This document is the order of service for a church service at Oriole York Mills United Church on October 31, 2010. The service focuses on the theme of acting with mercy. It includes hymns, prayers, scripture readings from Matthew about forgiveness and the Beatitudes, and a message about "Be-Attitude Living" and acting with mercy. The service ends with prayers, announcements, and a blessing sending the congregants into the world.
1. ORIOLE YORK MILLS
UNITED CHURCH
The Church of the Good Shepherd
October 31, 2010
Welcome!
This is the day God has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad!
2. 2
*This symbol > invites us to stand as we are able.
*Wherever you find bold text please join in.
WE APPROACH GOD
Prelude ‘Have Mercy on Me, Lord God’ (Bach BWV 721)
Lighting the Christ Candle
Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
May the flame of God’s eternal light
find a welcome in every heart.
Welcome
Choral Introit ‘What Does the Lord Require of You’ (701)
Call to Worship (Adapted Exodus 34:6)
God said to our spiritual ancestor, Moses:
“I am God, the God of mercy and grace,
endlessly patient with so much love
and forgiveness for you.”
We hear you, God of mercy and grace.
Our deepest desire is to imitate you.
We too want to be known as people
of mercy, endless patience and compassion.
We hear God’s call to act with mercy.
Praise be to our God who promises mercy.
Amen.
> Hymn 345 Come, Children, Join to Sing
Prayer of Approach
Prayer of Confession
“Blessed are those who act with mercy toward others
God will be merciful to them.”
Let us turn in humbleness to receive, not just for our
sakes but, also for others, all that God has done.
3. 3
Let us pray in unison:
Merciful God, forgive us, when we fail to act with care,
with compassion and with forgiveness toward family,
neighbours and even those we consider our enemies.
(Moment of Silent Reflection)
Assurance of God’s Forgiving Love (Adapted Psalm 103)
The psalmist reminds us that God is sheer mercy and
grace and not easily angered. God is rich in astonishing
love. God doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve. As far as
sunrise is from sunset, God has separated us from our
sins. So, let us receive the forgiveness and love Christ
Jesus has reserved for us and live!
Thanks be to God!
Hymn 570 Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands
Family Time
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, and the power,
and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD
A reading from The Gospel of Matthew 18:21-35
(The Good News Bible, New Testament, p.27)
4. 4
Anthem ‘In the Valley Flows a River’ Doug Nolan
The Beatitudes from The Gospel of Matthew 5:1-12
(The Good News Bible, New Testament, p.7)
These are life-giving messages from the living God.
Thanks be to God.
Message BE-ATTITUDE LIVING: “Act with Mercy”
WE RESPOND
> Hymn 600 When I Needed a Neighbour
Offertory ‘O Lord, I, a Poor Sinner’ (Bach BWV 742)
Presentation of the Offering (VU 542)
We give you but your own,
what e’er the gift may be.
All that we have is yours alone,
we give it gratefully.
Announcements
Prayers of the People
> Hymn 271 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
> Commissioning
Choral Blessing & Amen ‘When You Walk From Here’ (298)
Postlude ‘Toccata & Fugue in D minor’ (Bach BWV 565)