Staycation

The running joke about the prairies, when you live in the east is that you can sit on your porch and watch the dog run away from home for three days.  It really is spectacularly flat!  And while we laugh at the difference of the landscape in the various areas of this vast country and share jokes for years there is no doubt thatythat the year 2020 will be talked about for a long time.  

Each person will have a story to tell. 

 It is the year when people are encouraged to explore their own “neighbourhood” if you will.  Others refer to it as stay at home year.  My DH and I like to travel so we have had to do much adjusting.  At the very least we like to visit our family, especially our aging parents who live in other provinces and who thus far have not been invited to our bubble.  So with six weeks holidays to play with what does one do?

I decided that since we adopted Manitoba as our abode for the time being then perhaps it was time to actually visit a few of the places here.  So my DH, dutifully went to CAA to acquire a road map for me and I sat down with my high lighter to mark where I have already been.  It was a fun geography lesson.  

So my staycation is very routine.  Get up, then walk the dog.  Breakfast.  Decide what to do.  

If it’s too hot, (yes I have deemed 37 C too hot for running around even in the car,) then the day gets spent on a crafty gift.  So far (day 7 of the staycation). I have finished three cross stitch gifts for Christmas and have a fourth half done.(No they are not all the same, and some are personalized so no sneak peek)

My ever helpful DH decided I needed a lounge chair for the back yard.  I’d work on my tan but so far I’m afraid I’d bake in the heat, (yes 37 C with no breeze is hot).  I’m not complaining I know what’s coming and that number will, all too soon have a minus in front of it!

Sunday, being cooler, (it was only 27 C)my DH and I added a little variety to my mundane routine.  We took the opportunity to go for brunch at a lovely little cafe.  Near where we parked there was a small sculpture garden where we wandered for a short time and then we headed home.  

My DH went off to do his thing and I picked up Aslan to go for a drive.  We headed out of the city, not as far as I thought, and visited Grosse Isle.  It is a little town a very short drive from home and it has a heritage museum and “town” but because of the pandemic nothing was open.  Lesson number one, check the schedule of these little touristy places.  

Not to be deterred Aslan and I continued on to the next little place, Warren, about ten minutes up the road and we had a little more fun.  We found a little park with heritage pieces to explore.  We saw water towers, wind mills and old farm equipment.

So our day out was a short jaunt but a lovely one.

Maybe this staycation won’t be so bad, at least there will be a number of finished projects.  Now to see what a new week brings!

Pentecost 8 -- The kingdom of heaven is like...

                        

  

Guest blogger and Presider The Reverend Canon Mary Lysecki has provided today's service

Watch Here

Opening hymn     656 She Comes Sailing on the Wind

Chorus     She comes sailing on the wind,
                Her wings flashing in the sun,
                On a journey just begun, she flies on.
                And in the passage of her flight,
                Her song rings out through the night,
                Full of laughter, full of light, she flies on.

Silent waters rocking on the morning of our birth
Like an empty cradle waiting to be filled,
And from the heart of God the Spirit moved upon the earth,
Like a mother breathing life into her child.

Many were the dreamers, whose eyes were given sight
When the Spirit filled their dreams with life and form.
Deserts turned to gardens, broken hearts found new delight,
And then down the ages still she flew on.                                     Chorus

To a gentle girl in Galilee a gentle breeze she came,
A whisper softly calling in the dark;
The promise of a child of peace whose reign would never end,
Mary sang the Spirit song within her heart.

Flying to the river, she waited circling high
Above the child now grown so full of grace.
As he rose up from the water, she swept down from the sky,
And she carried him away in her embrace.                                     Chorus 

Long after the deep darkness that fell upon the world,
After dawn returned in flame of rising sun,
The Spirit touched the earth again, again her wings unfurled,
Bringing life in wind and fire as she flew on.                                 Chorus

Gathering:
Leader: Jesus says, “I am the Way for you.”
All: And so we come to follow Christ.

Leader: Jesus says, “I am the Truth for you.”
All: And so we come to dwell in the light.

Leader: Jesus says, “I am the Life for you.”
All: And so we come, leaving behind all else to which we cling.

