Is This"       Sts. 1, 3 & 4

The Elder’s Prayer of Communion

Words of Institution

The Lord’s Supper & Offering

All are welcome to share at the Table.  Come forward using the center aisle.  As you partake of the bread and the cup you are welcome to place an offering in the wooden bowl in front of the table.  The offering you share supports the ministries and life of Christ’s church.


We Pray Together
We Share Our Joys & Concerns

The Lord’s Prayer                  
            
We Go Forth into the World
Blessing                                                                          
Acolytes extinguish the candles as we share the responsive reading. 
 
Leader: The light that was in one place at one time, is now in all places and all times,
People: For God has placed the light in us!
Leader: We go in peace!
People: Amen!
 
Parting Song: CH#437  "Go Now in Peace"                    Sing Twice

March 18, 2018

THEME:A True Relationship - To Know and Be Known

NOTES: As we live in an honest relationship with God, a door opens. A new opportunity emerges. We who are fully known by God can ourselves know God more and more fully. If God's love is a mystery to us, then this week, we find that the clue is written on our very own hearts by God's own hand. This is the covenant in which we can live, in open conversation, loving give and receive, with God.

SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 31:31-34
31:31 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.

31:32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt--a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD.

31:33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

31:34 No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, "Know the LORD," for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.


8:30 AM Order of Service


The Gathering
Welcome                                                                             

Prelude


We Gather in The Light of Christ

Lighting the Christ Candles                                               
Children come forward to light the candles as we share the responsive reading.

Leader:  In the beginning, God said,
People: 'Let there be light' and there was light!
Leader: We light these candles today,
People: Because God is with us in this time and in this place!

Hymn of Praise: # 86 "Great is Thy Faithfulness" (all verses)

Call to Worship    
Leader: The days are surely coming, says the Lord,

when I will make a new covenant.

People: It will not be like the old covenant - written on stone.
Leader: This will be a radically new covenant,

People: The covenant will be within us - written on our hearts.
Leader: And God added these wonderful words—

People: I am your God and you are my people.
Leader: Let us worship God.
People: We worship God in faith and love.



~ adapted from a work written by Moira Laidlaw, and posted on Liturgies Online.
           

Invocation (UNISON)

Holy One, dwell within us.
Whisper in our ears;
Glimmer in our vision;
Write upon our hearts.
We wait for you
with open ears, open eyes, open hearts.

~ written by Joanna Harader, and posted on Spacious Faith.  http://spaciousfaith.com/2012/01/18/wednesday-worship-piece-isaiah/

We Contemplate God’s Word

Scripture                                      

Sermon                
                                       
We Pray Together


We Share Our Joys & Concern     
                                   
Prayer Hymn: "As the Deer" (verses 1 & 3)

Praying Together       

Holy God, before time you named us
Through time you redeem us
You call us, precious in your sight
Your hands hold us.
May we love as you love.

Holy One, through the turbulent waters
Make us steady, your hands
Holding strong the fragile and weak

Your hands hold us.
May we love as you love.
 
Gracious God, may the fruits of our lives
be food for the hungry, bread
clothing, shelter, fire, water, Word

Your hands hold us.
May we love as you love.
 
God of justice, remove the chaff
Of our lives that keep us from
Hearing, following, Your call

Your hands hold us.
May we love as you love.
 

Loving God, take this day our fears our
Worries, distractions, and all
Turn them into wheat, heart food

Your hands hold us.
May we love as you love.
 
 
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

~ written by Terri and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/

We Gather at The Lord’s Table

Invitation to the Table                        

Communion  Hymn#452 "Here I Am, Lord" (verses 1 & 3)

The Elder’s Prayer of Communion

Words of Institution

The Lord’s Supper

All are welcome to share at the Table.  Come forward using the center aisle.  As you partake of the bread and the cup you are welcome to place an offering in the wooden bowl in front of the table.  The offering you share supports the ministries and life of Christ’s church.

The Lord’s Prayer                  

We Go Forth into the World


Challenge for Discipleship                                              

Discipleship Hymn#340 "Softly and Tenderly" (verses 1 & 3)
Blessing                                                                      
Children extinguish the candles as we share the responsive reading.  
Leader: The light that was in one place at one time, is now in all places and all times,
People: For God has placed the light in us!
Leader: We go in peace!
People: Amen!


10:40AM Service


Welcome    

Prelude                                                                     


We Gather in the Light of Christ

Call to Worship   
Leader: The days are surely coming, says the Lord,

when I will make a new covenant.

People: It will not be like the old covenant - written on stone.
Leader: This will be a radically new covenant,

People: The covenant will be within us - written on our hearts.
Leader: And God added these wonderful words—

People: I am your God and you are my people.
Leader: Let us worship God.
People: We worship God in faith and love.


~ adapted from a work written by Moira Laidlaw, and posted on Liturgies Online.            

Hymn of Praise:#86  "Great is Thy Faithfulness" (all stanzas)

Invocation (UNISON)
Holy One, dwell within us.
Whisper in our ears;
Glimmer in our vision;
Write upon our hearts.
We wait for you
with open ears, open eyes, open hearts.


