BUC Worship Service – October 20

Balzac Pastoral Charge
Of the United Church of Canada
Sunday October 20, 2024 10:00 AM 
World Food Sunday 
Minister: Rev. Kelly Grittner
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan & Dr. Alex Shawn

Prelude: Thy Word is Like a Garden, Lord arr. S. Wellman

Welcoming and Announcements 

Service link
Bulletin link
Reflection link
music link

 Land Acknowledgement 
“As we gather together, we acknowledge that we are meeting on the unceded territories of the nations of Treaty 7. May we live with respect on this land, and in peace and friendship with its people.” 

Lighting the Christ Candle 
This candle represents the light of Christ in our midst 
May we bring to this gathering 
all that we are, and all that we can be. 

Introit: “I Am the Dream” (remain seated) MV 106 

Call to Worship 
We dare to dream of a world in which hunger is unknown: 
where scarcity is an illusion, and everyone has a place at the table. 
We dare to dream of a world in which generosity is the norm: 
where greed finds no foothold, and there is more than enough for all. 
We dare to dream of a world in which love rules: 
where compassion is the first response, and there is no place for bigotry. 
We dare to dream. 
We dare to pray. 
We dare to believe. 
With our hearts overflowing with thankfulness, 
we are called to gather and praise you, O God. 

Prayer for World Food Sunday 
Loving and Caring God, our world is not a fair place to live. 
While some have more than they can eat, others starve. 
While some have the luxury of sheets and blankets, others have 
no bed. 
O God, help us make this world a place 
where all who are hungry have food, 
where all who are homeless have shelter. 
Give us strength and courage to feed the hungry. 
Help us to live by Christ’s example. Amen. 

Hymn We Are One” VU 402 

Scripture Reading John 6:1-15 “Feeding the Five Thousand” 

Reflection: “Small c Communion”  Listen to the reflection here

Listen to the music here

Hymn “Jesus , You Have Come to the Lakeshore” VU 563 

Minute for Mission & Presentation of the Offering 

Offertory Response What Can I Do?” MV 191 

Offertory Prayer 
Generous God, you have blessed us with gifts of generosity and grace. 
We return to you that which you have given, asking your blessing for the work they support. 
Bless us too, in the ministry we share. Amen 

Prayers for the Day & The Lord’s Prayer 
Our Father, 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 “We Are Pilgrims (The Servant Song)” VU 595 

Commissioning & Benediction 
Let us go into the world taking with us nothing but 
ourselves to offer.
We will bear in our hearts the love of Christ 
and share through our actions 
the power of the Spirit. 
As we go into the future God has promised, 
may God be with us always: 
source of life, source of grace, source of love. 
Amen 

Postlude : Voluntary on “Lobe den Herren” arr. H. Livingstone, Jr