BUC Worship Service – July 13, 2025
SUNDAY, JULY 13TH, 2025
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Worship Leader: Rev. Linda Hunter
Music Ministry: Dr. Alex Shawn, Lee Dowan
Prelude: Old Time Religion arr. M. Hayes
Welcome And Announcements
Service link
Bulletin link
Special music solo link
Message Link
Land Acknowledgement
Today, in an act of reconciliation, we honour the Treaty 7 peoples–the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood), Piikani (Peigan, Stoney-Nakoda and Tsuut’ina). These Nations used this land for hunting grounds, as well as for sacred ceremonies and settlement areas. Their territories extend into southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as northern Montana. We also honour the Metis peoples of this territory, Districts 5 and 6. We thank them for enriching this land by their presence and caring for the land as sacred earth.
Lighting Of The Christ Candle
We are now living through days of long, lingering light in the summer season of earth’s cycle. With the rise of the sun each morning, our land is bathed in warmth so that the growing season can continue. The love of Jesus provides us with that same kind of light–long, lingering and lifegiving–so that we may grow in grace and love.
(the Christ Candle is lit)
Hymn: O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts VU 472
Passing Of The Peace
In the early days of the Christian church, which were often times of hostility and unrest, the people who gathered would always pause to Pass the Peace of Christ, usually with a kiss on the cheek. It was an act of trust, signalling that all were welcome and all were safe in the circle of that gathered company of witnesses.
We replicate the early church as we pause today to Pass the Peace of Christ with a handshake, a nod of the head or simply a smile.
The peace of Christ be with you!
And also with you
Centering Prayer
Gather us in, O God. Enter now, with us, into the sacred circle of prayer and worship that we offer today. Lift from us the cares and concerns that press in upon us and bring us into a place of sacred holiness, lived in your presence. Remind us that even in the midst of turbulent times, you remain with us, holding us, comforting us, guiding us and offering us the wisdom embodied in your presence. AMEN
Hymn: There’s a Spirit in the Air VU 582
Prayers Of The People
The Prayer Of Jesus
Special Music: O God, You Give Us Neighbors arr. S. Wesley
Solo: Michelle Johnston – listen to the solo here
Scripture Reading Luke 10:25-37
(The Parable of the Good Samaritan)
Reflection The GOOD Samaritan? Impossible! listen here
Offering Invitation
Jesus often prayed for the people who surrounded him, asking them to love one another, as modeled for them by the Good Samaritan. We, by extension, are invited to love one another by sharing our resources with all who have need. Let us offer ourselves, as a community, to a world in need.
Our morning offering will now be received.
Offertory: Open the Eyes of My Heart arr. M. Hayes
Prayer Of Dedication
Loving God, the needs of the world are great, but loving unconditionally moves us to places of generosity. May the offering we bring to you today be a sign of our commitment to love, even as Jesus loved. AMEN
Closing Hymn: Deep in Our Hearts MV 154
THE BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
May God’s great love lead you.
May Christ’s great compassion compel you.
And may the Spirit’s song uplift you,
As you depart into God’s beautiful world.
Postlude: Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It arr. M. Hayes