Worship Service for Sunday, February 20, 2022   
“The one who finds Joy in the Word of God and thinks on it daily is like a tree planted by water, yielding much fruit in its time....” Psalm 1

Opening ourselves to the Word of God, or “Grounding”

Piano Prelude: "He's always been faithful"
​                             by V. Labenske,
​                            played by Deirdre Morrell-Ormerod

Welcome, Lighting of a Candle and Opening Prayer

Opening Hymn: "O for a thousand tongues to sing", by John Wesley, words from Voices United # 326

Listening for the Word of God or “Rooting”:

 (Rev. Elisabeth)
​First Reading: Genesis 45:3-11.15
Today's reading shows an example of someone forgiving family members for a significant act of hatred. Josephs brothers were jealous of their younger sibling because he had to work less than they, received special attention from their father and was a "dreamer" as opposed to a "worker". They sold him into slavery to Egypt and pretended to their parents that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Joseph made a quick rise from slavery to the Pharao's invaluable right hand man.
During a famine the brothers come to Egypt to buy grain from Pharao and meet their brother Joseph whom they do not recognize in the role of Egyptian official.
Joseph puts his brothers through a number of tests because he wants to search their hearts before revealing himself to them. When he has satisfied himself that the brothers will not sacrifice their now youngest brother, Benjamin, for their own gain he reveals himself to them.

The gospel: Luke 6 :27-38  ( Rev. Paul)
​The questions of "who is God?" and "how should we treat others?" are at the core of Jesus' teaching in this reading.

The golden rule, by Norman Rockwell -donated to the United Nations in 1985.

Hymn: "Heaven is singing for joy" written by Pablo Sosa (b. 1933 - d. 2020), Argentinia, published in  Voices United # 230

Message: " How shall we treat others?"
Rev. Elisabeth

Putting Word into Action, or “Bringing fruit”:​

Fantastic Projects enabled by your support of MISSION and SERVICE
Feb 21 is Family Day in many provinces and a day to celebrate heritage and citizenship in others. On a day that is so much about celebrating family and community, I’m writing to ask you to support our
​special Feed a Family Mission & Service appeal.
Too many families in our country—our friends and neighbours—go without the essentials they need to survive.
In the last couple of years, visits to Canadian food banks have climbed 20 percent. Food prices are predicted to rise another 5 to 7 percent this year.
That’s why we are launching this special appeal to support families.
A gift of just $25 will provide a family of four with a warm, nutritious meal.
$50 will support a family by providing two wholesome meals.
$175 will ensure a family can eat a good, healthy meal every day of the week.
Donate Now (click or tap)
Thank you for taking action for families. When we come together, we can truly make a difference. Let’s do what we can to share positivity and compassion!
 With gratitude,
 Sarah Charters,
Director of Philanthropy, United Church of Canada
​

Offering our gift of Talent, Treasure and Time;
(please take a moment to become aware of your gifts for the common good this week, then press the PLAY arrow for the prayers)
Offering our prayers-
followed by the Prayer of Jesus

 Closing Hymn: "Awake, awake, to love and work"   by Geoffrey A. Studdert-Kennedy,1921
Melody: Kentucky Harmony, 1816

Commissioning and Blessing (starts after 10 sec.)

 Piano Postlude: ​"Lead me, Lord" arr. by J. Sanborn played by Deirdre Morrell-Ormerod