BUC Worship Service – September 7, 2025
September 7, 2025, 10:00am – 13th Sunday After Pentecost
Guest Minister: Dr. Alex Shawn
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan, Dr. Alex Shawn
Introit: Little White Church by the Rail Lyrics by Ron Beagle
Welcome and Announcements
Service link
Bulletin 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:
Welcome to all as we join in worship this morning.
As sure as a prairie sunrise, we lift each other up, united.
We come together as faith-filled people.
As sure as a prairie sunset, all our prayers rest in the heart of God.
Let the seeds of our faith grow deep…
Connecting us to the vast, rich soil of creation.
In our receiving, and our believing, let us worship.
(Don Sellstead, New Minas, N.S.)
Opening Hymn: Beneath the Cross of Jesus VU 135
Candles of Joy, Concern and Sorrow
Opening Prayer
Hymn: Ask Me What Great Things I Know VU 338
Scripture: Luke 14:25-33, Luke 21:1-4
Reflection: The Cost of Being a Christian – Dr. Alex Shawn
Hymn: Spirit of the Living God VU 376
Offering:
Prayer of Dedication
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn: I Have Called You by Your Name MV 161
Benediction
LITTLE WHITE CHURCH BY THE RAIL
There’s a church in the valley by the railroad
Where stresses of living will pale.
No church is so anxious to welcome
As this Little White Church by the Rail.
CHORUS
So come, come, come, come,
Come to this church here in Balzac;
A church that will always prevail.
‘Cause there’s no finer place to worship
Than this Little White Church by the Rail.
In August we break for a short time,
But longing will always remain
For sermons that seem punctuated
By the horn of a passing train.
CHORUS
– Lyrics by Ron Beagle 2023