Prayer for the day:

Leader: Loving God,
            You have led us to this place,
            not to shield us from heartache
            and the pain of human life,
            but to heal us and inspire us,
            to gently redirect us,
            till we see the world as you do
            and love it with your love.
            Amen

Hymn     60 I Come with Joy

I come with joy, a child of God,
Forgiven, loved, and free,
The life of Jesus to recall,
in love laid down for me.

I come with Christians far and near
To find, as all are fed,
The new community of love
In Christ’s communion bread.

As Christ breaks bread and bids us share,
Each proud division ends. 

The love that made us makes us one,
And strangers now are friends.

The spirit of the risen Christ,
Unseen, but ever near,
Is in such friendship better known,
Alive among us here.

Together met, together bound,
by all that God has done,
We’ll go with joy, to give the world
The love that makes us one.

Gospel
Leader: May God be with you                 All: and also with you.

Leader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
All: Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Jesus put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’

He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

 ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’

Leader: The Gospel of Christ.         All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Homily

Hymn: VU 307 Touch the Earth Lightly

Touch the earth lightly, use the earth gently
Nourish the life of the world in our care:
Gift of great wonder, ours to surrender,
Trust for the children tomorrow will bear.

We who endanger, who create hunger,
Agents of death for all creatures that live,
We who would foster clouds of disaster,
God of our planet, forestall and forgive!

Let there be greening, birth from the burning,
Water that blesses and air that is sweet,
Health in God’s garden, hope in God’s children,
Regeneration that peace will complete.

God of all living, God of all loving,
God of the seedling, the snow and the sun,
Teach us, deflect us, Christ reconnect us,
Using us gently and making us one.

Affirmation of Faith:
We believe in God
whose love is the source of all life
and the desire of our lives,
whose love was given a human face
in Jesus of Nazareth,
whose love was crucified by the evil
that waits to enslave us all
and whose love, defeating even death,
is our glorious promise of freedom.

Therefore, though we are sometimes fearful
and full of doubt,
in God we trust;
and, in the name of Jesus Christ,
we commit ourselves, in the service of others,
to seek justice and to live in peace,
to care for the earth
and to share the commonwealth
of God’s goodness,
to live in the freedom of forgiveness
and the power of the spirit of love,
and in the company of the faithful
so to be the Church,
for the glory of God. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Leader: We are your people, God, in this time and place, you have called us to pray for those in need.
            We pray for the people whose names the world knows, whose stories are told daily in the news. . .
Silence

God in your mercy                 All:      Hear our prayer.

Leader: We pray for people in places of suffering, whose names only you and their friends and families                know, and whose lives you cherish. . .

Silence

God in your mercy                 All:      Hear our prayer.

Leader: We pray for the people whose names and lives we know, those who today are in pain or distress             or trouble, those who are happy, those who are sad. . .

Silence

God in your mercy             All: Hear our prayer.

Leader: We pray for ourselves, God. You know each one of us by name. Make us into the people you want us to be.  And when that hurts, reassure us how much you love us. God, we bring you ourselves and our prayers in Jesus’ name.    Amen.

Hymn 612 Healer of Our Every Ill

Chorus     Healer of our every ill,
                Light of each tomorrow;
                Give us peace beyond our fear,
                And hope beyond our sorrow.

You who know our fears and sadness,
Grace us with your peace and gladness.
Spirit of all comfort: fill our hearts.                 Chorus

In the pain and joy beholding
How your grace is still unfolding,
Give us all your vision: God of love.                 Chorus

Give us strength to love each other,
Every sister, every brother.
Spirit of all kindness, be our guide.                 Chorus

You who know each thought and feeling,
Teach us all your way of healing.
Spirit of compassion: fill each heart.                 Chorus

The Lord’s prayer sung

Blessing
Leader:      Jesus said, “I am with you always.”
                  May God the Creator bless you.
                  May God the Son walk with you.
                  May God the Spirit lead your lives with love.
All: Amen.

Dismissal
Leader: Look at your hands, see the touch and the tenderness,
All: God’s own for the world.

Leader: Look at your feet, see the path and the direction,
All: God’s own for the world.

Leader: Look at your heart, see the fire and the love,
All: God’s own for the world.

Leader: Look at the cross, see God’s Son and our Saviour.
All: God’s own for the world.

Leader: This is God’s world,
All: and we will serve God in it.

