BUC Worship Service – Sept 6, 2026
Service audio ink
Sermon audio link
Balzac United Church September 6, 2026
Worship Leader: Rev. Marion Martin
Music Ministry: Dr. Alex Shawn
Prelude: For the Beauty of the Earth arr. J. Sanborn
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 the 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 the passing train.
Chorus:
Welcome and Announcements
Land Acknowledgement
Lighting the Christ Candle
God’s light brings peace to our lives.
Hymn: We Are One VU 402
Blessing Bank
Candles of Joy, Concern and Sorrow
Call to Worship
Even with a congregation of two, three or more,
you will be present with us, O God.
Even with our record of ignoring and neglect,
you will be present with us, O God.
Even with our questions and doubts,
you will be present with us, O God.
Even as we risk and adventure,
you will be present with us, O God.
Even when our world is turned upside down,
You will be present with us, O God.
We will worship the Ever-Present God.
Prayers to Share, David Sparks, Year A
Opening Prayer
Hymn: Worship the Lord VU 401
Scripture
Matthew 18:15-20 (The Inclusive Bible)
“If your sister or brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out the error, but keep it between the two of you. If she or he listens to you, you have won a loved one back; if not, try again, but take one or two oth-ers with you, so that every case may stand on the word of two or three witnesses. If your sister or brother refuses to listen to them, refer the matter to the church. If she or he ignores even the church, then treat that sister or brother as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.
“The truth is, whatever you declare bound on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you declare loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven.
“Again I tell you, if two of you on earth join in agreement to pray for anything whatsoever, it will be granted you by my Abba God in heaven. Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst.”
Affirmation May the words of these Holy Scriptures shine their light in our lives. Thanks be to God.
Time for Young at Heart
The Message: “Together”
Hymn: All Who Hunger VU 460
Offering Invitation
Gill Le Fevre, Walton Memorial U.C. Oakville ON.
Offertory Music I Sing Praises C.Tornquist
The Doxology: VU 541 ‘Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God , all creatures
high and low; give thanks to God in love made known:
Creator, Word and Spirit, One.
Prayer of Dedication of Gifts and Self
We do not ask, O God, that through our gifts all will be made perfect.
We ask that through our gifts
comfort will be experienced,
Friendship will blossom,
Neighbours will be discovered,
And those whose names we will never know will find courage and hope.
We pray in the name of God’s Sharing One, Jesus. Amen
Prayers to Share, David Sparks, Year A
Communion – The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
God be with you,
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts,
We lift them up to to God.
Let us give thanks to our God,
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
It is right and good to give thanks to the God of Laughter and To rejoice in everyday miracles:
or laughter shared between friends,
for love shared in community,
for the ever changing colors of our land that leaves us speechless with joy
for our call to be Co-creators with the Great Creator.
Holy God, birthing in us laughter and joy:
Holy Hope carrying us in good times and bad.
Teaching us to trust in your promises to us,
Taking our place in living Jesus’ mission mandate.
Strengthening our hands and feet for service
Warming our hearts to sing our faith.
So, with all your creatures, great and small, with angels and archangels, with saints and servants, with those of every time and place we proclaim:
Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy MV 203
O holy, holy, holy God, O God of time and space. All
earth and sea and sky above bear witness to your grace. Ho
Sanna in the highest heav’n creation sings your praise. And
Blessed is the One who comes and bears your name always.
As beloved apostles, baptized and named in Christ Jesus, we pray for the church…for the earth…for the nations…
as beloved children of God, we pray for our loved ones… (Names may be offered in silence or vocally.)
For those who have died and those who grieve…
Hear our prayers this day for all creation. Amen.
The Story of the Last Supper:
The Mystery of Faith:
Gracious God, by the death of Jesus, You have destroyed the power of death, and by raising him to life, you have given us life forevermore and so, we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
Memorial Acclamation MV 204
Sing Christ has died and Christ is risen, Christ will come again! Sing
Christ has died and Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Blessing of the Bread and Wine
The Prayer of Jesus (Adapted)
Our Creator (Father/Mother/Parent) 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, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen
Sharing the Bread and Cup Together
(Communion is served. All are welcome to receive bread and wine so as to partake together.)
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
Come, for all is ready.
Jesus the Christ, the Bread of Life.
Amen.
Jesus the Christ, the Cup of Blessing.
Amen.
Prayer after Communion: (unison)
God of all creation, we give you thanks in the breaking of bread: strangers can become friends and become the face of angels in our midst.
As you greeted prophets and apostles of the past with news of wonder and life.
So, fill our hearts with the wonder and awe of faith and guide our feet in the way of Jesus this day and beyond. Amen
Closing Hymn: It’s a Song of Praise to the Maker MV 30
Going Forth (responsive)
God of mystery, no longer unknown, you invite us to open conversations, discern connections and seek always to develop relationships and communities of life and hope.
We align our lives with your love for the whole world, and join our longing with your desire for all generations to live, move, and be in you. Amen
You are a sign of God’s freedom Go now in the Spirit of God. Create a holy place wherever you go. You are a sign of God’s freedom.
Prayers for all Seasons, Year A
Postlude: In The Presence of Jehovah arr. C.Tornquist
We give thanks to all who participated in making today’s worship service a reality.