We Gather To Worship God

 

Welcome and Announcements

 

Song of Gathering: #87 I Am the Light of the World

 

Call to Worship:

God's Spirit is among us,

    calling us to faith,

        challenging us to arise,

        emboldening us to serve.

God's Spirit has descended upon us like a dove,

    marking us as God's own,

        to be light and hope to the world.

 

Opening Prayer: (Unison)

Holy, merciful, loving God,

    we, your children,

        long for your presence.

We, who sit in darkness,

    have hope in you.

By the light of your Christ,

    the presence of your Anointed One,

        illuminate our lives.

Let your Chosen One, our Savior,

    dispel our blindness,

        open our eyes,

        free us from the dungeons of despair,

        and open every prison of oppression.  Amen!

 

Song of Celebration: #222 Come Let Us Sing

 

We Hear God’s Word

Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-9

42 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

5Thus says God, the Sovereign, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6I am God, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, 7to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8I am the Sovereign, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. 9See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.

 

New Testament Scripture: Acts 10:34-43

34Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears God and does what is right is acceptable. 36You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

L: Readings from God’s Word P: Thanks Be to God!

 

Ministry of Music

 

Reflection : “Building On Hope Creating our Future”  by Rev. Elder Diane Fisher

Song of Commitment #420 Go to the World

We Respond to God

 

Prayers of the People

Let us offer prayers to God who gives light to the nations and freedom to those who are oppressed., saying;

Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For our Moderator, Rev Elder Nancy Wilson and all of the Board of Elders, especially for Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, and for all who minister in Christ, and for all the holy people of God.

Glory and praise to you, O living God.

 For all believers who put their trust in the incarnate Child of God.

Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For the leaders of the nations and all in authority, and for peace and justice.

Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For travelers, for the sick and the suffering, for the hungry and the oppressed, for those in prison, and for the dying and the dead.

(Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence)

These prayers we offer to you O God                                                                                                 Glory and praise to you, O living God.

 For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need.

Glory and praise to you, O living God.

Remembering all the saints, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ.

(Prayers may be offered in silence)

 

God of hope and infinite possibilities accept the prayers we offer on this day. Fill our hunger with your word of truth and summon all who thirst to the banquet of your love; For we offer these words in the Spirit of the One who taught us to pray saying….

Our Creator who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;

thy dominion 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 dominion, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.  Amen

 

Reception of Tithes and Offerings 

 

Sung Prayer of Dedication:  #227 Verse 3 

“For the Fruit of All Creation”

 

We Commune Together

The Eucharistic Prayer:

People of Advent: God be with you!
And also with you!
People of Christmas, lift up your hearts.
We lift our hearts overwhelmed with grace to the One who was born for us.
People of the Star, offer your songs of joy and thanksgiving to God.
We will sing our praises to the One who has revealed glory and hope in the Babe of Bethlehem.

In that first moment, you spoke, Radiant God,
and the light of creation dispelled the thick darkness of chaos.
You whispered, and your glory filled the skies.
You sang, and the dust of the earth was shaped into your image,
as you breathed life into us.
We could have lived in grace and peace with you
for as long as the sun endures,
for as long as the moon hangs in the night sky.
But we were tempted by the sweet taste of sin,
and overwhelmed with temptation's wealth of cheap gifts and thrills.
The prophets were sent to tell of your gifts
of joy and peace,
but we listened to the world's news of success, power, achievement.
 Finally, in that dark time of despair, you sent Jesus,
your servant of salvation.

Therefore, we will join our voices
with the wise ones, as well as the foolish,
of every time and place who forever sing of your grace:
Holy, Holy, Holy, God of endless love,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The angels sang of it -  we have been lavished with it.
Blessed is the One who was born that we might have life.
Glory to God and on earth peace to all people.


Holy are you, God of redemption,

and blessed is Jesus Christ, our Savior.
 Overwhelmed with compassion, he left the glory of heaven,
to become a prisoner of sin, so we could be set free.
Overwhelmed with hope, he entered death's house,
to break its dark power forever.
 

Overwhelmed with love, he travelled another road,
walking to Calvary, so we might run with joy

into your waiting arms.

So, as we remember his birth,
as we prepare to journey with him into the future,
we speak of that mystery called faith,

which is revealed to us through Christ:

Christ has died.

Christ has risen.

Christ will come again.

 

On that night when Jesus gave himself up for us, as
he sat at the table with his friends and broke bread and said:
 ‘Take and eat; this is my body which is broken for you.
Remember me each time you do this.’
After they had eaten, he took the cup, and said:

‘Remember me as you drink from this, for it is my life, poured out for you - the beginning of a new relationship with God.’


