BUC Worship Service – July 27, 2025
Balzac United Church
July 27th, 2025, 10:00am – 7th Sunday After Pentecost
Guest Minister: Dr. Alex Shawn
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan, Dr. Alex Shawn
Prelude: Christians, We Have Met to Worship Arr. M. Hayes
Welcome and Announcements
Service link
Bulletin link
Play link
Special music solo 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 of the Christ Candle
Call to Worship:
We are shaken to the core by events around us, and sometimes our faith can fluctuate,
And yet God is at the centre of our being.
As you settle into this place of worship, be refreshed, renewed and ready to be born again.
This is why we gather, to be strengthened for our journey.
Sing God’s praises, pray unceasingly, love abundantly.
With God’s help we can do these things and more.
Let us be convinced once again of the inclusive, compassionate ways of God’s kingdom,
Not only in this place, but in other places throughout our land, and let us be role-models of God’s all-inclusive love and forgiveness.
(Heather Ferrier, Trinity U.C., Mahone Bay, N.S.)
Opening Hymn: What a Friend We Have in Jesus VU 664
Candles of Joy, Concern and Sorrow
Opening Prayer:
May we listen with our hearts, Holy God, to the teachings of your son, the guidance of your spirit, and the law of Love. May we be prepared to turn away from those things that keep us from Your way, as we turn instead, to those things that bring your kingdom closer, looking not for personal recognition, but rather to recognize your presence here and all around us. Amen.
Hymn: Here I Am, Lord MV 509
Scripture: Act 12: 1 – 16
Reflection: PRAY, BELIEVE, HAVE FAITH and ALWAYS TRUST
Dramatization: Written by: Clyde Lee Herring
Presented by: Michelle Kotelko and Dr. Alex Shawn
Listen to the play here
Offering: In the Presence of Jehovah Arr. M. Hayes
Solo: Michelle Kotelko
Listen to solo here
Prayer of Dedication:
We dedicate these gifts of our lives and hearts to the glory that is in you, O Christ. We offer our gifts of talent and time, that each of us bring to this community of faith. Receive these gifts, given freely for the greater good of our world. Amen.
Prayers of the People:
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.
May you vision for a healed and vibrant world be made manifest.
Give us this day our daily bread.
You know our needs even before we name them.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
May we act with humility and forgive generously.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Help us journey along a good path and follow in your way.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
You are the alpha and the Omega, the Source of All That Is,
Forever and ever and evermore. Amen.
Closing Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God VU 236
Benediction:
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” Let us go out into our community and share our peace and love to all those we meet. Remember always that we are Christ’s ambassadors as we let His light shine in and through us always. And may we always walk with Christ’s peace, love, and acceptance in our hearts. Now, as we leave this place, may God bless and keep us until we meet again…in September. AMEN
Postlude September Song Medley Arr. L. Dowan