BUC Worship Service – September 8

Balzac Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada 
September 8, 2024  
Ministers: Rev. Kelly Grittner
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan & Dr. Alex Shawn 

Prelude Christians, We Have Met to Worship  – arr. M. Hayes 

Introit: The Little White Church by the Rail – Lyrics: R. Beagle 
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 this 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 a passing train. 
CHORUS 

Welcoming and Announcements 

Service link
Bulletin link
Reflection 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 of the Christ Candle 
With thankful hearts, we gather here where the doors are wide open to all. 

We come with open hearts and open minds, thankful that we are children of the light of Christ. The candle is lit. 

Hymn Come in, Come In and Sit Down VU 395 

Call to Worship 
The air we breathe 
Is a gift of God 
The food we eat 
Is a gift of God 
The life we live 
Is a gift of God 
The love we give 
Is a gift of God 
We remember 
And give thanks! 

Opening Prayer 
God, giver of all good, you continually pour your benefits upon us. Age after age the living wait upon you and find that your faithfulness has no end, that your care is unfailing. We praise you that the mystery of life is a mystery of infinite goodness. We praise you for the order and constancy of nature; for the beauty and bounty of the earth; for day and night, summer and winter, seedtime and harvest; for the varied gifts of loveliness which every season brings. We give you thanks for all the comfort and joy of life, for our homes, for our friends, and for all the love, sympathy, and goodwill of all people. Amen. 
Celebrate God’s Presence: A Book of Services for The United Church of Canada 

Hymn I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me VU 575 

Sharing Of Scripture – Mark 7:24–37 

Reflection “A Place at the Table”  Listen to the reflection here

Hymn Who is My Mother MV 178 

Presentation Of The Offering 

Offertory Response What Can I Do? MV 191 

Dedication Of The Offering 
Loving God, we express our thanksgiving through these offerings. May they further the work in the church, the community, and beyond. Amen 

Prayers Of The People & The Lords 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 Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah VU 651 

Words Of Commissioning & Blessing 
Spirit of wind and fire,
Spirit of mystery and promise,
Spirit of God, our Helper,
blow at our backs,
breathe in our hearts,
be the energy for all we do
to spread love and justice.
The blessing of God the Father,
God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
the One who Mothers us all
be with you always. Amen 

Postlude: Come, Christians to Join and Sing – Arr. M. Hayes