Order of Worship – September 29, 2024
September 29, 2024, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Speaker: The Rev. Lucas Bruder de Oliveira
Liturgist: Kathleen Bolton
10:15 - 11:30 AM at the Chapel
Favourite hymns and songs
Prelude: "How deep the Father's love for us"
Welcome
Land Acknowledgement
We want to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples: Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam Nations.
Call to Worship - Responsive
Praise God, whom alone we worship and serve and to whom alone we give our lives.
Praise the Lord, to whom “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess.”
Praise God, to whom we belong, in life and in death.
For nothing can “separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In praise and thanksgiving, let us worship God.
Songs: "Lord, I lift your name on high" and "Here I am to worship"
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession - Responsive
You have loved us, O God, with a sure and steadfast love. We desire to live always as your people, but we know that there are times when we fall short.
Forgive us those times, Holy God.
When we do not nurture our relationship with you through prayer and study of your Word,
Forgive us, Holy God.
When we hold envy, jealousy, bitterness, and unforgiveness in our hearts,
Forgive us, Holy God.
When we work only for our own gain and glory, rather than to bring glory to your name,
Forgive us, Holy God.
When we feel your Spirit urging us to reach out to someone in need and we ignore that urging,
Forgive us, Holy God.
Forgive us, holy and merciful God.
And help us to give ourselves more wholly to you.
Amen
Assurance of God's Grace and Pardon
The Apostles' Creed - Unison
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, 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, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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, and the life everlasting.
Amen
Passing of the Peace
Catechism for Today (from the Presbyterian Church in Canada)
Question 75. Why are they called “ministers of Word and Sacrament”?
The word ‘minister’ means ‘servant’. As servants of God, ministers are called in Christ’s name, to present God’s message, celebrate his sacraments, and care for God’s people. To this office Christ calls both men and women. The church’s task is to confirm the validity of this call, to educate and examine candidates for the office and work of the ordained ministry.
Question 76. Why does the Presbyterian Church have elders?
The Greek word for elder is “presbyter” from which the Presbyterian Church derives its name. Elders were chosen in ancient Israel to join with the priests and Levites to govern the people. Paul appointed and ordained presbyters and instructed Titus to appoint elders in every city. Elders are elected and ordained to share with the minister in the leadership, pastoral care and oversight of the congregation. Their rule is exercised not individually but corporately through church courts: sessions, presbyteries, synods and General Assembly.
Hymn: "We are God's people" Book of Praise #472
Prayer for understanding
Scripture reading: Matthew 26: 36-46 (NRSV)
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
Sermon: “Packing and unpacking”
Hymn: "Give me oil in my lamp" Book of Praise #655
Prayers of the People
Offering
Doxology
Song: "The Servant King" Book of Praise #379
Charge and Benediction
Three-fold Amen
Postlude: “All hail the pow'r of Jesus' name”