Sending Hymn    502 You are Salt for the Earth

You are salt for the earth, O people:
Salt for the kingdom of God!
Share the flavour of life, O people:
Life in the kingdom of God!

Chorus     Bring forth the kingdom of mercy, 

                Bring forth the kingdom of peace;
                Bring forth the kingdom of justice,
                Bring forth the city of God!

You are a light on the hill, O people:
Light for the city of God!
Shine so holy and bright, O people:
Shine for the kingdom of God!                 Chorus

You are a seed of the Word, O people:
Bring forth the kingdom of God!
Seeds of mercy and seeds of justice
Grow in the kingdom of God!                 Chorus

We are a blest and a pilgrim people
Bound for the kingdom of God!
Love our journey and love our homeland:
Love is the kingdom of God!                     Chorus

 

Pentecost 7 -- Weeds, Good or Bad?

Opening Music     Soil of God

Listen Here

Soil of God, you and I stand ready to bear  

seeds of faithnourished by God's tender care.  

Growing in everyone for here God is found.  

All stand together, we are...Holy Ground

Soil of God, you and I, now ready to be

part of God's promise, for others to see.

Open to everyone for here God is found

All stand together, we are...Holy Ground

Soil of God, you and I, now called to rebirth,

joining as partners with all of the earth.

Living in harmony for here God is found.

All stand together, this is ...Holy Ground

Gathering         (based on Psalm 75)

We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks

People tell of your wonderous deeds

At a set time God will judge all equally

The earth may struggle, people may disappoint but God will stand firm

God most high, slow to anger but great in power: your judgements are strong and sure.  Amid fear and chaos, refine our focus and steady our hearts with the assurance of Christ's unfailing love; in whos name we pray.  Amen

Reading of Scripture

Reading     Genesis 28:10-19a

Now listen. This gospel a story will tell
Of Jacob, a young man, a real ne'er- do – well
Who cheated his brother (abetted by mother)
To trick his old father that he was another.

So. ' Persona non grata ', he needs to lay low
Or get out of town to avoid Esau's blow.
His mother advised him (as mothers will do)
“Go search for your uncle; He'll look after you.”

Jacob traveled to Haran. By night, he is nearer.
The sun begins setting. A thought now is clearer.
“Where- to have slumber? Where- to rest my head?
No Beauty- rest mattress. No Sleep Centre bed.
A stone for my pillow? Now, isn't that handy.
The Lord has provided. At least, the ground's sandy!”

He slept and he dreamed then, a dream of a ladder
From heaven to earth and reverse. (Yes, that matters.)
A Stairway to Heaven, what a virtual wonder
Celestial beings going down, up, NOT under.

And right by his side, it was quite unbelievable
There was God, the Almighty, His words inconceivable.
For Jacob, He promised this land for his future kin.
Their numbers so great, Jacob felt that his head would spin.
Like dust of the Earth, all his family would multiply
To cover the globe. Now God's blessings would really fly.

(Jacob must puzzle as he has no mate
And he needs a partner to start to 'create'.
But he should not worry; he should not pine.
Rachel makes her appearance. Read Chapter 29.)

With that, it was over, and Jacob awoke.
He felt fear and awe. “That dream was no joke.
I must leave a marker to show God was here.
For a gateway to Heaven, the sign must be clear.
I'll use my stone pillow tho that may be odd.
I'll call the place Bethel. It means House of God.”

Gradual Hymn: Trees of the Field 

Listen here

You shall go out with joy
And be let forth with peace,
And the mountains and the hills
Will break forth before you.
There'll be shouts of joy
And the trees of the fields
Will clap, will clap their hands.

And the trees of the fields will clap their hands,
And the trees of the fields will clap their hands,
And the trees of the fields will clap their hands,
While you go out with joy.
Lyrics Published with Permission Copyright © 1975 Lillenas Publishing Company

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

Hear what the Spirit is Saying to the Church        R: Thanks be to God

Reflective Song        You are the Seed

Listen Here

Prayers of the People

Circle us, Lord
Circle us with the light of your presence within this dark world
Enable us to be overcomers of fear and temptation
Enable us to be victors over sin and despair
Enable us to become that which you would desire
(Silent prayer)

Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation
Circle us with the light of your presence


Circle us, Lord
Circle our family within the shelter of your outstretched arms
Protect them in each moment of their daily lives
Protect them in the decisions that they face
Protect their homes and relationships
(Silent prayer)

Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation
Circle our families with the light of your presence


Circle us, Lord
Circle this world with the joy of your Salvation
Where there is sickness and disease bring healing
Where there is hunger and despair bring hope
Where there is torture and oppression bring release
(Silent prayer)

Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation
Circle this world with the light of your presence

                            — written by John Birch, and posted on his Faith and Worship website.

