Worship for May 16, 2021 Avondale United Church

10:00 a.m.

Listen Live Link & Video Link on website www.avondaleunitedstratford.com

Today’s sponsors:

Paul Rempel

Commemorating Karen Rempel’s 65th birthday on May 14th

Oliver & Marjorie Davidson

In celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary

on May 20th

Worship led by

Rev. Keith Reynolds, Rev. Kathi Urbasik Hindley,

Music Director Dan Van Winden, Soloist Leslie Belland,

Guest Speaker Stephanie Calma-L’Arche, Reader Anna Meusel,

Tech Wayne Melvin, Leslie Wright & Heather Herman

WE GATHER IN GOD’S PRESENCE

For thousands of years, Indigenous people have walked on this land. We are gathered on the traditional territory of the Anishinabek and Haudenosaunee Confederacy and acknowledge their stewardship of this land throughout the ages. We also acknowledge with respect the history, spirituality, and culture of the peoples with whom Treaty 29 was signed and this territory wherein our church resides.

Announcements & Welcome Prelude: Intermezzo by Robert Schumann Lighting of the Christ Candle Opening Hymn: This Is God’s Wondrous World VU 296

1 This is God's wondrous world,

and to my listening ears

all nature sings, and round me rings

the music of the spheres.

This is God's wondrous world;

I rest me in the thought

of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,

God's hand the wonders wrought.

2 This is God's wondrous world:

the birds their carols raise;

the morning light, the lily white,

declare their Maker's praise.

This is God's wondrous world:

God shines in all that's fair;

in the rustling grass or mountain pass,

God's voice speaks everywhere.

3 This is God's wondrous world:

O let me ne'er forget

that though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

This is God's wondrous world:

why should my heart be sad?

Let voices sing, let the heavens ring:

God reigns, let earth be glad!

Opening Prayer: (in unison)

As part of Your wondrous world, we come to worship, Giving thanks for beauty, hope, courage and faith, Grateful for relationships, community and a sense of belonging, In the presence of the risen Christ, we gather today. We also ask You to bless the mess of our humanness, Things we have done we wish we didn’t, Words we hoped we would have said, Time we regret we did not take, Action that remained left to be done, Forgive, heal and lead us home to the safety of Your mercy… (Silent prayer)

Words of Hope and Healing: One: We can trust God’s mercy and the ways of healing that come in Christ. All: Thank You God for these gifts. Inspire us with a courageous

faith. Amen.

WE LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD

Anthem: O Jesus I Have Promised Scripture: Psalm 1 (VU p.724)

Refrain: Blessed are those who follow the law of God.

Blessed are those who do not follow the counsel of the wicked, or linger in the way of sinners, or sit down among those who mock. But their delight is in the law of God, and on that law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted beside streams of water, yielding their fruit in due season. Their leaves do not wither, and whatever they produce shall prosper. Refrain: Blessed are those who follow the law of God. As for the wicked, it is not so with them, but they are like the chaff, driven away by the wind. Therefore the wicked shall not be able to stand when judgement comes, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For God watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Refrain: Blessed are those who follow the law of God.

Scripture: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, 16 “Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— 17 for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

Message: Stephanie Calma – L’Arche

WE RESPOND TO GOD IN LOVE

Hymn: We Are Pilgrims VU 595

1 We are pilgrims on a journey, fellow travellers on the road; we are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load. 2 Sister, let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you; pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.

3 I will hold the Christ-light for you in the night-time of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear. 4 I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh I'll laugh with you; I will share your joy and sorrow, till we've seen this journey through. 5 When we sing to God in heaven, we shall find such harmony, born of all we've known together of Christ's love and agony. 6 Brother, let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you; pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.

Offertory Response: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Give Thanks refrain from VU179

Offertory Prayer (in unison)

In giving we find life, gracious God. Thank You for the ability to offer our lives in a response of faith. May we continue to grow in a generosity of spirit. Let this offering be an agent of grace for this community and others in Your world, Amen.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

Hymn: Who Is My Mother MV 178

1 Who is my mother, who is my brother? All those who gather round Jesus Christ: Spirit blown people born from the Gospel Sit at the table, round Jesus Christ.

2 Differently abled, differently labelled, Widen the circle round Jesus Christ: Crutches and stigmas, culture’s enigmas, All come together round Jesus Christ. 3 Love will relate us colour or status Can’t segregate us round Jesus Christ: Family failings, human derailings All are accepted round Jesus Christ. 4 Bound by one vision, met for one mission We claim each other, round Jesus Christ: Here is my mother, here is my brother, Kindred in Spirit, through Jesus Christ.

Sending Forth and Blessing

Choral Benediction: Go Make A Difference

Postlude: The Love of Jesus Medley by Mark Hayes