Balzac Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada
Sunday November 12, 2023
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Minister: Kelly Grittner
Prelude Song for the Nations arr. M. Hayes
Welcome and Announcements
Listen to the service here
Recording starts after Scripture Reading Psalm 78 1-8
Bulletin link
Hymn link
Sermon link
Land Acknowledgement
“As we gather together, let us pause to remember that we live, work and worship on lands that are, by law, the unceded territories of the nations of Treaty 7. As Christ’s people, may we be people of love, of truth, and of reconciliation. May we live with respect on this land, and in peace and friendship with its people
Lighting the Christ Candle
We light the Christ Candle as a symbol of peace:
peace that has been made
peace that needs to be made
peace that will be made
the peace of Jesus in our hearts and in our world.
We gather to give thanks for God’s Divine Light
Children’s Chat “The Poppy”
Hymn In Loving Partnership We Come VU 603
Call to Worship
From east and west, north and south, we gather on this day of remembrance to give thanks and
praise.
We come to be inspired by the Word of God and honour the sacrifices of those who have
committed themselves to service before self.
In times of peace, in times of conflict, and in times of uncertainty,
We remember that we are not alone.
We are the people of God, connected across time and space, from generation to generation.
We are united by the love of the One who said: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
As we gather to remember, let us sing and pray.
Let us worship God together!
Act of Remembrance – Lighting of Remembrance Candles
Hymn “O Canada” VU 524
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Prayer of Gratitude
On this day of Remembrance, O God, we give thanks:
For peacekeepers and pacifists; for those who served on the front lines, and those who
protest and march; for those who volunteered and those who waited anxiously at home; for
those who hoped that things would get better, and those who could not stand by and wait.
We give thanks for those who believed that the world could be a better place.
We remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, trusting that others could and would
carry the torch.
We give thanks for those who were once enemies who have become friends and allies.
Offering of Music ”In Flanders Fields”
Words of Remembrance
One: They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old.
All: Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
One: At the going down of the sun and in the morning.
All: We will remember them.
Last Post Minute of Silence & the Rouse Special Music – Dr. Alex Shawn
Responsive Prayer
Eternal rest grant to them, O God, and may perpetual light shine upon them.
May their souls, through your great mercy, rest in peace. Amen.
Recording starts here
Scripture Reading Psalm 78 1-8
Reflection “Learning from History” Listen to the message here
Hymn Though I May Speak VU 372
Offering Prayer
God of abundance, we thank you for the gifts that we present to you now. We ask that you
receive them and bless them. May they enable us to serve the world in ways that inspire hope
and make your love known. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven.
hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen
Hymn To Show by Touch and Word VU 427
Commissioning and Benediction
Having gathered, remembered, heard, given, and prayed,
we ask, Almighty God, for your blessing,
and for your continual presence in our lives.
Remind us that no matter where we go, you are there.
No matter how bleak the world becomes, all it takes is one ray of light for a new day to be
upon us once again. Amen.
Postlude Battle Hymn of the Republic arr. M.Hayes
