BUC Worship Service – Mar 17

17 Mar

BUC Worship Service – Mar 17

Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada

Lent 5

Sunday March 17 , 2024
Minister: Kelly Grittner, DLM
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan and Dr Alex Shawn

Prelude: The Love of God – arr. M. Hayes

Welcoming and 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.”

Welcome and Announcements

Service Link
Bulletin link
Hymn Link
Reflection Link

Gathering as God’s People

Welcome and Announcements
Fields of Athenry (Chorus) – Kelly
Low, lie, the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing
We had dreams and songs to sing
It’s so lonely round the fields of Athenry.

Lighting of the Christ Candle
May the light from this candle remind us of the many times when the forces of darkness overcame the forces of light because too many people stood idly by as hatred reigned.
May this candle be a call to stand up for the poor, the marginalized, the threatened. All are human beings, each is unique, each person is a miracle of creation.
Opening Reading Living Stones” (Kate Mcllhagga)

Choral Introit I am the Dream MV 106

Call To Worship
When our faith is lifted high
and we move firmly in your love,
you will be our God and we will be your people.
When the pilgrimage is long
and all our paths seem to lead to pain,
you will be our God and we will be your people.
When the way ahead is clear
and we are surrounded by faithful community
you will be our God and we will be your people.
When the young diminish in number
and the old grow feeble in mind and spirit
you will be our God and we will be your people.
Gather us, know us, teach us, lead us, write your name on our hearts so always…
you will be our God and we will be your people.

Opening Prayer
Welcoming God,
May our welcome to others
be as great as yours has been to us:
to those who are hungry, may we offer bread;
to those who are broken, may we offer healing;
to those who are lost, may we offer nourishment;
to those who are doubting, a new adventure.
Trusting in your redeeming love O God,
we humbly pray that this place be a place of grace
where what is offered is served to others.
Amen.

Hymn Spirit Open My Heart MV 79

SCRIPTURE READING & REFLECTION Link is here

John 12: 20-33 “Winter Wheat”

Hymn For the Fruit of All Creation VU 227

Minute for Mission – Michelle K

Presentation of the Offering & Offertory: Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross – arr. M. Hayes

Dedication of the Offering
All that we presently are, all that we yearn to be
we offer this day, O God.
Receive these gifts with our gratitude and praise
and may their use truly express our desire to be a people
of good heart and free spirit. Amen.

Prayers of the People and 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 We Shall Go Out With Hope of Resurrection VU 586

BLESSING
We continue our journey, seeking truth and wisdom for the days ahead, knowing that we are guided by God every step of the way.
Let us continue our search for truth, understanding , and wisdom as we journey in faith, for we follow Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life for us.
Amen.

Postlude: Sunshine & Joy Medley – arr. M. Hayes

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

A congregational meeting will be held after worship on Sunday March 17, 2024 to provide an update on the need to appoint ministry personnel for July 1, 2024 given the appointment for Kelly Grittner expires on June 30, 2024. The meeting may also include the consideration of any resolutions required to ensure the vacancy is filled on a timely basis. – Ruth Unser, Board Chair.
Upcoming Dates for Easter Season – Keep the date within your calendar! There will be a March 24th – Palm Sunday Service with Music Cantata by our Choir directed by Dr. Alex Shawn and Lee

. March 29th – Good Friday Service with special music from the choir. March 31st – Easter Sunday Service and special music by the choir. Hope to see you all in body or spirit!
Confirmation – On March 31st 2024, there will be a Confirmation Celebration for Hannah Walkes. Furthermore if there is anyone who would like to affirm or transfer their membership to BUC formally, March 31st is an invitation to anyone who would like this for themselves to happen. Please contact Minister Kelly Grittner 403-219-3535 for further information and interest.
Getting to Know our Neighbours Continues:

Here is the schedule for the upcoming worship service sharing after our visit to Irricana and Airdrie recently.

April 14, 2024 at 10:00 am – Irricana and Airdrie United congregations will be travelling to Balzac United Church for worship.

Income Tax Receipts – Income tax receipts for 2023 donations have been mailed out. If you have any questions or concerns about your income tax receipt, please contact Ruth Unser at runser@shaw.ca or call at 403-289-2715. Ruth is acting Envelope Secretary in the absence of Michelle Kotelko.
New Development Info: In the discussion at the AGM I mentioned that I would send out the link for the map of the new development in Airdrie, Goldwyn Prairie Estates. Here is the link if people were interested in looking at it: https://liveingoldwyn.com/lot-map/ . – Ruth Unser
E-Transfer Email – For all E-Transfers sent to BUC Please use this email address: treasurer@balzacunitedchurch.com. Thank you!
BUC Information: For BUC activities and information, check out our website at https://balzacunitedchurch.com/
Minister Contact Information: If you want to talk to Kelly Grittner, call him at 403-219-3535.

Important dates for your Calendar:

March 17th – Congregational Meeting

March 24th – Palm Sunday and Pickup Purdy chocolates

March 29th – Good Friday Service

March 31st – Easter Sunday Service and Confirmation Sunday.

April 14th – BUC service with Airdrie and Irricana at 10:00m am

April 21st – Mission and Service fair

First Third Ministry Corn