BUC Worship Service – May 24, 2026
Balzac United Church
Sunday, May 24, 2026
PENTECOST SUNDAY
Minister: Rev. Kelley Warner
Music Ministry: Dr. Alex Shawn
Prelude: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee arr. K. Barker
Welcome and Announcements
Service audio link
Message audio link
We gather to share our vision, to be a church for both young and old, who
seek to explore their faith through a progressive theology applied to
everyday life. We seek to be open and accepting of all who walk through our day.
Land Acknowledgement
With deep respect, we acknowledges the ancestral lands of the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood), Pikani (Peigan), Nakoda (Stoney/Assiniboine) and Tsuut’ina (Sarcee) as well as the Métis Nation, known as the Otipemisiwak of Alberta. We give thanks for their stewardship for this beautiful land. We are honored to be able to learn from their wisdom and ways. May we continue our journey of reconciliation to grow in our understandings towards a good relation.
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Flames dancing, tongues of fire burning brightly,
Illuminating the shadowed places of our lives
And [joyful] radiance, all remind us of the first
Pentecost. The Christ light brings a reminder of
Pentecostal splendour. May the dazzling light be
for us a spark of Holy Wonder. Laura Turnbull, Gathering 2026
Call to Worship
Come all, pay attention! God is calling. Join in the journey!
We’re on the path where love grows and all belong.
The Comforter guides us and gently awakens us
to the Holy Presence within, a presence of tender love and acceptance.
We’re on the path where love grows and all belong.
It is our Creator who wants us to engage, and we, the people,
are [gifted] for the journey! Let’s worship with full hearts,
knowing we are welcome, we are called,
we are precious in God’s sight.
We’re on the path where love grows and all belong. Jani Francis, Gathering 2026
Hymn Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness VU 375
Opening Prayer
Come, O Holy Spirit,
break into our world for we need you.
Come, O Holy Spirit,
dance your way into the corners of our lives
Where we are overwhelmed and angered by
the tragedy, injustice, and horrors unfolding in
this world, where we are grieving, questioning,
wondering and waiting.
[Embrace] us with your comfort.Mend our broken spirits.
[Affect] us with your joy.Inspire us with God’s vision.
Come, O Holy Spirit.
We need you. The world needs you. Amen.
Susan Lukey, Gathering, 2026
Hymn Spirit, Open My Heart MV 79
Scripture reading- Numbers 11:24-30
Reflection
Hymn Holy Spirit, by Whose Breath VU 200
Presentation of the Offering
Offertory Response What Can I Do? MV 191 Dedication of the Offering Interlude II M. Hayes
In response to give of ourselves, we bring these offerings to you.
Where it truly represents us and our gifts, accept and multiply them in your love and grace. Amen. Beth W. Johnstone, Gathering, 2026
Prayers of the People and God’s Prayer
Our Father (Creator), who art in heaven. hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen
Hymn Oh a Song Must Rise MV 142
Blessings for the Journey
The Holy Spirit inspires us and gives us clear perspective.
The Holy Spirt prompts us to discover the
presence of Christ all around us.
The Holy Spirit [guides] us and works through us.
The Holy Spirit [urges] us to think and act in ways
that reveal Chris’s light to others.
As we go from this place, we trust the Holy Spirit: to fill us with inspiration;
[to engage others with love and acceptance; to be open to the wisdom of others;to act in ways that reflect] the Good News of Jesus Christ.
May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
Susan Silverthorne, Gathering 2026
Postlude I Will Offer my Life arr. B. Wolaver