The Collect of the Day

Let us pray ...

All:      The path we should follow of Jesus, your Son
            We tread now together for He is the One.
            With pure hearts, fixed wills, we can truly aspire
            Your worship in spirit, our only desire. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

The Benediction

As you go from here into the week ahead,
with whatever joys and challenges it holds,
do not be discouraged or disheartened.
Remember the glory that awaits you as a child of God.
Hold on to that truth;
live in that hope.
And may the peace of God,
the blessing of Jesus Christ,
and the presence of the Holy Spirit
be with you and among you.
Amen.

Closing Hymn One more Step along the world I go

Listen Here

One more step along the world I go,
One more step along the world I go,
From the old things to the new,
Keep me traveling along with you:

Chorus    And it's from the old I travel to the new;
                Keep me traveling along with you.

Round the corners of the world I turn,
More and more about the world I learn;
All the new things that I see
You'll be looking at along with me:        Chorus 

As I travel through the bad and good,
Keep me traveling the way I should;
Where I see no way to go
You'll be telling me the way, I know:  Chorus       

Give me courage when the world is rough,
Keep me loving though the world is tough;
Leap and sing in all I do,
Keep me traveling along with you:        Chorus 

You are older than the world can be,
You are younger than the life in me;
Ever old and ever new,
Keep me traveling along with you:        Chorus 

.

Pentecost 6 -- What seeds do you sow

                                       

The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. 

Deuteronomy 30.14

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Hymn     Thy Word

Chorus    Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
                and a light unto my path
                Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
                and a light unto my path

When I feel afraid
Think I’ve lost my way
Still you’re there right beside me
And nothing will I fear
As long as you are near
Please be near me to the end                Chorus


I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus be my guide
And hold me to your side
And I will love you to the end.            Chorus x2

Gathering of the Community (based on Psalm 138)
Leader: We will praise you with all our hearts, O God!
All          You are loving and you are faithful
Leader: When we called, you answered us; You made us bold and unafraid.
All:          Let all the leaders praise you O Lord
Leader: Even though the Lord is very great, God sees us!
All:          The Lord will save us, and finish what was started, Your love O Lord endures forever!

Prayer of the Day together
When the disciples asked Jesus, he offered them this model of prayer, and so we offer these words now to you, loving God: uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom. Give us the bread we need for today. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who has wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation. Remind us, O God, to keep our prayers simple and true, and to offer the honesty of our hearts to you always. Amen

As the scriptures are read, we allow God’s word to speak to us, and ponder its meaning in our lives.
Let us hear the words of scripture:

A Reading from the book, Genesis                            Read by Janet Proulx
These are the descendants of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, sister of Laban the Aramean. Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. The children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is to be this way, why do I live?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger.” When her time to give birth was at hand, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy mantle; so they named him Esau. Afterward his brother came out, with his hand gripping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Once when Jacob was cooking a stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stuff, for I am famished!” (Therefore he was called Edom.) Jacob said, “First sell me your birthright.” Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. (25:19-34)

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church            R: Thanks be to God


Psalm 119:105-112                                         Read by Aimee Proulx
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your righteous ordinances.
I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word.
Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your ordinances.
I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.
Your decrees are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.

Hymn Breathe on me Breath of God (649 CP)

Breathe on me, breath of God;
Fill me with life a new,
That I may love what thou dost love,
And do what thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until my will is one with thine
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Till I am wholly thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God:
So shall I never die,
But live with thee the perfect life
of thine eternity.

A reading from the Gospel of Matthew                                  Read by The Rev'd Mark Moote 
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!” Then the disciples came and asked him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He answered, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that ‘seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.’ With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: ‘You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. “Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” (13:1-9, 18-23)

Hear what the Spirit is Saying to the Church              R: Thanks be to God

Homily

Hymn  Freely, Freely

God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name,
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name;
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share His love as He told me to.