~ written by Joanna Harader, and posted on Spacious Faith.  http://spaciousfaith.com/2012/01/18/wednesday-worship-piece-isaiah/


                                     
Passing of the Peace
We return to our seats as the piano music begins.   
   
Hymn of Faith: #73 "There's a Wideness in God's Mercy" (1,3, & 4)


We Offer Our Hearts to God

Call to Offering
The offering you share supports the ministries and life of Christ’s church.

Offertory

Doxology CH #46

Prayer of Dedication

We Contemplate God’s Word

Scripture
                                                                     
Anthem

Children’s Sermon                                                       

Sermon                                                        

We Prayer Together


We Share Our Joys & Concerns                                        

Prayer Hymn: "As the Deer" (1 & 3)

Praying Together  
Holy God, before time you named us
Through time you redeem us
You call us, precious in your sight
Your hands hold us.
May we love as you love.

Holy One, through the turbulent waters
Make us steady, your hands
Holding strong the fragile and weak

Your hands hold us.
May we love as you love.
 
Gracious God, may the fruits of our lives
be food for the hungry, bread
clothing, shelter, fire, water, Word

Your hands hold us.
May we love as you love.
 
God of justice, remove the chaff
Of our lives that keep us from
Hearing, following, Your call

Your hands hold us.
May we love as you love.
 

Loving God, take this day our fears our
Worries, distractions, and all
Turn them into wheat, heart food

Your hands hold us.
May we love as you love.
 
 
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

~ written by Terri and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/

                                                            

We Gather at The Lord’s Table


Invitation to Communion
Christians of all denominations and backgrounds are welcome to share in communion. Please hold each element as we partake in unison.

Communion Hymn:#452 "Here I Am, Lord" (1 & 3)
Prayers for Bread & Cup and Words of Institution


The Lord’s Prayer                                                          

We Go Forth into the World

Challenge for Discipleship                                                    

Discipleship Hymn:#340 "Softly and Tenderly" (1 & 3)
Acolytes come forward.
Blessing                                                                          
Acolytes extinguish the candles as we share the responsive reading. 
 
Leader: The light that was in one place at one time, is now in all places and all times,
People: For God has placed the light in us!
Leader: We go in peace!
People: Amen!
 
Parting Song:#437 "Go Now in Peace"

March 11, 2018

THEME: A True Relationship - Asking the Hard Questions

NOTES:We continue to experience the ACTS of Lenten Prayer in our quest for a deeper experience and richer understanding of confession. In today's scripture, Nicodemus comes to Jesus, under cover of darkness, to ask the difficult and challenging questions that have him stumped. Jesus turns on the lights with some provoking thoughts and questions of his own.

SCRIPTURE: John 3:1-21
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus[a] by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”[b] 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.[c] 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You[d] must be born from above.’[e] 8 The wind[f] blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
11 “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you[g] do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.[h] 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.[i]
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”[j]


8:30 AM Order of Service


The Gathering
Welcome                                                                             

Prelude


We Gather in The Light of Christ

Lighting the Christ Candles                                               
Children come forward to light the candles as we share the responsive reading.

Leader:  In the beginning, God said,
People: 'Let there be light' and there was light!
Leader: We light these candles today,
People: Because God is with us in this time and in this place!

Hymn of Praise: CH# 56 "For the Beauty of the Earth"                        sts. 1, 4 & 5

Call to Worship   
Leader: Friends of God, believe this –
People: God loved the world,

God loves the world,

we are the beloved!
Leader: May the truth of this great love story,
shine through our worship today,
and renew our sense of calling.
People: Friends of God,

let us worship!

~ a portion of a piece written by Ann Siddall, and posted on the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre website.  https://stillpointsa.org.au/
           

Invocation (UNISON)
Blow, wind of God,
Blow away the tight rules that hold me back from trusting, risking, loving.
Blow away my sin that stands in the way of encountering my neighbors.
Ready me for spiritual birth.
Prepare me for risk.
Equip me with courage and vision for the new thing that waits around the corner.
We cannot choose the stories we have inherited,
But we can choose the stories that we become.
Amen
— written by Eileen Klassen Hamm (second line by Dori Zerbe Kornelson).  Posted on the website of the Superb Mennonite Church. http://www.superbmennonite.org/


We Contemplate God’s Word

Scripture 

ACTS of Lenten Prayer                                      

Sermon                
                                       
We Pray Together


We Share Our Joys & Concern     
                                   
Prayer Hymn:CH # 557     "Just a Closer Walk with Thee"                  ALL

Praying Together       
Born Yet Again
(inspired by John 3:1-17)
Why do we settle, O God, for only being born once, or even twice,
    as if the world never changes,
    as if everything is just fine the way it is       
        and we have no need for new life,
        new encounters with you,
        new promptings of your Spirit,
        and new awakenings in our souls?

Why do we turn your invitation into a mark of our own achievement,
    as if your life is anything other than an extravagant gift,
    as if the glimpses of your reign that we receive
        are earned,
        or deserved,
        or make us somehow ‘better’ than others?