Holy One of all peoples, send down your Spirit of hope
upon those gathered around this Table,
and on the gifts of the bread and the cup,
that they might make us your faithful and loving children.
Feed us with the bread of hope, that when we leave,
we will travel with a renewed hope and purpose ,
to defend the weak,
to speak for the voiceless,
to assist those cast aside.
Refresh us with the sweet nectar of grace,
so we, overwhelmed with joy, would go forth
to enter the houses
of the strangers in our midst;
to enter the despair
of the lonely and forgotten;
to enter the hearts
of everyone we meet.

And when eternity's time begins
and we are gathered around your Table,
with friends and family we loved,
with those we ignored and mistreated,
with all our sisters and brothers of grace,
we will lift our songs of glad joy to you,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.


 Sharing Communion

 

Songs During Communion    #356 Seek Ye First

#468 Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ

 

Silent Prayer Following Communion

 

Sung Prayer of Thanksgiving  #471  Eat this Bread

(Refrain Only)

 

We Go Forth to Live with Christ

The Blessing and Sending Forth: 

Go now as a light to the nations.

Honour God;

preach what you know of the risen Saviour,

and build your lives on hope, creating a future in Christ.

 

And may God strengthen us and bless us with peace;

May Christ Jesus bring forth justice for us and among us;

And may the Holy Spirit alight on all

........and affirm everyone as God’s beloved. Amen!

 

Song for Going Forth: #510 We Have This Ministry

 

Passing the Peace:  (Please feel free to shake hands, or offer hugs as you feel comfortable. Offering the words….”The Peace of Christ” and join us for refreshments following the service.)

 

Announcements

Welcome to all who are with us today, we trust your experience of worship will bless you. Please join us for a PotLuck meal following the service. We especially extend a welcome to our Regional Elder, Rev, Diane Fisher and to our new pianist Michelle Kyle

 

Bible Study resumes this coming Thursday Jan 17 at 7pm. Join us as we continue to read and discuss “ParableLife” Chapter 7

 

Are you interested in becoming a member of Safe Harbour?

Membership Class will be held Sat.  Jan 26 from 10am-3pm at Veith House. Bring a bag lunch.  An alternate date of Sat. Feb 2 will be scheduled for those who cannot make the Jan 26 date. Please see the minister to preregister or call the office at 453-9249

 

Coming in Feb.   A 4 Week Interfaith Study of the book ‘The Tent of Abraham: Stories of Hope and Peace for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.  Cost of the book is $20.00 please see the minister to preregister or call the office at 453-9249

 

