BUC Worship Service – October 26, 2025
Balzac United Church
October 26, 2025, 10:00am
Guest Minister: Rev. Linda Hunter
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan, Dr. Alex Shawn
Our scripture passage today evokes an image of finding strength in the act of pouring oneself out, giving everything to God, holding nothing back, being fully present with God, even in death. Would we be able to find that kind of courage?
Prelude Come, Worship the King arr. S. Nelson
The Introit O God, We Call #411 VU
Welcome and Announcements
Service link
Bulletin link
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Land Acknowledgement
Today, we honour the Treaty 7 peoples–the Siksikka (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood), Piikani (Peigan), Stoney-Nakoda and Tssut’ina. These five nations lived on the land of southern Alberta and northern Montana. They worked, hunted, played and celebrated, through ceremony, their culture and their people. Today, we also honour the Metis people of this territory, Districts 5 and 6, and thank them for enriching this land by their presence. The Metis people are a distinct Indigenous group with a unique history, culture and
language, descended from unions between First Nations women and European men, primarily fur traders. We honour all Indigenous peoples who lived on this land before us.
Lighting the Christ Candle
May our worship service today be a time of spiritual nurture and connection with our wondrous God. May the flame that dances into life this morning bring us hope and remind us of the loving ministry of Jesus. (the Christ Candle is lit)
The Call to Worship
We come to you this day as ordinary, yet uniquely created people, people who are seeking to live lives of love and compassion.
As ordinary, yet uniquely created people, we answer your powerful call to come into your presence.
Bless the worship we offer to You this day, O God.
Opening Hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You #232 VU
Candles of Joy, Concern and Sorrow
Opening prayer
As we gather together today, O God, we are here to be reminded of our great love for us and your great care of us. Hold us, nurturing God, as we long for a future less angry and divided. Plant seeds of faith within our hearts so that our church may provide a home where all people experience your love.
Hymn I Am a Child of God #157 MV, verses 1/5
A Time of Child Honouring
Based on Matthew 19:13
“I Believe in You”
Written and illustrated by Marianne Richmond
Scripture Reading Second Timothy 4:6-8
Reflection “Running a good race”
Hymn I Have Called You by Your Name #161 MV
Offering Invitation
Remembering the faithfulness of those who have gone before us, grateful
that you call us to share in the joy of spreading your love, knowing that all
of us are in need of help as we run the course of our lives, we are invited
now to pour out our love through our morning offering. Our morning offering
will now be received.
Offering A La Ru G. Parker
Prayer of Dedication
In the example of Jesus, whose love has been poured out over us,
we offer these gifts that they may support the work of this
congregation and bring healing to our broken world. AMEN
Prayers of the People
The Prayer of Jesus
Closing Hymn One More Step Along the World I Go
#639 VU, verses 1/3/5
The Blessing and Sending Forth
Go forth this day with the confidence of God’s love written on your heart.
Whatever this week brings, trust in God.
And God will guide you with grace and pour out love upon you. AMEN
Postlude Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho
arr. M. McDonald