Balzac Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada
All Saints Day Sunday October 29, 2023
Minister: Kelly Grittner
Prelude Valse Triste – J. Sibelius
Welcome and Announcements
Listen to the service here
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
Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
May we let our light shine so that others may know Christ’s love
CALL TO WORSHIP
Creator, Healer, Mystery, Source of Wisdom,
we gather today to prepare and center ourselves.
We gather that you may free us from the oppressions that bind us,
the thoughts that hold us hostage,
the fears that keep us frozen,
the pain that numbs our souls.
We gather that we may awaken to new light,
new ways of being,
and to celebrate the creation,
the healing, the mystery,
and the wisdom you offer us.
Hymn Morning Has Broken VU 409
Children Chat “Zacchaeus climbs a tree”
Luke 19:1-9 Living Gods Way Ralph Milton
PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION
Gracious God, we admit that it is hard to do your will.
Often we fall short of your intentions for us.
There are times we get so caught up in our own lives
that we do not see the needs of our neighbours.
There are times we think we have all the answers and try to solve the problems of the world by
ourselves.
Forgive us, O God, for taking ourselves too seriously,
and for not trusting you enough.
Forgive us, and do not give up on us. Amen
Hymn Seek Ye First the Kingdom VU 356
Scripture Reading
Isaiah 45:1-7 Cyrus: God’s Instrument
Psalm 113 Praise to the Lord VU 835
Reflection : “Surrounded by the Saints” listen to the sermon here
Special Music: Grandmother Tells a Ghost Story – T.Kullak
Violin Solo: Zoe Walkes – listen here
Offertory Prayer
Bless these gifts:
that they may heal the broken hearted,
that they may mend the wounded,
and they may proclaim justice to the nations.
Amen
Prayers for the Day
The 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 One More Step Along the World I Go VU 640
Commissioning and Blessing
Those whom God has gathered, God now sends forth.
We are blessed to go in the presence of God who leads us.
As long as we follow in the way God is leading –
we know God’s realm will surely appear.
Go then as the people of God,
encouraged and empowered
by God who goes with us.
Postlude Halloween Medley
