We Gather To Worship God

 

Welcome and Announcements

 

Song of Gathering: #686 God of Grace and God of Glory

 

Call to Worship ( based on Psalm 40, John 1)

Come and see, for Christ is here.
    Come and see the glories of God.
Come and hear, for Christ is calling.
    Come and hear the word of the Lord.
Come and know the love of God.
    Come and know the mercy of Christ.
Come and worship the Giver of Life!
    Come Let us pray!


 Opening Prayer ( based on 1 Corinthians 1) UNISON

Faithful, loving God, 
    strengthen us in this hour.
Nurture our lives, 
    and bless us, we pray.
You have given us all that we need 
    to be your church.
Help us trust that your grace is sufficient.
As we worship, 
    let your Spirit move through us,
        and open our hearts and minds 
        to hear your call.
With gratitude and trust, we pray. Amen.

 

Song of Celebration: #224 Sing a Happy Hallelujah

 

We Hear God’s Word

 

Gospel Lesson: John 1:29-42

29The next day John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ 31I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Child of God.” 35The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!”

37The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o”clock in the afternoon. 40One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

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

 

Ministry of Music

 

Reflection :

Song of Commitment #96 Will You Come and See the Light

We Respond to God

 

Prayers of the People

God calls on us to follow Christ. Let us earnestly call on God to hear our prayers for the needs, concerns, and hopes of all peoples.

For the church of Jesus Christ in every place.

Let us pray

Lord, have mercy.

For Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, for our elder Rev. Diane Fisher, for all Elders, the Board of Administration, Pastors, and  all who minister in Christ.

Let us pray

Lord, have mercy.

For this holy gathering and for all who are called to follow Jesus.

Let us pray

Lord, have mercy.

For this country, for all nations and their leaders, and for those in the armed forces who guard the peace.

Let us pray

Lord, have mercy.

For all those in danger and need: the sick and the suffering, prisoners, captives, and their families, the hungry, homeless, and oppressed.

(Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence)

Let us pray

Lord, have mercy.

For the dying and the dead.

(Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence)

Let us pray

Lord, have mercy.

For ourselves, our families, and those we love.

(Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence)

Let us pray

Lord, have mercy.

Remembering all the saints, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ.  (Prayers may be offered in silence)

Let us pray

Lord have mercy

 

Lover of humankind, giver of every spiritual gift, hear the prayers of your people and give us the will and the courage to serve you throughout the world; through Jesus Christ who has 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.

You called creation into existence, Gatherer of goodness.
You shaped the hollows to hold the waters of life,
you formed the stars to glitter in the night sky,
and the suns to warm all you created.
Before we were born from dust, you named us as your own,
giving us breath that we might honor you with our lives.
But when the world asked about your constant love,
and death wondered if your were indeed faithful,
we responded, 'we do not know God,'
and planted our feet deep into the mud of sin and desolation.
Deeply distressed by our rebellion hoping to bring us back to you,
you sent the prophets to gather us home.
But we abhorred their advice, and silenced them with our laughter.
So you sent Jesus,
the One we were looking for, even though we did not know.
So, we join our voices with all who, in every place and time,
call on Jesus' name, saying:
 

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, Gatherer of the lost,
and blessed is Jesus Christ,
Salvation's Servant and our Lord.
He came,
opening our eyes so we could see
your light shining in our shadows;
he came,
testifying that your love and faithfulness
were the bookends
holding together our lives;
he came,
to carry our sins to the cross,
so they would be left behind
in sin's grave forever,
as the Risen Lord comes
to lead your people
back into the kingdom.

As we remember his birth, his life,
his words and wonders, his death and love,
we would speak of that mystery we call faith:

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.’

As you gather us around the Table,
pour out your Spirit
upon the gifts of the bread and the cup,
and upon those who come,
longing to do your will
and to follow you faithfully.
May the bread which has been broken
shape us as servants
to a world shattered
by injustice and hopelessness;
as we drink from the cup,
may our hearts be reformed
so we would hear the cries
of the lost, the last, the least;
as we are embraced in your grace,
may we be reborn, not as saints
who can bask in our own glory,
but as servants who,
abundant in gifts beyond measure,
would pour them out
for everyone we meet.

And when creation has been reborn
into the new heaven and the new earth,
and we are gathered around
the Marriage Banquet of the Lamb,
we will not keep silent
but tell and sing, whisper and shout
of your grace and of your peace,
of your faithful and constant love,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.


 Sharing Communion

 

Songs During Communion   #376 Spirit of the Living God

#509 I The Lord of Sea and Sky

 

Silent Prayer Following Communion

 

Sung Prayer of Thanksgiving  #471  Eat this Bread

(Refrain Only 2X)

 

We Go Forth to Live with Christ

The Blessing and Sending Forth: 

We have been strengthened by Christ and blessed by God.
    Every gift, every talent, everything that we need
        is here in the body of Christ.
God has called; we have listened.
    We go forth in response to God's call! 

 

Song for Going Forth: #481 Sent Forth By God’s Blessing

 

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 refreshments following worship.

 

Are you interested in becoming a member of Safe Harbour?