Chorus     He said, “Freely, freely you have received:
                Freely, freely give. 

                Go in my name, and, because you believe,
                Others will know that I live.”

All pow’r is giv’n in Jesus’ name,
In earth and heav’n in Jesus’ name;
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share His pow’r as He told me to.             Chorus

Invitation to the offering
God loves us and provides all that we need in abundance. We are called to love one another in truth and action. May our gifts reflect our trust in God's care and may our offering show our willingness to love one another.

Prayer over the Gifts together
Creator, your word creates in us a yearning for your kingdom. Receive all we offer you this day, and keep us in your peace; for the sake of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Affirmation of Faith              (from the Anglican Diocese of Sydney)

With all Christians everywhere,
we believe in one God,
who made everything.
The Father sent his Son Jesus
to die on the cross.
Jesus rose again as Lord of all,
that we might live forever with him.
God sent his Holy Spirit to live in us,
that we might grow more like Jesus. Amen.

Prayers of the People                                                     (Led by Patsy Grant)

God our Creator, hallowed be your name: You have promised that everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches, finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened: Hear the prayers of your people and give your Holy Spirit to your children who ask, as we say: Show us your mercy, O God, and grant us your salvation.

The Church has been buried with Christ in baptism and God has made us alive together with Christ: Empower all who minister in your Name, O Gracious One, that we may continue to live our lives in Christ, rooted and built up in him, established in the faith, and abounding in thanksgiving. Show us your mercy, O God, and grant us your salvation.

In Christ, God has disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in the resurrection: Let mercy and truth meet together, Almighty One, and let righteousness and peace kiss each other; that truth may spring up from the earth and righteousness look down from heaven. Show us your mercy and grant us your salvation.

You give good gifts to everyone on earth: Listen, O Loving One, to those who ask, seek and knock from many nations, tongues and faiths, and supply their needs from the kindness of your heart. Show us your mercy, O God, and grant us your salvation.

Your kingdom come in our community, Blessed One, to inspire among us such charity and grace, that all may receive their daily bread and forgive one another even as you have forgiven us. Show us your mercy, O God, and grant us your salvation.

Speak peace to your faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to you as we pray for those who are in need. Please take a moment to remember those that we would like to bring before God

We have received life in Christ Jesus the Lord and we have come to fullness in him. Hear our prayers of thanksgiving and praise. Please take a moment to remember those that we would like to bring before God

God has raised Christ from the dead and made us alive in him. Receive into the fullness of your divine life those who have died. Please take a moment to remember those that we would like to bring before God
Show us your mercy, O God, and grant us your salvation.

We offer our prayers to Christ the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God: Honor the energy and persistence of your children with your promised generosity, O Father, and give us the gift of your Holy Spirit, through our Savior Jesus Christ, for to you we give praise and glory, now and forever. Amen. 

Hymn     Forgive  Us Now

Forgive us now, O God of love
For all the pain that we have sown
For all the broken hearts we’ve left
And all the words we’ve left unsaid
Forgive us gracious God of life


Forgive us now, O mother love
For all the idols we have built
For all the time we’ve worshipped there
In company of dark despair
Forgive us mother of all hope

Chorus     As we forgive, may we be healed 

                As we reach out, may you be near
                And take our hand to comfort bring
                So we can face the start again


Forgive us now, O holy one
For crimes committed in your name
For all the holy wars we wage
For all the children we enslave
Forgive us now O holy one

Forgive us now, O Jesus Christ
For all the pride before the fall
For all the times our heart was cold
For all the monologues we’ve told
Forgive us Jesus of new life.

Chorus     As we forgive, may we be healed
                As we reach out, may you be near
                And take our hand to comfort bring
                So we can face the start again
                Forgive us now O God of love

Collect of the day together
Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you. May we find peace in your service, and in the world to come, see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Blessing

Dismissal    Go in Peace to Love and serve the Lord

                    Thanks be to God.  Alleluia

Hymn     God's Work of Art

Chorus     You are God’s work of art,
                Created in Jesus the Christ.


