Sunday July 4 (Pentecost 6)
Community Gathers: Welcome & Land Acknowledgment
Opening Hymn: #584 The Church of Christ in Every Age
1. The church of Christ, in every age,
beset by change but Spiritled,
must claim and test its heritage
and keep on rising from the dead.
2. Across the world, across the street,
the victims of injustice cry
for shelter and for bread to eat,
and never live until they die.
3. Then let the servant church arise,
a caring church that longs to be
a partner in Christ's sacrifice,
and clothed in Christ's humanity.
4. For he alone, whose blood was shed,
can cure the fever in our blood,
and teach us how to share our bread
and feed the starving multitude.
5. We have no mission but to serve
in full obedience to our Lord,
to care for all, without reserve,
and spread his liberating Word.
Officiant Opening Prayer: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. And also with you Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen
A Prayer for Justice:
When you seem deaf to our prayers and far from us Lord, lead us on
When you invade our private worlds and we feel you walking with us Lord, lead us on
From where we are, to where you need us to be Lord, lead us on
From the security of what we know to the adventure of what you will reveal Lord, lead us on
To refashion the fabric of our country and this world to the shape of your kingdom Lord, lead us on. Amen
(Amos Trust: Words of Hope, 116)
Confession Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor (silence is held)
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord is our refuge and strength: All: O come let us worship
The Readings: (Joyce Bainbridge)
1st Lesson: 2 SAMUEL 5:1-5, 9-10
The PSALM 48 REFRAIN: God shall be our guide for evermore
2nd Lesson: 2 CORINTHIANS 12:2-10
Gospel Hymn: #466 How Clear is Our Vocation
How clear is our vocation, Lord, When once we heed your call: To live according to your word, And daily learn, refreshed, restored, That you are Lord of all, and will not let us fall.
But if, forgetful, we should find Your yoke is hard to bear; If worldly pressures fray the mind, and love itself cannot unwind Its tangled skein of care: Our inward life repair.
We mark your saints how they become In hindrances more sure; Whose joyful virtues put to shame The casual way we wear your name, And by our faults obscure Your power to cleanse and cure.
In what you give us, Lord, to do, Together or along, In old routines and ventures new, May we not cease to look to you, The cross you hung upon - All you endeavored done.
The Gospel: MARK 6:1-13
Reflection: “A Thorn in the Flesh: Power in Weakness”
The Apostles Creed: I believe in God, The Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit And born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, And is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again To judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, The holy catholic Church, The communion of saints, The forgiveness of sins, The resurrection of the body, & the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of the People (Tim Ray)
The Lord’s Prayer
Collect: Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ has taught us that what we do for the least of your children we do also for him. Give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, who gave up his life and died for us, but lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Closing Hymn: #602 Lift high the cross
Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world adore his sacred name!
Come, Christian people, sing your praises, shout! if we are silent, even stones cry out. Refrain
Jesus, you wept to see our human strife, teach us compassion for each human life. Refrain
Peace was your plea, and peace your loving theme, let peace be our passport, peace a living dream. Refrain
Great is the cost of walking on this road, to follow and suffer with the Son of God. Refrain
Worlds to be born and children yet to be come, take up this song into eternity. Refrain
A Prayer of Gratitude for the Earth:
The earth, our home, one tiny planet spinning in space in the vastness of the universe is extraordinary with its wonderful creatures, plants, landscapes, and habitats. To gaze at the ocean’s horizon, to walk in a forest and listen to birdsong, to climb a mountain, to sleep under a starry sky, to hold a newborn baby’s tiny fingers in a hand, to enjoy a freshly cooked meal with friends, all evoke wonder and thankfulness. What a gift life is, what a gift it is to be alive! The Christian story is fundamentally a story about the world, the heavens and the earth that have been made good and entrusted to us as gift to look after with love, tenderness and care. Amen -Prayer by Gerard Kelly
Blessing & Dismissal
Rev. Alastair’s Sunday Quote: "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." —Sam Keen
Thank-you for your continued prayers and support of our parish ministry here at St. John’s. If you’d like to give financially please contact the office at 250-334-4331 or visit https://www.sjtdcourtenay.ca and click on the “Donate” tab.
