BUC Worship Service – April 19, 2026

Balzac United Church
April 19, 2026, 10:00am
Guest Minister: Dr. Alex Shawn
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan, Dr. Alex Shawn

Prelude Holy Ground M. Hayes

Welcome and Announcements

Service Link
Message 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.”

Blessing Bank

Lighting of the Christ Candle
Call to Worship
Enter into this sanctuary and know that you will find care and comfort.
That is why we are here.
Enter into this, your community, with a loving heart and with a spirit that is ready
to build the kingdom of God.
That is why we are here.
Accept care when it comes your way, regardless of where your faith journey takes
you.
That is why we are here.
Even when you encounter trouble, sadness, and rejection, know that you are
never alone.
That is why we are here. Thanks be to God!
Opening Hymn Come to My Heart Lord Jesus VU 661
Candles of Joy, Concern and Sorrow
Opening Prayer
God of all love, we travel up and down the daily routines in our lives, and we
know you are with us. We ask you to open our hearts, minds, and spirits to
embrace your loving presence in this worship time today, so that we may go out
and share your love with all whom we meet, while trying to manage the ups and
downs of our daily routines. Amen.
Hymn What Can I Do? MV 191
Prayer of Illumination
Scripture PSALM 116:1 – 19
Reflection What Will Give Your Life Purpose?
Hymn Take Time to Be Holy VU 672
Offering We Are an Offering M. Hayes
Prayer of Dedication
Prayers of the People
Loving, Healing, and Merciful God. We praise You for Your many gifts of
sustenance, shelter, and safety. You are our guide, protector, and defender
throughout this lifetime and we thank you for Your continued blessings and
mercy. We confess that we don’t often acknowledge your gifts given to us
through Your gracious love and kindness, but we are so very grateful for Your
generous and loving spirit that touches us every day.
Holy Spirit, hear us and carry our prayer on your wings with thankful hearts.
As many of us stumble through our lives hoping for peace of mind and the healing
of our bodies, for relief in our hearts, and minds from our burdens and worries;
relieve us, Oh God, from our thoughts of concern for those politicians who are
charged with governing our lands and our future path forward as a country.
Relieve us, O God from our fears of other leaders who are charged with making
the decisions in the welfare of their counties. Infuse them with your wisdom, Oh
God, our ultimate peacemaker.
Holy Spirit, hear us and carry our prayer on your wings on our behalf.
When we feel alone and powerless to help change our country and the world
towards peace, as we hear of devastating wars between Ukraine and Russia, Iran
and the Middle East, Israel and Lebanon, the border disputes in the United States,
the drug wars that are perpetually threatening and even killing our youth, grant
them peace. There are so many innocent victims in these wars, Oh Lord, protect
them from the loss of their lives, and homes from the devastation caused through
the bombings and famine.
Oh God, hear our prayers and answer in Your time and with Your wisdom.
As sickness, pain, and medical issues face us every day and we feel total despair
and defeat that drives us to seek desperate lengths and possibly make unsafe
decisions for our healing choices, remind us, O Lord, that through You is where
our healing begins. We know that You have already planned our lives on earth
from our first breath to our last. We have your assurance that in the end, we will
live with You in heaven, as Jesus promised, if we have dedicated our lives towards
living in Your Light. We take this moment to speak silently about our own fears
and concerns now.
(A moment of Silence)
God in your mercy, relieve us of our concerns and restore health to those
mentioned here today.
Why do we despair in times of trouble, when all we need to do is look to You, O
God. From You, comes our relief, guidance, and comfort. From You, comes our
healing, from You, comes our hope to always protect us. For this we thank you
and we will always praise You, even in our darkest moments. You are here with
us always and forever.
Holy Spirit carry our prayers on your wings to God’s ear, our deliverer’s mercy.
We pray these words to you and add the words of your son, Jesus, who taught us
to pray. Our Father…
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn Make Me a Channel of Your Peace VU 684
Benediction
Postlude Shine, Jesus Shine M. Hayes
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