Text Box: Safe Harbour Metropolitan Community Church “ A Christian Community Promoting Inclusivity, Spiritual Growth and Social Justice.”   We Worship at: Veith House 3115 Veith St., Halifax Our Mailing Address: Box 31108 Halifax, N.S., B3K 5T9 Church Office: 902-453-9249 Email : safeharbour@eastlink.ca Website:www.safeharbourmcc.com   Ministers:The Whole Congregation Pastor: The Rev. Darlene Young B.A.  M.Div. Pianist: Michelle Kyle Epiphany1 January 13, 2008     We Gather To Worship God   Welcome and Announcements   Song of Gathering: #87 I Am the Light of the World   Call to Worship: God's Spirit is among us,     calling us to faith,         challenging us to arise,         emboldening us to serve. God's Spirit has descended upon us like a dove,     marking us as God's own,         to be light and hope to the world.   Opening Prayer: (Unison) Holy, merciful, loving God,     we, your children,         long for your presence. We, who sit in darkness,     have hope in you. By the light of your Christ,     the presence of your Anointed One,         illuminate our lives. Let your Chosen One, our Savior,     dispel our blindness,         open our eyes,         free us from the dungeons of despair,         and open every prison of oppression.  Amen!   Song of Celebration: #222 Come Let Us Sing   We Hear God’s Word Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-9 42 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. 5Thus says God, the Sovereign, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6I am God, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, 7to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8I am the Sovereign, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. 9See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.   New Testament Scripture: Acts 10:34-43 34Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears God and does what is right is acceptable. 36You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” L: Readings from God’s Word P: Thanks Be to God!   Ministry of Music   Reflection : “Building On Hope Creating our Future”  by Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Song of Commitment #420 Go to the World We Respond to God   Prayers of the People Let us offer prayers to God who gives light to the nations and freedom to those who are oppressed., saying; Glory and praise to you, O living God. For our Moderator, Rev Elder Nancy Wilson and all of the Board of Elders, especially for Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, and for all who minister in Christ, and for all the holy people of God. Glory and praise to you, O living God.  For all believers who put their trust in the incarnate Child of God. Glory and praise to you, O living God. For the leaders of the nations and all in authority, and for peace and justice. Glory and praise to you, O living God. For travelers, for the sick and the suffering, for the hungry and the oppressed, for those in prison, and for the dying and the dead. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) These prayers we offer to you O God                                                                                Glory and praise to you, O living God.  For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need. Glory and praise to you, O living God. Remembering all the saints, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. (Prayers may be offered in silence)   God of hope and infinite possibilities accept the prayers we offer on this day. Fill our hunger with your word of truth and summon all who thirst to the banquet of your love; For we offer these words in the Spirit of the One who taught us to pray saying…. Our Creator who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy dominion 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 dominion, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.  Amen   Reception of Tithes and Offerings    Sung Prayer of Dedication:  #227 Verse 3  “For the Fruit of All Creation”   We Commune Together The Eucharistic Prayer: People of Advent: God be with you! And also with you! People of Christmas, lift up your hearts. We lift our hearts overwhelmed with grace to the One who was born for us. People of the Star, offer your songs of joy and thanksgiving to God. We will sing our praises to the One who has revealed glory and hope in the Babe of Bethlehem. In that first moment, you spoke, Radiant God, and the light of creation dispelled the thick darkness of chaos. You whispered, and your glory filled the skies. You sang, and the dust of the earth was shaped into your image, as you breathed life into us. We could have lived in grace and peace with you for as long as the sun endures, for as long as the moon hangs in the night sky. But we were tempted by the sweet taste of sin, and overwhelmed with temptation's wealth of cheap gifts and thrills. The prophets were sent to tell of your gifts of joy and peace, but we listened to the world's news of success, power, achievement. Finally, in that dark time of despair, you sent Jesus, your servant of salvation. Therefore, we will join our voices with the wise ones, as well as the foolish, of every time and place who forever sing of your grace: Holy, Holy, Holy, God of endless love, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The angels sang of it -  we have been lavished with it. Blessed is the One who was born that we might have life. Glory to God and on earth peace to all people. Holy are you, God of redemption, and blessed is Jesus Christ, our Savior. Overwhelmed with compassion, he left the glory of heaven, to become a prisoner of sin, so we could be set free. Overwhelmed with hope, he entered death's house, to break its dark power forever. Overwhelmed with love, he travelled another road, walking to Calvary, so we might run with joy into your waiting arms. So, as we remember his birth, as we prepare to journey with him into the future, we speak of that mystery called faith, which is revealed to us through Christ: Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again.   On that night when Jesus gave himself up for us, as he sat at the table with his friends and broke bread and said:  ‘Take and eat; this is my body which is broken for you. Remember me each time you do this.’ After they had eaten, he took the cup, and said: ‘Remember me as you drink from this, for it is my life, poured out for you - the beginning of a new relationship with God.’ Holy One of all peoples, send down your Spirit of hope upon those gathered around this Table, and on the gifts of the bread and the cup, that they might make us your faithful and loving children. Feed us with the bread of hope, that when we leave, we will travel with a renewed hope and purpose , to defend the weak, to speak for the voiceless, to assist those cast aside. Refresh us with the sweet nectar of grace, so we, overwhelmed with joy, would go forth to enter the houses of the strangers in our midst; to enter the despair of the lonely and forgotten; to enter the hearts of everyone we meet. And when eternity's time begins and we are gathered around your Table, with friends and family we loved, with those we ignored and mistreated, with all our sisters and brothers of grace, we will lift our songs of glad joy to you, God in Community, Holy in One. Amen. Sharing Communion   Songs During Communion    #356 Seek Ye First #468 Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ Silent Prayer Following Communion   Sung Prayer of Thanksgiving  #471  Eat this Bread (Refrain Only) We Go Forth to Live with Christ The Blessing and Sending Forth:  Go now as a light to the nations. Honour God; preach what you know of the risen Saviour, and build your lives on hope, creating a future in Christ.   And may God strengthen us and bless us with peace; May Christ Jesus bring forth justice for us and among us; And may the Holy Spirit alight on all ........and affirm everyone as God’s beloved. Amen!   Song for Going Forth: #510 We Have This Ministry   Passing the Peace:  (Please feel free to shake hands, or offer hugs as you feel comfortable. Offering the words….”The Peace of Christ” and join us for refreshments following the service.)   Announcements Welcome to all who are with us today, we trust your experience of worship will bless you. Please join us for a PotLuck meal following the service. We especially extend a welcome to our Regional Elder, Rev, Diane Fisher and to our new pianist Michelle Kyle   Bible Study resumes this coming Thursday Jan 17 at 7pm. Join us as we continue to read and discuss “ParableLife” Chapter 7   Are you interested in becoming a member of Safe Harbour? Membership Class will be held Sat.  Jan 26 from 10am-3pm at Veith House. Bring a bag lunch.  An alternate date of Sat. Feb 2 will be scheduled for those who cannot make the Jan 26 date. Please see the minister to preregister or call the office at 453-9249   Coming in Feb.   A 4 Week Interfaith Study of the book ‘The Tent of Abraham: Stories of Hope and Peace for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.  Cost of the book is $20.00 please see the minister to preregister or call the office at 453-9249