You have been enlightened by the Lord.
Walk as children of the light.                                Chorus


Keep the flame of faith in your heart,
And may you meet him when he comes.             Chorus


Blessed be our God,
Who chose you in the light of Christ.                 Chorus

Agape Feast

AN AGAPE FEAST

“The love {agape} feast is a meal of Christian fellowship that mirrors the meals Jesus shared with his disciples and others throughout his ministry. Fellowship and community are celebrated around the theme of a meal.”

Because of Covid-19 sharing in a common Eucharistic celebration is not possible at this time. This liturgy is specifically developed for use by who wish to share a “common table. This practice is ancient, going back to the hospitality Abraham showed to his visitors. While not the full celebration of the Eucharist, there is a relationship, in much the same way that blessing with Holy Water is a reminder of our Baptism. 

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We come as different people to serve One God, who calls us to unity as the family of God.

Gathering Song     Come and Journey with a Saviour

Listen Here 

Come and journey with a Saviour 
who has called us from our birth, 
who has washed us in the waters, 
and who loved us on the earth. 

Refrain 
Come and journey, come and journey 
with a Saviour who has come. 
We are all God's sons and daughters; 
in the Spirit we are one. 

Come and journey, journey inward, 
come and seek him deep within, 
where he meets us in our living, 
in our striving and our sin. 

Come and journey, journey outward, 
telling others of his name, 
telling others of his glory, 
of his cross and of the shame. 
 
Come and journey, journey outward, 
where that cross calls us to care, 
where injustice and where hunger 
and the poor call us to share. 

Come and journey, journey upward. 
Sing his praises, offer prayer. 
In the storm and in the stillness 
find his presence everywhere. 
 
Come and journey, journey onward; 
all our gifts we now shall bring 
to the building of a city 
that is holy, Christ its King.

CALL TO THE FEAST
Leader: Out of darkness came light
All:      And the power of God was revealed
Men:     in the running wave and the flowing air,
Women: in the quiet earth and the shining stars.

Leader:     Out of the dust came life;
All:      And the image of God was revealed
Men: in the human face and the gentle heart,
Women: in the warmth of flesh and the depth of soul

Leader: Out of justice came freedom;
All:      And the wisdom of God was revealed
Men:      in the need to grow and the will to love,
Women: in the chance to know and the power to choose.

Leader: And God looked at the creation,
All:      And Behold, it was very good.

PRAYER OF ADORATION
Reader:      I will keep on thanking God With constant words of prayer.
                   I will glory in the living God: The humble will hear and be glad.

Let us pray.
Living God, our loving parent; you cherish your creation and We praise you. With earth, air, water, fire: in our element as your children, we praise you. With our lips, with our lives, in all our diversity, each one made in your image, we praise you. Because, in Jesus, you came to share our human lives, our sorrow and joy, we praise you. Because your Spirit is at work today: encouraging, enabling, surprising us, we praise you. Poor as we are, you give us hope: Salt of the earth, you give us meaning and purpose and We praise you. Amen.

Song   Precious Lord Take my Hand

Listen Here 

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light

Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home

When my way grows drear
Precious Lord, linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall

When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand

Songwriters: Thomas A. Dorsey

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Reader:      Salt is good, but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it?
All:           Giving God, you blessed us with saltiness, But we became bland.

Leader: You trusted us with your Word, but we did not keep it.
All:      You lit a flame in our midst, but we hid it under formality, Smothered it with our fears.
Leader: God, in your mercy:
All:      Forgive us.
(silence)

Leader: Forgiving God, we believe that you have called us
All:      to be salt and light;
Leader: that you offer us time and space and strength
All:      to begin again.
(silence)

Leader: Giving and forgiving God,
All. We thank you. We pray that we Have salt in ourselves, and be at peace with one another.

GIVING THANKS FOR THE WEEK
People are invited to call our single words or brief phrases of thanks for something that happened during the week. A simple response may be used such as “Generous God, we thank you.”


INTRODUCTION TO SHARING THE FEAST
We are all invited to the common table to share in an Agape Feast. At this table we come as brothers and sisters in the Holy Family of God.  Taste and see that God is good.

The feast can be a loaf of bread (or oatcakes, or a sweet bread) and a chalice of wine (or cider, or grape juice) or a picnic setting. 