We praise you for the shocking miraculous truth, God,
    that we can always be - that we need to always be
        born again;
    that daily you welcome us into a surprising new life,
        the wonderful, creative, unpredictable world of your Spirit;
    and that all we can do is allow ourselves to be pushed -
        birthed, by your grace,
        into new experiences of your reign.

Here we are, O God;
    Let us be, once more,
        in this moment, in this place,
    Born yet again.

Amen.
— written by John van de Laar, and posted on his excellent Sacredise.com website.  Visit that site for many other excellent lectionary-based worship resources. 


We Gather at The Lord’s Table

Invitation to the Table                        

Communion  Hymn: CH # 424 "I'm Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table"    ALL

The Elder’s Prayer of Communion

Words of Institution

The Lord’s Supper

All are welcome to share at the Table.  Come forward using the center aisle.  As you partake of the bread and the cup you are welcome to place an offering in the wooden bowl in front of the table.  The offering you share supports the ministries and life of Christ’s church.

The Lord’s Prayer                  

We Go Forth into the World


Challenge for Discipleship                                              

Discipleship Hymn: CH # 543   "Blessed Assurance"        sts. 1 & 3
Blessing                                                                      
Children extinguish the candles as we share the responsive reading.  
Leader: The light that was in one place at one time, is now in all places and all times,
People: For God has placed the light in us!
Leader: We go in peace!
People: Amen!


10:40AM Service


Welcome    

Prelude                                                                     


We Gather in the Light of Christ

Call to Worship    
Leader: Friends of God, believe this –
People: God loved the world,

God loves the world,

we are the beloved!
Leader: May the truth of this great love story,
shine through our worship today,
and renew our sense of calling.
People: Friends of God,

let us worship!

~ a portion of a piece written by Ann Siddall, and posted on the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre website.  https://stillpointsa.org.au/
           
           

Hymn of Praise: CH#56 "For the Beauty of the Earth"      sts. 1, 4 & 5

Invocation (UNISON)

Blow, wind of God,
Blow away the tight rules that hold me back from trusting, risking, loving.
Blow away my sin that stands in the way of encountering my neighbors.
Ready me for spiritual birth.
Prepare me for risk.
Equip me with courage and vision for the new thing that waits around the corner.
We cannot choose the stories we have inherited,
But we can choose the stories that we become.
Amen
— written by Eileen Klassen Hamm (second line by Dori Zerbe Kornelson).  Posted on the website of the Superb Mennonite Church. http://www.superbmennonite.org/

                                     
Passing of the Peace
We return to our seats as the piano music begins.   
   
Hymn of Faith:CH#161   "I Wonder as I Wander"                     sts. 1, 3 & 4


We Offer Our Hearts to God

Call to Offering
The offering you share supports the ministries and life of Christ’s church.

Offertory

Doxology CH #46

Prayer of Dedication

We Contemplate God’s Word

Scripture
                                                                     
Anthem

ACTS of Lenten Prayer 

Children’s Sermon                                                       

Sermon                                                        

We Prayer Together


We Share Our Joys & Concerns                                        


Prayer Hymn: CH # 557     "Just a Closer Walk with Thee"                  ALL

Praying Together  
Born Yet Again
(inspired by John 3:1-17)
Why do we settle, O God, for only being born once, or even twice,
    as if the world never changes,
    as if everything is just fine the way it is       
        and we have no need for new life,
        new encounters with you,
        new promptings of your Spirit,
        and new awakenings in our souls?

Why do we turn your invitation into a mark of our own achievement,
    as if your life is anything other than an extravagant gift,
    as if the glimpses of your reign that we receive
        are earned,
        or deserved,
        or make us somehow ‘better’ than others?

We praise you for the shocking miraculous truth, God,
    that we can always be - that we need to always be
        born again;
    that daily you welcome us into a surprising new life,
        the wonderful, creative, unpredictable world of your Spirit;
    and that all we can do is allow ourselves to be pushed -
        birthed, by your grace,
        into new experiences of your reign.

Here we are, O God;
    Let us be, once more,
        in this moment, in this place,
    Born yet again.

Amen.
— written by John van de Laar, and posted on his excellent Sacredise.com website.  Visit that site for many other excellent lectionary-based worship resources. 

                                                            

We Gather at The Lord’s Table


Invitation to Communion
Christians of all denominations and backgrounds are welcome to share in communion. Please hold each element as we partake in unison.


Communion  Hymn: CH # 424 "I'm Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table"    ALL


Prayers for Bread & Cup and Words of Institution


The Lord’s Prayer                                                          

We Go Forth into the World

Challenge for Discipleship                                                    

Discipleship Hymn: CH # 543   "Blessed Assurance"        sts. 1 & 3
Acolytes come forward.
Blessing                                                                          
Acolytes extinguish the candles as we share the responsive reading. 
 
Leader: The light that was in one place at one time, is now in all places and all times,
People: For God has placed the light in us!
Leader: We go in peace!
People: Amen!
 
Parting Song: CH #437 "Go Now in Peace"              Sing once in round with chimes