Membership Class will be held next Sat.  Jan 26 from 10am-3pm at Veith House. Bring a bag lunch.  Please see the minister to preregister or call the office at 453-9249

 

Join us for Bible Study on Thursday Jan 24th 7pm as we discuss ParableLife Chapter 8.

 

 

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 Epiphany 2 January 20, 2008 We Gather To Worship God   Welcome and Announcements Song of Gathering: #686 God of Grace and God of Glory Call to Worship ( based on Psalm 40, John 1) Come and see, for Christ is here.     Come and see the glories of God. Come and hear, for Christ is calling.     Come and hear the word of the Lord. Come and know the love of God.     Come and know the mercy of Christ. Come and worship the Giver of Life!     Come Let us pray! Opening Prayer ( based on 1 Corinthians 1) UNISON Faithful, loving God,      strengthen us in this hour. Nurture our lives,      and bless us, we pray. You have given us all that we need      to be your church. Help us trust that your grace is sufficient. As we worship,      let your Spirit move through us,         and open our hearts and minds          to hear your call. With gratitude and trust, we pray. Amen.   Song of Celebration: #224 Sing a Happy Hallelujah We Hear God’s Word   Gospel Lesson: John 1:29-42 29The next day John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ 31I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Child of God.” 35The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o”clock in the afternoon. 40One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter). L: Readings from God’s Word P: Thanks Be to God!   Ministry of Music   Reflection : Song of Commitment #96 Will You Come and See the Light We Respond to God   Prayers of the People God calls on us to follow Christ. Let us earnestly call on God to hear our prayers for the needs, concerns, and hopes of all peoples. For the church of Jesus Christ in every place. Let us pray Lord, have mercy. For Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, for our elder Rev. Diane Fisher, for all Elders, the Board of Administration, Pastors, and  all who minister in Christ. Let us pray Lord, have mercy. For this holy gathering and for all who are called to follow Jesus. Let us pray Lord, have mercy. For this country, for all nations and their leaders, and for those in the armed forces who guard the peace. Let us pray Lord, have mercy. For all those in danger and need: the sick and the suffering, prisoners, captives, and their families, the hungry, homeless, and oppressed. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray Lord, have mercy. For the dying and the dead. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray Lord, have mercy. For ourselves, our families, and those we love. (Prayers may be offered aloud or in silence) Let us pray Lord, have mercy. Remembering all the saints, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ.  (Prayers may be offered in silence) Let us pray Lord have mercy   Lover of humankind, giver of every spiritual gift, hear the prayers of your people and give us the will and the courage to serve you throughout the world; through Jesus Christ who has 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. You called creation into existence, Gatherer of goodness. You shaped the hollows to hold the waters of life, you formed the stars to glitter in the night sky, and the suns to warm all you created. Before we were born from dust, you named us as your own, giving us breath that we might honor you with our lives. But when the world asked about your constant love, and death wondered if your were indeed faithful, we responded, 'we do not know God,' and planted our feet deep into the mud of sin and desolation. Deeply distressed by our rebellion hoping to bring us back to you, you sent the prophets to gather us home. But we abhorred their advice, and silenced them with our laughter. So you sent Jesus, the One we were looking for, even though we did not know. So, we join our voices with all who, in every place and time, call on Jesus' name, saying: 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, Gatherer of the lost, and blessed is Jesus Christ, Salvation's Servant and our Lord. He came, opening our eyes so we could see your light shining in our shadows; he came, testifying that your love and faithfulness were the bookends holding together our lives; he came, to carry our sins to the cross, so they would be left behind in sin's grave forever, as the Risen Lord comes to lead your people back into the kingdom. As we remember his birth, his life, his words and wonders, his death and love, we would speak of that mystery we call faith: 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.’ As you gather us around the Table, pour out your Spirit upon the gifts of the bread and the cup, and upon those who come, longing to do your will and to follow you faithfully. May the bread which has been broken shape us as servants to a world shattered by injustice and hopelessness; as we drink from the cup, may our hearts be reformed so we would hear the cries of the lost, the last, the least; as we are embraced in your grace, may we be reborn, not as saints who can bask in our own glory, but as servants who, abundant in gifts beyond measure, would pour them out for everyone we meet. And when creation has been reborn into the new heaven and the new earth, and we are gathered around the Marriage Banquet of the Lamb, we will not keep silent but tell and sing, whisper and shout of your grace and of your peace, of your faithful and constant love, God in Community, Holy in One. Amen. Sharing Communion   Songs During Communion   #376 Spirit of the Living God #509 I The Lord of Sea and Sky Silent Prayer Following Communion   Sung Prayer of Thanksgiving  #471  Eat this Bread (Refrain Only 2X)   We Go Forth to Live with Christ The Blessing and Sending Forth:  We have been strengthened by Christ and blessed by God.     Every gift, every talent, everything that we need         is here in the body of Christ. God has called; we have listened.     We go forth in response to God's call!    Song for Going Forth: #481 Sent Forth By God’s Blessing   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 refreshments following worship.   Are you interested in becoming a member of Safe Harbour? Membership Class will be held next Sat.  Jan 26 from 10am-3pm at Veith House. Bring a bag lunch.  Please see the minister to preregister or call the office at 453-9249   Join us for Bible Study on Thursday Jan 24th 7pm as we discuss ParableLife Chapter 8.