SETTING THE TABLE
Leader: On the table in the midst of this community with whom Christ is present we set symbols                         to remind us of his promises to us: 

READER 1: A candle, to remind us of the way, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will                         not walk in darkness but will have the light of life”. 

READER 2: Bread, symbol to remind us of God’s love, “I am the bread of life. The bread that I shall                            give is myself for the life of the world”.

READER 3: Water, to nourish and sustain all of creation and because through water you call us to new                        life

 All:         God, we welcome your presence with us. May the food and companionship we share nourish our bodies, hearts and minds. And may our spirits be refreshed. As we live in the light of your presence. With us now, and at all times and places. Amen.

Song    Those who see Light

Listen Here

Those who see light
can walk in the dark;
those who see love can see God.

Those who look up 

will discover God’s face,
those who look down
will uncover God’s path,
those who perceive
God is here with us now
will see Jesus Christ.

Those who see light
can walk in the dark;
those who see love can see God. 

Those who have witnessed
the sun rise and set,
those who have studied a flower unfold,
those who have focused
on land, sea and sky
will see God at work.

Those who see light
can walk in the dark;
those who see love can see God.

Those who see good
in each person they meet,
those who look after
another in need,
those who believe God’s now living in them
will see God’s return.

THE BLESSING OF THE MEAL
Leader: How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God’s people to live together in harmony! (Ps 133)
            Welcome to this meal, in the name of Christ. We come to share in God’s love.
People: We come to share our food and our lives.

Leader: We come to break bread together, and open ourselves to each other.
People: We come to express our faith and our thanks.

Leader: May God bless this food and this fellowship.
People: As we share our food, we give thanks for this abundance, and we remember those who do               not have enough.

Leader: May God give food to those who are hungry.
People: May God give us a hunger for justice, and a determination to serve those who hunger for                food. 

FOOD IS SERVED. STORIES SHARED. MUSIC PLAYS IN THE BACKGROUND (WHEN THE MEAL IS FINISHED)

THE PEACE

Leader: Behold, the fragments of our feast. Our meal is ended, but God’s banquet continues as we go                 from this place.
People: Let us take the banquet into the world and never give up until all people are fed.

Leader: May the peace of Christ be upon you, and may you be channels of peace and justice. Amen.

PRAYER
Leader: As we light the candle, as we share this meal, as we pour out this water, we thank you, God, for our daily bread for the food which delights and nourishes us and for the companionship and community that sustains us.
We thank you, too, for wine to quench our thirst and for the Living Water with which you surprise, enrich and transform our lives.
We give thanks for this feast at which all can share, a foretaste of the Holy Realm. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer, (in each one’s different language and tradition)

THE DISMISSAL 
Leader: Behold, the fragments of our feast. Our meal is ended, but God’s banquet continues as we go from this place.
People: Let us take the banquet into the world and never give up until all people are fed.
Leader: May the peace of Christ be upon you, and may you be channels of peace and justice. Amen.

BLESSING
Leader: Giving God, bless all who have gathered round this table, who have eaten together, and shared             stories together. May we know the fullness of your presence at every meal and in all our sharing.             Amen.

CLOSING SONG  Rainbows and Crosses (By the Common Cup Company)

Listen Here 

Move on the waters, move on the land;
Fashion the earth from the clay in your hand,
forming the prayers and the music of dance;
alive in the lives that give hope a chance. 

Chorus 

Why it’s rainbows and crosses,
our hopes and our losses,
light from the darkness,
the Spirit provides.
Dance with the world,
In joy and despair.
Dance with the heavens,
God’s wind in your hair.

Bread for our hunger, wine for our thirst;
Spirit for freedom, for evil’s reverse.
Form in the heart, and form on the will;
form in the laughter no struggle can still.             Chorus


Be alive in the voices, alive in the cries;
Alive in the weeping all loving survives.
Be alive in the marches, alive in the streets,
Alive in the vic’tries, alive in defeats.                  Chorus

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The Agape Feast can be used as a stand-alone liturgy or it can be used at the beginning or end of a shared meal, or interspersed with an order of worship. (The liturgy is adapted from the Iona Abbey Worship Book and OLOF'S BROTHERS’ LOVE FEAST ~ A Part of Katrina’s Dream Dedicated to E. Olof Swanson (http://www.digihitch.com/article322.html), world traveler and bon vivant).