BUC Worship Service – September 28, 2025
Balzac United Church
September 28, 2025, 10:00am – Rising Up On The Wings Of The Eagle!
Guest Minister: Rev. Linda Hunter
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan, Dr. Alex Shawn
the actual date of Orange Shirt Day and signifies the time of year when Indigenous
children were historically taken from their homes to often distant residential
schools. Our scripture reading today speaks of rising up on the eagle’s wings. Many
Indigenous peoples revere the majestic eagle because of its spiritual power. It is
sacred because it flies closest to the Creator and symbolizes respect, honour,
strength and wisdom.
Prelude Assurance arr. R. Summers
The Introit O God, We Call #411 VU
Welcome And Announcements
Service link
Bulletin link
Message Link
Land Acknowledgement
Today, in a sacred act of remembrance, we acknowledge the territorial lands of the
Treaty 7 peoples and the Metis Nation, Districts 5 and 6. Across the vast reaches of
this land, eagles fly, soaring into the brilliant blue sky that covers Alberta. The
majesty of the eagle reminds us of the majesty of the Indigenous peoples who were
a part of this land long before settlers arrived. The eagle feather, in Indigenous
culture, is a symbol of respect, honour, strength and wisdom. With this feather
today, we ask for wisdom to continue the path of reconciliation that lies before us,
leading us into our shared future.
(the eagle feather is placed on the altar)
Lighting Of The Christ Candle
May our worship service today be a time of spiritual nurture and connection with
our Creator. May the light of Christ shine brightly in our hearts as we walk a parth
of reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples who journey with us.
(the Christ Candle is lit)
The Call To Worship
Today, many of us are wearing orange, to remember and honour all the Indigenous
children who were removed from their homes.
Today, we wear orange as a reminder of the courage of those
who have been able to speak their truth.
Today, we wear orange to remind us of a little girl named Phyllis who went proudly
off to her residential school wearing her orange shirt, only to have it stripped away
from her.
Today, we proclaim, in the name of our Creator, that Every Child Matters.
Today, we worship in truth and reconciliation.
Opening Hymn Morning Has Broken #409 VU
Candles Of Joy, Concern And Sorrow
Opening Prayer
Today, we focus our thoughts on the eagle feather, a profound and sacred
symbol of you, O Creator, representing honour, respect, strength, wisdom
and truth. We know that in Indigenous cultures, eagles have a special
connection to you and are seen as messengers carrying prayers between
the spirit and our physical world. So, today, as we commemorate Orange
Shirt Day, we send our prayers to you on the wings of the eagle. Turn your
heart to us now as we continue in worship of You. AMEN
Hymn Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
#375 VU verses 1 & 4
A Time Of Child Honouring “My Powerful Hair”
Written by Carole Lindstrom
Illustrated by Steph Littlebird
Scripture Reading Psalm 91:1-6;14-16
Reflection Symbols Matter!
Hymn On Eagle’s Wings #808 VU
Offering Invitation He Hideth My Soul arr. M. Hayes
Recognizing that symbols matter in our lives because they remind us of who we are
and who we are seeking to be, the giving of our morning offering is also a symbol.
It is a reminder that we are committed to something deeply spiritual in this world,
giving of ourselves so that others might be blessed by our generosity.
Our morning offering will now be received.
Prayer Of Dedication
May our offerings rise up as on eagles’ wings and bring hope and healing to the
world. We thank you, O Great Creator, that we are able to share the bounty of this
land with others. AMEN
Prayers Of The People
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn Bring Many Names #268 VU
The Blessing And Sending Forth
Miigwech, O Great Creator,
Miigwech, for all of Creation
Send us forth now into your bountiful and beautiful world,
Filled with gratitude for the life you have given us.
May we rise up on eagles’ wings and live boldly. AMEN
Postlude Peace arr. R. Summers